Cát Tiên National Park (Đồng Nai Province) is one of the most biologically valuable areas in Southeastern Vietnam. Cát Tiên harbors many amphibian species - a group highly sensitive to environmental change and a strong ecological indicator of ecosystem health. In 2024, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), together with partners from Cát Tiên National Park, Vietnam National University of Forestry, and Center for Amphibian and Reptile Research and Conservation in Vietnam, conducted field surveys along 35 transects in Cát Tiên and synthesized previous literature. The team recorded 50 amphibian species in 2 orders, 7 families, and 23 genera, accounting for approximately 15.2% of Vietnam’s amphibian fauna. Among these, three species were recorded for the first time in Cát Tiên: the Langbiang treefrog (Kurixalus gryllus), Helen’s treefrog (Rhacophorus helenae), and Robert Inger’s treefrog (Rhacophorus robertingeri). The findings also indicate range expansions for several species previously thought to occur only in Central Vietnamese montane regions. This provides a foundation for inter-regional survey programs and connectivity-focused conservation of ecological corridors. In addition, the team recommends environmental education and mainstreaming amphibian conservation into buffer-zone planning and local livelihoods to ensure sustainable protection of threatened amphibian species. Detailed results of the survey have been published in the latest issue of the Journal of Forestry Science.

In late October, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and the Community-Based Monitoring Team for Delacour’s Langur in Kim Bang Forest (Community Team) supported the Ninh Binh Sub-Department of Forestry - Forest Protection, and the Forest Protection Unit of Region IV (formerly Kim Bang FPU) to remove bird traps and confiscate trapped wild birds in Tien Son Commune, Ninh Binh Province (formerly Duy Tien District, Ha Nam Province). This activity was carried out during the migratory bird season (from September to April each year). Established in 2019, Community Team has been actively maintained to this day. It represents the collaboration between CCD, the Forest Protection Department, and local communities with the shared goal of protecting the population of Delacour’s Langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) and the limestone forest ecosystem of Kim Bang. The team also operates under the supervision and coordination of Ninh Binh Forest Protection authorities, contributing to on-site protection tasks. The recent bird-trap removal was part of this joint effort. Since 2024, within the framework of the Delacour’s Langur Conservation Project funded by Conservation Vietnam, CCD and Community Team have continued to work closely with the Forest Protection Unit of Region IV to implement key activities: Conduct monthly patrols to monitor langur groups, remove traps, and promptly record any signs of disturbance. Share information with Forest Protection officers to coordinate actions, prevent, and reduce threats to langurs and biodiversity in Kim Bang. Carry out awareness-raising activities in Kim Bang’s forest-edge communities to enhance local responsibility and engagement in conserving Delacour’s Langur and the limestone ecosystem. In the coming time, CCD and Community Team will continue to cooperate with the Ninh Binh Sub-Department of Forestry - Forest Protection to sustain patrolling and strengthen conservation awareness programs in schools, buffer zone communities, and the wider public — contributing to the protection of this rare endemic primate’s habitat and preserving a vital link in the limestone ecosystem of northern Vietnam.

During the early 2025 migration monitoring, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) recorded no bird trapping activities along the Red River floodplains — a positive sign that regular patrols and community outreach are effectively deterring illegal hunting. The monitoring is part of CCD’s annual Red River Floodplain Bird Monitoring and Protection Program. Since 2021, particularly during the migration season (from around September to April), CCD, in collaboration with the Hanoi Forest Protection Department and local commune authorities, has been conducting species surveys, preventing poaching, and reducing habitat destruction. Thousands of meters of mist nets have been removed or destroyed, along with decoy birds and calling devices. The program has also organized dozens of awareness activities for local officers and thousands of residents along the riverbanks. CCD will continue regular monitoring, strengthen patrols during the migration season, and call on communities and local authorities to work together in protecting the natural floodplains along the Red River. Protecting birds and riverside habitats means safeguarding wetlands — preserving natural values in the heart of Hanoi, the City of Peace and Nature. The Red River floodplains are seasonal wetlands composed of sandbars, grasslands, and shrub belts — vital habitats for both migratory and resident bird species to feed, rest, and shelter. This area serves as an important stopover site on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF) and has recorded several globally threatened species listed by the IUCN, such as: Scaly-sided Merganser (Mergus squamatus) – Endangered (EN); Fairy Pitta (Pitta nympha) – Vulnerable (VU); Brown-breasted Flycatcher (Cyornis brunneatus) – Vulnerable (VU); Yellow-breasted Bunting (Emberiza aureola) – Critically Endangered (CR); Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus mellianus) – Endangered (EN); etc., …along with many other migratory and resident birds.

