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

In March, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in partnership with the People’s Committee of My Duc Commune (Hanoi), delivered a series of community outreach sessions to promote the protection of the Delacour’s langur and other wildlife species in Huong Son Special-Use Forest. The activities engaged local residents and students from primary and secondary schools living in the buffer zone of the forest. This initiative is part of the project on strengthening community engagement in preventing and addressing legal violations in Huong Son Forest, supported by the ECO-SOLVE Programme under the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC). From left to right: Figure 1 - Introduction to primate species in Vietnam Figure 2 - People of Ai Nang village participating in a discussion Figure 3 - Sharing legal regulations protecting endangered, rare, and precious wild species and related penalties Figure 4 - People of Ai Nang village presenting the results of their group discussion Figure 5 - Commitment to protecting forests and biodiversity by people of Ai Nang village, My Duc commune The sessions introduced participants to key primate species in the area, with a strong focus on the Critically Endangered Delacour’s langur. Beyond species awareness, the program also explored the ecological importance of wildlife and shared relevant legal regulations on wildlife protection. By making the content accessible and engaging, the initiative seeks to inspire local communities—especially younger generations—to take a more active role in conserving wildlife in Huong Son. From left to right, top to bottom: Figure 1, Figure 2 - Students of An Phu Secondary School An Phu District participates in the discussion. Figure 3 - Commitment to protecting forests and biodiversity by students of An Phu Primary School. Figure 4 - Students of An Phu Secondary School independently develop their commitments to protecting forests and biodiversity. CCD is actively expanding collaboration with local governments, national parks, nature reserves, and forest managers to roll out similar awareness initiatives. Bringing conservation education into schools is seen as a strategic, long-term approach to improving understanding of today’s environmental challenges—ranging from climate change and deforestation to pollution and biodiversity loss—while encouraging meaningful actions toward environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

In 2025, Dien Bien welcomed over 1.45 million visitors, generating more than VND 2,645 billion in tourism revenue. In 2026, the province aims to further accelerate growth, with a strong focus on attracting international travelers From left to right, top to bottom: Figure 1: Xa Phang shoe embroiderers Figure 2: Ta Sin Thang market, preserving many original cultural features of ethnic groups in the Northwest region, is also a must-see destination for tourists visiting Dien Bien Figure 3: Dien Bien is an attractive destination in the Northwest region, nổi with its pristine beauty and rich cultural identity Figure 4: The Hoa Ban Festival took place in Dien Bien from March 6-12, attracting visitors from all over to participate To achieve this goal, Dien Bien will host a series of major cultural and sporting events, including: Ban Flower Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, National Mong Ethnic Cultural Festival, Art Exhibitions, Dien Bien Provincial Sports Games…and many other vibrant activities While the province already possesses strong infrastructure and favorable socio-economic and cultural conditions to host large-scale events, local authorities recognize that existing statistics—mainly visitor numbers and revenue—do not fully capture visitor profiles, preferences, and experiences. To address this gap, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with the Dien Bien Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Center, has conducted comprehensive tourism surveys focusing on: Brand awareness and effectiveness of Dien Bien tourism; trend forecasting; strengths and weaknesses; visitor demographics and profiles; travel behavior and trip characteristics, spending patterns and key expenditures; visitor satisfaction, including feedback on landscapes, environment, facilities, service quality, pricing, community engagement, and safety. From left to right: Figure 1: Interview with a foreign tourist Figure 2: Interview with a domestic tourist The findings will contribute to building a robust tourism database, serving as a foundation for improving products and services and driving sustainable tourism development in the province. Since 2021, CCD has been actively supporting Dien Bien in developing tourism aligned with sustainability principles—focusing on unique local assets while promoting conservation of natural resources, biodiversity, historical sites, cultural heritage, spiritual values, traditional arts, and craft villages. In 2023, CCD partnered with the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to finalize the “Dien Bien Tourism Development Plan to 2025, with a vision to 2030”—a key strategic framework positioning Dien Bien as an attractive destination in Vietnam’s Northern Midlands and Mountainous region.

As the 2026 Huong Pagoda Festival approaches, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in partnership with the People’s Committee of Huong Son Commune, Hanoi, has launched a forest-awareness campaign along the main pilgrimage route. Twelve conservation signboards have been installed at key forest entrances and residential areas bordering Huong Son Special-use Forest—a site of both spiritual significance and high biodiversity value. From left to right: Figure 1: Community group on the white-buttocked langur monitoring route in Huong Son forest. Figure 2: During the first month of the Huong Pagoda Festival in 2025, the Huong Son Scenic Landscape Complex welcomed 542,676 visitors. The initiative seeks to inspire visitors and local communities to protect endangered wildlife, respect environmental laws, and recognize the ecological importance of Huong Son’s unique limestone landscape. Since 2021, CCD and its partners have supported conservation efforts in the forest through community-based approaches. A community-based monitoring group has been established to help safeguard the critically endangered Delacour’s langur, conducting regular field observations and reporting changes to local authorities. Conservation messages are also shared through pagoda loudspeakers, radio broadcasts, and information boards placed along pilgrimage routes and nearby communities—ensuring that environmental awareness reaches both residents and the millions of seasonal visitors. Looking ahead, CCD will expand outreach activities in schools and local communities surrounding the forest, strengthening understanding of biodiversity conservation and related legislation. Through these sustained efforts, the organization hopes that each spring visitor will not only seek blessings for the new year, but also contribute to preserving the natural heritage that makes Huong Son a place of both spiritual and ecological harmony.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted in 1992, is a major international treaty that promotes the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity through national strategies and coordinated global action. Viet Nam signed the Convention on November 16, 1994. In accordance with the Convention’s reporting obligations, member countries are required to periodically submit national reports describing the measures they have taken to implement the Convention and assessing the effectiveness of those actions in achieving biodiversity conservation goals. From left to right, top to bottom: Figure 1: Workshop held with the participation of representatives from domestic and international agencies, organizations, and the private sector. Figure 2: Dr. Nguyen Manh Ha - Director of CCD presenting the plan for the 7th National Report. Figures 3 & 4: The workshop received many contributions from representatives of various units to ensure the report is accurate, relevant to the context in Vietnam, scientifically sound, and comprehensively covers national and international goals and targets. In 2026, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) will work in partnership with the Vietnam Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), along with other partners, to prepare Viet Nam’s Seventh National Report. The report will review the country’s progress during the 2019–2025 period, with particular attention to how national efforts contribute to the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the implementation of Viet Nam’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Vietnam (NBSAP). Dr. Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan – Deputy Director of the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, chaired the workshop. While the Government plays a central role in managing, monitoring, and safeguarding biodiversity resources, the achievements made by Viet Nam are also the result of active participation from a wide range of stakeholders. These include national and local government agencies, civil society organizations, research and scientific institutions, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, local communities, and international partners. Promoting and recognizing the contributions of these diverse actors is an important principle of the Convention, helping ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to biodiversity conservation. Representatives of these stakeholder groups will also contribute to the information-gathering and drafting process of the Seventh National Report in collaboration with CCD. CCD experts share insights on the targets and indicators of GBF and NBSAP. As a Vietnamese science and technology organization, CCD has been actively contributing to the implementation of national biodiversity goals while also supporting government authorities in monitoring and evaluating Viet Nam’s progress toward its international commitments. Through its role in developing the Seventh National Report, CCD will continue to collaborate closely with relevant institutions to compile information, assess achievements and remaining challenges, and propose strategic directions and solutions for the next phase of biodiversity conservation efforts.