ILO's Nature-Based Solutions training empowers African stakeholders to tackle climate and employment challenges

© ILO/Zelalem Alemenew Desta

© ILO/Zelalem Alemenew Desta

ILO News (Bishoftu, Ethiopia) – A capacity-building training on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) was held from 2 to 6 September 2024 in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The training sought to equip stakeholders of two ILO programme, PROSPECTS in Ethiopia, Uganda and Sudan and KfW in Somalia.

The training delivered by the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) and ILO Employment-intensive Investment Branch (EMPINVEST) aimed at enhancing capacity of participants to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and forced displacement while creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering decent work opportunities.

“The importance of nature-based solutions in creating jobs and livelihoods cannot be overstated for countries in the sub-region, as we continue to face the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, unemployment and poverty which are fuelling instability. It is, therefore, essential to pursue innovative approaches that leverage our natural resources in a sustainable manner,” said Khumbula Ndaba, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, who addressed participants at the closing ceremony.

© ILO/Zelalem Alemenew Desta

© ILO/Zelalem Alemenew Desta

The training equipped 38 participants from government agencies and international organizations to incorporate NbS into their projects to promote decent work. Through a group design exercise, they explored how integrating NbS into their existing projects could enhance employment potential and improve livelihoods.

To gain practical insights of implementing NbS, participants visited Entoto Park, a high-profile greening project in Addis Ababa, led by Addis Ababa's Urban Authority.

Stephen Opio, Chief Technical Advisor, ILO PROSPECTS in Ethiopia shared, “Ethiopia’s efforts serve as an example of how countries can tackle both environmental and economic challenges simultaneously. The participants visited the initiative and even took part in the ongoing tree-planting exercise to witnessed firsthand how environmental restoration can create jobs. The PROSPECTS programme has a goal to contribute to a just transition and a greener economy. We support communities to leverage nature-based approaches that reduce environmental damage and enhance job prospects.”

© ILO/Zelalem Desta Alemenew

© ILO/Zelalem Desta Alemenew

The sentiment was echoed by other ILO officials. Asfaw Kidanu, a Senior Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) Specialist at ILO’s Pretoria office, emphasized “Any policy aimed at development must prioritize both employment and environmental sustainability. Addressing climate challenges through collective action, with nature-based solutions at the core, is critical," he said.

Several participants expressed their appreciation for the knowledge gained during the week-long training. Mastoura Hamid Bushra, General Manager with Sudan Minister of Labour and Administrative Reform, promised, “I am eager to work with the Ministry of Agriculture and other actors to implement the lessons I got from the workshop.”

Another participant, Mutaawe Mark, from Uganda’s Office of the Prime Minister, Department of Refugees described the training as informative, engaging, and practical. He added, “The training speaks about the long-term planning and flexibility as well as application of local solutions to local problems.”

© ILO/Zelalem Desta Alemenew

© ILO/Zelalem Desta Alemenew

In his speech, Ndaba encouraged participants to mainstream the lessons learned in their works and become a champion for NbS. “Through joint advocacy and cooperation towards NbS, we can develop regional solidarity improving nature conservation and job creation,” he added.