Groupe Energies Renouvelables, Environnement et Solidarités (GERES)

Set up in Marseille in 1976 following the first oil crisis, GERES – Group for the Environment, Renewable Energy and Solidarity – is a development NGO specializing in sustainable energy and environmental protection. It has been working completely independently for almost 40 years to improve community living conditions and preserve natural resources. With its team of more than 200 professionals, GERES develops technologies and services to build sustainable economic value chains, bringing in the human, social and cultural dimensions of its areas of operation. Based in Aubagne close to Marseille, GERES implements innovative sustainable development projects in France (primarily in the PACA region), Europe, Africa and Asia. The association initiates development and solidarity projects in the fields of energy and environment in both North and South, in partnership with local stakeholders. To fulfil its mission, GERES has permanent representative offices in France and eight countries in the South. They are responsible for running the programmes with our partners in the field. The association’s operational teams are organized into four major geographical areas and work on five priority themes. Focusing on fieldwork, GERES activities are tailored to the different socio-cultural contexts in both North and South, taking a professional approach to solidarity. It always works in partnership with local communities and stakeholders. Its approach, open to co-operation with businesses and the public authorities, aims to give beneficiaries a stake in the development of their own areas, through sharing experience and the transfer and ownership of technology.   Operational Themes Five operational themes underpin GERES work. These core themes ensure consistency between its intentions, skills and activities. They are transverse to the projects run by GERES and its areas of operation.  Clean Energy Production Energy Saving And Efficiency Economic Development Local Policy And Land Use Climate Change