The green sector is becoming increasingly strategic in national and international economic development and, consequently, in the labor market. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the transition to a green economy could generate 24 million new jobs globally by 2030. In Europe, the European Commission estimates that the green transition, if implemented correctly, could create around one million jobs by 2030 and two million by 2050.
In Serbia, the renewable energy sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by the country’s commitment to ecological transition and sustainability policies. The government has held auctions for renewable energy projects, including wind and solar power, which are expected to generate substantial job opportunities. The renewable energy sector has seen notable development, with incentives for 400 megawatts of wind and 50 megawatts of solar power projects.
Regarding sustainable forest management, Serbia has made strides in promoting responsible forest management practices. The first FSC Interim Forest Stewardship Standard (IFSS) for Serbia was published, aiming to ensure social responsibility, environmental protection, and economic sustainability. The forestry sector is supported by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), which focuses on sustainable management and carbon sequestration.
These initiatives are expected to create new job opportunities and contribute to rural development, while also preserving biodiversity and combating climate change.
In Italy, the energy sector and the sustainable forest management sector are experiencing significant growth in terms of job opportunities, driven by ecological transition and sustainability policies. According to the ENEA 2023 report, the renewable energy sector has generated over 120,000 jobs in the last five years, thanks to the expansion of solar, wind, and hydropower plants and the growth of Renewable Energy Communities that are affecting the entire country.
At the same time, the forestry sector, encouraged by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), is developing new activities related to sustainable management and carbon sequestration. FAO stressed that sustainable forest practices can create opportunities for rural communities, generating income and preserving biodiversity.
The choice of NeXt Economia within the innovative European project Green at You, realized in Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta, and Serbia, was to create specialized training courses in these two important sectors, aiming to provide skills and tools to the future Animators of Renewable Energy Communities and Sustainable Forest Managers.
The training courses, carried out in collaboration with companies and organizations expert in their respective sectors, will be completely free and will provide participants with the recognition by the Polytechnic University of Madrid of the micro-credentials obtained, which will be automatically included in the Europass CV valid throughout Europe for each participant.
