Established by the International Labor Organization (ILO), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and International Union for Conservation of Nature at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal, theDecent work in nature-based solutions The report underscores the need to make the economy greener in a fair and inclusive way, and to create meaningful work opportunities for all.
“It is crucial that as we expand the use of nature-based solutions (NbS) we ensure that we do not also widen the decent work deficits that are currently facing,” said Vic van Vuuren, Director of the Enterprise Division of the ILO.
“ThatILO Just Transition Guidelinesoffer a framework that helps us to do this”.
Working in nature
Nature-based solutions targetProtect, restore and sustainably manage water bodies and marine ecosystems while promoting human well-being, ecosystem resilience and biodiversity.
NbS currently employs nearly 75 million people, 96 percent of whom live in Asia Pacific and lower-middle-income countries – despite the fact that most global NbS spending is in high-income countries.
NbS jobs, many of them part-time, add up to the equivalent of around 14.5 million full-time jobs.
However, the report warns that there are challenges in measuring NbS employment and that the figures do not capture job losses and displacements that may occur when nature-based solutions are implemented.
job cuts
Almost all NbS working in low- and middle-income countries – 98 and 99 percent respectively – are involved in agriculture and forestry.
For upper-middle-income countries, this proportion is 42 percent and for high-income countries, it is 25 percent.
In developed countries where agricultural productivity is high, NbS spending is focused on restoring ecosystems and managing natural resources.
Public services contribute 37 percent to NbS work in high-income countries.
Another 20 million jobs could be created globally if investment in NbS tripled by 2030 – a key step towards meeting biodiversity, land restoration and climate goals as set out in the UN State of Finance for Nature 2021 report.
Green Job Standards
However, the report warns that there is currently no guarantee that NbS employment will meet ILO standards for green jobs in the environmental sector and fairly reward workers under conditions of freedom, justice, security and human dignity.
Maintenance of solar panels in Zambia.
“We welcome the emphasis on nature-based solutions at COP27 in Sharm el Sheikh. Not only are NbS a crucial part of the mitigation equation — they also provide multiple benefits, including mitigating the impacts of climate change,” said Susan Gardner, Director of UNEP’s Ecosystems Division.
“What this report brings to light is how NbS can work for people and for the economy, and this will be a critical success factor. To achieve this, a broad coalition with youth at the forefront is needed.”
