This paper focuses on regional integration through the lenses of the Water–Food–Energy (WEF) nexus, a concept putting strong emphasis on cross-sectoral and multi-level interactions as well as on resource interdependencies. There is an extensive amount of published research focusing on the Aral Sea basin. In this paper, the authors build upon these different contributions and provide a meta-analysis of the literature of WEF nexus opportunities in Central Asia (CA) countries. This paper contributes to ongoing discussions regarding how the WEF Nexus can represent an opportunity for reinforced collaboration regarding resources management. To do so, focusing on existing literature, this paper first (1) explores how the nexus can be a relevant instrument for regional integration. Second (2), it provides an overview of water, food, energy conditions and challenges in the Aral Sea basin in particular. Third (3), synthesizing existing research, the authors identify critical variables to be considered as hurdles or leverage points for WEF nexus implementation in the Aral Sea basin. Finally (4), we go back to our initial set of questions and identify some possible avenues for future research.

中文翻译：

---

促进中亚区域一体化的水-能源-粮食联系框架

本文通过水-粮食-能源 (WEF) 关系的视角关注区域一体化，这一概念强调跨部门和多层次的相互作用以及资源的相互依存关系。有大量已发表的研究侧重于咸海盆地。在本文中，作者以这些不同的贡献为基础，对中亚 (CA) 国家 WEF 联系机会的文献进行了元分析。本文有助于正在进行的关于 WEF Nexus 如何代表在资源管理方面加强协作的机会的讨论。为此，本文着眼于现有文献，首先 (1) 探讨了联系如何成为区域一体化的相关工具。第二 (2)，它概述了水、食物、尤其是咸海盆地的能源状况和挑战。第三 (3)，综合现有研究，作者确定了关键变量，这些变量被视为咸海盆地 WEF 关系实施的障碍或杠杆点。最后（4），我们回到最初的问题集，并确定未来研究的一些可能途径。