In the framework of the project “Restoration and conservation for degraded mangroves in Xuan Thuy National Park, Nam Dinh province”, in November 2019, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) with support from mangrove experts and Xuan Thuy NP implemented a study on mangrove degradation to select species to restore degraded areas Xuan Thuy National Park. The study implemented by establishing transects and sampling plots in the study areas. At least 3 transects were established, and 3 sampling plots (400m2 each) were setup in each transect. According to survey results, the key mangrove species communities, including:  Aegiceras corniculata  ( L.) Blanco –  Sonneratia caseolaris  (L.) Engl.;  Kandelia obovata  Sheue, H.Y. Liu & J. Yong –  Aegiceras corniculata  (L.) Blanco;  S. caseolaris  (L.) Engl.;  A. corniculata  (L.) Blanco –  K. obovata  Sheue, HY Liu & J. Yong –  Avicennia marina  (Forsk.) Vierh –  S. caseolaris  (L. ) Engl.;  K. obovata  Sheue, HY Liu & J. Yong –  Rhizophora stylosa  Griff.  The results also indicated that approximately 7.5km of mangroves in Con Lu island were eroded by waves and 78.37 ha  K. obovata  Sheue, HY Liu & J. Yong –  A. corniculata  (L.) Blanco in the same island were degraded by pests and diseases on  K. obovata  trees.  According to the study, two species of  S. caseolaris  (L.) Engl. and  R. stylosa  Griff also were recommended as key species to recover the degraded areas. The mangrove forest in Xuan Thuy National Park is the first Ramsar site in Vietnam and serves as key area for migratory birds and important prawning ground for fisheries. The mangrove is also a strategic coastal protection belt for Red River estuary that prevent intrusion of the seawater and protecting the sea dyke. More importantly, the mangrove is providing livelihoods for thousands of people in the buffer zone and it is an important ecotourism site in Nam Dinh province and the Red River Delta. However, due to the impacts of climate change, sea level rise, especially the impacts made by human such as over fishing and exploitation of aquatic resources made huge impact on mangroves. Also the changes in salinity and tidal are also seriously impact the mangrove as many area were degraded, many tidal areas where shorebird and migratory species are feeding now are converted into shrimp ponds, and intensive mussel  farming areas. The conversion causing loss of habitats and feeding grounds of many endangered species such as the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper  Eurynorhynchus pygmeus , the black-faced spoon-billed  Platalea minor ,  Nordmann’s greenshank  Tringa guttifer , Chinese egret Egretta eulophotes  and many other threatened birds. CCD will continue to work with mangrove experts and Xuan Thuy National Park to pilot mangrove nursery and pilot the restoration planting for degraded area. In addition, CCD will continue its communication activities for local community to raise awareness and provide technical support on mangrove nursery and planting techniques, so that local community could engage and participating in mangrove forest conservation and restoration effort in Xuan Thuy National Park.

In August, 2020, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) in collaboration with Xuan Thuy National Park (NP) conducted community based training on mangrove management and protection. These activities were part of the project “Restoration and conservation for degraded mangroves in Xuan Thuy National Park, Nam Dinh province”. 30 participants from the Women’s Union, Red Cross of Giao An commune and staffs of Xuan Thuy National Park participated in the training. Trainer and forestry specialist from  CCD and Xuan Thuy National Park delivered information on the role of mangroves in protecting coastal area and generating livelihood for local community. At the same time, participants were also trained on community-based mangrove nursery and planting techniques specifically for the  Rhizophora stylosa  and  Sonneratia caseolaris  and other species that will be used for restore degraded mangroves in Xuan Thuy National Park in a piloting area of 1,000m2. In addition, the sapling trees of  Rhizophora stylosa  and  Sonneratia caseolaris  have been nursed since September 2019, and carefully selected before planting to ensure that the seedlings will survive at the pilot site. Next steps, CCD in collaboration with Xuan Thuy and local community will closely work monitor and protect the growth of the mangrove in the pilot site quarterly then propose follow-up step on scaling up the recovery effort.

Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is a national conservation Non-Government Organization (NGO). CCD specifically works on nature conservation, endangered biodiversity protection to support sustainable development in Vietnam. CCD’s priorities are biodiversity inventory and monitoring; protected area management improvement, wildlife trafficking combat, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, sustainable forest management, and local community empowerment for biodiversity conservation and forest management. CCD is currently recruiting a communication officer to deliver a multi-faceted communication plan of the Center. TERMS OF REFERENCE Communication Officer Title: Communication officer (National position) Type of contract: Full-time Duration: One year with possible extension Location: Based in Hanoi with frequent travel to project locations Report to: Director Salary: Negotiation DUTIES: 1. Program and CCD communications – Prepare and distribute press releases and social media outputs of CCD and its projects. – Search, gather and edit online and paper communication information for posting and distribution on CCD’s Fanpage for educational purposes. – Provide communication initiatives (messages, ideas, plan, actions, etc.) of the projects and the center to Director and coordinators – Design CCD’s profile, newsletter and annual reports to promote CCD’s works. 2. Community awareness-raising and school education – Work with Conservation Coordinator, Community Development & Tourism Coordinator and other technical staff to develop and design environmental education and biodiversity conservation materials and publications such as video clips, short stories, fact sheets, posters, leaflets for flagship species and key tourism sites. – Implement community outreach and school education activities at the project sites. 3. Events and campaigns – Assist in organizing and generating public support for special events and campaigns to promote the reputation of CCD and its projects. – Support to organize workshops, seminars, campaigns, events and project review meetings including agendas and meeting minutes. 4. Website and social media management – Develop and post news and communication messages, publications, articles, press releases on the CCD’s website and social media sites (Facebook, Fanpage and Twitter). – Administer CCD’s website and Fanpage, liaise with the hosting service and website design provider to maintain the operation of the website, and keep them regularly updated (to be trained). 5. Other tasks – Participate in groups/CCD meetings, workshops and training as required. – Perform other communication tasks as required.  SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS – University degree in one of the following fields: communication, media, journalism, tourism, social forestry or other related fields. – Fluency in Vietnamese. – Good communication skills including social media and multi-media. – Good computer skills including MS Office and one of the following design software: Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Indesign, CorelDraw, etc. – Knowledge of multimedia tools such as photography, video and social media. – Good writing skills. – Ability to handle multiple priorities and tight deadlines. – Good English skills are an advantage. – Experience in website administration is an advantage. APPLICATION SHOULD INCLUDE: – A resume/curriculum vitae summarizing qualifications, skills and experience. – A one-page cover letter. Application should be sent to: info@ccd.org.vn before September 7th, 2020. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified for an interview.

Continuing the long-term research program for Lorises, July 2020, the research team of the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) collaborated with Xuan Lien Nature Reserve (NR) to conduct the third research field trip in the North-West area of the Xuan Lien. Total 13 transects with total 48km through various habitats to night-spot the lorises. However, only one pygmy loris  (Nycticebus pygmaeus)  and some others small nocturnal animal such as small flying-squirrel, mice, barn-owl were spotted. In combination with the result from the first field trip in July 2019 and the second one in December 2019, then there were 07 loris individuals were recorded including 02 slow loris  (Nycticebus bengalensis)  and 05 pygmy loris  (Nycticebus pygmaeus)  at the reserve.  All of lorises were spotted in mixed-bamboo forest and the secondary forest recovered in abandoned shifting-cultivation fields (about 20 years). We have not recorded any loris in primary forest as shared by local community (through interview survey).Lorises are fully protected by Vietnamese laws, specifically at the Decree no. 06/2019/NĐ-CP and 160/2013/NĐ-CP (updated in the Decree no. 64/2019/NĐ-CP). Preliminary assessment at Xuan Lien, population of both species have been significantly declined due to poaching (main cause), trafficking (not so popular), and habitat loss (important cause). Although the Vietnam Red Data Book (2007) ranks loris as Vulnerable (VU), recent studies on loris in Vietnam showed that their populations had declined in all known ranges, therefore their threat level should be up listed to Endangered or Critically Endangered. Furthermore, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has also listed them under EN level, so it is necessary to increase the level of protection for lorises in Vietnam to urge for more active conservation measures for these species. Next steps, CCD will continue to coordinate with Xuan Lien Nature Reserve to conduct more study and identify relevant conservation approach to ensure better protection for the lorises populations in this important area. In addition, more outreach activities should be implemented to raise local people’s awareness of loris and others endangered wildlife in Xuan Lien. CCD is working closely with protected areas and national parks across the country to maintain long-term and active conservation programs for endangered flora and fauna in Vietnam. CCD also works with different partners to implement relevant capacity building activities for young scientists and staffs of protected areas and national parks to improve their research, monitor and conservation efforts for endangered species in Vietnam and in the Indochina region. We are also providing technical support and assistance to relevant government partners to improve the effectiveness of conservation activities, improve enforcement effort for national laws such as the Law on Forestry, and the Law on Biodiversity to to improve protected areas management and biodiversity conservation in Vietnam more effectively.

