26 August 2014: In advance of the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the International Labour Organization (ILO) is showcasing its partnership with Mauritius on the green economy as an example of how to increase resilience and tackle climate change in SIDS.

ILO has collaborated with the Government of Mauritius on its initiative to increase green jobs from 6.3% in 2010 to 10% in 2020 through action plans in its energy, environment, green economy and ocean economy sectors.

Transitions to environmentally and socially sustainable economies can drive poverty eradication, job creation, job upgrading and social justice, according to ILO. It emphasizes that greening economies, enterprises and jobs helps enhance the resilience of communities and countries, particularly SIDS.

Greening economies can also contribute to tackling climate change, according to ILO. For instance, green jobs help to reduce negative environmental impacts, limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, minimize waste and pollution, reduce consumption of energy and raw materials, and contribute to climate change adaptation.

ILO has supported Mauritius in its transition to a green economy through awareness raising and capacity building on green jobs, skills development and research, among other actions. Its textile industry, for example, has reduced its energy use by 30% through using recycled waste water, solar water heating systems and natural air-cooling processes.

Other green economy actions in Mauritius include the launch of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a global initiative among the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the UN Institute for Training and Research. [ILO Press Release] [ILO Green Jobs Programme in Mauritius] [PAGE Website]