Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the World Bank Group's activities in Burkina Faso Core Insights - The World Bank Group (WBG) is perceived as a relevant development partner in Burkina Faso, with positive ratings for its effectiveness and alignment with local development priorities [31][49][56] - Stakeholders express a desire for the WBG to focus on addressing fragility, conflict, and violence, with education and transport infrastructure also highlighted as key priorities [57][60] - Familiarity with the WBG correlates with more positive perceptions of its effectiveness and trustworthiness [46][34] Summary by Sections Objectives - The survey aims to understand stakeholder perceptions of the WBG in Burkina Faso, focusing on familiarity, trust, effectiveness, and development priorities [4] Methodology Overview - Conducted from March to April 2024, the survey had a response rate of 81% with 407 participants [5][6] Overall Context - Stakeholders emphasize the need for the WBG to align its efforts with local priorities and to support infrastructure development [10][15] Overall Attitudes Toward the WBG - Trust in the WBG is higher than in other multinational institutions, with a mean rating of 6.2 [13][35] Key Performance Indicators - Ratings for the WBG's relevance, effectiveness, and influence on development policy are positive, with significant improvements noted since FY19 [31][32] World Bank Group's Support for Development Areas - Addressing fragility and education are top priorities for stakeholders, with a notable increase in the emphasis on transport infrastructure [57][60] Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work - Respondents value the WBG's financial instruments and knowledge work, with a significant portion reporting positive experiences [76][82] Communication and Outreach - Stakeholders prefer more engagement with local governments and civil society to enhance the WBG's effectiveness [73][66] Future Role of the World Bank Group in Burkina Faso - The WBG is seen as needing to adapt its strategies to better meet the evolving needs of Burkina Faso [60][74]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the tourism sector in The Gambia Core Insights - The tourism sector in The Gambia presents significant opportunities for women's participation, entrepreneurship, and leadership, but faces challenges such as low pay, informal business structures, and risks of exploitation [9][12] - Women in tourism are more likely to be employers compared to other sectors, yet they encounter barriers including lack of skills, restrictive gender norms, and discriminatory hiring practices [9][12] - The assessment highlights a gender gap in employment, with women constituting 35% of full-time employees in tourism, compared to 65% for men, resulting in a gender gap of 29 percentage points [9][10] - The report emphasizes the need for improved data collection and targeted interventions to address gender disparities in the tourism sector [10][11] Summary by Sections Executive Summary - The tourism sector offers opportunities for women's participation and entrepreneurship, but challenges persist, including low pay and risks of exploitation [9] - Women face barriers such as lack of skills and discriminatory hiring practices, which contribute to lower participation rates [9] - The assessment documents gender disparities and key issues hindering women's participation and earnings in tourism [9] Introduction - The travel and tourism sector is a significant contributor to The Gambia's GDP and job creation, particularly for women [12] - The assessment aims to understand women's participation in tourism and the underlying barriers to better economic outcomes [12] Methodology - The Gender Gap Analysis examines women's participation in tourism through employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership [16] - Data collection involved desk research, stakeholder mapping, and interviews with key informants in the tourism sector [20][23] The Gambia Context - The Gambia's tourism is primarily sun and sea focused, with limited diversification into eco-tourism and cultural tourism [28] - The sector has faced challenges due to climate change, COVID-19 impacts, and a lack of infrastructure [28][29] Gender Gap Analysis - The analysis reveals significant gender disparities in employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership within the tourism sector [9][10] - Women are underrepresented in leadership roles, with only 8.6% of parliamentary seats held by women [10] Recommendations - The report provides recommendations for advancing gender equality in tourism, including enhancing skills development, diversifying tourism activities, and improving data collection [11][15] - The World Bank's Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project aims to strengthen the tourism sector and integrate gender actions [14][15]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The demand for coastal defenses is increasing due to escalating coastal risks from storms and climate change, with mangroves and coral reefs offering valuable coastal protection services by reducing waves and storm surges [11][12] - The present value of flood reduction benefits from mangroves in 2020 is estimated at $855 billion, with significant benefits observed in countries like China, Vietnam, Australia, the US, and India [11][12] - The report highlights the importance of integrating natural capital assets into economic analysis and decision-making processes to enhance coastal resilience [8][11] Summary by Sections Introduction - The report emphasizes the need for evaluating flood reduction benefits and the role of natural coastal defenses in informing policies for adaptation and sustainable development [16][17] - It notes the growing interest in nature-based defenses from international bodies and the importance of incorporating ecosystem-based approaches into disaster risk management strategies [18][19] Water Value in the Context of CWON - The report discusses the comprehensive wealth accounts produced by the World Bank, which include natural capital and its role in risk reduction and adaptation [20] - It highlights the significant coastal protection services provided by mangroves, including their ability to mitigate flooding and erosion [20] Results - The analysis covers 121 nations with mangroves, assessing flood risks and benefits over time, revealing that mangroves protected 22% more people and 59% more capital stock value in 2010 compared to 1996 [11][12] - The report indicates that from 2010 to 2020, mangrove benefits increased more than flood risk for the first time, with over 61% of people receiving direct flood benefits [12] Discussion - The findings underscore the need for policy makers to account for the benefits of mangroves in decision-making processes to prevent habitat loss and enhance coastal resilience [20][21] - The report suggests that investments in the conservation and restoration of mangroves can significantly contribute to flood risk reduction and climate adaptation [12][21] Recommendations - The report provides actionable insights for integrating shoreline protection services provided by mangroves into decision-making processes and promoting sustainable practices for coastal resilience [21][22]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The report highlights that non-wood forest ecosystem services contribute significantly to global natural capital wealth, with an estimated value exceeding US$10 trillion, of which non-wood services account for approximately 73% [19][20]. - The global average marginal value per hectare for non-wood forest ecosystem services in 2020 ranges from US$6.80 for non-wood forest products to US$48 for recreation [19]. - The assessment employs a meta-analytic predictive model using regression and machine learning techniques to estimate the economic value of four ecosystem services: recreation, hunting, fishing, non-wood forest products, and watershed protection [16][19]. Summary by Sections Section 1: Introduction - The introduction discusses the economic benefits generated by forests through ecosystem services, emphasizing the importance of non-wood forest ecosystem services in contributing to natural capital wealth [16][19]. Section 2: Development of Database - This section details the literature review process and the development of a database of non-wood forest ecosystem service valuation studies, incorporating 79 new primary valuation estimates from 677 additional papers [22][23]. - The report identifies that the largest increases in new value estimates come from Asia (34%), Africa (32%), and Europe (19%) [18][19]. Section 3: Methods for Spatial Estimation - The report outlines the construction of predictive models for estimating the value of non-wood forest ecosystem services, utilizing a 0.1º by 0.1º grid to forecast local values globally [20][22]. Section 4: Database Construction and Descriptive Analysis - This section describes the compilation of predictor variables and the construction of a global database to estimate the local value of non-wood forest ecosystem services [20][22]. Section 5: Estimation Results and Global Predictions - The estimation results indicate substantial heterogeneity in values by location and ecosystem service type, with country-level estimates derived from aggregating grid-cell level predictions [20][22]. Section 6: Contribution of Protected Areas - The report develops an operational method for assessing the contribution of protected areas to the value of non-wood forest products, highlighting the economic significance of these areas [20][22]. Section 7: Discussion - The discussion concludes the report by summarizing the findings and emphasizing the need for continued research and valuation of non-wood forest ecosystem services [20][22].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or municipality of Kalamata. Core Insights - Kalamata is positioned as a significant urban center in the Messinia region, with a population growth of 4.4% from 2011 to 2021, contrasting with an overall regional decline of 8.7% [17] - The municipality is experiencing a boost in tourism, particularly with investments in luxury tourism expected to reach €2.5 billion, which will enhance local employment and economic dynamics [12][13] - Agriculture remains a vital sector, with Kalamata olives accounting for 75% of the region's agri-food production, and the sector represents the largest share of enterprises in the municipality [14] - The local economy is diversifying with a focus on sustainability, tourism, agri-food, bioeconomy, and renewable energy as potential growth areas [15] Summary by Sections Quick Facts on Region and Municipal Area - Kalamata is the capital of Messinia, characterized by a low population density of 37.2 inhabitants per km² and rich historical sites [10] - The region is a development pole due to its cultural, educational contributions, and strategic location along major road networks [10] Demographics - The total population of the Messinia regional unit is 146,080, with Kalamata housing 72,906 residents, marking a 4.4% increase since 2011 [17] Human Capital/Labor Market - The potential labor catchment area of Kalamata includes approximately 64,347 individuals, with a labor force participation rate of 67.9% among adults aged 25 to 64 [19][21] - Educational attainment is moderate, with 60% of the workforce having completed secondary school or less [22] Structural Composition of the Economy - As of 2020, there were 11,436 registered enterprises in Kalamata, with a business density of 157 enterprises per 1,000 inhabitants, significantly higher than the European average [36] - Micro and small-to-medium enterprises (MSMEs) account for at least 91% of total registered enterprises, with agriculture, forestry, and fisheries being the largest sector [36][37] Sectoral Analysis - Over 70% of