Continuing the training series that Center for Nature conservation and Development (CCD) is implementing to improve research and conservation capacity for CCD’s staffs. February 2021, in collaboration with Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources (IEBR), CCD held a training on “Research and conservation for small mammals, bat and bird in Vietnam”. Experienced researchers such as Dr. Nguyen Truong Son – a small mammals and bats expert and Dr. Le Manh Hung – an ornithologist share their research experiences with participants include key fields and laboratory research methods. During the training, participants have change to exchange and enhance their knowledge, especially field research skills and share update information on taxonomy, research method and new technology that could aid field research as well as identify conservation challenges and threats to wildlife in Vietnam. CCD continue to organize more trainings to enhance research skills for young biologists and staffs. The information from the trainings and lesson learnt from senior researchers will help CCD to ensure more effectively research and conservation efforts to protect and facilitate the recovery of endangered flora and fauna in Vietnam and the region. Photo 1: Dr. Le Manh Hung was sharing his research experiences Photo 2: Open discussion on conservation challenges Photo 3: Dr. Nguyen Truong Son was sharing his field research experiences Photo 4: Group photo of the training

Illicit exploitation of forest resources is a challenge for forest protection and biodiversity conservation efforts in Vietnam. Illegal logging, specifically of precious timbers, has been being a huge pressure on protected areas where is the last home for endangered fauna and flora. Rosewood ( Dalbergia ) is one of the most threatened group of tree species because of the illegal logging and trade. Consequently, their number of mature individuals has been significantly declined or even wiped out in most of their known ranges. Currently, in Vietnam rosewoods could only be found in small populations in some protected areas and protection forests in the Central and Southern provinces. As an efforts to protect these threatened timber and ensure the rule of law, on January 27, 2021, The People’s Court of Tan Phu district, Dong Nai province convicted 3 persons for violating national regulation on wild fauna and flora protection and protected area management that committed on June 06, 2020. At the Court, the defendant was sentenced 1 year and 6 months non-custodial according to the Article 232 of the Penal Code (2015 amended in 2017). The sentence was consequence of an illegal logging activity for 0,121 cubic meter of  Dalbergia oliveri  in Cat Tien National Park. The verdict is an alarming news of the fact that protected fauna and flora are continuing be poached and illegally logged even in a national park.  In addition, the verdict is also a strong message for those who intentionally violate national law and regulations on forest protection and protected areas management in Vietnam. Rosewoods are among the most threatened plant in Vietnam that being illegally logged to supply the high-end timber market. The  Dalbergia oliveri  and  D. cochinchinensis  is the most logged and traded despite the fact that they are both protected by national law and strictly protected in protected areas. Therefore, more vigorous and active efforts are needed to protect the species, especially their tiny population remain in the wild. In support protection and recovery effort for these threatened species,  Center for Nature Conservation and Development are coordinate with protected areas and protection forests to do research and map the remained wild population of the  D. cochinchinensis  and  D. oliveri ; develop identification guidelines to support better enforcement and  strengthen in-situ conservation to facilitate regeneration and replanting in their known ranges. Photo 1: Transgressors at Cat Tien Forest Protection Department Photo 2: Dalbergia oliveri in Cat Tien National Park. Photo: La Quang Trung/CCD

