Baseline descriptive and analytical findings of the GIZ Regional Project for “Crisis Response in Earthquake- Affected Areas” (CREA) in Syria and Türkiye.

Baseline Report

Executive Summary

Background: Background: In February 2023, parts of Syria and Türkiye experienced two of the worst earthquakes in recent history, causing widespread destruction to infrastructure and directly affecting the lives and livelihoods of more than 15 million people. In northwest Syria, the impacts of the earthquake were particularly severe, exacerbating existing fragility after years of armed conflict in the region. The earthquake increased household vulnerability and reduced their capacity to cope with shocks, with marginalized groups and women being disproportionately affected. 

Program objectives and activities: Against this backdrop, the regional project ‘Crisis Response in Earthquake-Affected Areas in Syria and Türkiye’ (CREA), implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), provides holistic, multisectoral support to strengthen the resilience of populations residing in earthquake-affected areas, enabling them to respond more effectively to future shocks. Particular focus is given to women and girls.

CREA focuses on four key sectors: education, health, livelihoods, and disaster risk reduction/management (DRR/DRM). In the education sector, teachers receive integrated training in pedagogical skills, including modern and trauma-sensitive teaching methods, alongside structured psychosocial support.

To read more about the methodology, findings, and recommendations for future programming, you can download the full report.