Dear reader,

I am thrilled to share with you the latest edition of our newsletter with exciting updates and insights from PROGREEN. 

You can now find our 2024 Annual Report online. Our Annual Report showcases PROGREEN’s engagement around the world from analytical support, training, and policy dialogue, to helping countries invest in their forests and landscapes. I encourage you to read the report and discover how our partnership is improving sustainable forestry and landscape practices for people and the environment.

In addition to our annual report, I'm excited to announce the launch of our official LinkedIn channel! This platform will serve as a hub for sharing insights, expert perspectives, and updates from PROGREEN. We encourage you to follow us, engage with our content, and share your own stories and achievements. Together, we can amplify our efforts and continue to make a positive impact on our forests and landscapes. 

Our editorial and digital section features compelling stories from around the globe. Discover how communities in Burkina Faso and Ethiopia are combating land degradation and drought, Nepal's expansion of forest cover, Morocco's efforts to preserve its oases, and more. These stories make the case clear: investments in landscapes and nature bring positive benefits for people, economies, and the environment. 

Kind regards,

Siet Meijer

Program Manager, PROGREEN

Resilient Lands, Thriving Futures:

Communities Leading the Fight Against Land Degradation and Drought 

Droughts are becoming more frequent and affecting the poorest the most. From Burkina Faso to Brazil, & from Ethiopia to Jordan, governments & communities are fighting against land degradation & drought. This new immersive story showcases how countries & communities adapt to the changing climate by safeguarding land and water resources for future resilience. Discover more about how the World Bank supports investments in land and water management.

Supporting Private Trees for Nepal’s Inclusive Development

Nepal’s forest cover has expanded from 25% to 46% over the last 25 years. About half of Nepali households have private trees, providing non-timber forest products like firewood, fodder, and leaves, with a growing demand for fruit trees. Supporting private tree planting can bring many development benefits, including household energy, livelihoods, resilience of crop and livestock production, and less pressure on community forests.

Morocco's Oases: A Unique Heritage Promoted by Local Communities

Morocco is working to preserve and revitalize its oases, which are vital for cultural, natural, and human heritage, while addressing climate change and water scarcity. The national strategy focuses on sustainable agriculture, water management, and improving local well-being. The World Bank supports these efforts through resilient palm plant distribution and projects that create economic opportunities for vulnerable groups.

Greening the Desert:

The Role of Landscape Restoration in Uzbekistan's Battle Against Sand and Dust Storms

The Aralkum Desert, once the thriving seabed of the Aral Sea, has become a major source of sand and dust storms, causing severe environmental and economic damage in Uzbekistan and neighboring countries. In response, Uzbekistan has launched an ambitious restoration project, planting native vegetation to stabilize the soil, reduce dust storms, and revitalize local economies. Supported by international partners like the World Bank, these efforts aim to restore 500,000 hectares of land, mitigate climate change, and provide significant economic and health benefits to the region.

Forests for Resilience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes Region

Rwanda is investing in its natural capital to create jobs, generate revenues, and build resilience to climate change through Volcanoes Community Resilience Project, with support from PROGREEN, IDA and the Global Environment Facility. By supporting climate-smart agriculture, erosion control, and enhancing ecotourism, the project boosts local economies, protects vital infrastructure, and safeguards the habitat of mountain gorillas. With local communities at the heart of conservation efforts, this initiative promises long-term resilience for both people and the environment.

Generating Key Insights for Designing Multifunctional Landscapes in the Argentine Chaco

The Argentine Chaco, home to indigenous communities and unique biodiversity, is facing growing challenges. The advancement of deforestation—largely driven by agricultural expansion for livestock and crops—is placing immense pressure on its biodiversity and ecosystems. To address this, PROGREEN has supported a critical analytical study aimed at balancing agricultural production with environmental conservation.

Strengthen Central Asia’s GIS Capacity for Resilient Landscape and its Restoration

The World Bank's RESILAND CA+ Program in the Kyrgyz Republic focuses on addressing land degradation and mudflow impacts through a combination of green, grey, and nature-based solutions. The project team has developed web-based GIS tools, using platforms like ESRI and Google Earth Engine, to model landscape restoration interventions and assess sites for forestation and soil stabilization efforts. These tools, along with upcoming training, will support the planning of green interventions in Kyrgyz Republic and be shared with neighboring Central Asian countries to enhance regional GIS capacity and tackle land degradation issues.