GEA has been responding to disasters since 1994. Over this time, the volunteer organisation has conducted more than 45 SAR missions and other humanitarian interventions in the wake of earthquakes, explosions, floods and landslides.
GEA’s activities also include delivering medical assistance, post-disaster needs assessments, logistical support and the distribution of relief items.

The JTI Foundation has enjoyed a strong partnership with GEA since 2005. Throughout the partnership, operational capacity at GEA has consistently increased, improving GEA’s ability to deploy its volunteer SAR teams in response to disasters both in Turkey and abroad.

GEA is aiming for a greater range and larger number of more effective search and rescue deployments. With The JTI Foundation’s support, as many as 1,000 GEA volunteers will have their search and rescue skills enhanced. To improve disaster-preparedness, 120 training sessions and workshops will be delivered to GEA volunteers.

Further program deliverables include networking with national and international NGOs and public institutions, and sharing GEA’s experience and best practice with international disaster agencies and the global SAR community. GEA’s administrative infrastructure will also be strengthened. A permanent administrative staff is developing to improve project, financial and volunteer management.

GEA is working closely with the UN’s International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and GEA’s teams will accomplish ‘Light SAR team’ accreditation in 2019.  This will be achieved through further capacity building, readiness and continuous development of the Light SAR team.

Approximately 1,000 victims of disasters will benefit from the program over its duration.

Key numbers

OVER 20 YEARS OF INVESTMENT IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES

45

Countries where we have supported our partners’ work in response to a growing range of threats to life and livelihood

50

Million USD invested since 2001 to help communities better prepare for – and recover from – natural and man-made disasters

100

Projects addressing a broad range of challenges, including mine-clearance, emergency shelter, resilient housing solutions and capacity building

Other projects

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Do you have a project in mind?

The JTI Foundation works with some of the most renowned organizations in the fields of disaster risk management and disaster response. If you think you have a project that meets our criteria, please use this link to complete an application.

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Preparedness

We support measures that increase the preparedness of communities threatened by natural disasters. We assist in project design and implementation and promote risk awareness and community collaboration.

Response

We invest in partnerships that allow us to provide rapid and effective support to victims in the immediate aftermath of disasters, including droughts, earthquakes, floods, famines and armed conflicts.

Resilience

We promote projects that help communities recover from the impact of disasters and strengthen their resilience – rebuilding lives and livelihoods as quickly and sustainably as possible.

About us

Established in 2001, the JTI Foundation is a charitable organization registered under Swiss law and financially endowed by JT International SA.

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