Decent Work in Nature-Based Solutions 2024: Unlocking jobs through investment in skills and nature-based infrastructure

There is increasing realization that nature-based solutions (NbS) can address the global crisis of accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. The NbS agenda plays an essential role in meeting the objectives of the three United Nations Rio Conventions. 

Furthermore, NbS have already created, and will continue to generate employment opportunities in sectors like agriculture and forestry, but the opportunities will expand to other sectors such as infrastructure and services. It is essential to ensure these jobs are decent, and the benefits are shared equitably. 

Co-developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this report – the second in a joint global biennial series– investigates not just the number of current and future jobs related to NbS, but the quality of those jobs and how better jobs can support higher standard NbS, and vice versa. It aims to improve the understanding of the role of NbS in the world of work and inform the global-, regional-, and national policies to promote decent work and achieve environmentally sustainable and inclusive economies and societies.