Governance of transitions towards sustainable development – the water–energy–food nexus in Cyprus

Abstract

This paper presents a methodological framework to analyse sustainability innovations in the water–energy–food nexus and strategies for governing transition processes towards their widespread implementation. An application to a case study in Cyprus shows the interrelations of several sustainability innovations in the water, energy and food sectors, and specific learning requirements that need to be addressed to achieve a transition towards sustainable development. The framework helps to explore systematically responsibilities of different stakeholders for the implementation of innovations and thereby provides critical information for reflexive governance processes.

Keywords:

• reflexive governance
• water–energy–food nexus
• systems thinking
• viability loops
• Cyprus

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Cyprus Institute for providing infrastructure and a constructive working environment and our interview partners for their constructive cooperation.