A report presented at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) estimates that between 93 and 95 per cent of global Nature-Based Solutions Jobs worldwide are located in the Asia-Pacific region, with India’s Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) playing a significant role. The 2024 Decent Work in Nature-Based Solutions report reveals that women make up more than half of the 59 million individuals employed globally in NbS. Although the sector accounts for just 0.3% of global GDP, it provides jobs for 14% of young people (ages 15 to 29), emphasizing its potential as a youth employment driver.

The report highlights that the Asia-Pacific region contributes 44% of global spending on Nature-Based Solutions. However, high-income nations globally represent 57% of total expenditure, which includes some within this region. The workforce in this region primarily operates through public employment programs like MGNREGS, which predominantly offer part-time jobs. Despite this, the region excels in generating employment through Nature-Based Solutions, even though the rate of full-time employment is relatively lower in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

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Global Nature-Based Solutions Jobs: Investments and Challenges

Improving Nature-Based Infrastructure (NbI) is essential for both employment generation and climate change mitigation. According to the analysis, 20–32 million new jobs in forestry and agriculture might be created by 2030 if global investment increases by up to $542 billion annually. Infrastructure upgrades would be necessary for these investments, and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) would have the chance to adopt improved Nature-Based Infrastructures directly. However, the main obstacles to growing Nature-Based Solutions are a lack of data, inadequate finance, restricted policies, and talent gaps.

An estimated $2.9 trillion has been invested in Nature-Based Infrastructure thus far, but more funding is required to take advantage of prospects for community-based initiatives. These initiatives might promote employment, skill development, and ownership, but they also call for fresh knowledge of environmental economics, artificial intelligence, and geospatial analysis. The paper highlights that to achieve climate resilience and sustainability, growing Nature-Based Infrastructure should use indigenous and local expertise.

The Asia-Pacific region continues to lead in creating global Nature-Based Solutions jobs, but challenges related to long-term funding, policy frameworks, and skills development must be addressed to leverage this potential fully.

Recommendations for a Sustainable Workforce

The research suggests improving policy frameworks to help the Nature-Based Solutions workforce. It is essential to make investments in skill development, promote diversity and rights, and address gender inequality. To close the skill gaps and encourage well-informed decision-making, cooperation between practitioners and academia is crucial. For the Asia-Pacific region to maintain its lead in Nature-Based Solutions and job creation, tailored strategies addressing skill gaps, long-term funding, and inclusive policies are essential. Policymakers are recommended to concentrate on promoting good employment conditions, aiding marginalized people, and resolving implementation issues.

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