In 2025–2026, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and the Dong Nai Culture–Nature Reserve will survey and update the flora checklist, focusing on the distribution of rare and valuable timber species. Using seasonal surveys, transects/standard plots, and a voucher set of specimens - photos - GPS, the team will determine species composition and the level of plant community diversity. Results will delineate critical habitats and identify priority species for mother-tree protection, seed collection, native nursery production, and restoration of depleted taxa; in parallel with the checklist update, the team will collect additional representative vouchers for scientific reference, exhibits, and education–awareness at the reserve. In addition, CCD is implementing key conservation programs in Dong Nai: monitoring threatened fauna in Cat Tien National Park; restoring valuable timber species such as Dalbergia oliveri and Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis) within the Reserve; and strengthening the two management boards’ capacity on patrolling, forest protection, and ecotourism. The Dong Nai Culture–Nature Reserve (>100,000 ha), adjacent to Cat Tien National Park, is among the remaining primary forest ecosystems of Southeastern Vietnam and a vital headwater forest of the Dong Nai River system. Safeguarding Dong Nai’s forests is preserving the core values of the Southeast region—a priceless natural heritage for today and for generations to come.

As part of the biodiversity survey activities at Ea So Nature Reserve, and part of the CCD's UNGULATE CONSERVATION PROGRAM, our community-based FOREST PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY MONITORING team and experts from the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and staff of Ea So Nature Reserve. In September, the Monitoring Team conducted its first field trip to collect data on the current status of Gaur (Bos gaurus), Banteng (Bos javanicus), and Silver-backed Chevrotain (Tragulus versicolor), while also monitoring negative human impacts within Ea So Nature Reserve. The survey used camera traps, GPS, and the SMART data management and patrol reporting toolkit (SMART) in combination with standard data recording methods. The Monitoring Team consulted information from local residents and forest rangers working in the area and recorded reports of the presence of wild Cattle (Bos spp.) in several sub -compartments. Based on this preliminary information, the Team designed survey transects focusing on grassland habitats - the characteristic and most suitable habitat for the ecological behavior of bovids, which use grasslands for foraging, resting, and movement -thereby increasing the likelihood of detecting signs or encountering individuals. For the Silver-backed Chevrotain, camera traps will be retrieved after two months to obtain accurate results, as data from camera traps require a sufficiently long accumulation period. In parallel with the wild cattle surveys, the Monitoring Team also documented human impacts within the protected area. Illegal activities such as timber extraction, hunting, or setting traps for wildlife were observed, recorded, and georeferenced to support assessments of threat levels to animal populations. This is an opportunity for staff of Ea So Nature Reserve to practice species identification and classification, as well as to select survey transects, deploy camera traps, and manage and archive data. In the long term, these skills will help improve the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation, and protect the forest ecosystem and its rare and precious flora and fauna.

