Potential for Green Jobs

Potential for green jobs along the European Green Belt

Since 2021, the BESTbelt project aims at unlocking local potential and strengthening local capacities in countries along the European Green Belt. A key project goal is to foster regional employment opportunities and promote green jobs in the conservation and sustainability sector.

The European Green Belt - an opportunity for green jobs

The European Green Belt is characterized by a great number of natural treasures. Despite their ecological and cultural value, many areas along the European Green Belt are facing poor socio-economic conditions with insufficient employment. Moreover, an adequate valorisation of habitats and their ecosystem services in financial terms is often missing.

As a starting point for further action, a comprehensive analysis of the potential for sustainable jobs along the European Green Belt was carried out in 2022 and 2023. The final report of the analysis, prepared by Trinomics, assessed the status quo, current opportunities, future potential and practical recommendations on how to promote the creation of green jobs along the European Green Belt.

First results

Initial findings show that the development and maintenance of sustainable tourism and nature tourism has the potential to create green jobs in the regions along the European Green Belt. In addition, the expansion of protected areas or rarely implemented habitat restoration measures along the European Green Belt is an important tool for improving ecological connectivity and creating sustainable and green jobs. In addition, restoration can help mitigate and adapt to climate change, reduce the risk of natural disasters, purify air and water and provide freshwater. Agriculture, forestry and related industries can also provide green jobs.

Download the full report and learn about best practices, future potential, and starting points to initiate green jobs along the European Green Belt.