At the beginning of the 21st century over 2 billion people lack food security, 1.1 billion people lack access to clean water, 800 million people are chronically malnourished, and 630 million people live and depend on ecologically fragile land. Millions die prematurely from the pollution of air and water, flooding, poor building in vulnerable areas and a host of environment related factors. The environment matters to poor people.

The environment underpins the success of almost all the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). For example, women and girls who have ready access to fuel and clean water will have more time to attend school.

Many developing countries derive their wealth from their natural resource base. It can provide a safety net for the poor while also providing the foundation for economic growth. We believe it is a basic right to have access to a clean and productive environment and that economic growth can be achieved in a way that is sustainable and equitable.

Addressing environmental issues is critical if we are to achieve sustained poverty reduction and meet the MDGs. We need to rethink our approaches to environmental issues' seeing the environment as an add-on and threat to development is no longer a viable option. We need to exploit the opportunities provided by sound environmental management to stimulate sustainable growth and poverty reduction.

How we work

One of our strengths is supporting clients in examining the way they address environmental issues. Participation is fundamental to our approach.

We believe that any well-considered development intervention requires 3 key elements:

• integrating environmental policies into wider pro-poor development objectives, policies and institutions;
  
• promoting understanding and appreciation of the contribution that the environment can make to growth, and building on public-private partnerships; and
  
• linking global environmental issues to the local level where they affect poor people.

Our multidisciplinary team is well equipped to support our clients to work in this way. We focus on the challenges and questions facing environment and development decision-makers to develop well-considered interventions.

Our consultants have experience of working with and in developing country governments and local communities. We have supported multilateral and bilateral development organisations, think tanks based in the North and South, and international and national NGOs. This breadth of institutional experience means that our consultants are able to bring in a wide range of stakeholders to participate in the development of appropriate and innovative solutions to the challenges faced by our clients.