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Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) is endemic primate to Vietnam and also among the top 25 most threatened primate in the world. The species restricted to the forest on limestone situate in the border of Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, Ha Nam and Ha Noi provinces. Early of the 2000s, the population of Delacour’s langur was estimated to occur in 19 locations with a total of 50-57 groups and 281-317 individuals, of which the Huong Son special-use forest was estimated to have 6 groups and 27 individuals. Fifteen years later, the langur population in the Huong Son special-use forests was thought to be extirpated after surveys. Since 2017, CCD has conducted an intensive studying program to search for the existence of Delacour’s langur in its known habitats to assist better protection and population recovery efforts. Under the program, CCD successfully confirm the second largest population of this species in the Kim Bang Forest in 2018 and a group in the Lac Thuy forests in 2021. A sight of a Delacour's langurs in Huong Son special-used forest, My Duc district, Hanoi(Photo credit to the "Conservation and development of wild and precious fauna and flora's genome in Hanoi city" plan) December 2022, CCD under the continuing survey program, CCD team found a group of at least five Delacour’s langurs in the Huong Son special-use forests, marking this place as the third most important strongholds for the langurs still exist. CCD is continuing its conservation effort for this critically endangered langur through having a detail survey in Huong Son Forest and other known habitats and propose habitat restoration and connecting the existing wild sub-populations through multi-dimension conservation approaches to create a large, safe landscape for the survival and thriving of Delacour’s langurs and other critically endangered species. Nhan Dan Newspaper published an article about the finding. Details are in the link below https://nhandan.vn/theo-dau-vet-vooc-quy-hiem-ngay-giua-ha-noi-post732728.html Nadler, T. (2004). Distribution and status of the Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) and recommendations for its long-term conservation. In T. Nadler, U. Streicher, & T. L. Ha (Eds.), Conservation of primates in Vietnam. Frankfurt Zoological Society and Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Center. Nadler, T. (2015). The critical status of the Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) and the call for a National Action Plan. Vietnamese Journal of Primatology, 2(4), 1–12. Trinh, D. H., & Nguyen, T. A. (2018). Report on population survey for the Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) in Kim Bang forests, Ha Nam province, Vietnam. Center for Nature Conservation and Development. Trinh, D. H., Le, T. A., & Lo, V. O. (2021). Report on the census of Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) population in the Huong Son special-use forest and Lac Thuy forests. Center for Nature Conservation and Development. Lo, V. O., & Lau, A. K. (2022). Report on the survey of primates in the Huong Son special-use forest, Ha Noi, Vietnam. Center for Nature Conservation and Development.

On December 27, 2022, at the Parliament Guest House - Hanoi, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) cooperated with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to organize an assessment workshop of COVID-19 impacts to tourism activities in national parks and nature reserves in Vietnam and future planning. There were more than 40 delegates at the event, representing management boards of special used forests in Vietnam, nature conservation organizations, non-profit organizations, research institutes, tourism companies, universities, colleges, news agencies, IUCN’s representatives. Overview of the workshop The workshop delivered the assessment results and tourism trends in post COVID-19 era, while gathering consultations for planning to improve management, biodiversity conservation, tourism development and benefits for local communities. CCD's team are presenting the study results Considering the rich data compiled, assessment results are respectable to delegates, while extensively illustrating the impact of COVID-19 to tourism activities in national parks and nature reserves in Vietnam. Given the adequate and reliable data, delegates were able to contribute comments on challenges, practical solutions to restore and enhance tourism, while some suggested amendments to the study’s methodology for better assessment in the future. CCD aims to support developing tourism plans for national parks, nature reserves in Vietnam. CCD’s vision is to utilize eco-tourism in special-used forest for the better awareness and responsibility of the public, thus increasing income, mitigating the forest dependency of local communities, and ultimately subside other anthropogenic impacts to the forest and natural resources.

The Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) is set to create the liaison between partners who share interests in sustainable development and environment towards low-carbon society. Contributed in laying a groundwork for the partnership platform in Vietnam, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) cooperates with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) announced six partnership groups in the launch event. Within the event, partnership got a chance to introduce and share their interests as well as initiatives in developing carbon market, such as decreasing the greenhouse gas emission, removing participating burdens in carbon market for manufacturers; raising capacity of local stakeholders; and enhance the benefits for the society. Enabling nature-based carbon projects – A partnership with NatureCo, One Tree Planted, Center for Nature Conservation and Development, Cooper Energy and DFAT to identify opportunities for Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) across Vietnam, work with local organisations to build carbon skills and develop a NbS pilot project focused on carbon mitigation through reforestation. Learnings gained will be used to develop a toolkit and lay the foundations for future growth and private sector investment in NbS in Vietnam.