Binh Lieu (Quang Ninh province) has recently well-known as an attractive destination for its peaceful and beautiful landscape of the North-Eastern mountainous region. Khe Van waterfall, the dinosaur backbone (also known as the border marker No. 1305), Cao Xiem mount, Cao Ba Lanh mount have been popular check-in landmarks and sceneries for tourists. Number of visitors coming to Binh Lieu is on the rise. Hence, having a sustainable tourism management and development plan becomes an urgent condition. Besides, creating opportunities for local people to participate in and get benefit from tourism and also sustain them as an alternative livelihood to reduce poverty is a special concern. In January 2021, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) cooperated with People’s Committee of Binh Lieu district to organize a seminar to strategize the tourism development and management for the district to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability. Participants are from Development organizations, Provincial agencies such as the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Department of Finance, Department of Planning and Investment, Binh Lieu District, Binh Lieu People’s Committee and communes, towns where tourism activities conducted. The seminar focused on assessing the development and management as well as the potentials and opportunities of tourism in Binh Lieu. Binh Lieu has great tourism potential with its landscape and culture values. However, the potential has not been used appropriately to promote tourism. Therefore, in the next 5-10 years, the district needs to smartly use the potential to promote sustainable tourism and use tourism as a tool to help poverty reduction in their mountainous area. As a technical support bodies, CCD offers some smart options for tourism development towards sustainability, which is closely linking to nature conservation, environmental protection and ensuring that their cultural values will be maintained, and eco-tourism and community-based tourism will be the strategic approach. In addition to the work in Binh Lieu, CCD is also working with other provinces, protected areas, and forest owners to develop ecotourism & community tourism plans/strategies. The tourism plan will be strategically developed, managed and well-practiced to ensure high economic impact, and become sustainable livelihoods for local communities in mountainous and rural areas; more importantly tourism will become an effect tool in raising public awareness about nature and biodiversity conservation. Photo 1. The CCD’s expert share information at the seminar. Photo by: Trang Le/CCD Photo 2. Discussion on the proposed plan. Photo by: Trang Le/CCD Photo 3. The ‘dinosaur backbone’ (also known as the border marker No. 1305). Source: internet

Vietnam has nearly 10.3 million hectares of natural forest out of a total of 14.6 million hectares of forest (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2019). In the criteria of forest area and cover, forests in Vietnam have almost been recovered like it was in 1943, when Vietnam’s first data on forests nationwide was available. Although the forest cover has been restored, the quality of the forest has been degraded, the diversity is low, ecological functions degraded and there is no intact forest. In 2020, Vietnam has suffered heavy consequences of natural disasters, floods & landslides caused serious damages. The question is why the disaster mitigation role of forest has not helped while the forest cover has been restored. Under the new emerged problem, protection value of forests was again raised as an important solution to mitigate damages and improve resilience. For this reason, Vietnamese Government recently raised new initiatives and commitments to protect the forest, especially natural forests . On December 23rd, 2020, the People and Nature Reconciliation center (PanNature), the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and the Vietnam Forest Owners Association (VIFORA) jointly organized the Workshop “Conserving and restoring the natural forest system in Vietnam: Vision and policy solutions” in Hanoi. The workshop has more than 130 participants from state forestry agencies, protected areas, protection forests, research institutions, businesses, communities, experts and other stakeholders to share, discuss and propose solutions to help conserve and restore natural forests in Vietnam. During the workshop, stakeholders share current policy framework on forest management and highlight legal & technical barriers, as well as resources needed for the restoration and management of natural forests. Especially, opportunities and new initiatives that help to mobilize public contributions for forest protection and restoration. The workshop is one of the first events which discusses on forest restoration after the Government announced its plan of planting 1 billion trees to respond to climate change and mitigate natural disasters. This workshop opened a new forum and provide opportunities for stakeholders to discuss, share their experiences, and recommendations on consolidating national legal framework and resources mobilization to improve forest quality and extension of natural forest in Vietnam.

Gibbon is a flagship species and a good indicator for forest quality and management effectiveness. The increase of the northern white-cheeked crested gibbon  (Nomascus leucogenys)  population in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve (NR) is one of evidences of good conservation management and protection efforts of the NR’s staff, and contribution of conservation organizations and the local communities. Recently, the Discover Magazine reported on the conservation prospects of the northern white-cheeked gibbons in Xuan Lien NR with positive information, e.g the number of gibbons has doubled in some forest areas of the NR after 10 years. However, there are a lot of things to do when hunting and snaring of wildlife still occur in the forests, especially in the bordering areas with Pu Hoat forests (Nghe An province). These are current threats to not only the northern white-cheeked gibbons but also other wildlife, which need to be immediately eradicated and effectively controlled. The article about White-Cheeked Gibbon on Discover Magazine

