ILO Green Jobs Awareness Raising Workshop Report 2011… · It also aimed to identify priorities...

ILO Green Job Awareness Raising Meeting Phnom Penh, 17 March 2011 1

ILO Green Job Agenda

First Awareness Raising Workshop

Cambodiana Hotel

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

17 March 2011

8:00 – 17:00

1. Introduction

On 17 March 2011, the ILO in Cambodia organized it’s first ILO Green Job Awareness meeting.

The workshop was part of the ILO’s broader capacity building of ILO constituents and

stakeholders on the new DWCP 2011-2015.

The purpose of the workshop was to enhance the awareness and capacity of ILO constituents,

partners and stakeholders on ILO Green Jobs Agenda to mainstream green jobs into social and

employment policy, to integrate Green Jobs policies into the DWCP, and to promote a just

transition for enterprises and workers towards a low-carbon, environmentally friendly economy.

It also aimed to identify priorities regarding Green Jobs for the next DWCP 2011-2015 for

Cambodia.

The ILO has successfully implemented a range of green jobs activities in Asia and the Pacific and

has provided technical and policy support to various countries in the region to facilitate the shift

towards a low-carbon, environmentally friendly and climate resilient economy that helps create

new job opportunities, accelerate the jobs recovery, reduce social gaps, support development

goals and achieve decent work. Green Jobs is identified as an ILO priority area aimed at

promoting decent work and environmentally sustainable employment in targeted sectors such

as in energy efficiency, renewable energy, recycling and waste management, labour-based

infrastructure development, environmentally sound management of natural resources.

The workshop provided participants with an overview of the ILO Green Jobs policy, linking

climate change and the world of work, Green Jobs and Decent Work, and a better understanding

of the approaches being adopted to minimize the negative socio-economic effects to addressing

climate change in line with the ILO Decent Work Agenda.

During the meeting, the ILO Green Job brochure, the ILO fact sheet on green job and the ILO

Green job and gender brochure were distributed in English and Khmer.

More than 100 people attended the meeting.

This document informally presents the highlights of the presentation of each resource persons.


2. Agenda


3. Proceedings

3.1 Opening Session:

Mr. Tun Sophorn, ILO Cambodia Coordinator

Tun Sophprh introduced panel participants to those in attendance. In 2007, ILO and UNEP

initiated the Green Jobs Initiative in 2007, joined by ITUC in 2008. It was mobilized to gather the

strengths of constituents to promote green economy, green jobs and decent work for all. This

event is the first effort of ILO to introduce the Green Jobs Agenda in Cambodia.


Mr. Jiyuan Wang, Director, ILO Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PRD

Mr. Wang thanked participants for attending the workshop and wished that constructive

outcomes would result from the event. Climate change is a global issue and the Cambodian

government recognizes this, ratifying the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol and issued a National

Sustainability Guidelines in 2010 and its NAPA. His H.E. Prime Minister Hun Sen has said that this

will further MDGs. H.E Hun Sen has placed priority on interministerial collaboration for

adaptation and has urged development partners and donors to collaborate with these bodies.

ILO’s green jobs agenda is a collaborative effort among many UN agencies, though ILO’s

comparative advantage is its focus on jobs, particularly for the youth, in specific sectors, such as

organic agriculture, sustainable transportation, waste management, etc. This includes

promoting locally-based resource policies, particularly in disaster prone areas. ILO works to

ensure that green jobs promote sustainable development.

ILO Global Jobs Pact reflects this approach, particularly in developing countries dealing with the

financial crisis. In addition, ILO Green Skills reporting in 21 countries has recognized important

skills gaps in many countries that inhibit effective green jobs creation. Green jobs can support

environmental, social and economic goals simultaneously, and accelerate the transition to

greener growth in the face of climate change. Climate change is effecting incomes and

livelihoods in sectors. Greening manufacturing processes is crucial to this end, as it supports job

maintenance and thus economic, as well as environmental resilience.

ILO is formulating its DWCP and this workshop it is hoped will feed directly into this process.

H.E. Khong Sam Nuon, Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment and Chairperson of the

Inter-ministerial Green Growth Working Group

MoE is dealing with green growth, a new topic, not only for Cambodia, but also all countries that

have agreed to take action on climate change. Cambodia participated in the Ministerial

Conference of Environment and Development in 2005, and since that time the country has

worked with UNEP, UNESCAP, UNDP, UNIDO, etc. Meeting in Seoul in 2005, this was the first

official engagement of Cambodia among 52 countries, all believing that green growth will lead

to environmental sustainability, low-carbon development, as laid out in the Kyoto Protocol,

which Cambodia is a member.