Nowadays, the public’s recognition is important as habitat of wild birds is shrinking and changing, considering the fact that wild birds are considering as specialties; mist nest rampants on supply markets; the lack of or misunderstanding of bird release; etc. In response to International Migratory Bird Day, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) in collaboration with the Vietnam Wild Bird Research and Conservation Association, Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity, Xuan Thuy National Park organized the event "WELCOMING THE MIGRATORY BIRD SEASON 2022". The activity aims to propagate the need for the conservation of wild and migratory birds in Vietnam and encourage and promote the participation of all people in the protection of wild birds. The program will take place on October 07 – 08, 2022 with the following main contents: 🔊Disseminate Directive 04/CT-TTg dated May 17, 2022 of the Prime Minister on a number of urgent tasks and solutions to conserve wild and migratory birds in Vietnam. 🖼Displaying photos of beautiful migratory birds in Vietnam. 💬Stakeholder discussions on issues of wildlife protection, conservation of migratory birds and resting places, bird habitats, and public participation in such efforts. 📸Beautiful photo contest of migratory birds at Xuan Thuy National Park. Join CCD and its partners in efforts to protect birds and wildlife in Vietnam.

On September 29, 2022, at FTE Ba Dinh hotel, repesentatives from Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) participated in workshop: “Identify the role and strengthen the capacity to advocate policies in preventing illegal wildlife trade and consumption for Vietnamese conservation organizations”. The event was held by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in cooperation with Media Center of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONREMEDIA). (from left to right):Picture 1: Overview of the workshopPicture 2: Dr. Nguyen Manh Ha - Director of CCD is sharing the inadequacy of wildife conservation policies in VietnamPicture 3: Dr. Nguyen Truong Son from Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR) is sharing recommendations on amending wildlife conservation policies in Vietnam(Photo credit: CCD) The event held a platform for NGOs to openly share advantages and disadvantages in criticism, studies, opportunities, analysis, and recommendations on wildlife protection policies. Thus, NGOs proposed funding from WWF and other stakeholders to effectively advocate governmental policies. The workshop facilitated the participation and action of the National Assembly, government and public in preventing poaching, trading and consumption of wildlife in 2022 – 2030 period.

From July 13 to 15 of 2022, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), Xuan Lien Nature Reserve and foreign experts from Dalton State College (USA), Nature museum Senckenberg (Germany), Parc animalier de Sainte-Croix (France) cooperated to conduct field survey, assess habitat and threats to turtles and tortoise. The cooperation aimed to improve the effectiveness of monitoring and studying turtles and tortoises. From left to right: Impressed tortoise ( Manouria impressa ), Indochinese box turtle ( Cuora galbinifrons ), and Big-headed turtle ( Platysternon megacephalum ) While in the forest, study team found 03 species, including Indochinese box turtle (Cuora galbinifrons), Impressed tortoise (Manouria impressa), and Big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum). These animals are classified as Critically Endangered and Endangered in IUCN* Red List of Threatened Species (2022). Simultaneously, the team used radio tracking equipment to monitor the trail and activity of Indochinese box turtles (Cuora galbinifrons), thus evaluate its adaptability and development. Survey team record signs of adaptability and development of each turtle and tortoise species For the forthcoming activities, CCD will cooperate with individuals, organizations, and Xuan Lien Nature Reserve to conduct surveys on other areas for thorough assessment of Testudines in the Reserve. In addition, CCD and Xuan Lien will organize communication events to raise the public awareness and responsibility in protecting wildlife at Xuan Lien.

