Interactive Simulation of the Nexus Approach: Integrated Water Resource Management Strategy in Central Asia

The interactive simulation of the Nexus approach (Nexus Game) was developed by the Center for Systems Solutions in collaboration with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative. The implementation story in Central Asia began in 2018 as part of the European Union (EU) project "Nexus Dialogue in Central Asia", implemented by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC).

 The game is a facilitated process of playing out five different scenarios for the development of territories located upstream and downstream of a river, while simultaneously meeting the water needs of the population, industry, and agriculture, and considering the challenges of climate change.

 The goal of the game is to provide a practical opportunity to understand how various water management strategies can lead to sustainable development of society in harmony with nature. Participants aim to meet the water needs of the population, industry, and agriculture while addressing climate change issues. The game is designed to demonstrate the many interconnected problems related to water, food, and energy.

 Currently, the Nexus game is actively promoted by CAREC in universities, academies, basin organizations, and media in Central Asia with funding from the EU and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).