Three ways we promote nature-inspired work across the Arab States

BEIRUT (ILO News) - As climate change intensifies pressure on land, water and food systems is directly threatening the sustainability of jobs and businesses. Green jobs, sustainable enterprises, and nature-based solutions offer practical pathways that benefit both people and the planet. Across the Arab States, the ILO is working with governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, and development partners to create employment opportunities that are inspired by nature, respond to climate challenges and contribute to a more resilient future of work.

In Jordan, afforestation activities have created short-term employment opportunities for more than 1,300 people, including refugees, host communities and persons with disabilities. Workers have helped plant more than 120,000 trees across 405 hectares of land and produce 750,000 seedlings over 11.3 hectares. These efforts contribute to climate change mitigation, combat deforestation, restore degraded ecosystems, improve soil health, promote water conservation and generate socio-economic benefits for local communities – for the benefit of people and planet.

© ILO

© ILO

In Lebanon, the ILO is supporting greener and more resilient agricultural value chains through the BOUZOUR project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. Through the ILO Bouzour Accelerator – Powering a greener Lebanon through clean solutions, implemented with Berytech, eight start-ups have strengthened their solutions and market readiness to deliver clean water and energy technologies for agriculture. Together, these start-ups employ more than 100 Lebanese and Syrian workers. Their innovations are helping small-scale farmers improve resource efficiency, reduce costs and protect jobs and livelihoods in the agriculture sector. These start-ups are proving that sustainability can be a real business opportunity while supporting decent work.

© ILO

© ILO

In northern Iraq, the ILO’s PROSPECTS programme has brought forcibly displaced populations and host communities together through employment-intensive public works to rehabilitate irrigation systems in drought-affected areas. Across more than 50 villages, workers have restored over 220 kilometres of canals, improving water access for 5,000 farmers and 10,000 dunums of farmland. By restoring critical water infrastructure, the programme shows how decent work and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand to reduce poverty and strengthen resilience in fragile contexts.

© ILO

© ILO

These examples show that climate action is also an opportunity to advance decent work. Whether by planting trees, restoring irrigation canals or supporting green innovation, jobs inspired by nature can help communities adapt to climate change, protect livelihoods and build a more sustainable future.

On World Environment Day, the ILO reaffirms its commitment to working with constituents and partners across the Arab States to promote a just transition that centres around decent work, labour rights, social dialogue and social justice for all.