Introduction
Corlanda International JT (CIJT) is a global non‑profit organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, dedicated to promoting sustainable development and climate resilience across multiple continents. Founded in 2004, CIJT has expanded its operations to more than 40 countries, focusing on four core pillars: environmental stewardship, social equity, economic innovation, and educational empowerment. The organization is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, combining scientific research, community engagement, and policy advocacy to address complex environmental challenges.
CIJT’s mission is to facilitate measurable improvements in ecological health, human well‑being, and economic vitality through collaborative partnerships with governments, businesses, academia, and civil society. Its flagship programs include the Global Climate Action Campaign, the Clean Water and Sanitation Initiative, and the Renewable Energy Projects Network. By leveraging a network of regional centers and research institutes, CIJT aims to create scalable solutions that can be adapted to diverse local contexts.
With a governance structure that balances strategic oversight and operational flexibility, CIJT has maintained a track record of transparent reporting, rigorous evaluation, and adaptive learning. The organization’s work has been cited in numerous academic journals, policy briefs, and international reports, underscoring its influence on the global sustainability agenda.
History and Background
Founding and Early Years
The origins of CIJT trace back to a collaborative effort among environmental scientists, policymakers, and community activists who convened in 2003 to discuss the escalating impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations. The group, led by Dr. Elena Marquez, identified the need for an independent, globally oriented entity that could coordinate research, funding, and fieldwork across national boundaries.
In 2004, the organization was formally incorporated as Corlanda International JT, adopting a non‑profit status under Swiss law. The name "Corlanda" reflects the founders’ commitment to harmonizing "correspondence" between scientific findings and actionable policy - an ethos that has guided CIJT’s operations ever since.
During its first five years, CIJT focused primarily on establishing a research framework for climate impact assessments and securing seed funding from philanthropic foundations and development banks. These early efforts produced a series of baseline studies that mapped the vulnerabilities of coastal communities in Southeast Asia and the agricultural risks in sub‑Saharan Africa.
Growth and Expansion
CIJT’s first major expansion occurred in 2010, when the organization opened its first regional office in Nairobi, Kenya. The Nairobi hub became the center for African climate resilience projects, enabling the organization to deliver targeted interventions in water management, agroforestry, and renewable energy deployment.
By 2015, CIJT had expanded to three additional regional offices - in São Paulo, Brazil; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Lagos, Nigeria - each designed to address specific ecological and socio‑economic challenges in their respective regions. This expansion coincided with a strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, which provided both funding and a platform for policy advocacy.
The period between 2016 and 2020 saw CIJT diversify its program portfolio to include educational outreach, gender‑focused empowerment initiatives, and technology incubation for climate‑related startups. These additions broadened the organization’s impact and reinforced its reputation as an integrative platform for sustainability solutions.
Organizational Structure
Governance
CIJT is governed by a Board of Directors composed of ten members, including experts in environmental science, economics, law, and social justice. The board meets quarterly to review strategic direction, financial performance, and compliance with international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Operating under the Board’s oversight, the Executive Committee, led by the Chief Executive Officer, manages day‑to‑day operations and ensures alignment with CIJT’s mission. The committee includes the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Development Officer, and Chief Knowledge Officer.
CIJT also employs a system of advisory councils - each focused on specific thematic areas such as Climate Policy, Renewable Energy, and Water & Sanitation. These councils provide technical expertise, monitor emerging trends, and help shape the organization’s research agenda.
Operational Divisions
- Environmental Division: Conducts scientific research, monitors ecological indicators, and advises on policy measures to reduce carbon emissions.
- Social Development Division: Designs and implements community‑driven programs targeting education, gender equity, and public health.
- Economic Innovation Division: Supports climate‑tech entrepreneurship, facilitates investment, and promotes sustainable business practices.
- Knowledge & Communications Division: Manages data collection, publication of research findings, and dissemination of best practices.
- Operations & Finance Division: Oversees budgeting, procurement, and compliance with financial regulations.
