Economics & Development

There are a range of evolving data services that are described in the Global Biodiversity Data & Analytics eBook along with their potential and limitations. These resources include: Biodiversity Data Explorer: A web-based mapping application providing access to global biodiversity data from the ArcGIS Living Atlas and linking to complementary platforms such as Map of Life and Global Forest Watch; Blue Biodiversity Explorer (co-financed by ProBlue): A web-based mapping application that provides access to selected marine biodiversity and environmental data from the ArcGIS Living Atlas, as well as links to complementary platforms such as Global Fishing Watch, Chlorophyll-a Monthly Deviation, and the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS) ; Forest Data Explorer: A web-based mapping application providing access to global forest data from the ArcGIS Living Atlas and linking to complementary platforms such as Global Forest Watch and forest datasets in Google Earth Engine.

This report explores differences in the pace of development across different rayons in the Kyrgyz Republic, using Small Area Estimation techniques, which allow to measure consumption at the level of 52 rayons and regional cities for 2009 and 2022.

This summary report outlines outreach, knowledge dissemination, and operational support activities conducted under the Global Biodiversity Data and Analytics (P179309) initiative, with a focus on advancing BlueTech and biodiversity-related applications. The activity supported operational teams through the development and customization of data products, including the BlueTech Data Explorer, Knowledge Explorer, interactive eBooks, and geospatial analytics tools. Key engagements included support for blue economy initiatives in the Western Indian Ocean region, the Blue Economy Tracker in Europe and Central Asia, Caspian Sea analytics, and mangrove mapping and visualization for Nigeria’s Blue Economy ASA. The project also delivered an extensive outreach program comprising webinars, conference presentations, workshops, hackathons, and policy dialogues that promoted the use of open biodiversity data, geospatial analytics, and digital technologies for conservation and sustainable development. These events engaged diverse audiences from international organizations, academia, civil society, and development institutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on biodiversity conservation, extinction risk analysis, marine ecosystems, and innovative data-driven approaches. The initiative further strengthened partnerships with organizations such as NASA, ESA, GBIF, UNESCO-OBIS, UN Biodiversity Lab, and the Global Environment Facility, while continuing to support the application of biodiversity and BlueTech analytics in World Bank operations and global environmental initiatives.

The objective of the Second Phase of the Salvador Electromobility Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) Project is to improve quality and reduce emissions in Salvador’s public transport. The project is structured around three mutually reinforcing components. The first and largest component, totaling 85.8 million dollar, targets direct physical investment in e-mobility and supporting infrastructure. It finances the acquisition of approximately 100 electric buses to replace aging diesel fleets, the construction of advanced charging hubs, and the expansion of about 100 km of cycling infrastructure to strengthen first- and last-mile connectivity. Complementary works include upgrades to BRT stations and improvements to sidewalks, crosswalks, and universal access features near high-demand transit corridors. The second component, at 7.5 million dollar, addresses the institutional and digital foundations required to sustain these investments. It supports updating Salvador's Urban Mobility Plan, deploying Intelligent Transport Systems for real-time fleet and energy monitoring, and modernizing concession contract management. A dedicated subcomponent introduces a fast-track workforce training program for women and underrepresented groups, targeting employment as drivers and technicians, with an integrated gender-based violence prevention module. Public communications campaigns are also included to build awareness and demand for sustainable transport options. The third component, valued at 0.4 million dollar, provides institutional support to the project management unit, ensuring sound fiduciary oversight, environmental and social compliance, and robust monitoring and evaluation throughout implementation. Collectively, the three components are designed to deliver measurable impact: reaching over 1.17 million beneficiaries with improved access to sustainable transport, avoiding 61,264 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 260 tonnes of NOₓ by 2032, and achieving a 70% user satisfaction rate, positioning Salvador as a model for low-carbon urban mobility in Brazil.

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is home to the largest share of global poverty and has the widest poverty gap, where, on average, its poor are living much further below the extreme poverty threshold compared to other regions of the world. The common drivers of inequality that need to be addressed to reduce the poverty rate are gaps in relevant human capital accumulation, varying access to jobs and income-generating opportunities, and government interventions to address market-based inequalities. Human capital development is essential for increasing productivity and economic diversification among emerging economies. Improved and sustainable productivity comes from equipping the workforce with the technical skills required for jobs and adaptability to jobs of the future; developing new knowledge, products, and processes through applied technologies; and the ability to adapt existing technology and turn it into marketable goods and services. Human resource capacity in SSA remains low in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Additionally, SSA countries face important challenges at all levels of the education system in the application of digital technology in the educational curricula. Sub-Saharan Africa’s education sector is uncompetitive and non-responsive to the region’s needs, largely because it lags in three areas: undefined quality of programs, relevance of programs, and quality and quantity of graduates in the STEM and TVET areas. The goal of this study was to perform a diagnostic study on the enrollment and quality of STEM education in Ghana for developing priority interventions at the secondary and higher education levels. A thorough understanding of the education system in Ghana is essential for comprehending the broader context of STEM and TVET education.