USAID and private sector partners launch platform for sustainable development of the Amazon

USAID and private sector partners launch platform for sustainable development of the Amazon
Calha Norte . Photo: Vanessa Eyng/ECAM
December 20, 2017 The Partnership Platform for the Amazon (PPA) was launched successfully on December 6th, culminating a year of coordination and planning. Through leadership from the private sector, the PPA seeks to stimulate a sustainable Amazon based economy that strengthens small and medium business and fosters local entrepreneurship, while conserving forests and biodiversity. The Legal Amazon geographical region is responsible for 8% of Brazil’s GDP despite representing 60% of Brazilian territory. Its natural resources are under increasing pressure - in the last two years deforestation in the region reached 1.4 million hectares without significant socioeconomic return to the local population.

 

The Partnership Platform for the Amazon was created in part to catalyze collaboration towards transforming this reality through innovative partnerships led by the private sector. One of the PPA priorities will be to provide its members forum and opportunities to share and learn from experiences implementing projects that address current social and environmental challenges in the Amazon. Together, they will work on a common sustainable development model, linking both rural and urban development, and conservation with economic prosperity. Some 100 representatives of local and national companies, Amazon communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), startups and government representatives attended the launch and workshop in Manaus. The United States Ambassador to Brazil, P. Michael McKinley, highlighted in the opening ceremony his belief that “private sector companies will be the agents of transformation that will develop solutions through strategic partnerships using innovation, science, technology and the best management practices”. Sarah-Ann Lynch, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for USAID’s Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean and Michael Eddy, the Director of USAID/Brazil also participated. Lynch stressed USAID’s support to the platform and to agreements that can leverage a sustainable model for the region.

Seven companies presented social and environment projects and investments related to sustainable production and development in Amazon communities. The PPA’s primary goals are to share successful business cases that generated positive social impact, strengthen sustainable businesses and their productive chains and promote environmental conservation by sharing experiences and best practices. The initiative will promote new national and international partnerships among businesses, civil society, investors, governments and local communities and support entrepreneurs.

In closing the PPA launch event Sarah-Ann Lynch remarked how the PPA embodies the overall priorities of USAID and Brazil: to leverage partnerships, local innovations and solutions to address the world’s greatest development challenges such as a sustainable future for Amazon communities. PPA leadership announced that all companies with an interest in conserving natural resources and promoting an environment for sustainable growth in the Amazon region are welcome to join the Platform.