H.E.L.P.Congo, set up by Aliette Jamart, has been actively working in the Republic of Congo since 1989. This NGO, concerned with conservation and eco-development, advocates a global approach to sustainable management of tropical African environments. Such an approach is the only one that can enable the fauna - in particular the chimpanzee, the projects flagship species - to be protected and compatible with local sustainable economic development.

Since 1996, H.E.L.P. Congo has been conducting a programme - unique in the world because of its scale - of reintroducing chimpanzees into the natural environment of the Conkouati Reserve, located some 180 km north-east of Pointe Noire. This involves the reintroduction of approximately fifty chimpanzees, survivors of the trade in bushmeat, seized by the Congolese authorities. On their release they are fitted with a tracking radio collar and are monitored utilising scientific data collection. As a consequence, H.E.L.P. Congo has developed its skills both in terms of conservation and logistics.

To date this NGO employs more than 15 Congolese on a regular basis, which makes it one of the most significant employers in the Conkouati region. This innovative project, the first to successfully reintroduce chimpanzees back to the wild still has a lot of work to do and HELP needs your help to do this.