World Bank [to 6 June 2015]
http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/all
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]
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Building Intelligence Systems Vital to Protect Elephants in Africa
Weak governance and poverty, inadequate natural resource management and increasingly sophisticated crime networks are some of the primary reasons for active ivory trafficking, the report states. Poaching rings are run like sophisticated, established businesses, making it tough for many national law enforcement agencies to catch or prevent poaching in time. Elephant ivory, in addition to rhino horns and tiger products, is among the most sought-after poached items in the world. According to the World Wildlife Fund, poaching is the fifth most profitable illicit trade in the world, estimated at up to $10 billion annually. But protecting the African elephant has much wider implications than preserving the species. For example, it promotes biodiversity and conducive habitats for several other species, and aids tree species with seed dispersal and germination. It also helps maintain a robust tourism industry, which is vital to rural communities that derive thousands of jobs and livelihoods…
Date: June 5, 2015
GEF Approves New $90 Million Grant Program for Global Partnership to Support Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods
WASHINGTON, June 4, 2015 – A $90 million grant program was approved by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) yesterday for a global partnership to promote investments in biodiversity conservation, preserve wildlife and encourage sustainable livelihoods in Africa and Asia. The new Global Partnership on Wildlife Conservation and Crime Prevention for Sustainable Development builds on the urgent need to address wildlife poaching and illegal trade as a development issue that deprives countries of their natural assets. It aims to strengthen cooperation between development partners that will bring together biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods activities, and poverty reduction.“ The GEF is pleased to support the critical fight against illegal wildlife trade and poaching, and we are looking forward to work with country partners and other stakeholders to address this significant driver of biodiversity loss that has such negative impacts on protected area sustainability…
Date: June 4, 2015
Boosting Agriculture, Services and Value Chains is Key to Africa’s Competitiveness
African Competitiveness Report 2015 CAPE TOWN, June 4, 2015—Despite high economic growth, competitiveness in Africa is stagnating, with few signs that productivity is rising, thus hindering the prospect of inclusive and sustained growth. Poor-quality institutions, infrastructure, health and education hold competitiveness down, although efficiency in goods and labor markets is improving. Supporting Africa’s structural transformation will require a comprehensive policy mix that prioritizes transport and ICT infrastructure, education, trade and further regulatory reform. African economies’ prospects for long-term, sustainable growth are under threat from weakness in the core conditions necessary for competitive and productive economies, despite outwardly healthy-looking growth rates in many parts of the region, according to the African Competitiveness Report, which is published today.
Date: June 4, 2015
Type: Press Release
Development Partners Launch Climate and Disaster Resilience Initiative for Sub-Saharan Africa
GENEVA, June 2, 2015 –– The World Meteorological Organization, African Development Bank and World Bank Group today launched an initiative to support the modernization and strengthening of Sub-Saharan African meteorological and hydrological services. These services are key to strengthening resilience to extreme weather events and enabling economic development. Entitled, ‘Strengthening Climate and Disaster Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa’, this initiative is a direct response to the anticipated adverse impacts from climate change, including food insecurity, which pose severe risks to growth and development across the region. “Reliable and real-time weather and climate information is a prerequisite for multiple sectors of the economy, including water, agriculture, transport, energy and public health,” said Makhtar Diop, the World Bank Vice President for the Africa Region.
Date: June 2, 2015
Type: Press Release
Statement by World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim on Carbon Pricing Announcement by Major Oil and Gas Companies
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2015—World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim issued the following statement today: “I welcome the call today for a price on carbon by six of the world’s major oil and gas companies. This is an important step in global efforts to drive the world’s economy toward a low-carbon, resilient future and lower climate risks. The CEOs of BG, BP, ENI, Royal Dutch Shell, Statoil and Total have signaled their intention to act and have drawn attention to the role business must play as governments prepare for climate talks in Paris at the end of this year. Clarity and ambition in Paris can help to reduce uncertainty and stimulate clean investment. We need more business leaders from this industry and others to support putting a price on carbon, which will create new economic opportunities for sustainable energy sources and help move us toward a low-carbon future.”
Date: June 1, 2015
Type: Press Release
GE2P2 Global :: Knowledge Sharing; Ideas; Operations 