International Dialogue for Environmental Action is an international campaign launched by Leyla Aliyeva on July 12, 2011 in Baku. Leyla saw quite clearly, through her youth work, that the environment was a key cause of concern for young people in Azerbaijan as it is in the region and the world. The concern was real, but the path which young people could take to find out more, to network with others, and to mobilise for action was far from clear.

Children in Azerbaijan and throughout the Southern Caucasus grow up proudly learning that they live in a region which boasts nine of the world’s eleven climate zones. It has more than its fair share of environmental wonders. But it also is a country and a region with serious environmental challenges, from endangered species to industrial pollution to basic issues of water supply and safety. The beginnings of a government-led environmental investment programme are beginning to be seen in Azerbaijan, with industrial clean-up, a strong National Parks project, mass tree planting, and the first moves into renewable energy.

IDEA is all about working with young people to put environmental awareness and action at the heart of family, community and national life.

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

IDEA is based on the principles of dialogue, action, leadership and education – all essential ingredients for equipping a generation to create positive and sustainable environmental change.

Dialogue: Exchange of ideas through regular forum events and local groups – both in Azerbaijan and internationally

Action: Participation in youth camps, events and specific environmental projects around the region

Leadership: Encouraging and recognizing young leaders, who can effectively spread the word and lead others in our environmental endeavors

Education: Providing resources to schools, groups and communities, to empower them to protect their environment better

IDEA aims at holding a number of environmental actions to draw attention of young people to the necessity of protecting our fragile planet. It also envisages empowering the youth working towards sustainable future.

IDEA VISION

“Releasing the power of youth to create greater harmony with our global environment”

Campaign is mainly focusing on the power of youth and considers it as an important tool to change the way we behave and consume our surrounding natural world.

IDEA MISSION

• One of our main objectives is to create a real and virtual community of young people, regionally and internationally, with a shared passion for the environment
• Nurture virtual community through an open dialogue which provides information, inspiration and practical calls for environmental actions
• Empower each member of this community to become an ambassador and leader for local environmental awareness and action