Since 2007 Cambodia has been working with UNESC AP and SIDA. Cambodia has established a

GGWG, of which H.E Khong Sam Nuon is the chair. In 2010 in Siem Reap, all stakeholders

approved this which established a National Roadmap for Green Growth. Recently the MoE has

promoted the Road Map on Green Growth, signing a partnership with Global Green Growth

Institute (GGGI) established by the Republic of Korea, a non-profit organization, providing

research and some development assistance. Cambodia has recently signed a MoU with GGGI to

collect ideas for submission to the government. This followed GGGI’s endorsement of the Road

Map.

Green jobs are an emerging topic that MoE supports, Cambodia will sign a legal instrument on

green jobs to ensure it is in line with international development in this area, paving the way for

collaboration between the government, business sectors, and supporting employment creation


in this area. All stakeholders will be involved in this new initiative, also supported by ILO

constituents who support environmental agenda. MoE will support this process, as through the

GGWG, and through its National Committee for submission to the government to ensure green

jobs standards are aligned with international principles. This is crucial to ensuring long-term

sustainability of natural resources, contributing to Green growth over the long term.

H.E. Dr. Huy Hansong, Secretary of State, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training

Dr. Hansong thanked participants and ILO organizers for allowing him to speak. Dr. Hansong

thanked H.E. Khong Sam Nuon for bringing the environmental perspective on green jobs to the

fore, and explained that he would instead emphasize the social dimension.

Decent work has to capture actions to preserve the global environment. It is well known the

world is facing two major challenges: how to mitigate climate change and preserve the

sustainability of natural resources, while promoting the access to safe and decent work for all.

This involves targeting the millions of job seekers entering the labour market in the next few

years. The two challenges are closely interrelated, in that social development must be pursued

while preserving environmental quality that facilitates this. MoLVT is supports efforts to address

these challenges, including the shift to a low-carbon economy. This “green revolution” will

follow in scale and scope of the Industrial Revolution.

This workshop aims to illustrate how ILO Constituents can work together to adopt measures to

preserve environmental sustainability in the face of climate change. Climate change is a

development issue as increasing frequency of natural disasters affects infrastructure, workers

and communities. ILO’s green jobs agenda works to counter these negative impacts by adopting

more efficient approaches towards a low-carbon economy. This will involve reducing waste and

energy usage. However, green jobs must be decent in that they must be accessible, providing

decent income, and safe for workers. They must be able to support low-carbon development

goals.

ILO Green Jobs strategy is in line with the Rectangular Strategy, NSDP, and the MDGs, focusing

on poverty reduction, extending social protection and good governance. Environmental

sustainability is thus fundamental to promoting decent work.

H.E Dr. Hangsong thanked participants and encouraged their active participation, so that the

workshop will be a success. He wished that following the workshop the ILO will work closely in

Cambodia to promote green jobs for social development, by providing the necessary tools to

making this happen.

3.2 Introduction to Green Jobs: Job projections, needs assessments, & decent work challenges

in relation to environmental issues

H.E. Seng Sakda, Director General, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training

Green jobs must be linked to decent work. Green jobs and green economy promotion must be a

driver for socially-inclusive, sustainable development. These concepts hinge on food security,

livelihood generation, and therefore the world of work.


OSH is a major area of focus for MoLVT, which is associated with green jobs. However, green

jobs is a new agenda for the Ministry. Responsible Departments within the MoLVT include the

OSH department, which has reached more than 4,000 people through ILO methodologies (i.e.,

WIND, WISH, WISCON). Labour inspections are an ongoing activity, as well as the provision of

guidance on chemical safety, handling and storage.

Training on health and safety is another area of work that have green jobs implications. This

occurs both at the national and provincial levels.

MoLVT will focus on the following areas in the coming years:

1. Implementation Plan of 2008-2013, emphasizing OSH among other

2. Applying ILO tools on waste collection and handling for garbage collection, following its

successful implementation in Fiji

3. Reducing carbon emissions, waste, energy, and preserving water quality

Successful examples of OSH were highlighted.

3.3 Introduction to concept of green jobs and experience from countries in the region

Mr Vincent Jugault, Senior Specialist on Environment and Decent Work, ILO Bangkok

ILO’s Green Job Initiative was launched in 2007 between ILO, UNEP, ITUC and IOE. The initiative

aims at bridging the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable

development in the context of poverty eradication.

Green jobs are based on the two pillars of Decent Work and Environmental Sustainability:

therefore, green jobs are decent jobs that contribute to environmental sustainability.

