Around 1.2 Billion Jobs Worldwide Depend on Healthy Ecosystems: ILO
Land degradation and desertification are not only environmental challenges but also significantly impact jobs and livelihoods, particularly in rural and land-dependent communities, according to a policy brief by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The brief, titled Just transition policy brief on decent work implications from land degradation and desertification, is the first to explore these connections. It positions the just transition concept within the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and land degradation, and explains how a just transition approach can support more sustainable and inclusive responses.
Around 1.2 billion jobs worldwide depend on healthy ecosystems. Land degradation can hinder employment and livelihoods by reducing productivity and affecting sectors heavily reliant on natural resources like agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
At the same time, efforts to restore degraded land and promote sustainable land management can create new jobs and transform existing ones. However, these transitions may present challenges when new opportunities arise in different locations or sectors, require differing skills, or take time to materialize.
The brief examines how the ILO Guidelines for a Just Transition towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All can aid efforts to address land degradation and desertification.
To mark the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, held in Mongolia from August 17-28, 2026, the brief highlights:
- The importance of social dialogue
- Skills development
- Social protection
- Support for sustainable enterprises
- Respect for fundamental principles and rights at work
It also calls for stronger engagement from governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations in policies addressing land degradation. By integrating the world of work into land restoration efforts, the brief underscores opportunities to advance environmental goals while protecting livelihoods, creating decent work, and ensuring no one is left behind.