employment is concentrated in four sectors: accommodation and food service activities (20.3%), wholesale and retail trade (20.2%), agriculture (14.5%), and education (14.2%) [38] - Employment in accommodation and food services grew by 47% from 2015 to 2020, while wholesale and retail trade increased by 36% [39] Economic Performance - The municipality's economy is benefiting from significant investments in tourism and infrastructure, which are expected to enhance local employment opportunities [12][13] Private Sector Investments - The report highlights ongoing investments in luxury tourism and infrastructure improvements, including airport connectivity and road enhancements [12][13] Research and Innovation - Kalamata hosts several educational institutions, including the University of Peloponnese, which contributes to the local labor market and innovation [23] Development Opportunities - Future growth areas identified include tourism, agri-food, bioeconomy, and renewable energy, aligning with the municipality's sustainability goals [15]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Gabon's economic recovery is expected to continue, supported by new exploration and growth in mining, wood, and agriculture, despite challenges such as lower oil revenues and increased spending pressures [16] - The forestry sector is emerging as a key driver in Gabon's diversification agenda, contributing significantly to jobs and exports, while also playing a crucial role in climate commitments [19][20] - Gabon's forests absorb approximately 140 million tons of CO2 annually, highlighting their importance in global climate efforts [19] - The government is implementing fiscal reforms to optimize forest resources, aiming to secure higher public revenues and meet environmental goals [22] Summary by Sections Overview - Gabon's economy showed resilience amid political events, with a 3.7% increase in oil output benefiting from high global prices [14] - Inflationary pressures eased, with consumer price inflation falling to 2.2% year-on-year in December 2023, down from a peak of 5.8% [15] - Poverty affected 35.2% of households, with high unemployment and insufficient job creation contributing to economic challenges [15] Recent Economic Trends and Outlook - Global growth declined from 3.0% in 2022 to an estimated 2.6% in 2023, impacting Gabon's economic performance [25] - Gabon's fiscal revenues reached a record high of 22.9% of GDP in 2023, driven by strong oil production and enhanced tax collection [15] - The trade surplus was affected by lower oil prices and weaker performance in wood and manganese exports, with oil constituting 68% of total exports [15] Designing Fiscal Instruments for Sustainable Forestry - The forestry sector accounted for 3.2% of GDP and 6% of exports in 2023, becoming a major source of jobs and economic diversification [20] - Gabon has implemented a log export ban to promote local timber processing, which has transformed the wood sector into a significant economic pillar [20] - Fiscal policies are being reformed to integrate climate-smart instruments, aiming to enhance public revenues while promoting sustainable forestry practices [22][23]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Equatorial Guinea's economy reentered recession in 2023, with GDP growth estimated at -5.7 percent, primarily due to a decline in hydrocarbon production and domestic demand [14][15][38] - The fiscal position deteriorated, with hydrocarbon revenues decreasing from 27.3 percent of GDP in 2022 to an estimated 19.1 percent in 2023, while government spending as a percentage of GDP increased [15][16] - The report emphasizes the need for structural reforms to diversify the economy away from oil dependency and promote sustainable growth, particularly through the forestry sector [19][22][29] Summary by Sections Chapter 1: Recent Economic Developments and Outlook - Economic activity in Equatorial Guinea contracted in 2023, driven by a decline in the hydrocarbon sector, with oil production decreasing by 21.7 percent [14][15] - The non-hydrocarbon sector showed growth, particularly in construction and services [14] - The medium-term economic outlook remains negative, with projected average real GDP growth of -3.7 percent from 2024 to 2026 [17][18] Chapter 2: Designing Fiscal Instruments for Sustainable Forestry - Equatorial Guinea has significant forest resources, covering about 87 percent of its territory, but faces challenges with deforestation and forest degradation [20][21] - The forestry sector's contribution to GDP has declined from 20 percent in 1995 to 0.2 percent in 2023, highlighting the need for local value-added processing [21][22] - The report discusses the potential of fiscal reforms to enhance revenue from the forestry sector, suggesting the implementation of a "bonus-malus" system to incentivize sustainable practices [25][29] - Recommendations include adjusting forest tax rates based on ecological impacts, promoting forest certification, and enhancing community engagement in forest management [29][30]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The report emphasizes the critical role of terrestrial ecosystems, particularly forests, in carbon regulation and climate change mitigation [18][19] - It highlights the importance of accurate carbon stock estimation and valuation for effective environmental policy and investment decisions [21][28] - The ARIES approach is introduced as a method for integrating data and models to assess carbon stocks and ecosystem services [23][29] Summary by Sections Introduction - The introduction outlines the significance of global maps representing modeled vegetation carbon stocks from 2001 to 2020 [17] - It discusses the role of terrestrial ecosystems in providing carbon regulation services and their importance in addressing climate change [18] Overview of Carbon Stock Estimates - The model computes terrestrial carbon stock as the sum of aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, and