A new report titled Decent Work in Nature-based Solutions 2024, launched during COP16 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has shed light on the transformative potential of nature-based solutions (NbS) to drive economic, social, and environmental progress as part of broader business sustainability efforts. Produced by the International Labour Organization, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the report underscores how targeted investments in nature-based solutions could create up to 32 million new jobs globally by 2030.
The current state of nature-based solutions employment
At present, over 60 million people are engaged in nature-based solutions activities, which encompass efforts to conserve, restore, and sustainably manage ecosystems across terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine domains. However, the report identifies substantial untapped potential, particularly in regions such as Africa, Latin America, and the Arab States.
Employment in these regions, which currently accounts for only 5 percent of global nature-based solutions jobs, could soar to 40 percent by 2030, increasing from 2.5 million to over 13 million jobs. These opportunities are particularly significant for low- and middle-income countries, where nature-based solutions projects are often labour-intensive, providing a pathway for vulnerable populations to achieve economic inclusion while contributing to environmental resilience.
The report also highlights the growing role of “green-grey” infrastructure, which integrates traditional built systems with nature-based approaches to deliver infrastructure solutions. This hybrid approach has immense potential, particularly as trillions of dollars are poised to be invested in infrastructure over the coming decades. Combining nature-based solutions to climate change with conventional infrastructure could unlock economic benefits while promoting climate-resilient development.
Challenges and Recommendations
Despite the promising outlook, several challenges must be addressed to realise the full potential of nature-based solutions. Skills gaps in both technical and core competencies remain a significant barrier, with the majority of current nature-based solutions jobs classified as medium-skilled. As the demand for high-skilled roles rises, governments and organisations must prioritise targeted skills development to support project scalability and job quality.
Key recommendations from the report include:
- Strengthening policy frameworks to support the integration of nature-based solutions into climate and biodiversity policies.
- Investing in workforce training to close the skills gap and enhance productivity.
- Promoting worker rights and inclusivity to ensure equitable access to nature-based solutions opportunities.
- Enhancing research and data collection to inform effective nature-based solutions implementation.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, the Decent Work in Nature-based Solutions 2024 report highlights the need for a just transition to ensure the social and economic impacts of the green shift are addressed, leaving no communities behind. Mobilising resources for nature-based solutions and integrating them into global climate and biodiversity frameworks will be essential.
Achieving this requires prioritised funding for nature-based solutions projects, particularly in high-growth regions, cross-sector collaboration to scale innovation, and targeted training to build a skilled workforce. As the world faces mounting environmental and social challenges, nature-based solutions are not just an opportunity but a necessity, offering a pathway to a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future.
