Technology is often seen as the driver of growth, but nature itself represents a form of ancient intelligence — the original technology refined over millennia. In many developing economies, natural systems such as mangroves that protect coastlines or agroforestry that sustains soil fertility are powerful, affordable technologies that underpin livelihoods. At the World Bank Group, the focus is on helping countries build economies that translate growth into jobs, with nature serving as a critical enabler of opportunity in landscapes and seascapes where vulnerable populations live.
Over the next 10 to 15 years, 1.2 billion young people will enter the workforce in developing countries. Meeting this challenge requires investment in physical, human, and natural infrastructure, alongside private capital and supportive business environments. Nature plays a central role in five job-rich sectors: agribusiness, healthcare, infrastructure and energy, tourism, and value-added manufacturing. These sectors are not easily outsourced and can generate durable employment if natural capital is managed wisely.
Agribusiness remains the backbone of livelihoods, with forests and fisheries diversifying income streams and enhancing resilience. Forest ecosystems directly sustain agriculture, with 40 percent of rainfall in low-income countries originating from soil moisture in forests. Restoring these systems boosts productivity, incomes, and food security. In healthcare, nature provides medicinal resources that underpin modern pharmacology, while reducing pollution and environmental risks strengthens labor productivity and educational outcomes.
Infrastructure and energy systems also depend on nature. For millions without reliable grid access, bioenergy derived from natural resources is a primary lifeline, powering homes and small enterprises at lower costs than grid expansion. Tourism, particularly adventure, wellness, and nature-based segments, generates significant economic returns, with multipliers of $2 to $5 in local household income for every tourist dollar spent. This sector creates jobs across entire value chains, from hospitality to artisanship.
Value-added manufacturing offers another pathway, with circular economy approaches reducing waste and enhancing competitiveness. For resource-rich regions, sustainable supply of natural materials like industrial wood can support domestic manufacturing and job creation. Research shows demand for industrial wood in West and Central Africa could quadruple by 2030, highlighting both risks and opportunities for expanding sustainable production and local industries.
The overarching message is that nature is not a constraint but an enabler of economic growth. It provides the foundation for productivity, resilience, and job creation. Realizing this potential requires integrating natural capital into economic planning, complementing it with physical and human infrastructure, and mobilizing private investment. Without nature, poverty eradication is impossible; with it, countries can build economies that deliver tangible opportunities for people.
