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As part of the collaborative program between Ea So Nature Reserve (Dak Lak Province) and Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) to conserve biodiversity and restore key species and ecosystems, CCD and the reserve’s management board conducted a field biodiversity survey from June through August 2025. The survey aimed to update biodiversity data within the reserve, with a particular focus on globally threatened and endangered species. Ea So and the adjacent Krong Nang Watershed Forest lie within one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The area harbors a mosaic of rare and unique habitats, including semi-deciduous forests, evergreen forests, and especially extensive natural grasslands - currently recognized as the largest remaining natural grassland ecosystem in Vietnam. These grasslands are vital to the survival of many threatened plant and animal species, particularly large ungulates. The survey confirmed the presence of numerous high conservation value species such as banteng (Bos javanicus), gaur (Bos gaurus), black-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix nigripes), silvered langur (Trachypithecus margarita), green peafowl (Pavo muticus), as well as valuable timber species including Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Dalbergia oliveri, and Pterocarpus macrocarpus. However, the assessment also revealed ongoing threats from illegal hunting, logging, and the unsustainable harvest of non-timber forest products in the surrounding buffer zones. To effectively protect and restore these critical ecosystems and their endangered species, it is essential to expand the legal boundary of Ea So Nature Reserve to include the remaining evergreen forest within the Krong Nang Watershed. This would create a larger, ecologically cohesive landscape that can sustain populations of globally threatened species. Additionally, increased financial investment, additional personnel, and enhanced technical support are urgently needed. In the coming phase, conservation efforts should prioritize habitat protection, restoration, and management - particularly for the natural grasslands, which serve as essential habitats for large ungulates, carnivores, and raptors. Stabilizing and expanding these habitats is critical to the recovery of flagship species in the area. CCD remains committed to supporting Ea So and other protected areas across Vietnam in strengthening conservation management, restoring degraded habitats, and safeguarding endangered species. Special attention will continue to be directed toward critically endangered species such as banteng, gaur, and green peafowl - icons of the semi-deciduous forest and grassland ecosystems of Ea So - as part of a long-term vision for sustainable nature conservation in Vietnam.

As part of a collaborative program between Ea So Nature Reserve (Dak Lak province) and Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) to conserve biodiversity and restore key species and ecosystems, a biodiversity survey and monitoring training course was organized in June 2025 at Ea So. The training, jointly conducted by CCD and the management board of Ea So Nature Reserve, focused on building technical capacity in surveying and monitoring four key groups: mammals, reptiles and amphibians, birds, and plants. The course provided participants with enhanced knowledge and field skills, including the use of research tools such as 4G camera traps, thermal drones, and acoustic monitoring devices. It also covered data analysis, information management, and report writing techniques. Participants - including technical staff, forest rangers, and forest protection units from Ea So - engaged in practical fieldwork, group discussions, and shared experiences in species identification and wildlife behavior observation and field practices. The course also introduced the latest legal regulations in Vietnam related to wildlife protection, especially for priority species, equipping participants with the tools to effectively communicate these regulations to local communities and stakeholders and prevent violations. Through this training, CCD continues to affirm its role as a committed partner to national parks, nature reserves, and local authorities across Vietnam, supporting efforts to improve conservation management, restore degraded ecosystems and endangered species, and raise awareness for sustainable nature protection.

As part of efforts to conserve biodiversity and sustainably restore forest ecosystems in Vietnam, plant nurseries play a vital role in providing high-quality seedlings for reforestation and ecosystem recovery efforts - especially for endangered plant species. However, in practice, native endangered species are often not prioritized for propagation due to limited market demand and their lack of short-term economic value. To address this challenge and proactively secure seedling sources for conservation and ecosystem restoration, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) has established and maintained two nurseries for endangered native tree species in Quang Tri and Dong Nai provinces. These nurseries are currently cultivating and caring for highly threatened timber species, including at least 14,000 Dalbergia cochinchinensis, 8,000 Dalbergia oliveri, and a projected 2,000 Pterocarpus macrocarpus seedlings. The seedlings are nurtured directly by local community members who have participated in the CCD-organized training course on “Techniques for Establishing and Managing Community Nurseries of Native Timber Species.” Enriching forests with native species offers long-term ecological benefits: enhancing forest resilience, conserving the genetic resources of valuable timber species, and helping restore ecosystem structure and habitats for wildlife. This initiative not only helps preserve and promote indigenous knowledge but also provides sustainable livelihoods for local communities - key stakeholders in Vietnam’s forest restoration journey. Moving forward, CCD will continue to provide technical support to ensure seedling propagation and care processes are carried out methodically, with timely detection and treatment of pests and diseases, thereby ensuring high-quality seedlings ready for outplanting in the wild.