Vietnam is a home of 26 freshwater turtles and tortoises species including 2 endemic species  Cuora picturata  and  Mauremys annamensis.  Poaching, trafficking and habitat loss are the main threats to the species survival. Because of the threats, at least 4 species were listed as top 25 the world’s most endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles and many other species are listed Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) by IUCN Red List. Xuan Lien Nature Reserve covers an area of 27,123 ha of natural evergreen forest in the low-mountain with big streams and water bodies are the ideal habitats for turtles and tortoise. Recent biodiversity surveys show that there are at least 4 turtle species in the reserve. However, up to now, there is no research on this group to assess the population, threats and recommend relevant conservation measure in the reserve. As part of the project: “Conservation for turtles and tortoise in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, Thanh Hoa province”. November 2020, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) in collaboration with Xuan Lien Nature Reserve conducted a field survey for turtles in the reserve. At least 2 turtle species include the Big-headed turtle ( Platysternon megacephalum)  and the black-breasted leaf turtle ( Geoemyda spengleri)  were identify in this survey, both species are listed Endangered by the IUCN, in addition, they are strictly protected by Vietnamese law (Decree 06/2019/NĐ-CP). During the survey, we turtle poaching has not been recorded. Interview surveys were conducted in some villages in Bat Mot commune, several turtle shells and five live  Manouria impressa  were recorded in the local people’s houses. These results suggested that, perhaps poaching of turtles from the wild was still happening at local villages, our team, however, has not yet recorded any information on turtle trade. Next steps, CCD will continue to cooperate with Xuan Lien Nature Reserve to carry out more surveys to assess the current status of tortoise and freshwater turtle population in the reserve. In addition, we will also collaborate with the reserve to conduct training for local ranger and reserve’s staff to equip them practical guidance on turtle field survey skills, conservation knowledge and using radio-tracking devices to study turtle behavior. Meanwhile, CCD and the reserve will carry out more local awareness raising activities to raise awareness and reduce poaching and improve local community’s responsibility to protect not only tortoises and turtles but also others endangered wildlife in Xuan Lien nature reserve. Photo 1: The Big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) was recorded during the field survey. Photo: Pham Van Thong/CCD Photo 2: The  Geoemyda spengleri  was recorded during the field survey. Photo: Pham Van Thong/CCD Photo 3: Measure, analyze recorded specimens Photo 4: CCD’s research team with Xuan Lien’s staffs and the community-based conservation team

Paphiopedilum helenae  Aver. is one of the smallest slipper orchids among paphiopedilums. The combination of surprisingly miniature plants with large yellow flowers makes  Paphiopedilum helenae  being collected for ornamental purpose and commercial use. According to previous researches, the primary forests on limestone mountain landscape of Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son provinces of Vietnam and South China near the border are home to  P. helenae .  Just like other paphiopedilums, this slipper orchid species has been seriously exploited in most of its natural range that leads to the significantly decrease of population. The previous study estimated that the number of mature individual reduced of 85-90% over the last decade. The decline is continuing and there is a projected decline of 80-90% of remaining individuals in the next 25 years. Because of facing severe threat, this dwarf lady’s slipper orchid is listed as “Critically Endangered” (CR) on both IUCN Red List (IUCN 2019) and Vietnam’s Red Data Book (2007). Moreover,  P. helenae  is also being protected by national and international regulations such as: in Group IA of Decree 06/2019/ND-CP on “Management of endangered, precious and rare wild fauna and flora and Implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora”, Appendix I of Decree 64/2019/ND-CP on “List of endangered, precious and rare species prioritized for protection” and Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Due to the fact of population decline and the need for studies to provide scientific information, appropriate management and conservation measures, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is implementing study to assess distribution and identify threats to  P. helenae  population in Trung Khanh district of Cao Bang province. In October 2020, CCD conducted a field survey in some forest areas of Trung Khanh district (including some communes of previous Tra Linh district). The survey was carried out using transect survey method. Survey team recorded at least 172 individuals situated in 53 collected points along eight of nine survey transects.  P. helenae  were observed to grow on top and vertical limestone cliffs near tops of mountain peaks, on vertical ledges ranging from 75 to 90 o  with a northern exposure in limestone karst mountain. Individuals are situated on open vertical limestone walls or slightly shade of primary mixed forest or broad-leaf forest mix with conifers that are dominated by  Pseudotsuga brevifolia  and  Pinus wangii subsp. varifolia  at the elevation from 700m to 850m above sea level. Besides, survey team visited three orchid collected gardens. There is only one nursery garden growing 1-2  P. helenae  individuals. Result of Interviewing local people revealed that  P. helenae  orchid collecting is still happening in study area with small quantities. CCD is continuing to conduct further field surveys on population and especially collecting and trade status of paphiopedilums to gain comprehensive information to propose proper protection and recovery measures in their distribution areas. Research and conservation of endangered orchids is part of Plant Conservation Programme, which CCD is implementing in many regions of the country.

