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On 17 September, the Nghe An provincial People’s Committee convened a consultation meeting on the 2017–2027 Periodic Review Report for Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve and its development priorities for the next ten years. The report was prepared by Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) in collaboration with central agencies and local authorities. Figure 1: Vice Chairman of Nghe An Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Van De chairs the conference. Figure 2: The conference receives valuable comments and recommendations from experts and representatives of provincial departments and agencies, as well as protected areas located within the core zones of Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve. Figure 3: Participants engage in discussions on the future development orientations of Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, contributing to the refinement of the Periodic Review Report. Figure 4:A CCD expert presents the Periodic Review Report. At the meeting, CCD experts presented the report, drawing on document reviews, field surveys, and updated information from local authorities, agencies, organizations, and communities. The assessment considered the seven criteria for biosphere reserves and their three functions: conservation, development, and logistic support. It provided a comprehensive assessment of environmental, economic, cultural, social, and management dimensions across nearly 1.3 million hectares, encompassing 65 communes and more than one million residents within The Biosphere Reserve. Figure 5: The conference receives valuable comments and recommendations from experts and representatives of provincial departments and agencies, as well as protected areas located within the core zones of Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve. Figure 6: Nguyen Danh Hung, Deputy Director of Nghe An Department of Agriculture and Environment and Chief of Office of the Management Board of Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, shares insights into the preparation of the Periodic Review Report. Figure 7: The conference receives valuable comments and recommendations from experts and representatives of provincial departments and agencies, as well as protected areas located within the core zones of Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve. The findings highlight substantial achievements in nature and biodiversity conservation during the 2017–2027 review period. Forest cover increased by more than 105,900 hectares, while the number of recorded animal and plant species rose from 3,961 to 5,105. Hundreds of animals were rescued and released back into the wild. Technologies were increasingly applied to remote sensing, wildlife and plant monitoring, biodiversity data management, and early warning of threats. Forest-related violations declined, and forest loss caused by agricultural cultivation ceased. According to the report, The Biosphere Reserve also made significant progress in cultural conservation, socioeconomic development, community livelihoods, and tourism, while expanding research, education, and international cooperation. Despite these positive results, The Biosphere Reserve continues to face pressures from hydropower development, which fragments and alters ecosystems and weakens their resilience to natural disasters and climate change. Other challenges include ongoing mineral extraction, livelihood difficulties in some buffer zone communities, and limited dedicated staffing. Incorporating feedback from the meeting, CCD will finalize the ten-year Periodic Review Report for Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve. The report will provide a foundation for further promoting the area’s values and addressing outstanding challenges during the 2027–2037 period.

Recently, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with the People’s Committee of Cam Lo commune, Quang Tri province, and local communities, planted 8,000 siamese rosewood trees (Dalbergia cochinchinensis) across 40 hectares of degraded forest in Mai Loc village. The restoration site is located in the buffer zone of Dakrong Nature Reserve. Figure 1: Local community members tend seedlings at the nursery. Figure 2: Technical guidance provided before the seedlings are handed over. Figure 3: Representatives of 25 participating households receive the seedlings Community members have been directly involved throughout the restoration process - from raising seedlings and managing the nursery to planting Siamese rosewood in its natural habitat. Through these activities, they have gained practical knowledge and skills in forest protection, developed a better understanding of the role forests play in their lives, and learned about sustainable forest management practices. Figure 4: Transporting seedlings from the nursery to the planting site. Figure 5: CCD experts provide technical guidance before the seedlings are transferred from the nursery to the planting site In the coming time, local communities will continue planting and caring for Siamese rosewood in forests placed under community management. These efforts will not only help restore populations of this threatened timber species but also generate additional income, reduce local dependence on forest resources, mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, and strengthen the green corridor extending from the Lao border towards eastern Viet Nam.

Today (10 September), the Kim Bang Delacour’s Langur Species and Habitat Conservation Area was officially established under Decision No. 3343/QD-UBND issued by the Ninh Binh provincial People’s Committee. Voọc mông trắng (Trachypithecus delacouri) tại Kim Bảng Covering 3,182.00 hectares, the Conservation Area was established to conserve and enhance its limestone karst forest ecosystem, which supports numerous threatened, precious and rare plant and animal species. Among them is Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri), a primate found nowhere else in the world but Viet Nam. Figure 1: Kim Bang Delacour’s Langur Species and Habitat Conservation Area Figure 2: Kim Bang is the second-most important site for the conservation of Delacour’s langur in Viet Nam. This conclusion was reached by CCD and its partners in a study published in a scientific journal by Cambridge University Press in 2021. Figure 3: Installing awareness signs promoting the protection of Delacour’s langur and the limestone karst ecosystem at frequently visited locations and forest entrances. The establishment of the Kim Bang Delacour’s Langur Species and Habitat Conservation Area is a welcome achievement for Ninh Binh province, Conservation Vietnam and Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), reflecting their shared efforts to conserve this primate since 2018. Figure 4: Since late 2024, CCD has continued to work with Conservation Vietnam (CV) to conduct surveys and monitoring and develop a conservation and population recovery plan for Delacour’s langur. Figure 5: CCD organizes community awareness sessions on “Protecting Delacour’s Langur and the Limestone Forest Ecosystem of Kim Bang” for residents of villages and neighbourhoods located near the species’ habitat. Figure 6: CCD and the community-based Delacour’s langur monitoring team conduct monthly patrols to monitor langur groups, remove snares and promptly document signs of illegal activity. Figure 7 : CCD regularly shares information with forest ranger authorities to coordinate responses, prevent violations and mitigate threats to Delacour’s langurs and biodiversity in Kim Bang. The establishment of the Conservation Area marks an important milestone while opening a new chapter that calls for effective protection and management on the ground. CCD remains committed to working alongside Ninh Binh province and local communities to protect and restore the Delacour’s langur population and safeguard Kim Bang’s broader biodiversity values.

Throughout July 2026, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) partnered with Hanoi Department of Tourism to assess three candidate sites for national tourism area recognition: Ba Vi tourism area, Huong Son Special National Monument Complex (Huong Pagoda), and Hoan Kiem tourism area in Hanoi. Figure 1: The Da River viewed from Ba Vi National Park Figure 2: Huong Son Special National Monument Complex (Huong Pagoda) Figure 3: Landscape of Thien Son - Suoi Nga Ecotourism Area, Yen Bai commune The assessment examined six key areas: tourism resources, planning, infrastructure, technical facilities and services, natural resource and environmental protection, and capacity to meet visitor needs. The findings will inform the preparation of recognition dossiers for the three sites. Tourism development at these destinations forms part of CCD’s broader efforts to link biodiversity conservation with sustainable tourism in Hanoi. National recognition could provide a stronger platform for coordinating the protection of nature, cultural heritage, landscapes, architectural spaces, festivals, and historical, cultural, and spiritual values while promoting the sustainable use of tourism resources. Interpretation and public outreach could also improve understanding of wildlife, natural ecosystems, and relevant conservation regulations. Figure 4: The survey team at Cot 600 Historical Site in Ba Vi National Park. Across the wider area, the team also assessed tourist attractions, services, and tourism infrastructure in Yen Bai, Suoi Hai, and Ba Vi communes. Figure 5: The survey team at Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center, 50 Dao Duy Tu street. The team also assessed tourist attractions managed by Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, as well as local tourism businesses. Figure 6: The survey team at a food and beverage establishment within Huong Son Special National Monument Complex (Huong Pagoda). National recognition could further create opportunities for local communities to participate in tourism, promote locally made products, and diversify their livelihoods through guiding, accommodation, food services, and other visitor experiences. Greater community participation would help ensure that local people share in the benefits generated by tourism. CCD will continue working with Hanoi Department of Tourism to support the implementation of the Tourism System Master Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2045, approved under Decision No. 509/QD-TTg dated 13 June 2024. These efforts are expected to strengthen Hanoi’s tourism profile while promoting a closer connection between tourism development and the conservation of the capital’s natural and cultural heritage.

Pu Huong Nature Reserve in Nghe An province is home to diverse wildlife, including many plant and animal species protected under Vietnamese law and threatened with extinction globally. However, its biodiversity remains under considerable pressure. Stronger support from buffer-zone communities is essential, particularly as many local households continue to depend on forest resources for their livelihoods. Figure 1: Local residents discuss the significance of the exhibition, nature, and biodiversity conservation at Pu Huong Nature Reserve Figure 2: Young visitors explore the world of wildlife To bring the nature of Pu Huong closer to buffer-zone communities and raise awareness of the importance of conservation in the area, in July, experts from Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with Pu Huong Nature Reserve, organized the photo exhibition “The Path to Survival of Wildlife” in six buffer-zone communes: Muong Chong, Muong Ham, Muong Quang, Binh Chuan, Hung Chan, and Nga My. Figure 3: The exhibition attracts strong interest from the local community Figure 4: Local residents express their commitment to nature conservation through drawings The exhibition took visitors on a journey from the natural habitats of Pu Huong to the threats facing its wildlife, including forest loss, illegal hunting, and trapping, before introducing actions they could take to help. The experience was designed to guide visitors from appreciation and understanding to a commitment to nature conservation and broader community participation. Over its eight-day run, the exhibition attracted nearly 1,000 visits from residents of the buffer-zone communities. Throughout its work, CCD has consistently worked alongside national parks, nature reserves, and local authorities to communicate stories about nature in a scientifically sound and accessible manner; share legal provisions concerning biodiversity conservation; and highlight urgent environmental issues such as forest loss, the overexploitation of natural resources, and extreme natural disasters. Through these efforts, CCD helps raise public awareness and encourage local communities to participate in protecting nature.

Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) is found nowhere else in the world but Viet Nam. Today, its remaining wild populations are restricted to only a few limestone landscapes in northern Viet Nam, including Huong Son Special-use Forest in Ha Noi city, Kim Bang Protection Forest and Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve in Ninh Binh province. Delacour’s langur is among the world’s most threatened primates. The species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) in both the Vietnam Red Data Book (2024) and the IUCN Red List (2026). In December 2022, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) announced the evidence of a surviving Delacour’s langur population in Huong Son Special-use forest. Since then, CCD and its partners have recorded at least two additional groups, bringing the observed population to approximately 16 individuals. Encouragingly, several infants have been born in the wild—in February 2024, November 2024, March 2025 and March 2026. These births spark hope that the population is gradually recovering if its habitat remains protected. CCD’s conservation work in Huong Son combines scientific and technology-based monitoring with community outreach on wildlife ecology and relevant regulations. At the heart of these efforts is a community-based monitoring programme, which actively involves local people in protecting the langurs and their limestone forest habitat. For nearly three years, community patrol teams have carried out monthly surveys to document the langurs’ distribution, behaviour and activities. Their observations provide essential information for developing long-term conservation and population recovery plans for this unique Vietnamese primate. Take a closer look at Delacour’s langurs in Huong Son forest through the video shared below by Agriculture and Environment Newspaper.

As part of the 7th Regional Assembly of the Southeast Asia ICCA Network, held in Van Ho District, Son La Province, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) shared its experience in promoting ecotourism and community-based tourism as practical approaches to biodiversity conservation in Vietnam. Figure 1: CCD’s ecotourism expert shares practical experience at the Regional Assembly. Figure 2: The Regional Assembly provides an opportunity for stakeholders to connect and exchange perspectives and experience in community governance, ecotourism, and community-based tourism linked to biodiversity conservation. Through its Ecotourism Planning and Development Support Programme, CCD works to unlock the natural and cultural potential of national parks, nature reserves, and other areas of outstanding ecological value. The programme aims to generate sustainable financing for conservation while creating local employment, strengthening livelihoods, and enhancing the role and responsibility of forest-dependent communities in safeguarding nature and cultural heritage. Figure 3: CCD organizes nature and cultural learning and experience programmes at exemplary community-based tourism sites. Pictured is a landscape tree-planting activity to enhance the community tourism space in Ngoc Chien commune, Son La province. Figure 4: CCD provides bee colonies and essential equipment to standardize honey production processes, improve product quality, and strengthen the brand of mangrove honey in coastal communes of Ninh Binh province. Figure 5: CCD supports the preservation and development of the traditional crafts of the Raglai ethnic community in Hon Dung village, Khanh Son commune, Khanh Hoa province. Pictured is a local basketry artisan in Hon Dung village. CCD also presented practical lessons drawn from its collaboration with protected-area authorities and local communities. These experiences cover ecotourism planning, community capacity building, tourism product development, and the establishment of equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms, as well as the integration of natural-resource monitoring and biodiversity conservation into tourism activities. Figure 6: CCD organizes programmes that offer participants opportunities to experience nature-friendly ways of life in ethnic minority communities. Pictured is a traditional sticky rice cake-making activity with the H'Mong community in Pung Luong commune, Lao Cai province. Figure 7: CCD provides training in visitor reception and hospitality skills to support the development of community-based tourism in Vin village, Bat Mot commune, Thanh Hoa province. Figure 8: CCD organizes nature and cultural learning and experience programmes at national parks and protected areas across Vietnam. Pictured is an experiential visit to Xuan Thuy National Park, Ninh Binh province. CCD’s presentation attracted considerable interest from participating organisations and delegates, encouraging discussions on knowledge exchange, model replication, and opportunities for regional cooperation. The session contributed to connecting locally led initiatives and advancing shared efforts to balance biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and the preservation of local cultural identities.

