Decent Work in Nature-Based Solutions 2024: Highlights from the report launch

The launch event of the joint ILO-UNEP-IUCN report, "Decent Work in Nature-based Solutions 2024: Unlocking jobs through investment in skills and nature-based infrastructure" was held on 12 March 2025. Melissa De Kock, Deputy Director at UNEP-WCMC facilitated the event, during which the main findings of the report were presented, and the broader links between NbS and decent work and sustainable livelihoods were explored through panel discussion and Q&A session.  

Webinar recording

Key Discussions and Presentations

1. Introduction and Report Launch:
   • Moustapha Kamal Gueye, Action Programme on Just Transitions Director at the International Labour Organization (ILO) introduced the report and highlighted the collaboration between the ILO, UNEP, and IUCN. He emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of nature-based solutions (NbS) and its potential to create jobs through restoration, protection, conservation, and sustainable use of nature.
2. Report Presentation:
   • Maikel-Lieuw-Kie-Song, Senior Technical Specialist in Employment-Intensive Investments at the ILO, presented the report's key findings. He introduced the five chapters of the report, focusing on the wider use of NbS, current and future employment estimates, nature-based infrastructure, skills for NbS to create decent jobs, and conclusions and recommendations.
3. Case Study on Spain:
   • Sonia Castañeda Rial, Deputy Director for the Green Transition at Fundación Biodiversidad F.S.P. and the Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfic, shared a case study on Spain's work to identify opportunities and skills needed for NbS. She highlighted the importance of integrating social, economic, and environmental aspects in NbS projects and the need for updated training programmes.
4. Panel Discussion:
   • During the panel discussion, Elsa Galaza, Director of the School of Public Management at Universidad de Pacifico and former Minister of the Environment of Peru, Najma Mohamed, Head of Nautre-based Solutions at UNEP-WCMC, and Catarina Faria Alves Silveira, WWF Sweden, discussed various perspectives on scaling up NbS investments and creating jobs. Key points included the need for policy integration, stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary skills, and the importance of decent work in NbS.

The discussions and Q&A highlighted the challenges and opportunities in scaling up NbS investments, emphasizing the critical role of decent work in achieving sustainable development goals, and the need for stronger policy integration.