Since 2019, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) has collaborated with local Forest Protection authorities to implement a program to monitor and protect the Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) population and the surrounding limestone forest ecosystem in Kim Bảng, Ninh Bình province. This is a long-term, community-based conservation initiative, centered on establishing community forest protection teams to conduct regular and continuous monitoring of langurs and their limestone habitat. Kim Bảng lies within the extensive limestone karst ecosystem stretching from Thanh Hóa and Phú Thọ (formerly Hòa Bình) through Ninh Bình to Hà Nội. This area plays a critically important role in the conservation of the Delacour’s langur. In fact, Kim Bảng hosts Vietnam’s second most significant langur population, with over 100 individuals recorded to date. Within the framework of the Delacour’s Langur Conservation Project, funded by Conservation Vietnam, CCD has worked closely with the Forest Protection Department of Area IV (formerly FPD Kim Bảng) to carry out key activities: Establishing community-based forest protection teams Conducting monthly patrols to monitor langur groups and their behavior Removing snares and traps and documenting signs of illegal activities in a timely manner Information collected during patrols is shared with forest rangers to coordinate law enforcement and reduce threats to langurs and local biodiversity. Alongside patrols, the project team conducts awareness-raising campaigns in schools and local communities to improve understanding and encourage local participation in protecting langurs and limestone habitats. In the coming period, CCD will continue to collaborate with the Forest Protection Sub-Department and community groups to: Maintain field-based protection and monitoring efforts Strengthen outreach and communication, and minimize negative impacts on limestone habitats Support local authorities in reviewing and finalizing documentation to propose the establishment of a Species and Habitat Conservation Area for the Delacour’s langur in Kim Bảng.

