Instituto de Pesquisas Ecologicas

"The story of IPE-Institute for Ecological Research begins in 1978, when Claudio Padua abruptly left a successful administrative career in Rio de Janeiro to dedicate himself to conservation research. He became involved with the black lion tamarin, a species that had then been "rediscovered" after being thought extinct for nearly 100 years. Claudio began to study biology and never looked back. In the late 1980s, he moved with his wife, Suzana, and their three children to the Pontal do Paranapanema in western Sao Paulo State , so that he could more effectively continue his studies and efforts to save the black lion tamarin.

"As Claudio's research progressed, he realized that effective conservation of the species depended upon the support of residents living near the tamarin habitat. Thus began IPE´s environmental education tradition, headed by Suzana Padua. Through community involvement, Suzana began promoting the importance of nature conservation. Little by little residents realized that the conservation of the tamarin habitat would not only promote the conservation of the diminishing Atlantic Forest but also help their own lives.

"Other researcher s, who also believed it impossible to separate conservation from local people's empowerment, joined Claudio and Suzana in 1992 to found IPE, originally located in Piracicaba, Sao Paulo State. Today Suzana is the president and Claudio the Institute's scientific director.

"IPE is now headquartered in Nazaré Paulista, Sao Paulo State, and is considered the third largest NGO in Brazil."

"IPE is an international partner of the Wildlife Trust and the Smithsonian Institution and collaborates with the Center for Environmental Research and Conservation (CERC) of Columbia University, New York."

Contact

 * Web: http://www.ipe.org.br

Related Sourcewatch articles

 * Laury Cullen
 * Works in partnership with Natural Partners