On October 30 and 31, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) in cooperate with Hanoi Wildlife Rescue Center and Xuan Lien Nature Reserve finished the journey of releasing 104 wild animals in the reserve’s habitat. These animals were rescued from illegal trades and captives. They have been rehabilitated and physically readied to return home. Among the released, the tortoises will be monitored after release to measure adaptation and growth for future releases. CCD supports the implementation of conservation projects and combatting wildlife poaching, capturing, trading, and consuming in Vietnam. CCD hopes to cooperate with parties to comprehensively protect wildlife and biodiversity. https://youtu.be/3ONJThm91gs

Uong Bi is one of the three biggest cities in Quang Ninh province. Uong Bi city is popular not only for being a largest coal-mining region, but also qualified to be a tourism center with its spiritual, cultural, and historic sites such as the complex of Yen Tu Monuments and Landscapes, Ba Vang Pagoda, Yen Trung Lake, Hang Son Pagoda, etc. Among the sites, Yen Tu is considered as the founding place of Buddhism in Vietnam. The complex of Yen Tu Monuments and Landscape is proposing to be a new world’s heritage site. In addition to the religious and culture value, Uong Bi also has some magnificent landscapes and wildness areas such as Binh Huong peak, Phuong Hoang peak, Phuong Nam River which gives the city perfect conditions to become a new popular tourist destination.   Majestic scenery on Binh Huong summit, Vang Danh ward To raise-up the city hidden charms and tourism potential, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Information of the city to formulate “Tourism development plan for Uong Bi city from 2021-2025, vision to 2030”. The plan will support the implementation of the “Strategy to Develop Vietnam’s Tourism to 2030” and transforming tourism as a new leading economic for Uong Bi city. CCD's team on surveys to formulate the tourism plan As an effort to recover the tourism sector in the post COVID-19 pandemic, having an innovative and adaptive tourism plan will be a vital step to recover the tourism industry. CCD is actively support the formulation and implementing of tourism plans and activities in harmonization with nature conservation and preserving of local culture in the context of  adaptive with pandemic and new normal.

On October 15, Goethe Institute held the press conference on social media platforms. The event attracted many filmmakers participate and discuss about the project. The project in partnership with CCD and Four Paws Viet Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh, in sponsorship with Goethe Institute. Throughout the ECO film project, both NGOs hope to coordinate with capable filmmakers and produce a valuable message that influences people to protect environment and nature. Link livestream on Facebook: https://fb.watch/8EHPrQclYv/