Located in Sơn Lang commune, Kbang district, Gia Lai province, Kon Chư Răng Nature Reserve. This unique forest not only holds significant natural and scenic value but also plays a vital role in watershed protection, ensuring water supply and regulation for four downstream hydropower plants along the Kôn River. Beyond its ecological importance, Kon Chư Răng is home to rich cultural tourism resources. The local population is predominantly made up of the Ba Na ethnic group. These communities have preserved their traditional customs, revolutionary heritage, and matrilineal social structure. Annual cultural festivals with vibrant gong performances and communal dancing and singing - creating a unique and compelling cultural identity that captivates visitors. Despite its immense tourism potential, Kon Chư Răng remains underdeveloped as a destination. It suffers from poor connectivity with mainstream tourism circuits, lacks compelling tourism products that meet diverse visitor demands - such as nature exploration, trekking, or kayaking - and has yet to implement effective tourism communication and promotion strategies. To address these shortcomings, a long-term strategic approach is urgently needed. In 2025, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with the Kon Chư Răng Nature Reserve Management Board, has been developing a Master Plan for Ecotourism, Wellness, and Recreation Development through 2030, with a Vision to 2045. This plan not only identifies suitable tourism routes and sites aligned with the area’s natural conditions but also proposes key interventions to improve tourism infrastructure, strengthen management and monitoring capacities, and optimize revenue generation from tourism. Importantly, the plan emphasizes enhancing community livelihoods while safeguarding the Reserve’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Designated by UNESCO in 2007, the Tay Nghe An Biosphere Reserve is the largest biosphere reserve in Vietnam, spanning nearly 1.3 million hectares across nine mountainous districts in western Nghe An province. This region is recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, rich indigenous cultures, and the close interconnection between local communities and nature. In accordance with UNESCO’s requirements, all biosphere reserves are subject to a periodic review every 10 years to assess the implementation of their three core functions: Conservation – contributing to the preservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic resources Development – fostering sustainable economic, socio-cultural, and ecological development Logistic support – facilitating research, environmental education, training, and monitoring for sustainable development at local, regional, national, and global levels To support this review, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is collaborating with the Reserve Management Board to conduct field surveys, collect relevant data, and engage directly with local communities in the buffer and transition zones. The goal is to: Document indigenous knowledge and human–nature interactions Assess key changes in natural, social, and institutional conditions from 2017 to 2026 Prepare the official 10-year review report to be submitted to UNESCO in 2027 We hope the exciting findings from this recent assessment will provide the local management board and the communities with valuable data to support sustainable socio-economic development - in harmony with the mission to protect this unique ecosystem.

Con Dao is an offshore island of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, endowed with rich natural and cultural assets. Over the years, by leveraging its strengths and affirming its position as a National Tourism Site, Con Dao has offered visitors a wide range of tourism products and experiences - from cultural, historical, and spiritual tourism to ecological and leisure tourism - attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. However, amidst emerging development opportunities and increasing challenges, Con Dao requires a strategic marketing and branding approach that harmonizes economic growth, tourism development, and the preservation of nature, culture and history. In 2025, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with Center for Culture, Information, Sports and Tourism of Con Dao District, developed a Marketing and Tourism Branding Strategy for Con Dao through 2030, with a vision to 2040. The strategy aims to elevate Con Dao’s tourism to international standards and enhance its competitiveness, particularly in the field of nature- and culture-based tourism integrated with the promotion of historical values. The strategy has been officially approved for implementation by the People’s Committee of Con Dao District. Throughout the development of the strategy, CCD emphasized collaborative tourism development with businesses; national and international organizations focused on nature conservation, education, and other research; and opinion leaders. The strategy engages these stakeholders in a collective effort to position Con Dao as a symbol of green and sustainable tourism, where local economic development is harmoniously aligned with the conservation of nature and cultural heritage.

