The idea of PIEDAR emerged from Pakistan's National Conservation Strategy (NCS), which identified the need for a policy institution in the field of environment and development. A wide-ranging process of consultation underscored the need for such an institution to have solid roots in research undertaken in partnership with communities.   PIEDAR was registered in March 1992 under the Societies Act as an independent not-for-profit entity by the core staff of the NCS Secretariat. Currently, it brings together 23 professionals in a collegial forum. We share project experiences and practical findings with communities, various levels of governments, the private sector and NGOs. PIEDAR is working in three provinces and Islamabad-Rawalpindi. Our programmes include: