Forum on Green Jobs: Transitioning to a Green and Blue Economy - Learning from North Sulawesi

Objectives

The overall objective of the Green Jobs Forum in North Sulawesi, in alignment with the principles of the Bappenas Low Carbon Development Initiative (LCDI), the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), is to facilitate the transition towards a green and blue economy by fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovative approaches among stakeholders. The forum aims to build an economically and ecologically viable system that provides local communities with opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and decent work, protects the Bunaken National Marine Reserve and other habitats of biodiversity significance, highlights unique tourism offerings like village homestays and in the process creates green jobs within the growing tourism sector.

By addressing these key focus areas, the forum strives to ensure sustainable development, preserve the environment, support local livelihoods, maximize the positive impact of tourism, and adhere to the principles of the LCDI, PAGE, Convention for Biodiversity, and circular economy principles, contributing to the long-term well-being of North Sulawesi's ecosystems, communities, and future generations.

Background

North Sulawesi, located in the eastern part of Indonesia, is a region of immense natural beauty, rich marine biodiversity, and vibrant local communities. The Bunaken Tangkoko Minahasa Biosphere Reserve in North Sulawesi is in the heart of the Coral Triangle of the Indo-Pacific Region in Indonesia. As the region experiences a rise in tourism, there is a growing need to ensure sustainable development that preserves the environment, supports local livelihoods, and promotes responsible practices. In partnership with Bappenas, the support of the Government of Japan and the UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy (UN PAGE), and in coordination with UNEP Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), the International Labour Organization (ILO) is organizing a Forum in North Sulawesi which aims to address these challenges and foster the transition towards a low-carbon green and blue economy. This background document provides an overview of the key focus areas for the forum, emphasizing the creation of green jobs and the benefits of embracing sustainable practices in coastal and marine tourism and human-centered approaches that accelerates the development of the blue economy.