SAM SHANEE on WHY protect Biodiversity through THIS IS MY EARTH – PART 2/4
Neotropical Primate Conservation (NPC) is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of primates and their habitats in South and Central America. NPC aims to promote conservation and protect biodiversity in the Neotropics by working in several ways. NPC uses monkeys as flagship species to spearhead conservation efforts, but their work doesn’t only benefit primates. In order for primates to survive in the wild, they need a thriving ecosystem, which means their efforts also go towards protecting all the other species of plants and animals that live alongside primates and call the rainforest their home. More significantly, NPC works with local communities as they believe conservation starts with people. Their projects ensure sustainable access to natural resources for local communities.
What is the main focus of your work?
Our work always revolves around local communities because they are the people who live in the forest and know the forest best, and in the end, they depend on the forest as much as anyone.
In what sense?
They need the forest to supply their raw materials; that’s how they support their lives, that’s how they build their buildings, and also the forest is an essential part of their culture and identity.
Forest is their Nation, and they know it very well…
Yes, it is their homeland, so they are also the best at controlling its activities. At all times, they know what is happening in the different areas because they know who is going in, who lives on their land, and what illegal activities are taking place.
And I assume they want to preserve it…
We help them to do that. They live in the area; that is why they are by far the best allies for conservation.
In a way, for This is My Earth, our sister organizations, like yours, are playing the same role.
We are also the best allies of This is My Earth because we keep track of the conservation projects you have helped us achieve.
Learn more about WHY PROTECT BIODIVERSITY WITH THIS IS MY EARTH here.