The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) is an toolkit designed to assist forest management units in effective biodiversity conservation and patrol data management. In Vietnam, SMART tools are standardizing in biodiversity data management and forest protection, at every special-use forest and protection forest (Decision No. 197/QĐ-TCLN-ĐDPH by Vietnam Administration of Forestry). In order to facilitate the implementation of SMART tools, Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency, Department of Special-use and Protection forest management, and Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) were in cooperation to organize a SMART training course on "The implementation of SMART in protected area management, patrolling and reporting to advance the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation" , from June 30 to July 02 of 2022, at Cuc Phuong National Park. The course is a part of the project "Strengthening partnerships to protect globally significant endangered species in Vietnam" (WLP). The training supported trainees to better understanding, practicing and extricating from any confusion or difficult circumstances during the application of SMART tools The training course received participation of nearly 30 technical and law enforcement officers of 14 national parks and nature reserves within northern Vietnam. At the event, attendees were shared data models, patrol packages building while practice installing and configuring SMART tools, on-site collecting and managing patrol data, as well as exporting reports. In addition, the course discussed on difficulties and worked for solutions during the implementation process of SMART tools. CCD will coordinate with Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency and Department of Special-use and Protection forest management to deploy SMART tools training courses for national parks and nature reserves in the Central and Southern regions. CCD has putting efforts to the standardization of SMART tools, the establishment of the SMART network and sustainable development of biodiversity in Vietnam.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve situated within the border of Ba Thuoc and Quan Hoa districts, in the northwestern Thanh Hoa. The integration of habitat between Ngoc Son – Ngo Luong Nature Reserve and Cuc Phuong National Park forms notable ecosystem of limestone mountain forest of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, featuring the rich biodiversity, magnificent landscape and culture of Thai, Muong ethnic communities. From left to right: 1. The integation between nature and people's lives at Pu Luong2. The grand view on Pu Luong summit The significant illustration which attract tourists is Pu Luong’s landscape embedded with signs of terrace fields integrated with special ecosystems on limestone mountain forest. Such image can be found in Don, Bang, Kho Muong, Hieu villages, etc., bringing an distinctive experience for tourists. As the result, Pu Luong is receiving interests and raising its tourist traffic, but mainly focusing on communities at the buffer zone of the Reserve, with few connection with its nature. To harness potentials of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) cooperate with the Reserve to formulate tourism development plan in the 2022 – 2030 period. The plan will support the orientation of Pu Luong’s tourism products toward professional, diverse, and saturated with its unique features. CCD's team surveys and assesses tourism potentials at Pu Luong CCD puts efforts in promoting tourism to be a reliable tool in advancing public awareness and responsibility in protecting nature and environment. In addition, tourism should create more jobs, sustain livelihoods, reduce the dependence and anthropogenic impacts on forest and nature resources.

The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) is an toolkit designed to assist forest management units in effective biodiversity conservation and patrol data management. In Vietnam, SMART tools are standardizing in biodiversity data management and forest protection, at every special-use forest and protection forest (Decision No. 197/QĐ-TCLN-ĐDPH by Vietnam Administration of Forestry). In order to facilitate the implementation of SMART tools, Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency, Department of Special-use and Protection forest management, and Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) were in cooperation to organize a SMART training course on "The implementation of SMART in protected area management, patrolling and reporting to advance the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation" , from June 30 to July 02 of 2022, at Cuc Phuong National Park. The course is a part of the project "Strengthening partnerships to protect globally significant endangered species in Vietnam" (WLP). The training course supported participants from theory to practice and extricated from difficulties while using SMART tools (photo credit: Le Thanh An) The training course received participation of nearly 30 technical and law enforcement officers of 14 national parks and nature reserves within northern Vietnam. At the event, attendees were shared data models, patrol packages building while practice installing and configuring SMART tools, on-site collecting and managing patrol data, as well as exporting reports. In addition, the course discussed on difficulties and worked for solutions during the implementation process of SMART tools. The training course supported participants from theory to practice and extricated from difficulties while using SMART tools (photo credit: Le Thanh An) CCD will coordinate with Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Agency and Department of Special-use and Protection forest management to deploy SMART training courses for national parks and nature reserves in the Central and Southern regions. CCD has putting efforts to the standardization of SMART, the establishment of the SMART network and sustainable development of biodiversity in Vietnam.

COVID-19 has made tremendous impact on Vietnamese tourism over last 2 years, in regard for the relentless effort toward immunity and new normal, tourism is having a chance to thrive. Although the pandemic toll is eased, travel agencies and other tourism parties is rebooting the business, facing new challenges and require more thoughtful planning and adaptive plans with such circumstances. CCD’s team at the seminar In reference to the event, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) held a seminar of tourism trends in post-COVID era and career orientation for students of Tourism Management branch at Saigon International University (SIU) on May 14. The session included: (i) the overview of global tourism status prior and subsequent to COVID-19 pandemic appearance; (ii) tourism and tourism product trends in post-COVID 19; (iii) attainable jobs and professions for graduated students of SIU; (iv) essential information and skills for students at the seminar. On the Q&A session, CCD’s team and students discussed on student’s eligibility for specific profession in tourism study and other subject of interest. SIU’s students actively discussed and openly shared in the seminar Through the seminar, CCD and students of SIU expect to contribute to post-pandemic adaptation of Vietnamese tourism and be a part of the tourism movement towards sustainable development.