Thai Thuy Wetland Nature Reserve, Hung Yen province protects one of northern Viet Nam’s most important mangrove and coastal wetland landscapes. Covering 6,560 hectares, the Reserve provides vital natural protection for coastal communities by reducing wave and storm impacts, limiting shoreline erosion, and stabilising the coast. It also supports critical wintering and stopover habitats for migratory waterbirds, including several species of global conservation concern. Despite their ecological importance, mangrove and coastal wetland ecosystems are highly sensitive to environmental disturbance. They are increasingly affected by climate change, intensive aquaculture, and the spread of invasive alien species. Understanding the occurrence, distribution, and ecological impacts of these species is therefore essential for developing appropriate control measures and safeguarding the ecological integrity and ecosystem services of the Reserve. Figure 1: Mangrove forest at Thai Thuy Wetland Nature Reserve Between April and July 2026, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in partnership with the Hung Yen Forest Protection Department and the forest owner, conducted a series of field surveys across the Reserve. The surveys documented alien species currently present, mapped their distribution across different habitats, and assessed the extent of their impacts on mangrove forests and other coastal wetland ecosystems. Figure 2: Invasive alien species at the Reserve: Water hyacinth The assessment recorded a range of alien animal species, including mozambique tilapia and largemouth bass, as well as alien plants such as lantana, sensitive plants, water hyacinth, and creeping daisy. Based on their distribution and observed impacts, priority species were identified for further management and control. Building on these findings, CCD will continue working with relevant stakeholders to develop coordinated measures for the prevention, early detection, management, and control of invasive alien species. Figure 3: Invasive alien species at the Reserve: Sensitive plant This initiative reflects CCD’s continued commitment to providing technical support for biodiversity conservation in protected areas and national parks. It also contributes to broader efforts to reconcile biodiversity conservation with sustainable development, strengthen climate resilience, and support more sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Having endured significant devastation during two resistance wars, Ba Den Mountain – Tay Ninh province today stands not only as a national historical relic but also as a forest ecosystem of critical biodiversity value in the Southeast region of Vietnam. Spanning an area of approximately 24 square kilometers, this granitic massif deeply intertwined with the legend of Linh Son Holy Mother - serves as a vital habitat for various rare and endangered wildlife species, including the Black-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix nigripes). Consequently, protecting and maintaining the ecological integrity of this area has become increasingly paramount for biodiversity conservation efforts. Figure 1: Black-footed langur (Pygathrix nigripes) In June, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with the Management Board of the Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area, convened a consultative workshop focused on the current status and conservation strategies for the Black-shanked douc langur at Ba Den Mountain. The workshop provided a platform for specialized agencies, experts, and relevant stakeholders to deliberate on and contribute constructive feedback to the recent survey findings, thereby refining the comprehensive report and proposing conservation solutions tailored to the practical conditions of the locality. Figure 2: Overview of the Workshop Figure 3: CCD expert presenting the survey findings on the population status of the Black-shanked douc langur at Ba Den Mountain Within the conservation strategy framework, CCD research team conducted field assessments utilizing a combination of methodologies, including line-transect surveys, fixed-point observations, camera-trapping, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This research process yielded a robust scientific dataset regarding the population status, individual counts, troop structures, and spatial distribution of the Black-shanked Douc Langur at Ba Den Mountain, successfully generating supplementary data to support management and conservation operation. Figures 4&5: Experts contributing feedback to refine the survey findings and conservation solutions Figure 6: Representative of the Tay Ninh Provincial Forest Protection Department sharing insights at the workshop Moving forward, CCD will synthesize and integrate the recommendations gathered from the workshop to finalize the survey report. This will serve as a rigorous scientific foundation assisting the Management Board of the Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area in implementing appropriate conservation measures, ultimately aiming for the long-term preservation of both the Black-shanked Douc Langur and the distinctive ecosystem of Ba Den Mountain.

Spanning more than 70,000 hectares across Lam Dong province and Dong Nai city, Cat Tien National Park is home to over 1,700 animal species and more than 1,650 plant species, making it one of Vietnam's most important reservoirs of biodiversity. To enhance the effectiveness of ecosystem management and conservation, Cat Tien National Park has continuously integrated scientific and technological innovations into forest resource surveys, wildlife monitoring, and biodiversity data management. In May, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with Cat Tien National Park, organized a training course on "Wildlife Monitoring Using Drones and Camera Trap Data Management." The activity was conducted under the Vietnam Wild Cattle Conservation Programme, with support from Conservation Vietnam, aiming to strengthen conservation capacity and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the region's ecosystems. From left to right Figure 1: Technical staff and forest rangers from Cát Tiên National Park participating in the training workshop Figure 2: Practicing the operation of UAV equipment Figure 3: Sharing techniques for camera trap deployment Figure 4: Hands-on guidance on camera trap data processing Figure 5: Introduction to thermal UAV technology Through the training, forest protection staff enhanced their knowledge and practical skills in operating drones, managing camera trap data, species identification through photographic records, and conducting field surveys—helping improve on-the-ground conservation effectiveness. In the coming years, CCD and Cat Tien National Park will continue to promote knowledge exchange, strengthen collaboration, and mobilize long-term resources to support sustainable conservation efforts, contributing to the shared goal of safeguarding Vietnam's rich biodiversity for future generations.

