As cities grow, they face increasing pressure from food insecurity, water scarcity, waste generation, climate risks and ecosystem degradation. Thriving Solutions seeks to build more resource-efficient, climate-resilient and inclusive urban food and water systems. Our work includes:

• Integrating circular food and water systems into urban strategies and plans.
• Strengthening urban food-loss and waste-prevention systems.
• Incorporating Nature-based Solutions and sponge-city principles into urban planning.
• Strengthening urban–rural linkages and local food-system resilience.
• Identifying priority interventions, programmes and investment opportunities.
• Engaging stakeholders and building the capacities of institutions and urban actors.

We use systems-based tools, including the DPSIR Framework — Drivers, Pressures, State, Impacts and Responses — to understand the factors shaping urban food and water systems. This helps identify:

• The demographic, economic, environmental and behavioural drivers of change.
• The pressures placed on food, water, land and urban infrastructure.
• The resulting impacts on communities, ecosystems and resource security.
• The most effective entry points for coordinated action.

Through this approach, we help cities translate complex challenges into context-specific strategies, programmes and practical interventions that strengthen urban resilience and improve the management of food, water and other resources.