Green works and nature-based solutions to address climate and nature crises

This course explored how to effectively design, implement and monitor projects in adaptation measures to transition to a greener and more resilient society. By undertaking a review of different approaches, examples and best practices, participants learnt more on how to identify and develop interventions that reduce future impact of climate change, while providing employment opportunities and enhancing the productive capacity of ecosystems. The course had a specific focus on: • Designing implementation adaptation measures - the development of green works using a local resource-based approach, nature-based solutions, hybrid approaches • Identification and negotiation of trade-offs to prevent maladaptation • Deep dive in 4 key sectors: – Forestry – Agriculture – Construction – Transportation CONTENT Learning Block 1: Climate change, biodiversity loss and the rationale for green works, nature-based solutions or both Learning Block 1 provided a general overview of the linkages between climate change, biodiversity loss and the world of work, as well as the rationale for implementing green works, nature-based solutions, or both. Solutions were context-dependant, thus somethings a hybrid approach between grey infrastructure and NbS should be considered to prevent trade-offs that can result in maladaptation. More specifically, it covered the following topics: • Overview of the ILO Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP)’s mandate and approach • Climate change, biodiversity loss and its impact on the world of work and livelihoods • The rationale for implementing adaptation measures such as green works and/or nature-based solutions • The identification and negotiation of trade-offs to prevent maladaptation Learning Block 2: Climate change adaptation measures in forestry & agriculture Forests are among the most important natural resources, providing industry with materials, communities with livelihoods, and plants and animals with habitat, especially for indigenous people and local communities. Agriculture as well represent a key important economic sector, however, unsustainable expansion is one of the key drivers of biodiversity loss as it is occurring in tropical areas. Thus, in relation to the prevention of maladaptive measures or any other potential trade-offs, it is important to consider also having strong social and environmental safeguards. The second module focused on adaptation measures aimed at protecting biodiversity and forests while ensuring sustainable agriculture systems. Specific topics included: • Social and environmental safeguards • Forest & agriculture as economic sectors • Deforestation and biodiversity loss and their impact on the world of work and livelihoods for indigenous people and local communities • Climate change adaptation measures through forestry (good practices, examples and advice for implementation) – Afforestation and reforestation – Agroforestry Learning Block 3: Climate change adaptation measures in flood control and rural transport enhancement Climate change has already led to greater peak flows of water in rivers and the situation is likely to get worse in the future. Even low level, non-catastrophic, flooding may impact on urban and rural living conditions, jobs, livelihoods and transport. The third module of the course introduced participants to the issues flood control and protection, with a focus on the following topics: • Flooding and their impact on the world of work and livelihoods • Types of flood control systems (good practices, examples and advice for design and implementation) • Rural transport improvement and maintenance to ensure that road networks can withstand the increased level of rainfall and flooding Learning Block 4: Climate change adaptation measures for water and soil management Climate change is expected to significantly increase soil erosion, water availability and desertification. The last module introduced participants to water management and soil and water protection works, with a focus on the following topics: • Water availability and desertification and their impacts on the world of work and livelihoods • Irrigation and watershed development (good practices, examples and advice for implementation) • Soil and water conservation works (good practices, examples and tips for implementation) NUMBER OF HOURS: 60