About the project: Hosted by the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and Four Paws Viet The Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and the NGO Four Paws Viet are committed to biodiversity and animal welfare. In order to reach a wider public, we are looking to collaborate with documentary filmmakers. The Goethe-Institute supports this collaboration. This project is addressed to documentary filmmakers who support the global sustainability goals (especially development goal 15: Life on land). This cooperation offers them preferential access to eco-activists, our stories and to the animals that we care for. About the theme of CCD: Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is a non-government organization. It was established in 2017, with the vision of harmony between conservation and development; people and nature; restore and maintain the ecosystem balance and biodiversity. The main groups of activities of CCD: - Landscape Conservation Afforestation and restoration of degraded forest areas with native tree species in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa) Support Protected Areas to develop sustainable development plans to manage and use the forest and natural resources: Xuan Lien Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa), Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai). - Wildlife Conservation Delacour’s langur ( Trachypithecus delacouri ): Implemented in the limestone landscape of Kim Bang district (Ha Nam); Northern white-cheeked gibbon ( Nomascus leucogenys ) and Slow loris ( Nycticebus bengalensis ): Implemented in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa). - Plant Conservation Threatened timber species ( Dalbergia oliveri Gamble x Prain & Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre): Implemented in several Protected Areas in Vietnam; Precious orchids ( Paphiopedilum helenae Aver): Implemented in Trung Khanh (Cao Bang). - Sustainable Development Participate in developing a nationwide network to prevent illegal exploitation and trade of wild animals and plants Promoting community-based tourism, improving livelihoods for local communities in Bat Xat (Lao Cai), Binh Lieu (Quang Ninh), Trang An (Ninh Binh), Xuan Thuy (Nam Dinh). - Environmental Education: CCD organizes nature and culture experience programs for pupils, students and families. With creative and practical forms of communication and education, participants have the opportunity to learn and experience the natural values, customs and traditional culture in typical areas such as Cuc Phuong National Park, Bat Xat Nature Reserve (Lao Cai), Trang An Heritage Site (Ninh Binh), ethnic minority communities in Binh Lieu (Quang Ninh). - Methods and equipment used: Using drones/flycams and remote sensing images in forest survey, determining changes in forest area in Protected Areas. Using SMART tool kit in forest patrolling and monitoring in Kim Bang (Ha Nam) and Xuan Lien (Thanh Hoa) Using radio-tracking equipment and camera traps (set the cameras in automatic mode in the forest) in wildlife surveys to identify the number of species and the number of individuals of the species in protected areas (Xuan Lien, Thanh Hoa). - Participation of local communities in conservation activities People participate in activities of investigating, patrolling, monitoring and protecting endangered species in their local region, having additional sources of income from receiving payment for participating in project activities. Participate in technical training on planting and tending plantation forests to improve and diversify their livelihoods. CCD supports connecting and promoting local products to outside organizations and businesses and develops community-based tourism. CCD is a bridge to connect stakeholders, bring community's voices and aspirations closer to management agencies and policymakers Key messages With CCD's activities and efforts, local communities' livelihoods have been improved in a sustainable way, managers' capacity at all levels have been enhanced, and partners and scientists have been connected to jointly develop effective and practical conservation plans and strategies. Throughout the ECO film project, CCD hopes to produce a valuable message that influences people to protect environment and nature. On the other hand, CCD’s efforts in the nature conservation and development sector got global accreditation. Thus, the film should be an encouragement for CCD to continue contributing to sustainable development in Vietnam. Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria: Applicants have Vietnamese citizenship and must be at least 18 years of age at time of application submission. Applicants should have previous storytelling experience through a visual medium. Responsible, open-minded and have good teamwork and problem-solving skills. Aware of the working environment when producing documentary films with CSOs. In good health condition. The filmmaker or production entity must have the required equipment for film production, budgetary and editorial control over the proposed project. Benefits: If you’re selected, you: Receive a budget of 7,000 EUR (equivalent to 185,000,000 VNĐ, including taxes) for documentary film production. Are given an open chance to make your product known among other platforms/ rewards. Join training workshops on the art of telling stories; sustainable film making and how to integrate yourself in working with CSOs and local communities. Will be enabled to complete your products. Are part of our showcase event where you can share your stories and make yourself visible to the public. Product quality requirements: Number: 01 film with maximum 30 min long and at least 15 photographs for communication purposes. High-quality film (at least Full HD resolution). Respecting people and the facts and no made-up stories. Creative in the way of telling stories. Copyright of the films belongs to Goethe-Institut and Partners (including participating CSOs and film-makers). Timeline:        Application deadline: Please send your application to the email address kultur-hanoi@goethe.de by 23:59, Friday November 24, 2021 with the title ‘ECOFILM_Your Name_CSO you will partner with’ (e.g. ECOFILM_NguyenLinhChi_CCD) . Download the application form Application screening & interviews: Will be done successively by the end of November 2021 Application result and training: December 2021 Film production period: Jan 2022 - September 2022 Contact: Mr. Ta Quoc Truong - Project Coordinator Email: truong.ta@ccd.org.vn Goethe-Institut The Goethe-Institut is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institute, active worldwide. We promote the study of German abroad and encourage international cultural exchange. Center for Nature Conservation and Development Center for Conservation and Development (CCD) is a Vietnamese NGO working independently in the field of biodiversity research and conservation, sustainable forest management and implementation of activity on development assistance to harmonize the issues of natural conservation and community development, between people and the biosphere in Vietnam.

Rainy season is an ideal time for afforestation! In August, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and Xuan Lien Nature Reserve are continuing to plant an additional 7000 trees of 16 native species to degraded forests within Xuan Lien Nature Reserve to improve the reserve's ecosystem service and biodiversity. Garthering and transporting trees from the reserve's nursery to planting sites All of the trees have been gathered at the reserve’s nursery and are ready for planting. Local communities are actively involved in preparing planting sites which includes clearing weed and liana, digging planting holes and applying fertilizers. We anticipated to plant experimentally 03 hectares of semi-submerged trees to the forest belt inside Cua Dat reservoir. Semi-submerged trees highly adapt to flooding conditions in some months of the years of the hydroelectric reservoirs. The afforestation in this special area contributes to increase the forest area, prevent sedimentation, protect soil and alluvium from washing away by water during the months of water accumulation inside the reservoir. Cua Dat reservoir Follow and support CCD’s planting programs and other activities at: facebook.com/ccd.org.vn