From a labour standard point of view, DW is defined first and foremost as 8 core labor standards

which comprise its aims. The International Labour Conference in 2007 advocated for the

promotion of sustainable enterprises. While green jobs are not necessarily legally binding, they

can help to inform social dialogue between workers, employers and governments.

Environmental scope: not just low-carbon development, green jobs aim to facilitate both

adaptation and mitigation, covering the whole spectrum of environmental sustainability.

Environmental management: must be measured and verified. Traditionally environmental law

has standards which must be complied with. Voluntary standards also involve some level of

verification as well.

Green national or voluntary standards and codes: examples presented. Standardization is a

common and growing practice in Asia, particularly in terms of organic agriculture, such as rice

production. ISO 51 on energy will be of increasing importance in the building, construction and

energy sectors.

As DW and Environmental Sustainability are often inextricably linked, green jobs provide a

strategic direction in which to advance both the social and environmental agendas.

Potential green sectors, such as ship-building and recycling, while often seen as contributing to

green economy, by ILO definition, this cannot be considered green sectors because they ignore

the decent work dimension. ILO seeks to target both environmental and social improvements.


Green jobs are a multidimensional, dynamic concept, because when it comes to the

environment, there is no harmonized system of environmental policies. There are many gaps, as

opposed to international labour standards, which are regularized. ILO therefore can provide a

framework for green jobs but this must be contextualized within the country, at the national

level, involving all ILO Constituents and stakeholders. Secondly, because environmental

management is a dynamic temporal process, because environmental regulations become more

stringent over time. Thirdly, ILO supports voluntary initiatives, such as CSR, but these occur

outside of the law.

ILO seeks to provide the crosswalk between the social, environmental, and economic activities.

Enabling policies and measures include supply side and demand side measures to encourage the

creation of green jobs.

Green jobs are not always quantifiable because they are not classified within the international

system of employment classification, which is subject to be expanded in the future.

Green jobs/green economy: must be emphasized within the context of sustainable development

and poverty eradication. Key sectors for green jobs creation under the green economy include

agriculture, green buildings, cities, energy, finance, fisheries, forestry, etc. Many green jobs exist,

but they are country based and sector specific.

Global market trends/examples:

Food production. Sustainable forestry certification/coffee/cocoa/bananas/tea, all growing

sectors, according to a recent report on green economy by UNCTAD. Although there is a huge

potential in Asia, this has largely been untapped.

Eco-tourism. Reported by the World Tourism Organization that this sector is growing very fast,

much faster than conventional tourism. This sector has major potential for green jobs as well.

Adaptation to climate change. Because climate change has implications for incomes and

livelihoods, policies that work towards increasing investments in coping mechanisms also have

potential for green jobs, particularly in natural resource management, irrigation, construction,

and transport. New international financial mechanisms have great potential for channeling

funds to developing countries aimed at increasing resilience. ILO views this as having both

social/employment and environmental benefits.

Manufacturing. Example of Brandix in Sri Lanka, another country with major export oriented

garment manufacturing sector, that is promoting clean production with a view to create jobs.

Country Examples.In Brazil, green jobs are growing faster than traditional sectors, most of which

are occurring in the informal economy. In France, similar pattern of growth, due to 50 billion

Euro investment.

In Korea, investment of 80 percent of stimulus package responding to financial crisis with the

aim of greening the economy. ILO advocates this move as greening the economy must be linked

to employment through green job creation.

In China, econometric study on green jobs potential found that there was a great opportunity to

bring about reductions in materials, energy and GHGs. This underlines that the labour market


will undergo a major transition, and there are both smart and not-smart approaches to greening

the economy and generating green jobs.

In Bangladesh, input/output studies found that job creation in adaptation was much greater

than that of mitigation.

In India, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was evaluated with ILO and

government partners, finding that the scheme had great potential for creating green jobs, albeit

certain decent work deficits must be addressed (working conditions of jobs contracted under

the scheme).

In Philippines, initiatives included reforestation, renewable energy in rural areas, retrofitting of

public utility vehicles and the building of bicycle lanes.

In Thailand, target set for 20 percent of the energy mix to be renewable by 2022, setting the

path for green jobs creation in the process.

Lessons learned:

1) environment and job creation can be mutually supportive. Previous misconceptions about

environmental protection being a job killer have now been overturned by findings that green

growth can be economically productive, but this depends on the country context. Research

supports that net employment gains can be expected by a move towards greening the economy,

supported by the recent release of UNEP’s Green Economy Report.

2) Recognition of the need for a just transition for workers and enterprises. Climate change

mitigation and adaptation policies will be implemented by these actors, such that the world of

work is inseparable from climate change action. This is advocated by recent Cancun UN Climate

Change Conference Declaration.