As digital transformation continues to advance across various sectors, social media has become an increasingly important channel for environmental communication, helping to raise public awareness of forest protection and biodiversity conservation. Nevertheless, communication activities in many buffer zone communities still primarily depend on conventional approaches such as village meetings, loudspeaker announcements, and poster campaigns. While these methods have contributed positively to information dissemination, their reach and level of public engagement remain relatively limited. To strengthen local capacity for environmental communication and promote the integration of digital technologies into conservation efforts, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in partnership with the Management Board of Pu Huong Nature Reserve (Nghe An province) organized a series of training workshops in May focusing on social media-based environmental education and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in communication activities. The workshops brought together more than 30 forest rangers and reserve staff, alongside over 50 key community representatives from 21 villages located within the buffer zone communes. From left to right Figure 1: Training program for key community representatives Figure 2: Training program for the Reserve's staff Figure 3: Introducing commonly used media channels Throughout the program, participants gained practical knowledge and skills in designing and implementing environmental communication activities through digital platforms. The training also introduced fundamental concepts of Artificial Intelligence and demonstrated how AI tools can support content development, visual design, and information dissemination on social media. In addition to classroom learning, participants engaged in practical exercises to create communication products tailored to local conditions and target audiences. From left to right Figure 1: Participants actively engage in the training sessions Figure 2: Understanding target groups is crucial for creating appropriate communication products. The training equipped reserve staff and community representatives with innovative approaches and digital tools to strengthen environmental communication and awareness-raising efforts at the community level. The successful implementation of this initiative reflects CCD’s ongoing commitment to working alongside national parks and nature reserves across Vietnam to promote the adoption of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in conservation communication, ultimately supporting more effective and sustainable nature and biodiversity conservation efforts.

From 25-27 September 2019, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) under the instruction of Mr. La Quang Trung – Integrated Conservation and Development specialist and Mr. Bui Tien Dung – Community Forestry specialist delivered a training course on improving capacity for 25 protected area staff on sustainable development in the buffer zones of protected areas (PA) in Bidoup-Nui Ba national park, Lam Dong province. This is one of activities of the project “Integrating biodiversity conservation, adaptation to climate change and sustainable forest management in the Trung Truong Son landscape” (the BCC-GEF project). Trainees are representatives from six protected areas including Sao La Nature Reserve (NR) and Song Thanh NR of Quang Nam province, Phong Dien NR and Sao La NR of Thua Thien Hue province, and Dak Rong NR and Bac Huong Hoa NR of Quang Tri province. The training workshop focused on sharing and discussing information on: i) Sustainable development in PA’s buffer zones; ii) Conflicts between nature conservation and development: Solutions; iii) Successful livelihood development models in PAs; iv) Finance for sustainable development in PA’s buffer zones: Payment for forest environmental services, payment from forest allocation for protection, and funding from the private sector and international projects; v) Sustainable development in the context of climate change and disaster risks; and vi) Lessons learned from JICA project in Bidoup-Nui Ba national park. Participants were also taken to the field to visit two sustainable income models in the buffer zone of Bidoup-Nui Ba national park. At the end of the training, all participants understood basic principles of sustainable development in the buffer zone, livelihoods models, mobilization of financial sources for sustainable development in buffer zones of PAs, and how to protect their development achievements against natural disasters and climate change. CCD is coordinating with other partners and donors to strengthen capacity for protected areas’ personnel and local communities on nature conservation. With their capacity strengthened, protected area’s staff then could facilitate better collaboration amongst stakeholders and the involvement of local communities in sustainable forest management and livelihood development, which take into account natural disaster risks and climate change to contribute to the country’s efforts on poverty elimination and archive global sustainable development goals. Photo 1: The training workshop Photo 2: Mr. La Quang Trung was elaborating conflicts between nature conservation and development Photo 3: One participant was discussing and sharing livelihood models with others Photo 4: Training certificate awarding Photo 5: Visiting the captive cow model of Mr. Pang Ting Ram of Co Ho ethnic group Photo 6: Group photo