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

On April 27th, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) collaborated with SMEC Vietnam Joint Stock Company, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, and the local community to carry out the "saplings thrive - forests arise" - an activity within the reforestation, ecosystem restoration program which CCD is promoting and accompanying the private sector. During the "saplings thrive - forests arise" in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, CCD, SMEC, and Pu Luong planted indigenous tree species in degraded forest areas in need of restoration within the Reserve. The activity supports the stabilization and enhancing the supply capacity of ecosystem services in Pu Luong forest and significantly benefits the environment and local community. Picture 1: A tree planted, myriad of lives sprouting Picture 2: Revitalize degraded forests Picture 3: Sowing seeds of the green future ©CCD/2024 As part of the Awareness and Public responsibility Enhancement program in biodiversity, preventing forest degradation and loss in Vietnam initiated by CCD, "saplings thrive - forests arise" not only has direct and sustainable benefits to the environment but also helps the private sector fulfill their social/environmental responsibility in a effective and meaningful way. Picture 4. Be the green contributor in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021 - 2030!©CCD/2024 Through its works and vision, CCD will always accompany partners in developing and organizing the most effective and practical social/environmental responsibility programs.

Recently, CCD organized a study tour on community-based tourism for over 20 households from Vin Village in Bat Mot Commune, located in the buffer zone of Xuan Lien Nature Reserve (Thuong Xuan District, Thanh Hoa Province). During the trip, participants explored homestay models in Kho Muong Village experienced the traditional brocade weaving craft in Lan Ngoai Village, and visited Hieu Waterfall and Hieu Village - buffer zone of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Picture 1, 2, 3: Vin Village visited tourism service providers and touring touism models at bufferzone of Pu Luong Nature Reserve ©CCD/2024 We hope these experiences will equip the Vin Village community with valuable knowledge and skills to organize and manage community-based tourism effectively. They also highlight the importance of developing sustainable tourism that harmonizes with nature and preserves local culture. In the long term, these skills can help improve livelihoods, protect natural and cultural heritage, and showcase the unique beauty of the locality to more audiences. Picture 4, 5: Vin Village and villages at buffer zone of Pu Luong Nature Reserve shares similarities in nature and people ©CCD/2024

The mangrove forests of Xuan Thuy National Park and the coastal communes of Ninh Binh are not only vital “green lungs” of the Red River Delta, but also the source of a distinctive local product — mangrove forest honey, renowned for its unique flavor, high nutritional value, and strong branding potential. Under the framework of the project “Restoration and Sustainable Management of Mangrove Forests in the Red River Delta,” funded by the Government of South Korea through the Korea Forest Service, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is implementing activities to develop a model for improving the quality and brand value of mangrove forest honey in Xuan Thuy National Park and the coastal communes of Ninh Binh. From left to right, from top to bottom Figure 1: Technical training session on advanced beekeeping practices in Kim Dong commune, Ninh Binh province Figure 2: Local beekeepers participating in the advanced beekeeping training, many of whom are middle-aged to elderly household members and women. Beekeeping provides them with a more flexible and self-managed source of income compared to other livelihood options Figure 3: Assessment of the mangrove forest honey value chain in Ninh Binh province Figure 4: Honey products from Xuan Thuy National Park and the coastal communes of Ninh Binh show strong potential and considerable diversity; however, they have yet to reach a broad consumer market Key project activities include: Market research and market development Establishing coordination and benefit-sharing mechanisms Technical training in beekeeping, along with support for honey harvesting and processing equipment Technology transfer Developing communication, promotion, and branding systems for mangrove forest honey products From left to right Figure 1: Field-based training conducted at coastal beekeeping sites in Kim Dong commune, Ninh Binh province Figure 2: ©CCD/2026 Figure 3,4: Honey products from Xuan Thuy National Park and the coastal communes of Ninh Binh show strong potential and considerable diversity; however, they have yet to reach a broad consumer market Beyond improving product quality, the initiative also contributes to creating sustainable livelihoods for coastal beekeeping households. As incomes from beekeeping increase, local communities gain stronger incentives to protect and restore mangrove forests — ecosystems that play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and the long-term sustainability of coastal livelihoods. Through this project, CCD reaffirms its commitment to working alongside local communities in developing sustainable livelihood models linked to nature conservation, while also promoting the value of mangrove ecosystems and elevating the reputation of Vietnam’s coastal honey products.

