Ben En National Park is an outstanding destination for travelers who love idyllic and unspoiled scenery. For only about 46 km apart from Thanh Hoa city, travelers might find the unique integration of mountains, rivers and cloud - a naturally mesmerizing view in contrast with the hectic image at the city. Therefore, the Park is considered a getaway place for tourists and has favorable activities, for instance, sailing on Song Muc lake, admiring the view of nature and exploring the custom and gastronomy at villages of Thai, Tho, Muong ethnic communities.  From left to right: A view at Song Muc lake, a peaceful view at Von village and a Thai traditional textile Despite earning the tourist interest in its natural and cultural values, Ben En National Park has yet to comprehensively utilize the potentials of nature and correlation with other tourist destinations in Thanh Hoa province. The Park is situated among busy intersections which can be an ideal location for travelers to visit. Ultimately, in regards to every potential for tourism development of the Park, a thorough plan is essential for Ben En to become the center of ecotourism in Thanh Hoa province.  Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is cooperating with Ben En National Park to formulate “Ecotourism, leisure and entertainment development plan for Ben En National Park from 2021 - 2025, with vision to 2030”. The plan is fundamental to advance the synergy between tourism and conservation of the Park, thus not only raising public awareness but also creating stable income for the Park as well as local communities and further subsiding the forest dependency. A meeting between CCD's team and Ben En National Park With its vision and mission, CCD has always look for implementation of natural and environmental protection to tourism development plans, thus providing information and raising public awareness in protecting and enriching local cultures, better adaptation to pandemics and climate change.

Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) cooperates with Xuan Lien Nature Reserve to provide information on species diversity as well as opportunities for conservation and population recovery for these species. This video praises efforts in Loris conservation at the reserve which involves parties to strive for this achievement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMn4PaZnEzc

Deforestation and forest degradation are the main threats to biodiversity,  many species are at the brink of extinction because of deforestation and overharvesting and illegal trade. Because of increasing demand for timber and illegal timber trade, many tree species are seriously declining and facing extinction. Among the most endangered tree species, three rosewood species including the Dalbergia oliveri, D. cochinchinensis and D. tonkinensis are heavily exploited and traded illegally.   From 2019 - 2021, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), with the support of Tree Species Programme of CITES Secretariat, conducted a comprehensive study to evaluate management and identify key natural population of the Dalbergia oliveri and the D. cochinchinensis in Vietnam. Under the program, CCD worked with multiple levels of stakeholder to analyze management status, include harvesting and trade on two species throughout the country. Based on the result, a Non-detriment finding report was prepared and a rosewood conservation plan was drafted. In addition, CCD also assisted protected areas that were identified as rosewood conservation strongholds to develop, strengthen their plant conservation capacity and prepare a comprehensive monitoring, conservation and recovery plan for the two species. Moreover, in support of better enforcement of national and international regulation on trade control of the rosewood species, an identification manual for Dalbergia oliveri and D. cochinchinensis was prepared to assist enforcement bodies. The manual will help forest rangers and law enforcement bodies to effectively manage the harvest and trade on rosewood species. Staffs, rangers at Cat Tien National Park and stakeholders attended the course To facilitate better conservation and protection efforts for the species, especially forest ranger and forestry authority at the ground levels, CCD convened training on “Planning for inventory, monitoring, recovery and conservation of endangered tree species in Vietnam”. The courses equipped participants with updated information on current distribution, actual population remains for the rosewood and the issue of exploitation and trade on the Dalbergia species. At the training, botanist/plant conservation and forestry experts shared approaches and recommended methods on inventory, monitoring the population of endangered trees particularly for rosewood species. Participants also discussed new approaches in protecting, and facilitating the recovery of rosewood populations in their natural habitat including the need to active intervention such as propagation, re-planting in known habitat and facilitating natural regeneration for a target area. Organizer provided attendees with many visual materials along the course Through its efforts and vision on nature conservation, CCD has been supporting different protected areas, forest owners to prepare conservation plans and improve capacity for their staffs in research, monitoring and recovery of endangered species of threatened fauna and flora. CCD is seeking the opportunity to cooperate with other organizations, businesses and experts to promote and advance more effective efforts on environment protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development and inclusive growth in Vietnam.