In early May 2025, an international team of scientists - led by professors from the University of Copenhagen (Denmark) in collaboration with Vietnamese researchers - published a groundbreaking report titled "Genomes of critically endangered saola are shaped by population structure and purging." The report appeared in Cell, one of the world’s leading scientific journals. The research was based on 26 saola samples collected and preserved over more than 30 years - including bones and soft tissues from specimens provided by local communities. The team sequenced the entire genome of the species and, for the first time, identified key genetic characteristics of this elusive animal. The study also demonstrated that integrating individuals from two separate populations into captive breeding programs could significantly enhance the species’ chances of survival and recovery, both in the short and long term. Dr. Nguyễn Mạnh Hà, Director of the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and a member of the research team, shared: "Decoding the genome of a rare species like the saola provides a crucial scientific foundation for developing conservation and recovery plans for the species. CCD hopes that Vietnam will prioritize allocating resources to build more scientific, coordinated, and effective conservation strategies for the saola and other wildlife species in the near future, especially as we uncover more valuable information about them." From 2015 to 2025, CCD actively engaged in efforts to survey and collect DNA samples of the saola to support assessments of its distribution and population genetics. The collected samples and data played a key role in the recently published whole-genome study of the species.

In late March 2025, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with the Hanoi Wildlife Rescue Center (HWRC), released 20 wild animals representing 10 species back into suitable natural habitats within Xuan Lien National Park (Thanh Hoa Province). Picture 1: All individuals underwent comprehensive health checks, disease testing, and were equipped with monitoring devices. The health assessment process was supported by FOUR PAWS. Pifcture 2: A pygmy loris inside a transport crate. The GPS collar allows researchers to determine its post-release range and gain further insights into its behavior. Picture 3: One of the civets being released back into the wild. ©CCD/2025 Among the released individuals, 4 assam macaques, 5 pygmy lorises, and 3 masked palm civets were soft released, and are currently being closely monitored by CCD and Xuan Lien National Park to collect data on their post-release adaptation and survival. This release effort is the result of over 13 months of joint collaboration between CCD, HWRC, and Xuan Lien National Park, with veterinary support from Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh (FOUR PAWS). Key activities included: Assessing and selecting suitable release sites Developing release methods Conducting health assessments and disease screening Attaching post-release tracking devices and post release monitoring Picture 4: Edible native plant species are added to the release site to help the animals recognize and familiarize themselves with their natural food sources. Picture 5: Camera traps are installed at the release site to record behavior and the timing of the animals' departure from the soft-release enclosure. Picture 6: As civets and pygmy lorises are nocturnal species, the monitoring team must dedicate several days to observing their behavior during peak activity hours. ©CCD/2025 We hope that data obtained through this post-release monitoring will contribute to identifying areas for improvement in animal husbandries at wildlife rescue facilities, helping us provide more appropriate care that enhances the animals’ post-release survival rates and long-term reintegration into the wild. Picture 7: The soft-release enclosure for lorises allows them to acclimate to the local climate. During this period, they continue to receive supplementary feeding, which includes native plant species from the release site. ©CCD/2025 Most of the released animals were victims of the illegal wildlife trade, having been confiscated by authorities and transferred to HWRC for rehabilitation. Supporting state-run rescue centers and protected areas in wildlife rescue and release efforts not only strengthens wildlife law enforcement but also directly saves lives and restores wild freedom to thousands of endangered species in Vietnam. Since 2024, CCD’s Wildlife Rescue and Release Program has been providing technical assistance to wildlife rescue centers across the country, including: Development of species-appropriate care protocols Design of quarantine and rescue enclosures Wildlife release strategies Please contact info@ccd.org.vn if you are interested in or in need of support related to wildlife rescue and release.

In March 2025, Nam Cat Tien Protection Forest Management Board, in collaboration with partners including Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), organized a training course: “Data Management and Patrol Reporting Using the SMART Tools.” The training was conducted for staff at Nam Cat Tien Protection Forest, Dak Nong province. The objective of the course was to introduce the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART Tools) and its applications in patrol management, reporting, and support for forest survey and biodiversity monitoring programs. This initiative aims to enable the Management Board to develop and operate a comprehensive and sustainable management system based on the SMART Tools. CCD has been actively collaborating with various forest management units in Đắk Nông Province — including Ta Dung National Park, Nam Nung Nature Reserve, Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry Company, and Dak Ntao Forestry Company — to develop and standardize management systems based on the SMART Tools. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of forest management, patrolling, forest protection contracting, and biodiversity conservation initiatives.