Xuan Lien National Park, located in Thanh Hoa province, is one of the areas with high biodiversity value. It serves as a sanctuary for many rare and endangered species, such as Northern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys), Pu hoat muntjac (Muntiacus puhoatensis), and Indochinese box turtle (Cuora galbinifrons). However, faced with pressures from habitat loss and illegal hunting, strengthening conservation efforts here has become more urgent than ever. Xuan Lien National Park In April, experts from Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) collaborated with Xuan Lien National Park to monitor the Northern white-cheeked gibbon and various muntjac species (Muntiacus spp.). Utilizing camera trapping, auditory point counts, and line transect surveys, the team updated critical data regarding the population status and habitat fluctuations of the target species. Monitoring muntjacs with camera traps Our experts successfully recorded Northern white-cheeked gibbon and muntjacs, providing detailed information on their locations, group sizes, characteristics, and behaviors. This data serves as a scientific baseline to accurately assess population status, thereby facilitating the proposal of effective conservation solutions for the area. From left to right Figure 1: Northern white-cheeked gibbon Figure 2: Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) - female and male Throughout its operations, CCD has been supporting national parks and nature reserves across the country in surveying and monitoring wild and endangered species. This is an integral part of CCD’s sustainable conservation strategy, which encompasses: species and habitat conservation and restoration, capacity building for forest protection forces to ensure effective management and conservation, livelihood improvement support for local communities in buffer zones, communication and awareness-raising campaigns for nature protection.

Nestled within the transboundary limestone corridor between China and Vietnam, Than Sa – Phuong Hoang Nature Reserve in Thai Nguyen province holds exceptional ecological value. The area supports a wide range of endemic, rare, and threatened species, alongside critical limestone ecosystems. Despite its importance, the reserve faces mounting challenges: its rugged karst terrain complicates patrolling and enforcement, while illegal hunting and resource extraction remain persistent risks. These pressures are further intensified by the continued dependence of nearby communities on forest resources. In addition, gaps in technical capacity, standardized monitoring systems, and suitable tools continue to limit biodiversity monitoring in line with international standards, highlighting the need for stronger coordination mechanisms among stakeholders. Than Sa - Phuong Hoang Nature Reserve To address these challenges, in early April, the Management Board of protection and special-use forests of Thai Nguyen held a working session with Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD). The meeting aimed to reinforce collaboration and improve the effectiveness of forest protection, management, and biodiversity conservation efforts within the Reserve. From left to right Figure 1: Dr. Nguyen Manh Ha, Director of CCD, presented relevant solutions and models to enhance the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation at the Than Sa - Phuong Hoang Nature Reserve. Figure 2: Mr. Nguyen Van Tuyen, Director of the Management Board of Special-use and Protection Forests of Thai Nguyen Province, shared insights on conservation efforts at the Than Sa - Phuong Hoang Nature Reserve. The discussion provided an opportunity for the Management Board to present updates on forest conditions, as well as ongoing efforts to safeguard endangered and rare species. They also shared practical experiences in linking conservation initiatives with sustainable livelihood models for local communities. In response, CCD introduced its portfolio of conservation programs implemented across Vietnam, with a focus on innovative approaches such as technology-enabled biodiversity monitoring, improved data systems, and community-based conservation practices. The exchange laid important groundwork for future collaboration and more coordinated conservation actions in the province. Over the past few years, CCD has actively piloted community-based conservation models across key limestone landscapes, including Huong Son Special-use Forest (Hanoi), Kim Bang Protection Forest, and Lac Thuy Protection Forest. These initiatives have delivered multiple benefits: improving protection outcomes for target species, strengthening co-management arrangements among authorities and local stakeholders, and enhancing both forest governance capacity and livelihood opportunities for communities.

In 2025, surveys conducted by Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) in partnership with Ea So Nature Reserve, Dak Lak province documented the continued presence of several threatened species in the area, notably gaur (Bos gaurus) and banteng (Bos javanicus). Continuing these efforts, in 2026, with support from Conservation Vietnam, CCD and Ea So Nature Reserve are jointly carrying out a project focused on the conservation and recovery of wild cattle species, as part of Vietnam’s broader wild cattle conservation program. From left to right: Figure 1: Training course attended by technical staff, forest rangers, and forest protection forces at Ea Sô Nature Reserve. Figure 2: Sharing information about wildlife investigation and monitoring equipment. The project will implement systematic field surveys across both dry and wet seasons to generate reliable data on population size, spatial distribution, and habitat use of wild cattle herds within the reserve. In preparation, a training program was organized in March for technical staff, rangers, and forest protection teams. The sessions emphasized the application of camera traps and drones equipped with thermal imaging technology in wildlife monitoring. Participants gained hands-on experience in setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment, alongside managing and analyzing collected data. The training also strengthened their ability to identify species through image-based methods and field practice. From left to right, top to bottom: Figures 1 & 2: Participants conducting hands-on practice using camera traps in the field Figure 3: Participants conducting hands-on practice using camera traps in the field Figure 4: Participants practicing with UAVs integrated with thermal imaging sensors Looking ahead, staff and forest protection forces from Ea So Nature Reserve will take part in study visits to well-established conservation models. These exchanges aim to enhance practical knowledge and introduce effective management approaches. In parallel, CCD will continue collaborating with Conservation Vietnam and other partners to explore and promote long-term investment opportunities, ensuring sustainable financial support for biodiversity conservation at Ea Sô Nature Reserve and additional project sites. From left to right: Figure 1: Gaur (Bos gaurus) in Ea Sô Nature Reserve Figure 2: Javan buffalo (Bos javanicus) in Ea Sô Nature Reserve