Within the framework of the project "Conservation and Development of Biodiversity resources of Forest ecosystems in Cat Tien National Park" funded by AFoCo, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) coordinated with Cat Tien National Park to (i) assess training needs, (ii) develop training programs and materials, (iii) organise training courses for staffs of the Park. In December 2021, CCD and Cat Tien National Park organized trainings for more than 60 technical staffs and forest rangers on forest protection as well as biodiversity monitoring skills. Through courses, experts from CCD share updated information on laws/regulations of forest, biodiversity protection; methods and techniques to monitor biodiversity, wildlife populations and endangered species; introduction of new equipment and tools for wildlife and biodiversity monitoring; planning for a monitoring program focus on the park’s iconic species such as the endangered primates, pheasants, ungulates and crocodiles in Cat Tien National Park. The courses not only covered the key infomation and methodology but also allowed trainees to on-site practice with specialized equipment such as drones, automatic recorders, camera traps together with SMART and QGIS software to aid their forest protection and biodiversity monitoring efforts. By obtaining the updated information and sufficient skills to monitor the ecosystems and biodiversity, the staffs are more capable to manage and mitigate impacts human activity and climate change, thus preserve and restore Cat Tien’s forest. In the following years, CCD will continue its support to Cat Tien National Park in implementing more advanced training programs, and provide technical support to the park to monitor all important species and nurture its ecosystem and biodiversity.

Cat Tien National Park is among the most important biodiversity conservation strongholds in Vietnam; the park is an important core zone of Dong Nai biosphere reserve.  Besides the biodiversity richness, Cat Tien National Park is a well-known place for its unique cultural and historical values. Because of its unique values, in 2012, Deputy Prime Minister has signed a decision to recognize Cat Tien as national relic site. This recognition is an special advantages that help to improve and heighten the park effort on biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism and raising public awareness and responsible for its  cultural and natural values. Over the past 5 years, Cat Tien is recognized as one of of the most active and effective park for its biodiversity conservation and ecotourism activities. The park has unique ecotourism and night safari, birth watching tours where tourists could witness its unique forest landscape and wildlife in their habitat; and community tourism to experience life and culture of ethnic group in the buffer zone. However, as other Parks protected areas in Vietnam, staff are frequently rotated or changed, and the constant need of updating knowledge and skills. Therefore, capacity building and training should always be a priority for the park and its staffs.  CCD's team is working with Cat Tien National Park management board and local governments Within the framework of the AFoCo-funded project named " Conserving and protecting biodiversity of forest ecosystems in Cat Tien National Park ", Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) collaborated with Cat Tien National Park to implement a capacity and training need assessment program on: (i) assessing training and knowledge, skills need for forest protection associated with biodiversity monitoring and (ii) assessing training and skills need for eco/community based tourism for tourism staff and local guides include prepare a set of training material and training curriculum. The assessment focus on Cat Tien’s staff and local stakeholders in the park’s buffer zone. Perceiving from assessment, CCD work with Cat Tien to develop training material and training modules to improve knowledge and skills for staff and partners in effective management of the park and its biodiversity and having more effective tourism and education activity to improve public awareness and responsibility. CCD's team is surveying rangers, staffs and local people at Cat Tien National Park Besides the endeavor to protecting the nature and biodiversity values, CCD has been actively involved supporting Vietnam’s protected areas to build capacity,  advance management systems . In addition, CCD also initiate and sustain different programs that support forest-dependent communities to improve their livelihoods through community-based tourism, community-based forest protection to reduce their dependence on forest resources and improve their participation and responsible on forest protection, biodiversity conservation .

Ngoc Lac is a mountainous district in the West of Thanh Hoa province. The district is 73km away from Thanh Hoa city, a living area of ethnic groups, however, the majority is the Muong people. Traveling along National Highway 15 th towards the Sat Mountain, visitors can easily notice traditional stilt houses of the Muong located along streams that run in the middle of beautiful valleys. Ngoc Lac district is not simply a habitation, but also the foundation of Muong people's traditions and customs, which are still preserved over time. Being a part of rich traditional culture, the district has spectacular limestone and earth-hills landscapes, and valleys which the Muong minority is living, especially a system of beautiful limestone caves include the Ban Bu, Hum, and Dan caves, which features underground streams and majestic limestone, stalactites and stalagmites formations which are potential attraction site for cave discovery and geo-tourism. Moreover, caves are associated with historical and relics, such as the Lam Son revolution and also an attractions site for historical and cultural tourism. In addition, there are many beautiful valleys and natural lakes associated with local culture which provide unique tourism value. (from left to right) Sat mountain’s view from above and spectacular landscape in Ban Bu cave The integration of culture, landscape, and ethnic minority culture and hospitality enriches the district's attractiveness which would be used to boost tourism development. However, its charms and cultural richness remain hidden. To advance tourism opportunities for the district and local community as an alternative development option, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is supporting the Ngoc Lac district and Xuan Ngoc Minh Joint Stock Company to strategize and formulate a nature-based tourism development plan for Ngoc Lac district. (from left to right) CCD’s team is discussing with the leader of Xuan Ngoc Minh JSC and surveying the valley in Ngoc Lac town In the new tourism plans, CCD aims to integrate pandemics and climate change adaptation options while ensuring that tourism will aid and improve the public’s perception toward nature and biodiversity conservation and be responsible for the mother earth.

