Dear reader,

In this issue, I am excited to share a major milestone: the launch of PROGREEN’s Landscape Governance Assessment e-course. This self-paced, free course distills lessons from the World Bank’s forests and landscapes work into practical tools for assessing governance challenges and strengthening institutions at the landscape level.

You will also find inspiring stories of knowledge and investment driving real change on the ground—from how new forest data are reshaping local decision-making in Nepal, to how sustainable forest management is creating jobs and economic opportunity in Burkina Faso, Mexico, and Brazil. We explore how sustainable aquaculture can support livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience, and spotlight a PROGREEN-supported training in Mexico focused on building institutional capacity for gender-inclusive forest governance.

Finally, we look back at recent events, including the e-course launch webinar and the Forests for the Future discussion, which reinforced a shared message: when strong governance, data, and partnerships come together, forests and landscapes can deliver real benefits for people and economies.

As we wrap up 2025 and head into the holiday season, I would like to extend my thanks to you, the reader, for your continued engagement with PROGREEN. We hope you enjoy this edition and will share it widely with your networks.

Siet Meijer

Program Manager, PROGREEN

From Data to Action: Enabling Sustainable Forest Management in Nepal

With high-resolution forest data now available for every municipality, Nepal is transforming how its forests are managed.

The new maps reveal where forests are thriving and where they’re under pressure, guiding smarter planning and climate action. This is a major step toward resilient landscapes and stronger local economies. Read the blog to learn more.

Forests at Work:

Jobs Grounded in the

Natural Wealth of Countries

Job creation is central to the World Bank Group’s vision of creating a world free of poverty on a livable planet. 

The sustainable management of forests—which cover more than 30% of the earth’s surface—will allow countries to unlock new employment pathways that reduce poverty, drive growth, and protect the environment.

The Aquaculture Digital Roadmap

The World Bank Aquaculture Digital Roadmap highlights sustainable aquaculture as a strategic priority for delivering development impact.

The roadmap focuses on strengthening knowledge, capacities, and awareness across the World Bank to unlock aquaculture’s potential in landscape and seascape investments—supporting economic growth, reducing poverty, improving food security, and building resilience to climate change in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.