Vietnam’s wildlife has undergone a long period of over exploitation. As a result, populations of many species have been seriously declined and some of them such as Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus annamiticus) and Kouprey (Bos sauveli) were extinct. Sharing similar situation, many of the country’s flora are under high pressure of exploitation to fill the needs of the market that lead many plant species to brink of extinction. In Vietnam, rosewood (Dalbergia spp.), ladys’s slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum spp.) and marbled jewel orchids (Anoectochilus spp.) are among the most threatened wildlife due to illegal logging and trade. The Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) has been running a long-term program to support the protection and recovery of endangered wild fauna and flora with a focus on strengthening in-situ conservation and improving the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts to effectively prevent illegal hunting, logging and trafficking of Vietnam’s endangered species of wild flora and fauna that being trafficking from and through the country. In September 2019, CCD in cooperation with Vietnam CITES management agency conducted an assessment of management, protection and conservation efforts for the highly threatened Dalbergia cochinchinesis and Dalbergia oliveri in Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum provinces. The findings indicated that the populations of these two species have been rapidly declined in all original known distribution areas due to over-exploitation for high-end furniture and handicraft products. In Kon Tum province, a biggest natural population of Dalbergia cochinchinesis is only found in Dak Uy forest where it has already been gazette as Special Use Forest (also called as protected area) in an area of 546.24 ha. The protected area possesses about 800 matured Dalbergia cochinchinesis trees (>20cm in diameter) and many younger trees. Dalbergia cochinchinesis was found to be scattered distributed in other areas of Kon Tum province. In Gia Lai province, the population of Dalbergia cochinchinesis has dramatically reduced and only remained few mature individual trees in a scattered forests and some found in local forest land own by households in Krong Pa district. Some mature Dalbergia cochinchinesis trees (> 20cm in diameter) are reported to be in Kon Ka Kinh national park and Kon Chu Rang nature reserve. In Dak Lak province, the trees with diameter greater than 20cm are found in Yok Don national park, Ea So nature reserve and Krong Nang watershed protection forests with low density. Other areas have few scattered mature trees and regenerated trees but quite fragmented. In terms of conservation efforts, there is only Kon Tum province that has a conservation program of Dalbergia cochinchinesis. The province established Dak Uy protected area to protect this species. In 2018, the province planted 4,500 seedlings within the protected area and 6,600 seedlings in other places. Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces have not got any conservation or restoration program for Dalbergia cochinchinesis. It is the same as the Dalbergia cochinchinesis, the Dalbergia oliveri has been logging for making furniture products and fine arts. Dalbergia oliveri became the main subject of exploitation when the source of Dalbergia cochinchinesis timber is exhausted. In three surveyed provinces, the population of Dalbergia oliveri has been degraded and is only found in protected areas with low density. In Kon Tum province, Dalbergia oliveri are reported in Chu Mom Ray national park, Dak Uy protected area and watershed protection forest of Dak To, Dak Ha and Ngoc Hoi districts. In Gia Lai province, Dalbergia oliveri distributes in Kon Chư Răng, Kon Ka King, and watershed protection forest of Krong Pa and Chu Pah districts. In Dak Lak, Dalbergia oliveri is remained in Yok Don national park, Ea So nature reserve and Chu Yang Sin national park as well as other watershed protection forests. Forest plantation programs of all three provinces have not got this species. There are few propagation activities of these two species. However, only one propagation facility was found in the three province that was at the Center for Tropical Forestry in Gia Lai province. The survey also found that some families in Krong Pa district are protecting regenerating trees Dalbergia cochinchinesis in their cashew plantation, however, this is in small scale. All three provincial FPDs elaborated that there is absolutely no exploitation of rosewood from natural forests. However, some illegal activities such as collection of remaining roots and stumps of previously logged rosewood trees, are still occurred with small amount. Obviously, threats to rosewood are remaining. Without stronger forest protection and effective forest recovery efforts, these two species of rosewood may vanish from their traditional distribution areas soon. Photo 1: Dalbergia cochinchinesis naturally distributes in Dak Uy forest in Kon Tum province. Photo: La Quang Trung/CCD Photo 2: Dalbergia cochinchinesis is naturally regenerated in Krong Pa district, Gia Lai province. Photo: La Quang Trung/CCD Photo 3: Dalbergia cochinchinesis is geminated from seeds in the nursery of the Center for tropical forestry in Gia Lai province. Photo: La Quang Trung/CCD Photo 4. A Dalbergia oliveri seedling in Yok Don national park, Dak Lak province. Photo: La Quang Trung/CCD Photo 5: Dalbergia cochinchinesis are being generated and protected in a cashew garden of a household in Krong Pa district, Gia Lai province. Photo: Nguyen Manh Ha/CCD Photo 6. Dalbergia cochinchinesis blosssoms in Yok Don national park, Dak Lak province. Photo: Nguyen Manh Ha/CCD Photo 7. The specialist group was talking to Dak Uy forest MB on protection and recovery of Dalbergia cochinchinesis. Photo: Nguyen Manh Ha/CCD. Photo 8: A stump of Dalbergia oliveri in a timber pile confiscated from illegal trade in Krong Pa district, Gia Lai province. Photo: Nguyen Manh Ha/CCD.

The project "Conservation of the northern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) in Vu Quang National Park, Ha Tinh Province" is part of the Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation (VFBC) project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) was selected as one of the local partners to support wildlife conservation in the priority group of the VFBC project. In the previous phase, the project focused on capacity building activities for Vu Quang's staff and carrying out communication campaigns about wildlife and gibbon conservation to the local and public. In 2024, CCD in collaboration with Vu Quang National Park is conducting population surveys, which is the first holistic gibbon study undertaken in Vu Quang National Park. To execute the task, CCD has coordinated with the Park to perform desk review, assessing the impacts and quality of natural habitat, thus designing a comprehensive survey plan, by extension, listed all routes and listening points, covering northern white-cheeked gibbons distribution areas. In the first trip, CCD’s team surveyed 6 routes and 7 listening points, combining with automatic live recorders. The survey also aims to validate data collection methods and procedures in the field, thus conducting systematic surveys for all designated areas in Vu Quang National Park. (from left to right)Picture 1: Automatic recorder installationPicture 2: Compiling the survey data©CCD/2024 In addition, field surveys benefit Vu Quang's staff in applying training knowledge (e.g. practicing skills in using equipment, recording, analyzing information and managing data). Thereby, the Park strengthens their capacity and is able to effectively study, monitor gibbons and endangered wildlife in the Park. In the forthcoming time, CCD will continue to coordinate with Vu Quang National Park to implement the project on the conservation of the northern white-cheeked gibbon, along with the technical assistance and capacity building for forest rangers, staff of the Parks on the conservation of primates and other endangered wildlife. Not only Vu Quang, CCD and partners in Vietnam have been corporated in research, conservation and rehabilitation programs for other endangered wildlife, effortlessly contribute to the restoration of nature.