Core Activities
Environmental Initiatives
CIJT’s environmental work centers on mitigating climate change and protecting biodiversity. The organization implements large‑scale reforestation projects in the Amazon Basin, mangrove restoration in the Mekong Delta, and desert greening initiatives in the Sahel region. These projects involve collaboration with local NGOs, governmental agencies, and indigenous communities.
In addition to restoration, CIJT runs an extensive network of climate monitoring stations. These stations collect data on temperature, precipitation, sea‑level rise, and atmospheric composition, feeding into global climate models that inform international policy negotiations.
CIJT also advocates for the adoption of low‑carbon technologies in industrial sectors, providing technical assistance and funding for pilot projects that reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions. These efforts include the promotion of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the manufacturing sector and the deployment of energy‑efficient machinery in textile factories.
Social Development Programs
The social development arm of CIJT addresses the intersection of environmental challenges and human welfare. Programs focus on improving access to clean water, enhancing nutrition through sustainable agriculture, and strengthening health systems in underserved regions.
One notable initiative is the “Healthy Communities” program, which partners with local health ministries to implement preventive care strategies in rural areas. The program emphasizes community health workers, telemedicine, and school‑based health education.
Gender equity is a central theme in CIJT’s social agenda. Through projects such as “Women in Climate Leadership,” the organization supports training, mentorship, and funding opportunities for women scientists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs working in the climate space.
Educational Outreach
CIJT’s educational outreach focuses on capacity building at all levels of society. The organization operates a network of climate literacy centers that offer workshops, curricula, and resource materials to students, teachers, and community leaders.
In partnership with universities, CIJT funds scholarships for students pursuing degrees in environmental science, sustainable development, and related disciplines. These scholarships often include internship placements at CIJT regional offices, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals.
The organization also runs a digital platform that hosts open‑access research papers, policy briefs, and interactive tools for climate data visualization. The platform serves researchers, policymakers, and the general public, facilitating evidence‑based decision making.
Programs and Initiatives
Climate Action Campaign
The Climate Action Campaign (CAC) is CIJT’s flagship initiative, launched in 2012 to accelerate global commitments to the Paris Agreement. CAC coordinates a coalition of NGOs, businesses, and governments, aiming to increase national greenhouse‑gas reduction targets by 20% over a decade.
The campaign includes a suite of tools: a national carbon accounting framework, a public awareness campaign on climate impacts, and a platform for sharing best practices among member states. CAC’s reporting system is designed to track progress in real time, enabling stakeholders to identify gaps and adjust strategies promptly.
Recent CAC activities involve facilitating dialogues between small‑holder farmers and renewable energy developers, promoting community‑owned solar microgrids in off‑grid regions, and supporting policy reforms that incentivize low‑carbon transport.
Clean Water and Sanitation Initiative
CIJT’s Clean Water and Sanitation Initiative (CWSI) focuses on delivering sustainable water solutions to low‑income communities. The initiative’s strategy integrates source protection, treatment technologies, and behavioral change campaigns.
Key projects include the installation of membrane bioreactors in urban slums, the construction of rainwater harvesting systems in rural schools, and the implementation of hygiene education programs that reduce water‑borne diseases.
To ensure sustainability, CWSI adopts a model that combines community ownership with financial mechanisms such as pay‑per‑use tariffs and micro‑finance loans for households. This approach has resulted in a 35% increase in water access in participating communities over five years.
Renewable Energy Projects
CIJT’s Renewable Energy Projects Network (REPN) coordinates the deployment of solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy solutions in emerging economies. The network operates through partnerships with local utilities, private investors, and research institutions.
REPN’s flagship project in the Horn of Africa demonstrates the integration of solar farms with battery storage systems, providing reliable power to over 150,000 households. The project also offers training programs for local technicians, fostering skill development and job creation.
In addition to generation, REPN promotes energy efficiency through retrofitting programs for commercial buildings and the distribution of high‑efficiency appliances to households. These measures collectively reduce overall energy consumption and improve carbon footprints.
Partnerships and Collaborations
International Alliances
CIJT has established alliances with several United Nations agencies, including the UN Development Programme, the World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organization. These collaborations enhance the organization’s capacity to deliver large‑scale interventions and secure funding for high‑impact projects.
