Stepping Into The New Nature Economy

Rising investment in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is creating one of the most dynamic employment frontiers in the global economy. As hundreds of millions of dollars are channeled into initiatives that protect communities, secure food systems, advance public health, and restore ecosystems, a wave of new jobs are emerging. For young people—particularly in Africa and Latin America—NbS offers a bright spot: youth representation in NbS roles is slightly higher than in the broader workforce (for example, youth make up 24% of the NbS workforce in Africa, compared to a global average of 12% in total employment). Equipping young job-seekers with the right skills and accredited training can help them step into these emerging jobs, advancing multiple priorities at once: from economic stability to more sustainable, resilient communities.

The challenge: Many early-career professionals aren’t fully prepared to step into these roles. While gaps in national policy and limited cultural recognition of NbS careers create obstacles, the most immediate barrier to filling future jobs is a shortage of workers with the right mix of technical and community-facing skills. Without a well-prepared workforce, even the most substantial investments risk failing to achieve their intended impact.