How our nature-based projects boost local employment

Investing in nature-based solutions ensures that communities become active participants in sustainability - benefiting from stable jobs that enhance their economic well-being. Notably, a joint report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) projects that nature project investments could

create up to 32 million new jobs globally by 2030

. 

Employment through these projects provides financial security, reduces dependence on extractive industries, and promotes skills development in sectors such as agroforestry, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable agriculture.

At Earthly, we’re proud to work with projects that have a lasting and outstanding impact on local employment.

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #8

aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Earthly’s nature-based projects align with this goal by:

By integrating economic sustainability into conservation efforts, Earthly’s projects not only protect natural ecosystems but also aspire to provide dignified, long-term employment opportunities. We'd love to highlight a few in particular:

The Dumyat project

prioritises the use of local contractors and ensures that the economic benefits of reforestation, wetland restoration, and biodiversity conservation stay within the region. 

The initiative also hires skilled workers who carry out tree planting, habitat restoration, and long-term ecological monitoring, providing stable jobs in the growing field of environmental restoration. Additionally, the project follows a rigorous due diligence process, engaging local stakeholders and implementing community consultation mechanisms to ensure fair and transparent employment practices.

Beyond direct employment, the project collaborates with institutions like the University of Stirling, and provides hands-on training for young ecologists, researchers, and volunteers.

The Voa Aina project

has created substantial employment opportunities for local communities through its agroforestry and mangrove restoration initiatives. 

The initiative has provided direct employment to farmers and local workers who have been trained in agroforestry techniques and nursery management, equipping them with valuable skills to enhance soil health and diversify crops for long-term economic stability. 

Furthermore, the mangrove restoration component has generated employment for coastal communities by engaging them in replanting and conservation activities. Local fishers benefit from improved marine biodiversity, sustaining their livelihoods through more stable fish stocks. 

The project's commitment to social equity ensures that women actively participate in project activities, with at least 45% female involvement, promoting gender-inclusive employment opportunities.

The TIST Kenya agroforestry project

trains farmers in climate-resilient agricultural practices and employs locals as monitoring personnel and  project managers . Many farmers who begin by planting trees later transition into full-time roles within TIST.

The project has also empowered marginalised groups by fostering leadership and participation among women and youth. Today, 50% of TIST’s leadership and 41% of participants are women.

When establishing agroforestry nurseries,

the Kukumuty project in Mozambique

directly employs local people in tree planting, nursery management, and ecosystem restoration. Additionally,it provides long-term economic opportunities for farmers who can cultivate food, timber, and non-timber forest products while reducing dependence on destructive practices like slash-and-burn agriculture.

Moreover, the Kukumuty project places a strong emphasis on gender-inclusive employment and equitable benefit-sharing. At least 50% of decision-making roles within the project are held by women, ensuring that economic gains and resources are fairly distributed.

The

Delta Blue Carbon project

has employed 1,000 people, 400 of whom are women. It provides stable income sources in an area where 70% of the population lives below the poverty line. 

Jobs include mangrove restoration and conservation efforts and community-led initiatives such as sustainable fishing practices and aquaculture. The project uses local knowledge and skills to ensure that employment benefits have long-term economic capacity building.

The project also invests in upskilling to create sustainable livelihoods. For example, Fishing Stewardship Communities (FSCs) have been established to ensure fair compensation and better market access for fishers, while vocational training programs in fish processing, crab farming, and livestock rearing open new economic opportunities.

The project

adopts  an "employ to plant" model, where local residents are engaged in every stage of the reforestation process, from propagule collection and planting to long-term forest maintenance. This initiative has already generated over 3.3 million workdays, fostering sustainable livelihoods and reducing reliance on destructive industries like charcoal production and timber logging. As a result, families experience improved financial security, allowing for better access to healthcare, education, and essential resources.

Apart from job creation, the project nurtures long-term skill development and community empowerment. Workers gain expertise in sustainable forestry, agroforestry techniques, and conservation practices, equipping them with valuable knowledge that go beyond the project itself.

Since 2017,

the Scolel’te project

has employed 51 people, creating stable job opportunities in forest restoration and sustainable land management. The project activities are designed through a participatory approach, ensuring they are implemented only in areas where smallholder farmers have direct ownership of their land. Local farmers play a central role in selecting community technicians, who are then trained to serve as primary advisors and facilitators for the implementation of project activities.

The project also prioritises underrepresented groups, offering specialised workshops for 561 women and 166 indigenous individuals as of 2021. The initiative has set up 17 working groups for these underrepresented groups.

Earthly’s projects

align with many global sustainability goals, ensuring that conservation efforts generate tangible and measurable benefits for the communities involved. Our nature-based projects (including agroforestry, reforestation and regenerative farming) provide stable livelihoods, skills development and economic opportunities for thousands of people worldwide. 

By supporting these initiatives, businesses can integrate environmental responsibility with social impact, making a measurable difference in the fight against climate change impacts and economic equality. You’ll get access to a unique Impact Dashboard for your company, where you can track your company’s positive impact on the project(s) you support.

Talk to us

to explore how your business can drive positive change through impactful nature-based initiatives.