The World Bank Group (WBG) is actively supporting countries in achieving sustainable economic development while conserving natural resources. The organization has generated knowledge and tools, invested directly in nature-based solutions, and mobilized private sector investments. As a result, about 45 million hectares of landscapes and seascapes were brought under enhanced conservation or management through projects active in the WBG’s portfolio in 2024. This included $4 billion of direct investments in biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The WBG employs a multi-pronged approach to help countries manage their natural resources sustainably. It provides knowledge, decision-support tools, and analytics to inform policy dialogues and investments. For instance, the Changing Wealth of Nations program offers a comprehensive wealth database that includes human capital and natural capital across 151 countries.
"In the realm of investing in and mobilizing finance for nature," states the release, "the WBG is one of the leading financiers of nature globally." In fiscal year 2024, the World Bank's active portfolio integrated nature considerations into economic policy across nearly 60 countries.
Foundational knowledge such as the Changing Wealth of Nations supports investment in nature by integrating it into economic decision-making. Through its Global Program on Sustainability, the World Bank has helped 30 countries develop natural capital accounts. In FY24 alone, four countries used nature analytics to inform projects worth around $50 million.
The World Bank has also been instrumental in mobilizing approximately $600 million of private capital through environment-related operations approved between FY22-24. Notably, it supported Seychelles with issuing the world’s first sovereign blue bond using guarantee funds.
Collaboration plays a key role in these efforts. The World Bank works alongside organizations like NASA and the European Space Agency to integrate modern digital technologies for better measurement impacts. Additionally, partnerships with other Multilateral Development Banks focus on subjects ranging from climate finance reporting to promoting circular economy approaches.
Looking forward, "the World Bank Group will continue scaling up nature analytics and nature finance work for a clean, green, and blue planet." Initiatives like the Global Challenge Program on “Forests for Development, Climate, and Biodiversity” will enhance support for sustainable forest economies focusing on critical ecosystems worldwide.