Through the Global Climate Finance Initiative, CIJT has facilitated the mobilization of $500 million in concessional loans for climate adaptation projects across South Asia and the Caribbean. The initiative focuses on strengthening infrastructure resilience against extreme weather events.
CIJT also engages with academic institutions worldwide, hosting joint research projects, exchange programs, and shared data repositories. These collaborations enrich the organization’s evidence base and ensure that policy recommendations are grounded in rigorous science.
Corporate Partnerships
CIJT’s corporate partnership program connects businesses with sustainability projects that align with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives. The program offers consulting services to help companies assess their environmental impact, develop sustainability roadmaps, and report on progress.
Significant partners include multinational energy companies, technology firms, and consumer goods manufacturers. Through joint ventures, these companies support the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure and the scaling of water‑conservation technologies.
In 2021, CIJT entered a strategic agreement with a leading global bank to provide green financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopting climate‑friendly practices. This partnership has resulted in the issuance of over 200 green bonds, collectively exceeding $2 billion in capital raised.
Impact and Outcomes
CIJT’s impact is measured through a combination of quantitative indicators and qualitative assessments. Key metrics include the number of hectares reforested, megawatt‑hours of renewable energy generated, households served with improved water access, and individuals trained in climate‑related skills.
Between 2010 and 2023, CIJT reported the restoration of 3.2 million hectares of forest and mangrove ecosystems, contributing to a 2.4% reduction in regional carbon emissions. The organization also facilitated the installation of 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, powering an estimated 7 million households.
Social impact metrics indicate that 4.8 million people have benefited from improved water and sanitation services, while 850,000 individuals have received climate education training. In terms of economic development, the organization’s initiatives have generated an estimated 12,000 jobs in green industries and increased household incomes by an average of 18% in participating communities.
CIJT’s evaluation framework incorporates third‑party audits, stakeholder feedback loops, and adaptive management practices to refine program design and ensure accountability. The organization’s annual sustainability report is published in both English and French, with data sets made available for external analysis.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its achievements, CIJT has faced challenges related to funding volatility, geopolitical constraints, and the complexities of scaling interventions in diverse contexts. The organization has also encountered criticism from some community groups who question the representativeness of its governance structures.
In 2018, a lawsuit was filed against CIJT by a local activist group alleging that a reforestation project had displaced traditional land users without adequate consultation. CIJT responded by conducting a rights‑mapping exercise and establishing a grievance‑redress mechanism that allowed affected parties to negotiate compensation. The court ultimately dismissed the case after a mediation process resolved the dispute.
Climate‑change adaptation projects implemented in regions with limited infrastructure posed additional logistical hurdles. For instance, delivering solar technology to remote islands required overcoming maritime supply chain issues and ensuring maintenance capacity.
Funding diversification remains a priority for CIJT. The organization is actively exploring new financing mechanisms such as community‑based crowdfunding platforms and innovative insurance products that protect vulnerable communities from climate risks.
Future Directions
CIJT’s strategic plan for the next five years emphasizes the integration of climate science with digital transformation. The organization aims to develop a predictive analytics platform that uses machine learning to forecast climate hazards and inform proactive adaptation strategies.
CIJT also plans to expand its “Climate Resilience Hubs,” which combine renewable energy, water management, and community health services in a single integrated system. These hubs are designed to serve as models for replicable, resilient development pathways.
In collaboration with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), CIJT intends to launch a global talent‑sharing program that matches high‑skill climate professionals with emerging markets in need of capacity building. The program targets 200,000 trainees over a decade, aiming to address the workforce gap in the green sector.
Continued engagement with indigenous peoples, improved participatory governance, and the cultivation of diversified funding streams will underpin CIJT’s ongoing mission to promote sustainable development worldwide.
Conclusion
CIJT stands as a pivotal actor in the global effort to address climate change while fostering inclusive social and economic development. Through its robust governance, multidisciplinary operations, and innovative partnerships, the organization delivers measurable environmental and human benefits. While navigating complex challenges, CIJT remains committed to adaptive, evidence‑based practices that drive sustainable progress for the planet and its people.
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