3) Green transition has started, though important skills gaps need to be addressed.

4) Relevance of ILO Framework, which provides tools of social dialogue and sustainable

enterprises, standards and rights, social protection, & skills. Impacts of climate change bring

new risks, which require need to innovate and reach out through social protection schemes for

the most vulnerable populations. Asia is particularly exposed to these risks, as many of its cities

are found to be among the most vulnerable in the world.

Immediate challenges and tasks: identify where opportunities exist in every country. Integrated

policy making/governance of institutional actors or green jobs. Enhance the capacity of social

partners to have social dialogue on green jobs issues. Address the gaps in green skills, especially

among the youth. Employment intensive initiatives must be taken so NAPAs effectively support

jobs, incomes and livelihoods, while ensuring a just transition to those who are negatively

impacted by the resulting economic shift.

Question and Answer

Ministry of Tourism: as the workshop deals with green jobs, the tourism sector has traditionally

done much work to ensure the sustainability of tourism. MoT has supported the establishment

of 7 model communities with UNDP, as well as UNESCO to create a sustainability masterplan. So

although green jobs is a new term, it is not a new concept. However, there are both advantages


and disadvantages to this approach, including the slow implementation and difficulty in which to

move towards environmental sustainability. Skills are another issue, as entrepreneurs do not

have the skills to promote sustainable approaches. Communities feel threatened as well as they

fear the loss of their land in advancing eco-tourism industry.

What has ILO done to promote green jobs in the tourism sector?

Answer: the ILO is in its incipient stages of promoting green jobs in Cambodia, so this is not yet

well defined. There are many entry points for ILO to engage in Cambodia, including improving

the quality decent work in sectors with potential for greening.

H.E. Seng Sakda, Director General for Labour, MoLVT answered that much collaboration has

occurred between the MoT and MoLVT, including the move to establish standards on tourism in

line with international (ASEAN) standards. ILO is discussing with its partners about promoting

“smoke free” industries as well, which has a bearing on tourism. MoLVT is also focused on skills

development, creating green jobs for poverty reduction, particularly in terms of organic farming.

MoLVT is providing training on reducing environmental impacts of agriculture by promoting soil

conservation practices. ILO is working to provide training to tripartite constituents to counter

the shortage of information both within the Ministry and across Ministries.

If what is green today, may not be tomorrow, what implications does that have for economic

infrastructure? How might these changing circumstances send the wrong signal to stakeholders,

especially Ministry of Finance?

Answer: Efficiency standards/targets evolved over time, this however must be a negotiated,

multistakeholder process aimed at establishing visibility and predictability for investment.

3.4 Presentation – Green Growth Working Group – Cambodia’s Green Growth Strategy/Road

map

Mr. Hak Mao, Chief of Office, Climate Change Department, MoE: Cambodia’s Green Growth

Strategy/Road Map

The conventional economic model of “grow first, clean later” is no longer feasible because

natural resources are finite, and increasing climate change, make such an approach

unsustainable. International organizations have established mechanisms that must be adapted

to country contexts, flexible enough for common but differentiated responsibilities to

addressing climate change.

Climate change impacts on Cambodia: climate change-induced floods are having an increasing

impact on Cambodia, which are hindering the achievement of development targets. Drought as

well is quite serious, affecting lives, livelihoods (especially in agricultural sector), and

infrastructure. Typhoons are destroying properties.

Cambodia is highlighted as one of the most vulnerable countries in SE Asia to changes in the

climate. Because Cambodia is so poor, adaptive capacity in the country is very limited. If GHG

emissions are not effectively stalled, there will be a higher frequency of natural disasters

brought about by an increase in temperature and changed weather patterns, such as differences


in precipitation. There are already discernable changes in the seasons in Cambodia, both in

terms of delayed onset of rains and higher levels of precipitation.

Economic consequences of climate change include impacts on the agricultural sector, such as

reduced agricultural yields. Measures to address this can include introducing new strains of rice

as well as changing agricultural practices in the sector, such as modifying planting patterns.

Forest resources will be affected, including an increase in forest fires. Climate change also

affects water resources, because of higher rates of floods and droughts. Sea level rise will affect

the coastal areas, as well as inland freshwater resources, and thus fisheries. Human health

impacts include an increase in disease vectors, infectious diseases.

There is no official consensus in international for a (namely, COP) about what international

mechanism will replace the Kyoto Protocol post-2012.

Cambodia’s National Climate Change Institutional Framework is aimed at addressing climate

change in nationally appropriate ways.

Cambodia accession to the Kyoto Protocol occurred in 2002, MoE “opened the curtain” signing

agreement on the first climate change project, as well as initial submission of National

Communication on Climate Change.

