Neotropical Primate Conservation (NPC) is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of primates and their habitat in the tropical rainforests of South and Central America.
NPC was founded by Sam and Noga Shanee and Lizzie Cooke in 2007. It began as a non-profit organization and was awarded UK charity status in August 2009 (Registered Charity number 1131122). NPC was set up in order to promote the conservation of Neotropical forest habitat and all wildlife through various means. These include: land protection; research; improvement of degraded habitat for wildlife; creation of public awareness; environmental education; and facilitation of the commercialization of sustainable, ecological products on behalf of local people.
NPC is based in La Esperanza, Peru, home to one of the 25 most endangered primate species in the world, the yellow tailed woolly monkey. This species only lives in the cloud forests in the regions of Amazonas and San Martín, which have one of the highest deforestation rates in Peru. The local people have both the interest and capacity to conserve their forests; thus we are working with them to create new conservation areas, spread environmental awareness, and pursue opportunities for sustainable development.
