Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Tigris and Euphrates River Basin Through Systemic Lenses

Sedighi, E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4596-6779, Golzar, H., Fath, B.D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9440-6842, Kharrazi, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5881-2568, & Rovenskaya, E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2761-3443 (2025). Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Tigris and Euphrates River Basin Through Systemic Lenses. Energy Nexus e100510. 10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100510. (In Press)

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Abstract

This study investigates the systemic interconnections among the Water, Energy, and Food (WEF) sectors within the Tigris and Euphrates (TigER) basin, focusing on the historical trajectories and resource competition among its four main riparian states: Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. It examines how domestic political decisions influence cross-sectoral dynamics and impact the ecological integrity of shared transboundary resources. The research employs a multifaceted approach, combining a comprehensive literature review with an in-depth examination of state-level statistical data, drawing from academic sources, policy documents, and reports. In parallel, sectoral data was collected from reputable international organizations and structured within the WEF nexus framework. Our study highlights the intricate interdependencies that govern resource management within complex systems. The findings indicate that unilateral infrastructure projects—particularly Turkey’s GAP hydropower initiative with the goal of energy supply—have substantially reduced downstream water availability, most notably affecting Iraq’s agricultural productivity and food security. Crucially, the study demonstrates that WEF systems follow the ecological logic of the basin, transcending national boundaries. The study underscores the necessity of a cooperative, systems-based approach to resource management, emphasizing that ecological interdependence in the TigER basin requires regional coordination. Lasting stability depends on leveraging complementary sectoral strengths to achieve sustainable and equitable development.

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