In 2006, NAPA was adopted, as well as the establishment of National Climate Change

Committee. In 2009, climate change department established in MoE.

Cambodian Policy Dociaments include:

• National Poverty Reduction Strategy

• Socio-economic Development Plan

• Rectangular Strategy

• Cambodian Millennium Goals

• National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA)

Green Growth Road Map: Process initiated in 2005. However, green growth and climate change

are interlinked, both with the ultimate objective of reducing GHGs while promoting sustainable

development. Growth, social security and sustainable development are all mutually-supporting

goals. “Walking, doing and thinking” is an idiom that can be used to describe the aims of Green

Growth—growing and cleaning the economic growth patterns simultaneously.

Green Growth Road Map involved the work of the MoE, UNESCAP, national and international

consultants, as well as the interministerial working group collaborating together to promote the

green growth strategy. The main purpose of green growth is aimed at greening the economy

and creating green jobs. It involves linking with fiscal policies to promote greater eco-efficiency

of economic patterns.

A concept paper is currently under development emphasizing how green growth can improve

food security, natural resource management, pollution reduction, energy efficiency and

renewable power generation (particularly important as Cambodia is moving towards

industrialization), access to information and knowledge, and awareness raising. 3 main action

plans are used to actualize green growth. MoE is developing policy on green industries as well as


sustainable agriculture. Green tax and budget reform is also under consideration. Cambodia

wants to develop further activities as well that ensure greener growth.

A number of projects that are under development include: 1) green villages (promoting

sustainable forest management, access to clean energy); 2) enhancing access to clean water

(both in urban and rural areas) 3) sustainable agriculture (chemical free, healthy, organic

produce, increasing the productivity of rice through sustainable means); 4) renewable energy; 5)

increasing forest cover (community forestry); 5) waste management. 6) Sustainable

transportation systems.

Improving economic infrastructure through environmentally-friendly strategies and approaches,

both in terms of enhancing education opportunities for greener growth, taking consideration of

the gender dimension, creating new green jobs, especially in the cities.

Green growth is by nature a cross-sectoral issue, requiring collaboration across ministries and

public and private sectors, as well nations.

Questions and Answer

Where can green jobs intervene with regard to the import of second-hand products/electronic

waste at the end of their life span?

Certain goods, such as hazardous wastes can be regulated under the Basel Convention, which

puts into place prohibitions on the import of such products. Cambodia is a party to this

Convention.

If green jobs in country A are not the same as in country B, what are the potential opportunities

for green jobs in the four main sectors of Cambodia, garments, agriculture, tourism, and

construction?

Jobs associated with technologies with higher environmental compliance standards (often in

most developed countries) would not be the same as in countries where such regulations are

not as stringent (lesser developed countries), therefore the associated employment effects

would not be the same. Green measures can have high returns on investment in a short time,

and this is applicable in many sectors, such as manufacturing. The development of processes

and products that are more environmentally-friendly have economic implications, especially in

light of growing competition in the region. First mover advantages are a real driver for changes

in production practices. In terms of tourism, there is a strong and growing demand for eco-

friendly destinations. This has positive entry points for youth, women, people with disabilities,

especially in rural areas. A fully-fledged strategy for eco-tourism would be viable for Cambodia.

However, structural changes in the economy towards green growth require a longer term vision

at the highest political level.

3.5 Skills for Green jobs

Ms. Carmela Torres, Senior Skills Specialist, ILO DWT. ILO Bangkok

Key challenges involved with promoting green jobs include not only environmental challenges,

such as climate change, environmental degradation, associated economic and social impacts, as


well as skills mismatches between supply and demand in the labour market to encourage the

development of green jobs and the transition to a greener economy

Skills shortages can stand as bottlenecks to the development of green jobs:

• Need for right skills, promoting a just transition ensuring decent work

• Skills need to be relevant to labour market needs

• Policy coherence and institutional coordination is needed for effective governance

ILO-CEDEFOP 2009 Study focused on 21 Countries: 60 percent of the world population, 59

percent of global GDP, 64 percent of global CO2 emissions

Drivers of change identified: changing natural or built environments/policy regulation—

environmental policies and other policies affecting the ecological footprint of country—this

involves trade and industrial policies/technology and innovation—can affect workers at the

technical level, such as engineers and architects/markets for green industries/and consumer

habits

Study compared both environmental policies and skills policies—France was a leader in that it

enacted both strong skills training policies and robust environmental policies

Take away lesson: there is a need to integrate skills development policies and strategies with

environmental policies, need to look into national policies and plans so both skills development

and environmental policies are mutually-supportive.

In terms of green stimulus packages, USA and China were leaders in green measures, but low

skills development policies; on the other hand, Korea had a high percentage of stimulus

allocated to both

In general, policies to include skills dimension in greening measures has been limited, due to

lack of information among others.

Changing skills needs: green structural changes include both quantitative numbers of jobs as

well as qualitative profile of the job itself. Degree of skills change determines if occupational

profiles merge (are redefined) or change

Additional jobs will be created, although some employment will be substituted, certain jobs may

be eliminated without direct replacement, though new jobs created will offset those lost

Sectors affected and retraining needs: agriculture, forestry and fisheries: for example, refocus

on organic foods, shift to more sustainable harvesting practices/extracting industries and fossil-

fuel energy generation—new green technologies/emissions intensive manufacturing, in

particular automotive industries, energy generation

Skills changes can range from modified occupational profiles to little to no change in occupation.

This can range from low to high. For example, bus drivers who drive eco-friendly buses do not

have a changed occupational profile, whereas farmers skill sets will change a certain degree in

the transition to more organic processes. Thus, new jobs are not necessarily gained or lost, but

new skills are created. New occupations that emerge require more intensive training and

focused education.


Therefore, changes in existing occupations outnumber new ones. Skills content for occupations

to become greener: this is far from uniform across countries. Many changes relate to knowledge

about regulations in the market.

Generic and core skills: strategic and leadership skills for policy-makers and business executives.

Adaptability and transferability skills, environmental awareness, all underline the fact that

certain skills for green jobs are fundamental.

Major skills shortages in certain sectors and occupations, particularly core skills are lacking.

Multi-skilling requirements are necessary, both in management, technology, and other technical

skills.

Why are there shortages?

Underestimated growth of some sectors such as for green technologies; a general lack of

scientists and engineers; national skills structures which do not meet skills demand; low

reputation of sectors— failure to attract trainees.

Skills responses for greener economies: this occurs at different levels, including enterprise,

industry, government (national, regional, local) universities, training providers, research

institutes, civil society, etc. Multisectoral engagement is crucial.

Effectiveness includes targeting responses in the labour market, must take place at the industry

level, public private partnerships, with multi-level engagement most important

Anticipating Skills Changes:

Measurement challenges include the dynamic and inclusive nature of green jobs, limited labour

market information and skills identification. Tripartism in identification of skills challenges are

crucial.

If labour market information is not readily available, demography matters, because surplus of

workforce gives wrong abundance of available skills.

Employment services, business development, labour market programmes, regulatory services all

important

These interventions must be timely and supported by a suite of measures

• Labour market information must be kept updated

• Active labour exchange mechanism must be in place

• Training and retraining systems must be well developed

General Conclusions:

Green change is happening and skills dimension matters

Success depends on coordination between institutional actors and level of response

mechanisms


Questions and Answer

Ministry of Agriculture: What is a green job versus a non-green job? How does this relate to

green change in skills profiles? Please give an example of green versus non-green job. Are there

any positive impacts of climate change?

This is a new topic for those working in skills development as well. An occupation can be green

without new training, if they already are categorized as being associated with environmental

management, such as forestry. However, other occupations can be made more green through

training and education, such as plumbers and electric technicians. Jobs that are aligned with

international social and environmental guidelines also can determine whether an occupation is

green or not. These can be industry-driven, such as CSR practices.

A positive impact of climate change is the market driver for possible economic/competitive

advantages reaped through greening employment. As mentioned previously, certain green

sectors are growing much faster than conventional sectors. As estimated by ILO, 38 percent of

labour force works in energy intensive sectors, underlining that that degree of the labour force

is exposed to these the changing skills requirements. So in essence there is excess supply of

workers but a growing demand for skills.

3.6 ILO Employment intensive investment programme and climate change adaptation

Mr. Chris Donnges, Senior Specialist on Employment-Intensive Investments: ILO employment

intensive investment programme, ILO DWT, Bangkok

Aim to introduce approaches that help integrate the use of local resources in public works and

infrastructure development, operation and maintenance, which includes local participatory

planning, labour-based technology, community and petty contracting, and community operation

and maintenance

This involves local communities organizing and mobilizing themselves to address and adapt to

climate change.

Many poor and vulnerable communities are likely to disproportionately suffer from changing

weather patterns.

3 Main Areas where Public Investments can be tailored to climate change:

• Irrigation, water, and soil conservation (including forestry works)

• Flood control protection and drainage

• Rural transport and roads

These approaches are intrinsically environmentally friendly because they use environmentally

friendly construction methods, less equipment, more labour intensive methods, all these can be

applied to the development of infrastructure that supports both adaptation and poverty

reduction goals. Taken together, this can be defined as locally-resource based approaches.

