skills gap and anticipate the future workforce needs for a green economy transition.
In addition to re-skilling workers, there is a need to ensure managers develop the new perspectives, awareness and capacities required for ensuring a smooth transition. A recent OECD study noted that “[b]usinesses will need to ensure that their managers are able to learn and understand the new skills needed to respond to the changes taking place within their realms of responsibility; to develop more green-oriented managerial capacities; as well as to make adequate use of the skills their staff has obtained” (OECD 2010c).
For many countries and businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, support from governments, inter-governmental organisations and non-governmental organisations in re-skilling workers and management will be required. It is also important to remember that while some groups and regions will make significant gains in the transition to a green economy, others will incur substantial losses. In those cases where jobs will be lost, support will be needed to shift workers to new jobs or provide social assistance. In the fisheries sector, for example, fishermen may need to be trained for alternative livelihoods, which could include participation in the rebuilding of fisheries stocks.