Dates: 2020

Location: Türkiye

Theme: Tackling Socioeconomic Inequalities, Humanitarian Aid, Disaster Response

Social Marketplace, initiated by Needs Map in 2021 as a proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is designed to support individuals in need and strengthen the local economy by facilitating access to essential products and services for vulnerable families and local small business owners affected by the pandemic. Additionally, it has been adapted to aid in disaster response and recovery, reflecting its commitment to societal support. Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, Turkey’s recent history is marked by frequent and severe natural disasters, each leaving a trail of destruction and social effects.

It is an undeniable fact that the need to develop and utilize more efficient, digital and green solutions in response to the increasing frequency of disaster both in the world and Turkey, is growing day by day. On the other hand, those most affected by the economic crisis that increased with the impact of disasters both in the world and Turkey, are local and small producers/businesses -SMEs- that play the biggest roles in the development of the regions.

To date, Social Marketplace has actively operated to support both people in need and the local economy by encouraging the supply of needed materials from local producers/businesses in times of disasters and crises such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods and Covid19 pandemic.

Needs Map Social Marketplace is at the forefront of social solidarity, innovatively utilizing Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology to cultivate a community of supporters, beneficiaries, and local businesses.