Changes in local climates: higher temperatures, more concentrated rainfall, droughts

Cambodia is not one of the most vulnerable to effects of climate change not because of the

frequency of climate-induced weather changes but because it has the very low adaptive capacity.


In Cambodia, the North is more exposed to floods, the South drought and soil erosion

Adaptation: Local resource-based methods for irrigation and watershed development in Nepal:

savings per workday evident

Key sectors:

• Irrigation, soil and water conservation all important responses to these effects

• Flood protection include small contractors creating dykes, floodwalls, storm drains etc.

• Intervention in Battambang worked to rehabilitate the urban streets and drainage

• In Phillipines, ILO helped to clear creeks and waterways to reduce flooding

• Rural transport—employment creation from road construction and maintenance

Conclusion: direct benefits (public assets and incomes generated) as well as indirect benefits

(skills development, decentralization)

Cambodia’s National Social Protection Strategy in the works, ILO hopes that this will serve to

reflect income generation and climate change adaptation responses as key priorities

Questions and Answers

In Cambodia there are different definitions of social development. Forest concessions made on

the part of the government, can these be considered green jobs?

The answer is no. Firstly, clear cutting of primary forest is a major loss of biodiversity and

ecology. Secondly, monocropping of agriculture is not environmentally sustainable, due to the

intensive processes involved.

3.7 Experiences and Approaches toward Improved Energy Efficiency in Global Apparels

Limited – a case study of IFC,s Energy Efficiency in Cambodia Garment Sector Project

Ms. Catherine Vaillancourt-Laflamme, Training Specialist, ILO Better Factories Cambodia

Mr. Vanlo Ry, Compliance Manager, Global Apparels

BFC and International Finance Corporation both involved in ensuring safe labour practices and

efficient energy practices for greater competitiveness in the sector. This led to a collaboration

and a baseline study on energy usage (lighting, machinery, etc.), to better understand cost

structure of energy consumption among 31 factories in the sector. A Report was compiled and

generic guidelines were later released. A detailed energy audit was conducted on 7 of the

factories and is soon to be released.

The main objective of the exercise was to minimize costs of energy consumption. This

presentation focuses on best practices in reducing costs and environmental impact that were

realized in Global Apparels Limited (GAL).

Energy saving practices of GAL:

Notices posted to keep the room temperature at above 23c degree, led to lower levels of energy

consumption


This involved assigning a responsible person for monitoring and ensuring all electrical

equipment and lighting is on/off at appropriate times

Factory install transparent sheets on the wall to provide for natural lighting as opposed to new

lighting

Engineering Controls were put in place, as were reflectors around lights to reduce the need for

new lighting

Replacing the fluorescent lights with more efficient models

Diesel boilers replaced with wooden boilers

New switches put in place at sewing machines

Participating in IFC Project provided for free energy audit, as well as increased interest from

buyers

Many low cost opportunities identified as well. Fast payback period was less than two years for

some actions, others, including the installation of smaller generators, had payback investments

over 2 years.

3.8 Panel Discussion: Perspectives on Green Jobs in Cambodia (Opportunities/Challenges)

ILO- Mr. Vincent Jugault introduced the topic of panel discussion, which include what the

perspective is on green jobs on the part of the constituents, and whether there are areas of

collaboration that may be identified for future tripartite work for green jobs.

MoLVT- Mr. Yi Kanitha: The Cambodian government has been working to develop green jobs

already, although they are not necessarily named as such. For example, in the garment

manufacturing sector, regulations/industrial policy put forward by government has helped the

garment industry become more competitive, which might be considered green. Also, the

introduction of WIND/WISH/WIS-CON in the rural provinces, especially in the informal economy

might be seen as a green activity, as participants trained learned how to make more efficient

use of chemical inputs in the agricultural sector. This took place in 24 provinces. There are

challenges, including low levels of knowledge, finance, etc. but the work serves as a good

example.

GMAC- Mr. Ly Tek Heng: The garment industry is a core industry for Cambodia. While green

jobs might be considered a new term, GMAC has worked closely with partners and members

and to this effect may be relevant. Skills remains a major issue for the introduction of green jobs

in the sector. Training for Cambodians is important in this regard so garment factories can be

better managed by nationals as opposed to internationals. Financial incentives for employers on

the part of the government to promote greener practices are also worthy of consideration. In

Cambodia, the garment sector has highest energy costs of all countries in the region, which

serves as an obstacle to continued investments. GMAC looks forward to receiving the

guidelines/audits of the sector from IFC to introduce these methodologies to its members.

Energy saving is a major area for future work.


