Launched in December 2024, the China-WBG Global Center for Ecological Systems and Transitions (CWGC) aims to contribute to large-scale ecosystem conservation and restoration through structured, two-way knowledge exchange between China and developing countries. The CWGC curates and disseminates scalable solutions from China, while also bringing cutting-edge knowledge to China. It is a partnership between the Ministry of Finance of the People’s Republic of China and the World Bank Group (WBG), with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) designated as the key delivery partner.
As a dedicated global knowledge exchange center, the CWGC is a tangible example of the WBG’s Knowledge Bank in action, and the new step in the evolving WBG-China partnership from primarily financing toward a more selective engagement built on knowledge, innovation, and mutual learning. It also contributes to WBG’s jobs strategy: ecosystem restoration creates measurable employment where the gap is most acute, with afforestation and reforestation yielding 275–625 direct jobs per $1 million invested and watershed restoration generating 166–500.
The CWGC delivers knowledge through:
Knowledge Curation and Analytics that synthesize cutting-edge knowledge on ecosystem conservation and restoration, drawing on both WBG and external sources, including case studies on policies and the development of a ‘menu of scalable solutions’ from China.
Knowledge Exchange and Learning through structured knowledge sharing programs, including the Ecological Civilization Flagship Knowledge Program (yearly), the Ecological Civilization Dialogue Series (bimonthly), and selected bilateral study tours in China.
Country Engagement and Partnerships that translate knowledge into action by facilitating long-term country engagement through technical assistance in response to country demand and in coordination with WBG country and regional programs. Early engagement is being pursued across countries in Africa and Latin America.