In March 2025, the Center for Conservation and Development (CCD) organized a training course on “Community Nursery Management and Propagation Techniques for Rare and Endangered Tree Species” for local residents of Ba Nang and Đakrông communes in Quảng Trị province. This initiative aims to enhance community capacity in conserving and developing valuable tree species. From left to right: Figure 1: Mr. Le Van Quy, an expert with extensive experience in directly managing and developing nurseries in Quang Tri, was invited as a lecturer for the training session. In the picture, Mr. Quy is introducing the basic process of building a community nursery to the local people. Figure 2: Ms. Thai Thi Bang, Mr. Quy's wife and partner in building a very successful nursery in Quang Tri. She is also an expert with extensive experience in tree propagation. In the picture, Ms. Bang is demonstrating to the local people how to treat rosewood seeds before sowing. Figure 3: A mature rosewood tree ©CCD/2025 During the training, participants gained knowledge and hands-on experience in seed treatment, proper sowing techniques, and nursery management at both household and community levels. The propagation of rare native tree species, such as the Siamese rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis) and the Pterocarpus macrocarpus, was demonstrated and practiced directly at Xa Lăng village nursery. Figure 4: Dalbergia seeds before sowing. Figures 5-6: Practicing potting. Figure 7: Ms. Thai Thi Bang, Mr. Quy's wife and partner in building a very successful nursery in Quang Tri. She is also an experienced expert in tree propagation. In the picture, Ms. Bang is demonstrating to the villagers how to treat Dalbergia seeds before sowing. ©CCD/2025 This initiative is part of a long-term effort to: Encourage community participation in sustainable forestry Conserve rare and endangered tree species Improve local livelihoods by creating additional income opportunities Moving forward, CCD and its partners will continue promoting restoration and development of rare tree species, contributing to biodiversity conservation while supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Vin Village, located in Bat Mot Commune, Thuong Xuan District, lies in the western part of Thanh Hoa Province. Home to the Thai ethnic group, it sits within the buffer zone of Xuan Lien National Park. With its cool climate, pristine forests, and rich cultural heritage, Vin Village offers ideal conditions for community-based and eco-tourism development. Hình 1: Cảnh quan bản Vịn ©CCD/2025 To empower women and improve local livelihoods, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with SAP company to support Women-Led Community-Based Tourism in Vin Village, Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, Thanh Hoa Province từ trái sang phải Hình 2: Người dân làm việc nhóm nhằm xây dựng và quản lý mô hình du lịch phù hợp với bối cảnh bản Vịn Hình 3-5: Người dân thực hành các nghiệp vụ du lịch và kỹ năng quản lý, điều hành mô hình du lịch cộng đồng. ©CCD/2025 In March 2025, CCD launched a community-based tourism skills training course for villagers in Vin hamlet. The training provide participants essential tourism management knowledge, including destination introduction, reception, community-based tourism management, and culinary skills. The course aims to enable participants to apply the acquired skills and knowledge that help them to start and sustain an effective community-based tourism in Vin Village. Support new livelihoods for local community and promoting sustainable development especially for whom depend on forest resources to reduce the depend on the forest is one of mission that CCD prioritizes in its overall activity.

On December 14, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) organized a consultation workshop titled “Guidelines for Zoning of Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam” in Hanoi, with representatives from 11 biosphere reserves across the country in attendance. The consultation workshop was part of the project “Mainstreaming Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation Objectives Into Socio-Economic Development Planning and Management of Biosphere Reserve In Viet Nam” (BR project). The workshop aimed to gather input from experts and representatives of biosphere reserves in Vietnam to finalize the guidelines for zoning, which were developed to address challenges and improve management effectiveness, while minimizing the negative impacts of economic development on biosphere reserves. Additionally, effective zoning helps mitigate encroachment activities, ensures consistency between boundaries on maps and in the field, and contributes to the overall goal of the BR project in promoting integrated natural resource management that aligns with biodiversity conservation objectives. In the coming period, CCD will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and provide technical support for the zoning of biosphere reserves in Vietnam. This effort seeks to ensure harmony between nature conservation and community benefits, contributing to sustainable development goals.