Building Connections and Breaking Ground in Jordan
We have reached an exciting moment in the trajectory of our BONEX project. Last May, we gathered with the BONEX project team for our annual meeting in the beautiful city of Madaba, Jordan. For those which are not familiar with the project, BONEX is a R&D initiative focused on tackling the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus challenges. It’s all about finding sustainable ways to balance these crucial resources. BIOAZUL has been coordinating this challenging project and we had an amazing meeting in Jordan.
Our colleagues at the German Jordan University hosted us, and we couldn’t have asked for a better venue. The city’s rich cultural heritage added an extra touch of inspiration to the gathering.
The highlight of the meeting was our intense discussions with the BONEX consortium members. We rolled up our sleeves and got down to business, brainstorming on how to bring the WEFEF framework to life. It’s no easy task, since practical WEFE nexus implementation is still relatively new. But the motivation and expertise in the room resulted in valuable insights and guidance, paving the way for future endeavors.
We had the opportunity to get hands-on during a fantastic field visit which allowed participants to witness a practical case study firsthand. The selected case study showcased a greenhouse powered by photovoltaic panels, demonstrating the potential of sustainable energy sources in agriculture. This tangible example further reinforced the significance of the BONEX project’s objectives and encouraged innovative thinking among the participants.
During the field visit, the consortium members had the privilege of interacting with women farmers who shared their experiences and challenges. This exchange shed light on the unique perspectives and contributions of women in agriculture, reinforcing the project’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.
As the BONEX project progresses, the insights gained from the annual meeting in Madaba will guide the development of the WEFEF framework. BIOAZUL, along with its consortium partners, remains dedicated to fostering sustainable solutions and actively promoting the implementation of the WEFE nexus in the Mediterranean region.