soil organic carbon stocks [30] - The report provides annual snapshots of carbon stock estimates for various land cover classes, emphasizing the contributions of forests and wetlands [31] Carbon Stock Valuation - The monetary valuation of carbon retention is discussed, focusing on the annual flow of carbon storage and its economic implications [28] - The report aims to produce a comprehensive collection of measurements for carbon stocks, integrating biophysical and monetary values [22] ARIES Approach - The ARIES approach is highlighted for its ability to combine data and models to study the interaction of human and natural systems [23] - It emphasizes interoperability, allowing for the integration of new data and methodologies to improve results [29] Discussion of Results - The report discusses vegetation carbon stock results aggregated by country and disaggregated by land cover class, providing insights into global carbon distribution [5.1][5.2] - It identifies key drivers of change in carbon stocks, including land cover changes and ecological transformations [24][46]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the World Bank Group's activities in El Salvador. Core Insights - The World Bank Group (WBG) is perceived as a long-term partner in El Salvador, with high trust ratings among government institutions, but lower trust from academia and civil society [11][30][46] - Stakeholders emphasize the need for the WBG to enhance collaboration with civil society, academia, and the private sector to increase effectiveness [53][55] Summary by Sections Objectives - The survey aims to understand stakeholder perceptions of the WBG, focusing on familiarity, trust, effectiveness, and development priorities [4] Methodology Overview - The survey was conducted from January to April 2024, with a response rate of 52% from 201 participants [5] Overall Context - Stakeholders suggest that the WBG should design financing strategies that address El Salvador's high debt burden and promote sustainable growth [7] Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group - The WBG is rated highly for its relevance and alignment with development priorities, with a mean rating of 7.8 for its role in development [16][18] Key Performance Indicators - The WBG's effectiveness in helping El Salvador achieve results is rated at 7.5, indicating a positive perception among stakeholders [17][30] World Bank Group's Support for Development Areas - Key areas for WBG focus include education (59%), jobs (48%), and agriculture/food security (36%) [42] Effectiveness of WBG's Support in Sectoral Areas - The WBG's effectiveness ratings in education and social inclusion have declined since FY21, while public service infrastructure received high ratings [43] World Bank Group's Engagement on the Ground in El Salvador - Respondents perceive the WBG as responsive to needs but suggest improvements in data sharing and project supervision [46][50] Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work - Financial resources are considered the WBG's greatest value, with 60% of respondents highlighting their importance [57] Conclusion - The report indicates a generally positive perception of the WBG's role in El Salvador, with specific recommendations for enhancing collaboration and effectiveness in various sectors [41][55]

Investment Rating - The report emphasizes the importance of investing in Blue Biodiversity as a means to support sustainable development and economic growth, aligning with the World Bank's mission to end extreme poverty and boost prosperity on a livable planet [44][46][47]. Core Insights - Blue Biodiversity is crucial for human well-being, providing food, jobs, and ecosystem services that mitigate climate change impacts [22][35][39]. - The estimated natural capital value of the ocean is approximately US$24 trillion, contributing 5% to global GDP, highlighting the economic significance of marine biodiversity [25][48]. - The report advocates for a whole-of-economy approach to safeguard Blue Biodiversity, utilizing tools like Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to manage marine resources effectively [26][30][31]. Summary by Sections The Invaluable Global Ocean - The ocean is vital for sustenance and employment, with marine fisheries providing over 50 million direct jobs and supporting food security for billions [23][24]. - Nature-based tourism generates significant revenue, with coral reefs alone contributing approximately US$11.5 billion annually [24]. Blue Biodiversity Loss—Drivers and Solutions - Blue Biodiversity faces threats from habitat loss, unsustainable practices, pollution, and climate change, necessitating urgent action to halt biodiversity loss [28]. - Effective solutions include area-based management strategies like MPAs and OECMs, which can help restore marine ecosystems [28][30]. Goals of the Report - The report aims to enhance understanding of Blue Biodiversity and promote equitable participation in marine management, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and local communities [30]. - It emphasizes the need for spatial management to facilitate the design and management of protected areas, reducing conflicts among maritime sectors [30][31]. The Economics of Blue Biodiversity - The ocean's marketable goods and services are valued at approximately US$24 trillion, underpinning a gross marine product of US$2.5 trillion annually [48]. - Blue Biodiversity supports various ecosystem services, including food production, carbon sequestration, and recreational opportunities, which are essential for economic stability [48][52]. Safeguarding Blue Nature and the Ocean Asset Base - Protecting Blue Biodiversity is complex due to the open-access nature of many marine resources, requiring integrated management approaches [54][55]. - Assessments and identification of priority spaces for biodiversity conservation are critical for effective marine management [57][58].