Vietnam has a great potential to develop ecotourism and community-based tourism, especially in protected area system. Nature-based tourism and community-based tourism not only contributes to nature and biodiversity conservation and cultural preservation, but also creates alternative livelihoods, increases employment opportunities and income for local communities. Therefore, sustainable and responsible ecotourism is identified as a priority in the on Vietnam’s tourism development strategy to 2020, vision 2030. Over the years, ecotourism has been growing rapidly in protected areas and has attracted more and more tourists’ attention. Cuc Phuong is also one of the first national parks in Vietnam that develops ecotourism as a major tourism activity in the following time. In order to support Cuc Phuong National Park to have more strategic plan for their ecotourism activities, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) conducted a study to review the tourism development in Cuc Phuong. This is a part of the feasibility research for sustainable tourism development at Cuc Phuong National Park until 2030 implemented by CCD and Save Vietnam’s Wildlife. CCD interviewed relevant stakeholders involving in tourism activities in Cuc Phuong, including local communities, local authorities, travel agencies and service suppliers to collect information and feedback on tourism in the parks and their thought on how tourism should be operated and manage in the park in the future. The findings from this study will be an important input for a comprehensive tourism planning for the park that ensure a responsible and fair tourism with inclusive involvement of stakeholders. CCD is supporting not only Cuc Phuong National Park, but also other Nature Reserves and forest owners in planning and developing sustainable ecotourism and responsible tourism. These tourism plan will be strategically developed and well-practiced and managed to ensure high educational impact, and generate alternative livelihoods for the communities and effectively contribute in raising public awareness about nature and biodiversity conservation.

The Delacour’s langur  (Trachypithecus delacouri)  is one of the 25 most endangered primate species in the world. At present, there are only 2 viable populations in Van Long and Kim Bang. Kim Bang forest is dominanted by the karst terrain that creates a great obstacle for human movement as the terrain is extremely steep and divided by vertical limestone cliffs, and water shortage condition. In addition, poaching and limestone mining have made the langur become more sensitive to human activity; therefore, it is very hard to spot and record any good footage in short distance. However, with the study and monitoring efforts, the Community-based Monitoring Team (CMT) of the CCD has approached and observed the langur a few times and eventually succeeded in recording a clear footage of the Delacour’s langur in the field by using excellent research and adaptation field skills of the local community. This is the best known footage has ever made for the critically endangered Langur in the Kim Bang forest. In the footage, the langur group includes sub-adult, juveniles and adult, this gives a good sign of recovery opportunity for the langur with effective conservation efforts. Video below is recorded by the CMT in Kim Bang: (The resolution of this video has been reduced to meet the requirements of file size) To ensure that the community monitoring team receive appropriate encouragement and recognition for their efforts, CCD in collaboration with Kim Bang Forest Protection Department awarded the CMT small stipend and gifts.  This recognition is an important step to encourage the involvement of local community on monitoring activities, thereby enhancing the responsibility of protecting the Delacour’s langur and its habitat. CCD commits a long-term technical assistance for Ha Nam Forest Protection Department to protect this critically endangered langur in Kim Bang through an effective community engagement program as well as raising public awareness on endangered primate and biodiversity.

The Center for Conservation of Nature and Development (CCD) is implementing a program to monitor and conserve endangered primate species in Vietnam. As an important part of the program, the research and the monitoring activities of Delacour’s langur ( Trachypithecus delacouri ) in Kim Bang forest, Ha Nam province is one of the key operations. The limestone forest ecosystem of Kim Bang district, Ha Nam province is home to the world’s second most important Delacour’s langur population. In which, the studies of CCD and other organizations had confirmed a population 100 individuals. As the typical characteristic limestone terrain, surface water is extremely rare which significantly limits study and monitoring effort for the langur in Kim Bang forest. To improve the effective of monitoring effort, CCD and the Kim Bang Protected Department brought and installed water tanks in Kim Bang forest then community monitoring group could stay in the forest longer, especially in the dry season. The water tanks with capacity of 500L to 2,500L were installed in several locations in the forest to store rainwater then monitoring group could set their camp nearby to conduct longer monitoring and more effectively protection to secure the langur and their habitat. The Center for Nature Conservation and Development is working closely with Ha Nam Forest Protection Department (FPD) and local communities in Kim Bang and Kim Boi (Hoa Binh), and other conservation partners to strengthen the protection and raising public’s awareness of the Delacour’s langur. The activities help to remove threats and help the recovery of the langur populations in Kim Bang and the langur’s greater landscape.

