The second thematic webinar of the “Greener and Climate Resilient Cities” Working Group brought together representatives from 10 Mediterranean cities to discuss urban applications of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) approach. Organized by MedCities with the support of the Barcelona City Council and in collaboration with WEFE4MED, the event focused on sharing strategies and experiences for sustainable urban development within the WEFE framework.

The webinar, titled “Urban Applications of the WEFE Approach in the Mediterranean,” welcomed 25 participants from Antalya, As Salt, Genoa, Higher Chouf, Irbid, Mersin, Saida, Sarajevo, Tripoli (Lebanon), Zgharta Ehden, and M’Saken.

Introduction to WEFE and NCoP

The event featured three key segments: an introduction to the WEFE concept, a presentation of the WEFE4MED project, and two case studies followed by small group discussions to foster tailored exchanges.
The session began with a presentation by We&B, introducing the WEFE approach and its significance in addressing the interconnected challenges of water, energy, food, and ecosystems in Mediterranean cities.
The WEFE4MED project was then presented by its coordinator, highlighting MedCities’ role in fostering collaboration among cities for sustainable solutions. The WEFE4MED Network of Communities of Practice (NCoP) serves as a key platform for knowledge exchange, and all participants were invited to join.

Case Studies and Innovative Practices

Two case studies were presented:

• WEFE Projects in Spain
  Susana Toboso, Postdoctoral Researcher at Erasmus University, shared research on two WEFE projects in Spain. The first project assesses the sustainability of implementing WEFE resources on rooftops in Badia del Vallès, while the second evaluates a sustainable urban strategy in Cerdanyola del Vallès, focusing on food, energy, and rainwater harvesting.
• Irbid’s Sustainable Gardens
  Leila Adel Youssef, Director at Greater Irbid Municipality, could not present due to connection issues. However, her two urban agriculture projects -focusing on community gardens with native edible plants and a pilot urban garden with efficient irrigation -will be shared with the Working Group once available.

Group Discussions and Key Insights

Participants were divided into two groups for discussions, sharing their experiences and challenges in implementing WEFE projects. Key insights included:

• Antalya is in the early stages of developing a solar energy plan.
• Zgharta-Ehden discussed challenges in water quality, over-pumping, and the need for sustainable energy solutions. Interdepartmental coordination remains a barrier despite a signed MoU.
• Mersin shared its wastewater treatment plant project, using biogas generators, solar panels, and plans for agricultural use of treated water, amid a concerning population surge due to regional crises and the recent catastrophic earthquake.
• Sarajevo presented a pilot urban gardening project focused on sustainability, food waste reduction, and community integration (particularly elderly population), alongside efforts to restore a river neglected for over 100 years.

Common Challenges and Solutions

The group discussions revealed several common themes:

• Finance and Capacity Building: Essential for the successful implementation of WEFE projects.
• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on sharing knowledge and best practices among Mediterranean cities.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Many cities face challenges in coordinating across sectors and departments.

The WEFE4MED NCoP remains a crucial platform for cities to collaborate, share knowledge, and build capacity. It continues to support Mediterranean cities in their efforts to create more sustainable and resilient urban environments.

Next Steps

The next steps include preparing a final report that will analyze the needs and barriers of the 23 city members of the Working Group and outline the action plan for the coming years. This report will provide an overview of the cities’ progress and collective actions needed to advance the WEFE approach in the Mediterranean.

We thank all participants for their valuable contributions and look forward to continuing our collective efforts towards a more sustainable and resilient Mediterranean region.