Copenhagen, February 20th, 2023 - Since February 6th, our hearts and minds have been with the people of Turkey and Syria experiencing a horrific tragedy that has directly affected thousands and touched millions around the world. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria last week has cost the lives of over 43,000 people, with the death toll increasing as the days go by. It has left thousands of families homeless, with limited access to basic resources in sub-zero temperatures. As you read these lines, an area twice as large as Denmark has been partially or completely destroyed. A region that was already overwhelmed by the war in Syria and subsequent refugee crisis.
As aid agencies and rescue workers have been working tirelessly to search for buried and missing people, the survivors, who have lost so much already, remain in desperate need of support. A humanitarian crisis such as this one cannot be resolved in mere weeks or months and the Turkish and Syrian people should not be forgotten as the media moves on to newer, more shocking stories.
We, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), are an international organisation with a global network of thousands of schools, beaches, marinas and hospitality establishments all acting for a brighter future through education and sustainable development. Driving this action is a care and compassion for our planet and all those who live on it. When tragedies such as the Kahramanmaras earthquake strike, we lean into our global community, knowing that together, we can accomplish much and help those suffering overcome great hardship.
Alongside our member in Turkey, the local non-profit TÜRÇEV, and the Embassy of Turkey in Denmark, we are seeking the support of our global network in helping the people of Turkey and Syria.
There is an immediate and urgent need for food, shelter, personal hygiene items and medical attention for survivors of the earthquake.
To help meet this need, the Embassy of Turkey in Denmark and FEE member TÜRÇEV, recommend donating to:
Earthquake Humanitarian Aid Campaign (Ministry of Interior, Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency)
Other international agencies providing aid on the ground include:
If you are not able to donate at this time, we encourage you to organize fundraising activities with your community. These could include:
A charity event such as an auction, car wash, a school bake sale or a bottle drive to collect refundable beverage containers.
Ask customers to donate to a verified aid agency by using posters with QR codes, newsletters, etc.
Collect donations in the form of food, clothing, etc. Make sure you have access to a credible aid agency that can deliver these donations.
Help us remind the survivors of this tragedy that they are not alone. Moving forward, FEE will continue exploring how, in partnership with our members, we can develop educational resources and opportunities to enhance the resiliency of education systems and communities in areas affected by natural disasters.
About FEE
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is one of the world’s largest Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) organisations, with over 100 member organisations in 81 countries. With a network of over 60,000 educational institutions, the Eco-Schools, Learning About Forests and Young Reporters for the Environment programmes empower young people to create an environmentally conscious world through experiential, project-based learning. Our Green Key and Blue Flag programmes are globally recognized for promoting sustainable business practices and the protection of natural resources. With over 40 years of impactful experience in ESD, FEE’s strategic plan, GAIA 20:30, prioritises impactful action across all five programmes to address the threats of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.
About TÜRÇEV (FEE Turkey)
Thirty years ago, Turkey was the first Middle Eastern country to implement FEE’s environmental education programmes. Over those years, 680,000 students aged 6 to 18 in more than 1,800 schools were able to benefit from FEE's global effort to educate children, youth and adults to increase awareness, and shift mindsets and behaviour to mitigate climate change and the ever-growing strength and frequency of natural disasters.