We build resilience by supporting disaster preparedness, response and recovery in communities most exposed to climate risks. We strengthen livelihoods, ecosystems and infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to both extreme events and long-term climate impacts.
The challenge
Millions of people are affected every year by disasters. Marginalised communities are more vulnerable and exposed due to a lack of economic opportunities, inadequate basic services, deficient infrastructure, and living in unsafe areas. The livelihoods of many rural communities depend on climate-sensitive activities such as agriculture and gathering.
One in 23 people on the planet now needs humanitarian assistance, twice the number from just four years ago. Climate change has exacerbated the crises and will continue to do so, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, increased food insecurity, displacement, and economic vulnerability.
Our response
Investing in disaster risk reduction saves lives and money. It yields economic, social, and environmental benefits. Local communities are uniquely positioned to identify immediate needs, implement emergency response programmes, and participate in decision-making to better prepare for future events.
One in 23 people on the planet needs humanitarian assistance
DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
We partner with organisations and coalitions that promote risk assessments, community-based disaster preparedness, early warning systems, resilience-building activities, and nature-based solutions.
DISASTER RESPONSE
When disasters occur, we support organisations that offer timely and effective relief and recovery efforts, including efforts to restore infrastructure, livelihoods, and basic services. In those cases, we prioritise projects that address the immediate needs of affected communities while considering their long-term recovery and resilience-building.
Since countries marked by conflict and fragility are adversely affected by disasters, and in turn disasters exacerbate these conditions, adapting a ‘do no harm’ and conflict-sensitive approach is key. We prioritise community-centred and locally-led approaches that promote gender equality and foster social cohesion in the prevention, recovery, and rebuilding process.
Related partnerships
Accelerating the growth and impact of community-led conservation in Africa
Responding rapidly and effectively to humanitarian crises
resilience
Frequently asked questions
What is the Prepared communities area of work?
Prepared communities is the Trafigura Foundation’s work on disaster preparedness, response and recovery in the communities most exposed to climate risks. It strengthens livelihoods, ecosystems and infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to both extreme events and long-term climate impacts.
Who does it serve?
Marginalised communities that are more exposed to disasters because of a lack of economic opportunities, inadequate basic services, deficient infrastructure or living in unsafe areas, including rural communities whose livelihoods depend on climate-sensitive activities such as agriculture. The Foundation takes a ‘do no harm’, conflict-sensitive approach in fragile settings.
What does the Foundation fund in this area?
Disaster risk reduction: risk assessments, community-based disaster preparedness, early warning systems, resilience-building activities and nature-based solutions. Disaster response: timely relief and recovery, including restoring infrastructure, livelihoods and basic services. It prioritises community-centred, locally led approaches that promote gender equality and social cohesion.
Which partners work on Prepared communities?
Examples include Start Network’s Start Ready, which pre-positions funding for predictable crises such as floods, droughts, heatwaves and cyclones; the Start Fund, which releases emergency funding within 72 hours of the onset of a crisis; and the International Rescue Committee, whose Anticipatory Action Fund the Foundation is helping to create.
What is anticipatory action?
Anticipatory action means releasing funding before a predictable climate crisis peaks, so communities can act early and reduce losses. The Foundation funds this through Start Ready and the IRC Anticipatory Action Fund — see the partners above and Our Approach.