Integrated Development Association (IDEA)

Integrated Development Association (IDEA) strives to promote harmony between the people and the environment and to enable all segments of society to develop and use technologies and methods, which give them more control over their lives and contribute towards their development in a sustainable manner. IDEA is a registered non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Kandy. A multi-disciplinary Director Board manages it on a voluntary basis. It was established in July 1990 with the aim of playing an active role in contributing towards sustainable development efforts in the field of natural resource in development, management and conservation. In addition to implementing its own programmes, IDEA endeavors to work closely with other grassroots level NGOs and to provide support to strengthen these organizations. IDEA believes that it can play a role in providing training and technical expertise in appropriate technologies and systems in the areas of natural resource development, management and conservation, as well as creating awareness about development issues among development practitioners who do not have access to formal training and educational facilities. IDEA since its inception, has been involved in sustainable development activities at grassroot level. The main target group has been the rural and marginalised communities across Sri Lanka. These activities have been primarily to enhance living standards of the marginalised particularly through improvements in their use of energy, food security, livelihoods, health and environment. For instance, the improved cookstove programme implemented by IDEA has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of the best-case studies on how to bring positive changes in the rural sector through effective delivery of appropriate solutions enhancing energy, food and health security of vulnerable communities.