The integrated development plan has started in 2000 with a pilot project on the sustainable application of renewable sources of energy in some rural parts of the Caribbean. The pilot project takes place with co-operation between Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Germany.
The recent start of a course with members from different Nicaraguan communities (Representantes de las Alcaldias), the training of Knowledge Sharing Experts for renewable energy from Haiti and Nicaragua has already fished with great success. Training courses for Haitian Knowledge Sharing Experts are in planning. A specially adapted curriculum provides the foundation of theoretical and practical training, through a regular alternation of training courses in Cuba and practical work of the Knowledge Sharing Experts in their hometowns and regions. Curricula for different purposes are under construction.
The Knowledge Sharing Experts will go through an iterative 'spiral curriculum', in which their practical work will be reflected upon, strengthening the iterative learning process for all participants. Parallel to this, the pilot project will be observed and evaluated from both a scientific and research point of view. Due to the link between science and practice, the observed results will have a direct influence on the ongoing modification and development of training.
Simultaneously IKN has begun establishing a research and educational network (IFAN) on an academic level between scientific institutions (universities, research centres) and non-governmental organisations, such as organisations of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in European countries and Southern countries. In order to increase international scientific exchange and communication between the participants, the network sorts through the questions that are put forward. With the support of InTCaB (International Team for Capacity Building) the newly gained scientific knowledge is put into practice. InTCaB organizes the Knowledge Sharing Expert training courses in the target areas, makes sure that the transfer of training and practice develops both South-South connections and educational work and training in the North.