Report to the Board from the Committee on Development Effectiveness : Biodiversity for a Livable Planet - An Evaluation of World Bank Group Support for Biodiversity (FY10-24) : An Independent Evaluation and Draft Management’s Response

Overview & Synopsis

The Committee welcomed the evaluation and commended Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) for delivering a comprehensive and timely report. Members noted its strategic relevance, particularly its pertinence to the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP). Several members recognized the evaluation as a valuable input to inform the future direction of the CCAP and broader climate and biodiversity efforts. They also emphasized that biodiversity should remain a central consideration across all World Bank Group (WBG) operations, with particular attention to the synergies between climate and biodiversity. Members expressed strong support for all of IEG’s recommendations and highlighted that the evaluation demonstrates the critical role of biodiversity in sustaining a livable planet. They noted biodiversity’s contributions to food security, soil and human health, marine and crop productivity, livelihoods, and jobs. However, most members also acknowledged that biodiversity loss remains significant and must be urgently addressed. Members stressed the importance of strategic engagement with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) to achieve sustainable and equitable conservation outcomes.