In early December, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) partnered with College of Alice & Peter Tan (CAPT) of the National University of Singapore to organize a 5-day, 4-night experiential learning trip to Hà Giang Province, centered on sustainable development in community-based tourism. During the trip, students explored the operations and development of diverse tourism models at Nậm Đăm Community Tourism Village (Quản Bạ District), Lũng Cẩm Cultural Tourism Village (Đồng Văn District), and Pả Vi Cultural Community Tourism Village (Mèo Vạc District). Picture 1: Discover exemplary community-based tourism models Picture 2: Learn about the preservation and promotion of traditional medicine in community-based tourism Picture 3: Learn about the preservation and promotion of traditional crafts in community-based tourism ©CCD/2024 Through this journey, the group learned about the resilience and creativity of Hà Giang’s ethnic communities in adapting to the region’s terrain and climate through agricultural practices, traditional crafts, and architecture passed down through generations and historical eras. Students also immersed themselves in the natural beauty and local culture by preparing and enjoying traditional dishes with local residents, discovering Hà Giang’s rich products at local markets, and participating in ethnic cultural performances. Picture 4: Explore Nam Dam Community Tourism Village in Quan Ba District Picture 5: Engage in reforestation activities Picture 6: Experience traditional art forms ©CCD/2024 A highlight of the trip was CCD and CAPT’s joint initiative to plant and restore forests in Nậm Đăm Village, Quản Bạ District. This effort aims to rehabilitate ecosystems, combat natural disasters, and provide economic benefits to local communities. Picture 7: Visit a local market Picture 8: Learn about the preservation and promotion of traditional crafts in community-based tourism Picture 9: Enjoy traditional Hmong cuisine in Dong Van District ©CCD/2024 The success of the Hà Giang journey was largely due to the enthusiasm, curiosity, and cultural respect of the CAPT students. This trip offered a deeper understanding of the resilience of Hà Giang’s communities and their efforts to protect nature, preserve, and promote culture through community-based tourism. CCD hopes to continue accompanying you on future trips. Wishing you good health and the drive to keep learning, growing, and contributing to nature conservation and community development!

The section of the Red River flowing through Hanoi spans approximately 120 km, encompassing a variety of habitats such as sandbanks, reed grasslands, and water channels along the riverbanks and on mid-river islets. These areas are critical natural habitats for many species of wild birds. The floodplains and islets serve as essential living, feeding, and wintering grounds for both resident birds and migratory birds traveling along the East Asia - Australasia Flyway, including numerous Endangered & Critically Endangered species. Picture 1-2 : CCD is collaborating with forest protection departments and local authorities to collect, destroy mist nets along the Red river in Hanoi ©CCD/2025 One of the annual activities of the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is collaborating with the Hanoi Forest Protection Department to conduct communication campaigns promoting the protection of wild birds in the floodplain areas, particularly in regions frequented by migratory birds. Alongside these outreach efforts, during the migratory bird seasons, CCD works with the Hanoi Forest Protection Department and local authorities to implement monitoring and conservation programs in the floodplain regions. These programs include removing bird-trapping nets and preventing activities that destroy natural habitats in these areas. Picture 2: Mist nets are setup by hunters along the Red river in migratory season Picture 3: Some insects are unable to circumvent the destruction of mist nets ©CCD/2024 CCD has also proposed that the Hanoi People's Committee establish wild bird conservation areas and natural parks on the floodplains and mid-river islets of the Red River. These parks and conservation zones would not only provide Hanoi with more green spaces but also serve as venues for educational activities for students and as opportunities for citizens and visitors to engage with nature and the environment in the capital.