Mr Vong Sovan, Cambodia Confederation of Trade Union: Environmental issues, as well as

climate change issues are global in nature. Green jobs may be a new concept but some activities

have been undertaken that might be considered green. With many new labour market entrants,

trade unions want to encourage greater opportunities for employment, especially green

employment. Training is important in this regard, and the government should work to promote

new skills. OSH should be seen as a central issue in the promotion of green jobs. Reduced safety

leads to reduced productivity, so OSH is of key importance to the green jobs agenda. Incentives

are also an important strategy for green job creation. Short term contracting is also

counterproductive to the green job agenda, as workers do not have any job security so they

cannot be expected to see the importance of green measures. In sum, OSH and climate change

are key elements of realizing greener businesses. The trade union welcomes the idea of green

jobs in Cambodia, and while the MoE has been working to promote environmental sustainability,

trade unions have been ignored as a social partner. This needs to change, and the trade unions

very much hope to have a collaborating role in the future.

Vincent Jugault, Wrap up: The government has called for more training and support for the

green job agenda in Cambodia. Trade unions also express an interest in promoting green jobs,

both with regard to new skills and improving safety in the workplace. GMAC also sees relevance

in skills training. Questions involve what kind of policy measures should be in place to further

these goals.

Questions and Answers

Question, Ministry of Agriculture: Is there any plans to replace foreign workers who hold

management positions with local workers? Is there any human resource development plans to

replace foreign workers with local workers in the coming years?

Answer, GMAC: Indeed there is such a plan in place. For 10 years running, GMAC has been

involved in supporting a training institute to provide instruction to different workers, such as

operators and mechanics. As factories have grown in number in Cambodia, the number of

supervisors has grown as well. There are many local skilled workers in the sector. However,

factories mostly recruit middle-managers, and because Cambodians are often not qualified, the

factories must resort to hiring foreign nationals. However many factories would like to change

this practice as it is very cost-prohibitive. The development agency AFD has expressed interest in

supporting an initiative where training for middle-management will be delivered for

Cambodians. MoLVT is working very closely with GMAC to accelerate this process.

Question, Microfinance Institution: It appears that there are many enterprises that do not take

into account OSH. Introducing the concept of green jobs appears problematic for the MoLVT as

it may be an additional burden, or responsibility. What is the MoLVT’s thoughts on this?

Answer, MoLVT: The Ministry has expanded its activities promoting OSH, with 2011 witnessing

officials working in 24 provinces, many in charge of OSH. Training of trainers activities are being

implemented in that official can better train private actors, so OSH can better be better

implemented. OSH Department of MoLVT is working with ILO, WHO and others to train about

occupational insurance scheme. Knowledge is important in reducing OSH risks in the workplace.


Question, Ministry of Womens’ Affairs: Normally, when discussing green jobs and green

growth, green refers to environment. While upgraded technologies are important in improving

environmental quality, what bearing does this have on jobs?

Answer, GMAC: Recommending to change technology does not necessarily mean change will

occur. There are no challenges if factories are willing to invest. For employers with limited

capacities, there will be issues. Green jobs must be framed in terms of profits and losses, if there

are gains, companies will embrace the concept.

Question, How to measure green jobs? Indicators must be developed so that green jobs can be

better evaluated. What about decent work and how can this be conceptualized and measured

as well? Green jobs require everyone to engage in the development of green jobs concept in

Cambodia.

3.9 Wrap Up: The Way Forward and Follow up Action

Vincent Jugault: These final questions indicate overwhelming support for the concept of green

jobs, albeit certain caveats. Also, the greater involvement of trade unions, the need for

integrated policymaking—supported by ILO—as well as the skills gaps which need to be

addressed.

Closing Statement, Jiyuan Wang: Vincent provided a good summary of the issues. The day

worked to introduce the concept of green jobs, skills needs and challenges in promoting green

jobs. If there are still questions, this is positive because it underlines the need to follow up with

future action. This will require a wide suite of approaches, addressing all dimensions of

sustainable development. The question remains how to create green jobs, how to maintain

green jobs in Cambodia, and how to ensure green jobs can continue to be expanded. In the

context of the next DWCP for Cambodia, it needs to be addressed how green jobs can be

integrated, or whether existing outcomes of the DWCP need to be greened over the course of

the next 5 years. ILO hopes that in the next 5 years awareness on green jobs will be built,

capacity will be developed, and all Constituents will be involved.

Mr. Sophorn Tun thanked the participants and organizers for successful organization of the

workshop, and adjourned the workshop.

ILO Green Jobs Awareness Raising Workshop Report 2011… · It also aimed to identify priorities...

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