The project: Strengthening the management and conservation of Dalbergia cochinchinensis and Dalbergia oliveri in Vietnam is conducted by Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and specialists, sponsored by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and European Union (EU) Let CCD guide you through the process of conserving the two endangered species: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRq_dkvboT4

Tien Yen district is a mountainous district and the north-eastern gateway of Quang Ninh province. Although the district is 90 km away from Ha Long, it is close to the most dynamic region of Quang Ninh province such as Cam Pha city, Van Don economic zone, Hai Ha - Mong Cai, and Hoanh Mo - Binh Lieu border gate, etc. Among development belts, the district has been considered as a central area connecting regions and attracting tourists. From left to right: The archaeological site of Hon Ngo and Long Vang beach Tien Yen district is famous for outstanding destinations, including its iconic tourism and culture events: the local fair, Pac Sui waterfall, Ha Lau traditional market, Long Vang beach, Dong Rui mangrove forest, Tien Yen River, Dai Duc terraced fields, etc. For the enrichment of tourism in the district, San Chi, San Diu and Dao ethnic communities are represent throughout its majestic landscapes, making the district more appealing and incentive to explore. This integration of natural and cultural values reflects an auspicious development of tourism in Tien Yen. However, tourism potentials have yet been utilized. The tourism potential and its iconic attraction sites are still lackluster. To awake these hidden charms, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is supporting the Tien Yen Department of Culture and Information to strategize a tourism plan for 2021-2025, vision to 2030. The plan will contribute to the achievement of the "Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy by 2030" and turn tourism into a key economic segment of Tien Yen district. In addition, tourism and its related services will help to improve local people’s income and promote the district’s beauties. From left to right: Khe San waterfall and terraced field in Dai Duc commune In Quang Ninh province, CCD is supporting other cities and district such as Binh Lieu, Uong Bi, and Ha Long to develop their tourism plans. These plans are strategically developed to adapt to new normal while ensure that natural and cultural values remain as the principal goals and well reserve through a thoughtful tourism plan.

Situated in northwestern Lao Cai province and belonged to Y Ty commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Chai hamlet is an example of human and nature harmonization. The neighborhood is a tourism gem with unique cultural trails, surrounded by magnificent terraced valleys and rocky moutains. In addition, Ha Nhi ethnic minority make up most of its population which imbues visitors with the comprehensive experience of the indegenous people customs. Although the community living in a remote mountainous area, local people shows hospitality toward visitors and welcome them to join in traditional practices and admire scenery. In order to raise awareness of natural potentials of Lao Chai hamlet, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) conducted researches and surveys to determine the local community’s need of training in communication, tourism and agriculture skills. The main objective is to advance the Lao Chai’s women capacity in information approaching, cultivating techniques and tourism skills. Thus, local women will be able to manage the family’s finance, improve livelihood and better adapting to climate change and pandemics.

COVID-19 affects every part of people lives and makes notable changes, particularly the communication of environmental protection. Despite the effectiveness of direct communication such as offline meetings, exhibitions, trainings, etc., the digital revolution supports the establishment of innovative products including music, films and attracts diverse parties in the environmental protection sector. To make memorable and honorable image of conservation efforts in Vietnam, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is among a few civil society organizations that be able to participate in the ECO film project in 2021. Under the sponsorship of Goethe institute, the project aims to deliver the endeavor of nature conservation and sustain livelihoods for people during the pandemic outbreak in Vietnam. Nhan Dan television aired the ECO film project in “Environment and Resources” program as the recognition of the project novelty. https://youtu.be/wS6El3VB0_Q

On November 04, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) successfully hosted ECO film Q&A workshop. Many representatives from agencies, universities, companies, film crews and independent filmmakers joined the workshop to comprehensively resolve concerns in the cooperation with CCD and the project. Until November 24, CCD is keen to support potential partners in forming remarkable plots and scripts for the ECO film production project. CCD expects the cooperation could prominently deliver to the screen CCD’s mission: Harmonizing between Conservation and Development, connecting People with Nature. For more detail, please contact: Mr. Ta Quoc Truong - Project Coordinator Email: truong.ta@ccd.org.vn A call for filmmakers: https://ccd.org.vn/en/news/eco-film-project-a-call-for-filmmakers/

Since 2018, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and others has been implementing a conservation program for the Critically Endangered Delacour’s langur in Kim Bang protection forest, Ha Nam province. The report shown that number of Delacour’s langur in Kim Bang was almost doubling the highest number reported in previous studies. Our findings confirm that Kim Bang holding the second most important population for the species. The findings also indicate of recovery of this Critically Endangered species. On the other hand, the study also indicate conservation challenges for the species and its habitat. See the article at: Status of a second viable population of the Critically Endangered Delacour's Langur in Vietnam