Hòn Dung Village is one of the four villages in Sơn Hiệp Commune, Khánh Sơn District, Khánh Hòa Province, with potential for developing community-based tourism, thanks to its attractive tourism resources and the cultural features of the Raglai ethnic group. However, tourism activities in Hon Dung are still fragmented, infrastructure is incomplete, along with the unsystematic management, cultural values are on the brink of fading. Given this situation, Hòn Dung Village needs a coordinated solution to improve livelihoods for the Raglai people while preserving and promoting the natural and cultural values within the community. Picture 1: The traditional long house of Raglai people ©CCD/2025 Picture 2: Ta Gu waterfall, Son Hiep commune - a potential destination in Hon Dung ©CCD/2025 Picture 3: Meeting the basketry artisan at Hon Dung village ©CCD/2025 In December 2024, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Information of Khánh Sơn District held a meeting to approve the project "Building a Community-Based Tourism Village Model in Hon Dung, Son Hiep Commune as a Tourism Destination for Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas in Khanh Son District." This marks the beginning of a process to finalize and apply the community-based tourism model, with a focus on sustainable development in Hon Dung. Picture 4: CCD's specialist at the meeting ©CCD/2025 Picture 5: Mr. Dinh Van Dung - Chairman of Khanh Son district People ©CCD/2025 In its vision, CCD strives to support localities, businesses, and communities in the development of eco-tourism and community-based tourism to increase revenue for the locals, preserve nature, and promote traditional cultural values. Additionally, CCD is committed to empowering vulnerable groups, promoting gender equality, digitization, improving communication and promotion effectiveness, enhancing connectivity for the region, helping communities unite, and stand out as a key local tourism destination.

The limestone mountain ecosystem spanning Hanoi, Hoa Binh, Ha Nam, and Ninh Binh serves as the habitat for the Delacour’s langur (Trachypithecus delacouri), an endangered primate species endemic to Vietnam, along with many other wildlife of limestone ecosystems. Since 2018, CCD has conducted additional surveys and monitoring programs on the Delacour’s langur population in the Kim Bang Protection Forest. These efforts have confirmed that this area harbors the second most significant population of Delacour’s langur in both Vietnam and the world. from left to rightPicture 1: Kim Bang Protection ForestPicture 2: Delacour's langurs at Kim Bang©CCD/2025 Since late 2024, CCD has been collaborating with the Vietnam Wildlife Conservation Fund (CV Fund) and the Kim Bang – Thanh Liem inter-district forest protection unit to continue research, monitoring, and the development of a conservation and restoration plan for the Delacour’s langur in the limestone ecosystem of Kim Bang Protection Forest, Ha Nam Province. Currently, the project is establishing a community-based monitoring program aimed at regularly tracking the Delacour’s langur population, identifying areas frequently affected by disturbances, and taking timely action to mitigate threats—such as removing traps and reporting violations to authorities. From left to right:Picture 3: Training on delacour's langur monitoring techniquesPicture 4: Setting up monitoring routesPicture 5: Data management and patrol reporting with SMART app on mobile phones©CCD/2025 In addition to the monitoring program, the project will soon implement awareness-raising initiatives for students at secondary schools in the buffer zone of Kim Bang Protection Forest, as well as for local communities and the general public. It will also enhance the capacity of forest rangers and community-based forest protection teams through training in effective investigation techniques and the use of specialized equipment. The project envisions that conservation efforts involving local communities will contribute to the recovery and sustainable development of the Delacour’s langur population and the limestone ecosystem in Kim Bang Forest, while also fostering a greater sense of responsibility among the community and the public for nature conservation in Kim Bang District.