Nature-Based Solutions for Employment Growth

The recent report on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) marks their role in employment generation. Launched at the 16th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, it reveals that 93-95% of NbS jobs are in the Asia-Pacific region. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in India is a key contributor. More than half of the 59 million people employed globally through NbS are women. This report puts stress on the potential of NbS to address climate change while creating decent jobs.

About Nature-Based Solutions

Nature-based Solutions refer to actions aimed at protecting and managing ecosystems. These include conserving natural habitats and restoring degraded landscapes. The UN defines NbS as a means to sustainably use and manage terrestrial and marine ecosystems. NbS can mitigate climate change impacts and enhance biodiversity.

Global Employment through NbS

The report indicates that NbS contributes only 1.8% to global employment. However, this figure is skewed as MGNREGS accounts for 95% of this contribution. Most NbS jobs are part-time, linked to public employment programmes. Low- and middle-income countries generate the majority of NbS employment despite lower investment.

Investment Trends in NbS

Investment in NbS remains inadequate. High-income countries account for 57% of expenditure, whereas the Asia-Pacific region contributes 44%. The report suggests that an annual increase of up to $542 billion by 2030 could create millions of jobs in agriculture and forestry.

Challenges in Scaling NbS

Scaling NbS faces several challenges. These include a lack of policies, data, and funding. Skill gaps hinder effective implementation. Many workers in NbS are informal and temporary, lacking resilience against climate shocks.

Importance of Skill Development

Investing in skill development is crucial. New skills in geospatial analysis and environmental economics are needed. Upskilling can help reduce gender disparities and enhance job opportunities for marginalised groups. Integrating local knowledge into training programmes is essential for effective NbS implementation.

Policy Recommendations

The report advocates for stronger policy frameworks. It calls for investments in workforce upskilling and promoting rights within the NbS sector. Enhanced data collection and monitoring are also necessary for informed decision-making.

Future Outlook

The integration of NbS into national policies is increasing. Countries are recognising the importance of NbS for achieving Sustainable Development Goals. However, effective execution requires addressing existing gaps in skills, policies, and funding.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of Nature-based Solutions in addressing climate change and employment generation.
2. Explain the significance of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in promoting Nature-based Solutions in India.
3. What are the major challenges faced in scaling Nature-based Solutions in low-income countries? Discuss with examples.
4. What is the relationship between skill development and the successful implementation of Nature-based Solutions? How can this be enhanced?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of Nature-based Solutions in addressing climate change and employment generation.

1. NbS actions protect and restore ecosystems, helping to mitigate climate change impacts.
2. They contribute to job creation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with MGNREGS being contributor.
3. Over half of the 59 million NbS jobs globally are held by women, promoting gender equality.
4. Investment in NbS can enhance biodiversity while generating decent work opportunities.
5. Challenges include inadequate funding, temporary jobs, and skill gaps affecting the effectiveness of NbS implementation.

2. Explain the significance of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in promoting Nature-based Solutions in India.

1. MGNREGS provides a legal guarantee for at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household.
2. It plays a vital role in implementing NbS by creating jobs related to ecosystem restoration and management.
3. MGNREGS accounts for 95% of global NbS employment contribution, denoting its importance.
4. The scheme empowers rural women, enhancing their participation in the workforce.
5. It serves as a model for integrating employment generation with environmental sustainability.

3. What are the major challenges faced in scaling Nature-based Solutions in low-income countries? Discuss with examples.

1. Low-income countries often lack robust policy frameworks to support NbS implementation.
2. There is funding gap, limiting investment in NbS projects.
3. Skill gaps exist, with many workers untrained or lacking necessary expertise for effective NbS execution.
4. Informal and temporary employment structures hinder job security and resilience against climate shocks.
5. Examples include limited NbS projects in Sub-Saharan Africa due to these systemic challenges.

4. What is the relationship between skill development and the successful implementation of Nature-based Solutions? How can this be enhanced?

1. Skill development is crucial for equipping the workforce with necessary competencies for NbS projects.
2. New skills in areas like geospatial analysis and environmental economics are essential for effective implementation.
3. Upskilling initiatives can reduce gender disparities, providing more opportunities for women and marginalized groups.
4. Integrating local and indigenous knowledge into training programs can enhance project relevance and effectiveness.
5. Investment in educational programs and partnerships between academia and industry can facilitate skill enhancement.