Community Relations - Nigeria

The following organisations are supported by British Airways and receive complimentary tickets, cargo and excess baggage.

Cercopan

As a Nigerian Non Governmental Organization, Cercopan seeks to work locally to influence, encourage and assist all stakeholders in Nigerian rainforests to conserve biodiversity of nature, particularly primates and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

Cercopan's professional Nigerian and non-national staff draws together over 10 years of experience working in Nigeria to protect primates and their natural rainforest habitat. Originally a sanctuary for confiscated primates, which addressed a real need as the newly promulgated National Park staff carried out confiscations, Cercopan today is very much more than a sanctuary.

With more than 30 staff, including 5 overseas volunteers in Nigeria, Cercopan’s work helps to conserve 7 threatened primate species and several thousand hectares of primary rainforest. Over 100 orphaned primates (by-products of the bushmeat trade) have been rescued through donations or confiscations by officials and are in varying stages of rehabilitation.

Cercopan runs a successful environmental education programme in 4 local government areas and 34 schools in Cross River State. Cercopan believes strongly in working with communities, towards forest protection, land management and protection of endangered species. Biodiversity research is also a priority area of interest.