Extended Abstract
Introduction: Effective management of critical resources such as water, energy, and food is essential due to their strong interdependence—changes in one sector often impact the others. Rapid population growth, economic development, and escalating climate change are intensifying challenges in resource management worldwide. The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus framework has emerged as a comprehensive approach to address these complexities by integrating environmental, social, economic, and political dimensions. This framework is especially relevant for arid and semi-arid regions like Iran, where water scarcity exerts considerable pressure on local governance systems. Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf, exemplifies the difficulties of managing the WEF nexus under such constraints. Fragmented policymaking and weak coordination across water, energy, and food sectors on the island highlight the urgent need for integrated management strategies and stronger inter-sectoral cooperation. This study aims to analyze and evaluate the governance structure of the WEF nexus on Qeshm Island using Social Network Analysis (SNA). The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of institutional interactions and identify opportunities for enhancing sustainable resource management in the region.
Materials and Methods: This research adopts a descriptive-survey design with an applied focus on examining the governance network of the WEF nexus on Qeshm Island through SNA. The study investigates inter-organizational relationships across the water, energy, and food sectors by collecting primary data via 123 questionnaires distributed equally among sector experts and officials. Additionally, document reviews and field visits complemented data collection efforts. Network data were analyzed using UCINET6 software, focusing on key metrics such as network density, reciprocity, transitivity, centralization, average geodesic distance, and core-periphery structure. This approach allows for an in-depth assessment of the governance network, revealing institutional dynamics and pinpointing areas requiring policy and management improvements. The findings provide a foundational basis for developing integrated and effective governance frameworks for the island’s critical resources.
Results and Discussion: Analysis reveals significant governance challenges within Qeshm Island’s WEF nexus. The overall low network density indicates limited collaboration and underutilization of institutional capacity. Among the sectors, the energy network showed the highest density, suggesting better coordination, whereas the food network exhibited the lowest density, highlighting critical weaknesses in collaboration. Reciprocity scores were moderate, demonstrating some mutual communication among stakeholders; however, weak transitivity—particularly in the food sector—suggests a lack of sustained tripartite interactions necessary for cohesive governance. Centralization measures revealed that governance is highly concentrated around a few key organizations, with the food network showing the greatest centralization, potentially restricting the system’s adaptability. The high average geodesic distance points to slow information and resource flows, especially within the food network, further impeding effective governance. Core-periphery analysis identified two central institutions—the Qeshm Free Trade Zone Organization and the Governor’s Office—as dominant nodes facilitating inter-sectoral linkages. These results collectively indicate that despite some institutional interactions, the governance structure remains fragmented and inefficient.
Conclusion: This study highlights the institutional strengths and weaknesses within the water, energy, and food governance networks on Qeshm Island through rigorous network analysis. While there is some collaboration, significant opportunities exist to improve coordination and cohesion among stakeholders. Enhancing inter-sectoral communication, broadening stakeholder participation, and adopting integrated governance approaches are crucial to increasing the sustainability and resilience of resource systems on the island. The prominent role of the Qeshm Free Trade Zone Organization underscores the potential of leveraging key institutions to strengthen weaker sectors, notably the food network. Moreover, considering informal relationships and the influence of macro-level policies—both national and international—will be essential for a more comprehensive understanding of governance challenges and opportunities. Future research should also explore the role of non-state actors in this nexus. Ultimately, reforming governance structures and fostering stronger institutional cooperation is vital for the sustainable management of water, energy, and food resources in Qeshm Island, and these findings offer actionable insights for policymakers aiming to address complex resource challenges in similar contexts.