Departmental Seminar on 20.05.2026

The water-energy-food nexus is a complex system, and achieving a balance among the water, energy, and food sectors becomes particularly challenging in areas with limited resources. The Western Mediterranean Watershed, with its significant strategic importance, is a water-rich region that holds vast potential for agricultural activities, energy production, and water resource management. This study aims to develop an integrated watershed management strategy for Dalaman Creek sub-basins, applying the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus concept. While existing research on WEF Nexus-based integrated management strategies in the Western Mediterranean Watershed is limited, this study seeks to fill this gap by analyzing the interrelationships between water, energy, and food sectors. The research will explore existing data sets where necessary, data obtained through remote sensing, including geographic information on rivers, dams, soil groups, and vegetation, to assess the current state of energy production, agricultural practices, and water management in the region. A system dynamics model will be developed, taking into account hydrological, ecological, and socio-economic factors. The study will also incorporate ecosystem interactions as a fourth Nexus component, expanding the traditional WEF Nexus framework. The expected outcomes include a sustainable management plan that optimizes sectoral relationships, minimizes environmental impacts, and provides practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. Analytical tools such as QGIS, WEAP and HEC-HMS will be used to model and simulate various scenarios, ultimately aiming to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed strategy under both current and future socio-economic and climatic conditions.