Implementation time: 2021 - 2022 Partner: Cat Tien National Park Cat Tien National Park was established in Decision No. 08/CT dated 13/01/1992 of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (now the Government) to conserve the natural forest with high biodiversity value in Vietnam. With the phenomenal characteristics of geography, landscape, biodiversity, rare and endemic wildlife genetic resources for Vietnam and the world, on 10/11/2001, UNESCO/MAB recognized Cat Tien National Park as the 411th Biosphere Reserve of the World, an important link in the global system of biosphere reserves. On 30/06/2011, Cat Tien Biosphere Reserve was expanded to Dong Nai Cultural Reserve and renamed Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve. On 04/08/2005, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat recognized Bau Sau wetland as the 1,499th Ramsar Site of the World and the 2nd of Vietnam. On 27/12/2012, the Prime Minister decided to classify Cat Tien National Park as a special national monument of scenic beauty. In addition to the landscape values and biodiversity, Cat Tien National Park also contains the cultural values of nearly 20,000 people with 33 ethnic groups living in 36 communes and towns bordering the Park such as Nam Cat Tien commune, Tai Lai commune, Dac Lua commune,... Many local ethnic villages still retain traditional cultural values in their architecture designs, traditional products, lifestyles and local customs. With the unique value of tourism resources, especially in terms of landscape, biodiversity and environment, Cat Tien National Park has long become a ecotourism destination known by many people with unique tourism products such as nocturnal animal watching, gibbon watching, bird watching, visiting ancient trees... attracting more than 50,000 domestic and international tourists in 2019. However, due to objective facts, tourism staffs at Cat Tien National Park and local communities need trainings on tourism skills and operation to match the requirements for ecotourism, community-based tourism development of the Park. Within the framework of the project "Conservation and development of forest ecosystem biodiversity resources in Cat Tien National Park" funded by AfoCo, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) has cooperated with Cat Tien National Park to carry out an assessment of tourism training needs and capacity building for staff and communities of buffer zone communes Cat Tien National Park. Based on the assessment results, CCD will coordinate with Cat Tien National Park to develop documents and plan training to improve knowledge and skills for officials and communities in the buffer zone of the Park in order to improve the capacity of ecotourism, community tourism associated with unique natural and cultural experiences.

Vietnam is considered as one of the 25 highest levels of biodiversity countries in the world with about 20,000 species of plants, 3000 species of fish, more than 1000 species of birds, and over 300 species of mammals (Loc et al., 2018)*. However, many wild animal and plant species have been facing extinction due to overexploitation, illegal hunting and harvesting, land-use conversion, forest fire, environmental pollution, natural disasters and climate change, and invasive species (Loc et al., 2018). Amongst the threatened plant species, Dalbergia cochinchinensis and Dalbergia oliveri are the ones that have been heavily exploited and traded not only in Vietnam but also in many natural distribution areas of these species around the world for increasing demand, especially for exporting to high-grade wood markets in East Asia. Under the financial support of the European Union and CITES Secretariat, CCD has conducted a series of research such as a review of taxonomy, field survey on abundance and stocking of wild populations, threat assessement, mapping of distribution areas, development of an identification manual and mobile App, compiling of a non-detriment finding report, and development of a proposed management and conservation plan. The proposed plan for management and conservation of D. cochinchinensis and D. oliveri will help effective protection and restoration of the existing wild populations, afforestation of D. cochinchinensis and D. oliveri for the colonization in the historical distribution areas, and inclusion of these two species into Vietnam’s official afforestation and forest rehabilitation programs with native species. From left to right: 1. One of the field surveys on Dalbergia cochinchinensis ; 2. Population survey for Dalbergia oliveri; 3. Dalbergia oliveri is regenerating near the stream. (Copyright CCD - 2020) CCD will keep working with forestry authorities at national and provincial levels, especially at protected areas which are natural distribution of D. cochinchinensis and D. oliveri to facilitate consevation and recovery activities of these species. For more information on the news of this plan, please find it at: https://cites.org/eng/news/viet-nam-considers-conservation-plan-two-valuable-tree-species (*) Loc, P. K., Yen, M. D., & Averyanov, L. (2018). Biodiversity in Vietnam. Global Biodiversity, 1, 473–502. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429487743-14