NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Action Platform, Global Partnership for Sustainable Solutions (GPSS) and the Indigenous People's Economic Union (IPEU) announce today the launch of an unprecedented development project for 1.2 million acres in one of the richest and most biologically diverse undeveloped tropical regions remaining in the world. 

The three partners in the effort have signed a 25-year agreement for integrated economic, social, and environmental development for the Caraga region in the Philippines.  Specifically the goal is to build a shared value economy for indigenous people through sustainable global businesses, including large-scale agricultural projects (cocoa, coffee, bananas, coconut and corn), responsible mining, and Tree Bank Initiatives to produce lumber and wood products for export and sustain the rainforest, among other sectors.

The work will directly benefit poor, land-holding indigenous people; align with the UN's recently launched Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and create a new global standard for comprehensive economic/environmental/social development that can be replicated.

According to Dr. Scott T. Massey, Chairman and CEO, Global Action Platform, "Our goal is to set a new global standard for sustainable development in underdeveloped and rural regions.  We will work for scalable, sustainable solutions for abundant food, health, and prosperity and align the projects with the new Sustainable Development Goals, just launched by the United Nations."

Bryan Thomas and Jonathan Gershon, GPSS, add, "With our global networks and business expertise, GPSS will identify and vet socially and environmentally responsible companies and impact investors for a multi-stakeholder strategy."

According to Sultan Kapun-on Mamakow Makapandong Julius Salahay Mabandos V, titular leader of the IPEU, "This partnership is a tremendous opportunity for our people and the world.  For the last 500 years, the indigenous people of the Philippines have been disenfranchised and have suffered hardship and deprivation in the midst of rich natural endowments. Today, we are taking our destiny into our own hands.  In forming this agreement between the IPEU and GPSS, we look to a brighter future."

The potential for the groundbreaking new initiative was created in 1997 when the Philippine government declared IPRA Law – The Indigenous People's Rights Act, which allows the Indigenous People of the Philippines to govern their own people, to own their land, and to manage the natural resources on their land.  As a result of this law, title to up to 10M acres in one of the world's richest undeveloped regions has been legally transferred in large blocks back to 21 tribes.

This massive model will require cooperation, collaboration, and capital from International Foundations, Government Agencies, Development Funds, Impact Investors, and Global Corporations. The incredible scope and scale of this integrated initiative can become a paradigm for other regions and nations throughout Southeast Asia and the world.

The GPFSS – IPEU – Global Action Platform alliance is comprised of leaders who have served as advisors for presidents, top government agencies, world development banks, international corporations and NGOs, and represents tribal chiefs who own and govern the Caraga land and rainforest. The Global Action Platform is committed to scalable, sustainable solutions for abundant food, health, and prosperity, and is also networked with the UN, World Bank, and many leading government agencies, universities, and international corporations.

Those desiring to learn more or to inquire regarding collaboration may contact Dr. Scott Massey by email: stmassey@GlobalActionPlatform.org, Bryan Thomas - Bryan@L-evate.com or Jonathan Gershon - jonathan@gpfcapital.com

SOURCE Global Action Platform

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