A Framework for Assessing Water Security and the Water–Energy–Food Nexus—The Case of Finland

Mika Marttunen, Jyri Mustajoki, Suvi Sojamo, Lauri Ahopelto and Marko Keskinen
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Mika Marttunen: Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
Jyri Mustajoki: Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
Suvi Sojamo: Water & Development Research Group, Department of Built Environment, Aalto University, Tietotie 1E, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
Lauri Ahopelto: Finnish Environment Institute, Latokartanonkaari 11, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
Marko Keskinen: Water & Development Research Group, Department of Built Environment, Aalto University, Tietotie 1E, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 10, 1-24

Abstract: Water security demands guaranteeing economic, social and environmental sustainability and simultaneously addressing the diversity of risks and threats related to water. Various frameworks have been suggested to support water security assessment. They are typically based on indexes enabling national comparisons; these may, however, oversimplify complex and often contested water issues. We developed a structured and systemic way to assess water security and its future trends via a participatory process. The framework establishes a criteria hierarchy for water security, consisting of four main themes: the state of the water environment; human health and well-being; the sustainability of livelihoods; and the stability, functions and responsibility of society. The framework further enables the analysis of relationships between the water security criteria as well as between water, energy and food security. The framework was applied to a national water security assessment of Finland in 2018 and 2030. Our experience indicates that using the framework collaboratively with stakeholders provides a meaningful way to improve understanding and to facilitate discussion about the state of water security and the actions needed for its improvement.

Keywords: water security; water, energy and food nexus; indexes; assessment framework; qualitative assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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