Digital technologies are emerging as a key driver in improving the management of natural resources across the interconnected Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus. By integrating both established and emerging digital tools, institutions can enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience across sectors, particularly within the Source-to-Sea (S2S) continuum.

Efforts to accelerate this transformation are already underway. Since 2024, a regional consultation process has been gathering stakeholders from across the Mediterranean to promote digital solutions that support the WEFE Nexus. As part of this initiative, a third regional roundtable took place in Rome and online on 23-24 March, bringing together policymakers and experts to exchange perspectives and best practices.

Among the contributors was Jordi Castellana, Vice-President for International Cooperation and Digital Metropolis at Barcelona Metropolitan Area and acting Secretary General of MedCities. Speaking on behalf of MedCities and local authorities, Castellana outlined three key priorities for advancing digitalization:

• First, institutions must define clear digital strategies aligned with policy objectives and developed in coordination with sectoral stakeholders.
• Second, they should invest in open-source tools that can be shared and adapted by other public administrations.
• Third, strengthening research and development remains essential to drive innovation.

Castellana also pointed to ongoing efforts within the Barcelona Metropolitan Area as a practical example. The institution is currently developing a comprehensive digitalization strategy supported by the MICAD (Metropolitan Inclusivity in Climate and Digital Transitions) project. While AMB already uses a range of digital tools, from information management systems such as BIM and GIS to mobility applications and artificial intelligence, officials acknowledge that further integration is needed.

The new roadmap aims to improve internal coordination and foster collaboration with public and private partners. It also seeks to expand the use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while ensuring their deployment remains safe, ethical, and compliant with data protection standards.