Illegal tiger farming was a serious issue and a strong argument in Asia and there is still not a conclusion for the argument. Vietnam gained a great success in the recent raid and confiscation of 17 tigers last week in Nghe An province. The success would be a complete one if 08 of the 17 tigers didn’t die during the enforcement attempt. This will be a lesson for enforcement efforts for wildlife in the future. It will need a clear protocol and technical guidance for enforcement bodies on how to handle live animals and caring for them during and after the enforcement effort. CCD is supporting and willing to work with other organizations to support enforcement agencies to improve the effectiveness of the combating wildlife poaching and trafficking in order to ensure that the wildlife and people involved in the effort will all be safe; and the handling of seizure will be properly reported and handled transparently! Mr. Tra, Tran Le - Sustainable Development and Environment Policy Advisor of Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) discussed the said event with Dan Viet press. Details are in the link below: https://danviet.vn/bai-hoc-tu-dan-ho-chet-o-nghe-an-ho-chet-khong-ai-muon-nhung-han-la-chung-ta-da-co-loi-20210809001658518.htm?fbclid=IwAR1mXOFHJgDIuzvIyJgq35ra2auWNtTkxKWyfr0o4OXyldAYKsRY5Ovib4Y

World Nature Conservation Day is a time that we should promote awareness about the need to protect our environment and natural resources and biodiversity that help to secure a healthy planet and well-being. A clip shows a peaceful corner of the forest where wildlife is not disturbed.

The Delacour's langur ( Trachypithecus delacouri ) is an endemic primate species of Vietnam. This species now is facing the risk of extinction due to intense poaching and losing habitat. Recent studies show that there are only two viable populations found in Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve and Kim Bang Forest. However, other important distribution areas of the langur haven’t been properly studied yet including the Huong Son Special use - Protected Forest (Hanoi) and Lac Thuy Protected Forest (Hoa Binh Province). Within the framework of our endangered species monitoring and conservation program, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) cooperated with the Lac Thuy Forest Protection Department (Hoa Binh Province) and Huong Son Protection - Special Use Forest Management Board to carry out a survey for Delacour's langur populations in the forest area within the three provinces (Hanoi, Hoa Binh, and Ha Nam) in May 2021. This limestone forest area has been identified as an important range of the langur. In addition, information about Delacour's langur has been reported recently, therefore, it is vital to collect further data to propose urgent conservation measures and support proper protection and management planning for this important area. CCD’s team recorded a group of Delacour's langurs with at least two individuals. This group was the same group that has been reported in 2016 (Lê Văn Dũng, 2016). However, the number of individuals in the group decreased from 04 individuals (in 2016) to 02 individuals (in 2021). In addition, the survey team noted evidence of human impact in forest including hunting camps, logging signs and encroachment areas.   The result from this survey again confirmed the existence of the langur in the limestone forest in the triangle area of the three provinces. Furthermore, the langur and its habitat are still under pressure from hunting, habitat disturbance by human activities. This confirmation will be a strong scientific evidence that Center for Nature Conservation and Development will use to propose to the local authorities to have a stronger protection effort for the area as well as having appropriate awareness raising activity to inform local community about the langur, its conservation status that help to reduce threats to langur and its habitat and ensure the survival and future recovery of the fragile langur population.  CCD will continue its effort to sustain research and monitoring for Delacour’s langur to pursue more effective conservation measures for this endemic and critically endangered primate.   Photo 1 : The Delacour’s langur recorded  in the study area Photo 2 : CCD’s team in the field

Dong Anh is a suburban district located in the northern part of Hanoi city. With reference to the local tourism, Dong Anh is famous for the Co Loa citadel – an ancient capital of Vietnam. Along with the glorious history of the district, many notables hail from here which contributes to its unique culture. The cultural heritage of Dong Anh appears in either physical or intangible form: architecture, products in craft villages, festivals, customs, water puppetry, … Despite these advantages, the district’s tourism has not received adequate attention, making cultural specificities gradually fade away. In order to advance Dong Anh tourism, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is working with Dong Anh People’s Committee to formulate a tourism development plan. The plan’s ultimate goal is to integrate and promote every tourism aspect of the district, thus making Dong Anh a first place to visit for tourists and travellers when coming to Hanoi. The plan will help tourism become a strategic development tool to elevate the local economy and its related industries. Under the cooperation, tourism development will be strategically planned to aid the district’s socio-economic development plan; tourism also helps to improve the recognition of local culture while improving people livelihoods, preserving the local specificities. This plan also raises people's awareness and responsibility to protect nature, environment and human wellbeing as integrity. Photo 1: CCD’s team discusses with Co Loa citadel Management Board Photo 2: CCD’s team on field survey at Bao Son pagoda – one of seven tourist spots at Co Loa citadel Photo 3: CCD’s team on field survey at Mach Trang temple Photo 4: CCD’s team on field survey at Mach Trang rice noodle craft village Photo 5: Water puppetry stage at Dao Thuc village, Thuy Lam commune Photo 6: Smiley Ville film studio, Dong Hoi commune