On 2020 September 25, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) in collaboration with Center for Community and Environment Initiative Development (C&E) successfully organized a field trip to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve. The activity is part of the training on “Community-based natural resource conservation and benefit-sharing in protected areas and national parks in Vietnam”. There were 40 young lecturers from development organizations and universities such as Hanoi National University, Hue University, Nha Trang University, Yersin University and Hoa Sen University joined the training. At the reserve, CCD shared lesson learnt between development and conservation in some specific protected areas include the specific case in Van Long. CCD also shared some success stories on balancing local livelihood and forest protection and natural resource management case study with a reference to community engagement. Representative from Van Long Nature Reserve share their conservation story and the success and disadvantages of the community-based tourism from different angles. Participant also had chance to witness the unique wetland and limestone landscape of  Van Long, include observing migratory and waterbirds and the critically endangered Delacour’s langur ( Trachypithecus delacouri ) that is one of 25 world’s most endangered primate in their natural forest on limestone. The Center for Nature Conservation and Development  is maintaining a robust program to protect the critically endangered langur and other threatened species of Vietnam’s flora and fauna through community-based conservation and improving local stakeholders capacity. In addition to capacity building, CCD also implement a strong conservation communication programs to raise public’s understand and perception on wildlife and nature conservation.

Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is implementing a program to support protection and restoration efforts of wild endangered species. CCD priorities the strengthening of research, monitoring and law enforcement to effectively prevent illegal hunting, exploitation and trade of wild plants and animals of Vietnam and other countries being illegally transported and traded in Vietnam. Following the research on distribution and natural regeneration assessment of Dalbergia cochinchinensis and Dalbergia oliveri in Kon Tum and Binh Phuoc provinces which were conducted during March and April, the similar research was implemented in Cat Tien National Park (Dong Nai province) and Yok Don National Park (Dak Lak province) in May and early Jun of 2020. The survey results in the Southern of Cat Tien National Park reveal that there is only Vietnamese rosewood ( Dalbergia oliveri ) distributed naturally with an average density of trees whose diameter at breast height (DBH) from 6cm and above is approximately 6,8 trees/ha, average density of seedlings is 12,3 individuals/ha. Among 1,544 seedlings were recorded in all survey transects, the potential seedlings accounting for 39.31% while regeneration rate from seeds is 88.34%. The high regeneration rate from seeds indicates the potential for genetic diversity in the population and becomes an advantage for long-term conservation and restoration. D. oliveri was recorded in three types of forest in Cat Tien National Park consists of evergreen broad-leaf forest; semi-deciduous forest dominated by Lagerstroemia; bamboo-tree mixed forest. This species is one of the dominant species that plays an important role in the canopy structure of habitats in study areas. In Yok Don National Park, Dalbergia cochinchinensis and D. oliveri were recorded in the same habitat. D. cochinchinensis currently distributes in some specific small areas in the park, trees’ density with DBH from 6cm and above is 0,7 tree/ha, density of seedlings is 4,3 individuals/ha. Of which shoot regeneration rate is 88.98%, regeneration rate from seeds is 11.02% and the potential seedlings accounting for 47.45%. Regarding to D. oliveri , the average density of trees (DBH>6cm) is 2,9 trees/ha, the average density of regenerated tree is 21,6 individuals/ha. Regenerated trees are mainly shoot regeneration growing after forest fire at the rate of 91.44% whereas regeneration rate from seed is only 8.56%. The non-potential seedlings were majority, accounting for 87.28%. However, Yok Don National Park is characterized by dry dipterocarp forest along with the intensive damages of forest fires in dry season that drives regenerated trees of Dalbergia difficult to grow into mature trees.