European cities are grappling with two connected challenges: declining soil health and increasing volumes of organic waste.
Degraded soils threaten food security, biodiversity, and the ability to adapt to climate impacts. At the same time, much of the organic waste produced in urban areas is still incinerated or sent to landfill. The NUTRISOIL programme demonstrates how revalorizing this waste can restore soil function and strengthen urban agriculture. Drawing on lessons from NUTRISOIL’s experimental work and a multi-city workshop, this brief advocates for integrated policies that embed soil regeneration into urban planning, waste management, and food systems—advancing a circular, low-cost approach to urban resilience.
About NUTRISOIL
NUTRISOIL is a proof-of-concept project within the European Research Council’s URBAG project, funded by Horizon Europe and led by the Autonomous University of Barcelona’s Institute of Environmental Science and Technology. The goal of NUTRISOIL is to facilitate the transition for urban areas to expand their urban agriculture through resource circularity by re-establishing and preserving urban soil organic matter.
About Resilient Cities Network
Resilient Cities Network is the world’s leading urban resilience network. It brings together global knowledge, practice, partnerships, and funding to empower its members to build safe and equitable cities for all. Its unique city-led approach ensures cities drive the agenda to benefit the communities they serve. At work in nearly 100 cities worldwide, the Resilient Cities Network supports on-the-ground projects and solutions to build climate resilient, circular and equitable cities while also facilitating connections and information-sharing between communities and local leaders.