What is the aspiration of ethnic minority communities in Ha Giang province? Ha Giang province is characterized by karst plateaus in the north which cover areas of 04 districts comprising Mèo Vạc, Đồng Văn, Yên Minh, Quản Bạ. This unique topography constituted more than 80% of the surface as rocks with steep slopes. With the average elevation of above 650 m asl, the weather in this area is cold and lack of rain falls. Despite the harsh environment, this place is a home for generations of local ethnic minority communities. The indigenous people have developed an adaptive yet impressive cultivation on rocky mountains. Ha Giang people living in karst plateau areas have been cultivating corn as their main food. The process of growing crops on rocky mountains relies on nature, human strength, and primitive tools. Local people have a custom of cultivating, harvesting together and in circulation for all families in the neighborhood. The cooperation among communities is vital for them to sustain in regard to environmental challenges. In order to empathize better with indigenous people, let’s join CCD Experience tours to Ha Giang province in the annual harvesting season. While taking part in the activity, tourists and travellers will probably harmonize with the joy and get aspired by the genuine yet affluent dreams of local people.

The Delacour’s langur ( Trachypithecus delacouri ) has a highly restricted distribution and is an endemic primate species to northern Vietnam. The global population is estimated at 300 individuals, mainly distributed in Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve and Kim Bang protection forest. During 2016-2018, a series of field surveys conducted by CCD’s experts discovered the world’s second largest known population of the Delacour’s langur in Kim Bang protection forest with the number of individuals of nearly 100. The species is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) in the IUCN Red List and under the strict protection of national and international laws. Therefore, the conservation of Delacour's langur has significance not only for Vietnam but also for the whole international community. Despite its importance, the Delacour’s langur population in Kim Bang forest is currently on the edge of extinction because of hunting, habitat degradation caused by stone mining and farm invasion within the langur habitat. In addition, lack of investment and the limited human resources are causing difficulty in species protection and conservation. Aware of the situation of this threatened primate, NHÂN DÂN TELEVISION delivered a documentary providing the whole picture of conservation effort for this species in Kim Bang Forest, Ha Nam, especially emphasizing existing conservation challenges. The documentary is a positive indicator of public concern about endangered species as well as biodiversity conservation in Vietnam.  CCD will work with other NGOs to support local Forest Protection Departments and local authority to improve monitoring and protection and mitigate threats to the critically endangered langur in Kim Bang and its ranges as a whole.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8-_hHsA7Lw The conservation efforts and challenges in protection of the Delacour’s langur in Kim Bang forest, Ha Nam province.

Cuc Phuong is the first National Park (NP) of Vietnam. The Park has a diverse landscape with its unique tropical evergreen forest on limestone and karst caves system. Among nature's beauties, the park is also home of Muong ethnic community with their unique culture that enriches the park's potential. The potential could help the park to diversify its tourism services including community-based tourism activity to ensure that the local community will benefit from the park's natural value. In its history of development, Cuc Phuong acquired a prominent role as a leading ecotourism and education activity. Currently, Cuc Phuong continues to provide new, unique and eco-friendly tourism products with its iconic events such as "Cuc Phuong the Spring Festival"; “Homecoming -a wildlife rehabilitation event” and “Jungle Trail”, ... Those activities have impressed the public and increased the park's recognition even in the difficult time of Covid-19 pandemic.  Continuing the support on sustainable and equitable tourism, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is working with Cuc Phuong to formulate a framework of eco-tourism and community-based tourism. In the effort, the principles of sustainable tourism will be appropriately integrated into tourism plans and activities. The participation of local communities will be strengthened through community-based tourism in the park’s buffer zone. This approach aims to improve the local economy and livelihood for the Muong ethnic minority households then reduce their dependence on forest resources and to raise community awareness and be responsible for the park’s natural resources and conservation efforts. CCD is also supporting other national parks, nature reserves, and protecting forests and provinces to formulate tourism development plans regarding the post-Covid-19 period. These strategies are strategically planned to adapt to new pandemic circumstances and the change of tourism in the future while conserving natural and cultural values remain as the principal goals. Thus, CCD will continue its support to build capacity and promote best practices to create smart and responsible tourism with high educational impact. Photo 1. The scenery at Mac Lake Photo 2. The botanical garden in Cuc Phuong national park Photo 3. The May Waterfall located in Thanh Hoa province - originates from Cuc Phuong National Park Photo 4. The CCD’s team discussed with Cuc Phuong Management Board Photo 5. CCD’s team on the field survey at Cuc Phuong commune