On August 12, 2020, the Center for Nature conservation and Development (CCD) organized a training course on “Research and conservation of tortoises and freshwater turtles in Vietnam”. This training course aims at providing knowledge on biology, ecology, distribution, conservation, threats and trade of turtles in Vietnam to young and middle-career researchers. During the training, turtle conservation status, and study method and field research skills of turtle and tortoise were shared with participants. Pham Van Thong, a turtle conservation expert, who has 11 years of experience and other CCD’s experts shared their research skills and wildlife conservation best practices with participants. This is one of the training series that CCD is implementing to build capacity for young field biologists and conservationists to improve their research capacity on species conservation, especially the threatened species. After the training course, trainees will have opportunity to join CCD conservation efforts for tortoises and freshwater turtles in the CCD’s prioritized landscapes.

The northern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) is classified under the IB group of the List of endangered, rare and precious flora and fauna of the Vietnam Decree 06/2019/ND-CP dated on January 22, 2019, the Endangered (EN) in the 2007 Vietnam’s Red Data Book, and the Critically Endangered (CR) in the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. The population of this species in the world is declining sharply due to human impacts and habitat loss. The northern white-cheeked gibbon previously existed in China, Laos and Vietnam; however, in recent years, this species was declared to be extinct in China. Thus, the northern white-cheeked gibbon is now distributed only in Vietnam and Laos. In Vietnam, Xuan Lien and Pu Hoat Nature Reserves (NR) have been identified as the most important habitats for this extremely endangered primate. Being a part of programs on improving the capacity of relevant stakeholders in nature conservation and protection of endangered species in Vietnam, and followed the successfully completed village meetings on the conservation of the northern white- cheeked gibbon in Xuan Lien NR, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with Pu Hoat NR management board, organized village meetings in 05 villages of Muong Phu, Muong Hinh, Na Luom, Pu Duoc and Long Thang, with the aim at raising awareness of villagers in natural conservation in general and in conservation of the northern white-cheeked gibbon in particular. The meetings were taken place from 28 to 30 July 2020 and attracted more than 500 people in 05 villages with the enthusiastic support from officers of Pu Hoat NR. Below is some photos of the awareness raising event: Photo 1: Women at various ages and children of Long Thang village, Hanh Dich commune, Que Phong district, Nghe An province participated in the village meeting to understand the role of forest and conservation of the northern white-cheek gibbon Photo 2: Villagers of Pu Duoc village, Dong Van commune, Que Phong district, Nghe An province joined the gibbon games Photo 3: Forest ranger of Pu Hoat Nature Reserve talking to people in Muong Phu village, Thong Thu commune, Que Phong district, Nghe An province about the protection of white cheeked gibbons Photo 4: Group photo with villagers of Na Luom village, Thong Thu commune, Que Phong district, Nghe An province.

Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is a national conservation Non-Government Organization (NGO). CCD specifically works on nature conservation, endangered biodiversity protection to support sustainable development in Vietnam. CCD’s priorities are biodiversity inventory and monitoring; protected area management improvement, wildlife trafficking combat, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, sustainable forest management, and local community empowerment for biodiversity conservation and forest management. CCD is currently recruiting a communication officer to deliver a multi-faceted communication plan of the Center. TERMS OF REFERENCE Communication Officer Title: Communication officer (National position) Type of contract: Full-time Duration: One year with possible extension Location: Based in Hanoi with frequent travel to project locations Report to: Director Salary: Negotiation DUTIES: 1. Program and CCD communications – Prepare and distribute press releases and social media outputs of CCD and its projects. – Search, gather and edit online and paper communication information for posting and distribution on CCD’s Fanpage for educational purposes. – Provide communication initiatives (messages, ideas, plan, actions, etc.) of the projects and the center to Director and coordinators – Design CCD’s profile, newsletter and annual reports to promote CCD’s works. 2. Community awareness-raising and school education – Work with Conservation Coordinator, Community Development & Tourism Coordinator and other technical staff to develop and design environmental education and biodiversity conservation materials and publications such as video clips, short stories, fact sheets, posters, leaflets for flagship species and key tourism sites. – Implement community outreach and school education activities at the project sites. 3. Events and campaigns – Assist in organizing and generating public support for special events and campaigns to promote the reputation of CCD and its projects. – Support to organize workshops, seminars, campaigns, events and project review meetings including agendas and meeting minutes. 4. Website and social media management – Develop and post news and communication messages, publications, articles, press releases on the CCD’s website and social media sites (Facebook, Fanpage and Twitter). – Administer CCD’s website and Fanpage, liaise with the hosting service and website design provider to maintain the operation of the website, and keep them regularly updated (to be trained). 5. Other tasks – Participate in groups/CCD meetings, workshops and training as required. – Perform other communication tasks as required.  SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS – University degree in one of the following fields: communication, media, journalism, tourism, social forestry or other related fields. – Fluency in Vietnamese. – Good communication skills including social media and multi-media. – Good computer skills including MS Office and one of the following design software: Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, Indesign, CorelDraw, etc. – Knowledge of multimedia tools such as photography, video and social media. – Good writing skills. – Ability to handle multiple priorities and tight deadlines. – Good English skills are an advantage. – Experience in website administration is an advantage. APPLICATION SHOULD INCLUDE: – A resume/curriculum vitae summarizing qualifications, skills and experience. – A one-page cover letter. Application should be sent to: info@ccd.org.vn before September 7th, 2020. Only shortlisted applicants will be notified for an interview!

The monitoring and conservation program of northern white-cheeked gibbon ( Nomascus leucogenys ) in Vietnam is carried out by the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) with the focus on Xuan Lien Nature Reserve (NR) in Thanh Hoa Province and Pu Hoat NR (including Protection Forest) in Nghe An Province. This is a long-term program to protect, monitor and recover this Critically Endangered (CR) gibbon population in its historical distribution areas. In May and June 2020, CCD field biologists conducted a field survey in the joint area between Xuan Lien NR and Pu Hoat Protection Forest. As a result, 62 groups with 142 individuals were recorded as below: – Pu Hoat protection forest area (under management of Pu Hoat NR management board) possesses 40 groups and 85 individuals. These are the most detailed and largest records of northern white-cheeked gibbon population in this area. – Xuan Lien NR (fixed listening posts (LP) of LP5, LP13 and part of LP15 were monitored this time) has at least 22 groups and 57 individuals. Compared to the 2011-2012 baseline data in the same area, which previously recorded 15 groups and 47 individuals (Nguyen  et al.  2012), the number of gibbon groups and individuals has increased by 07 groups and 10 individuals after nearly 10 years. During this survey, the team also took photos and videos of two northern white-cheeked gibbon groups foraging. They include a group of 03 individuals (01 male, 01 female and 01 infant) in Pu Hoat side and a group of 04 individuals (01 male, 01 female, 02 sub-adults) in Xuan Lien side. So far, these are among the first images and videos of the northern white-cheeked gibbon taken in the wild in Vietnam. Once again, the survey results confirm that Xuan Lien and Pu Hoat NRs are the most important distribution and conservation areas of the northern white-cheeked gibbon in Vietnam. Therefore, conservation efforts should be continuously undertaken in these areas to protect and restore this Critically Endangered gibbon population. CCD has committed to maintain long-term conservation efforts for crested gibbons (Nomascus), especially the northern white-cheeked gibbon and Cao Vit gibbon in Vietnam, by strengthening the population surveys and monitoring, studying species ecology and behaviors and building capacity for stakeholders.

The white-cheeked gibbon  (Nomascus leucogenys ) is a primate that is classified as IB in the list of endangered forest animals, the Endangered group (EN) in the Vietnam Red Book and the Critically Endangered Group (CR) in the IUCN’s Red List because its population is declining sharply globally due to human impacts and habitat loss. White-cheeked gibbons previously existed in China, Laos and Vietnam. However, in recent years, this species has been declared extinct in China, they are currently distributed only in Vietnam and Laos. In Vietnam, Xuan Lien Nature Reserve and the adjacent Pu Hoat protection forest have been identified as important habitat for this extremely endangered primate. As part of programs to improve the capacity of nature conservation, protection of endangered species in Vietnam in combination with the research and conservation efforts made for this species at Xuan Lien, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) has cooperated with Xuan Lien Nature Reserve to hold village meetings “Conservation of white-cheeked gibbons and loris” in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve to enhance awareness of the village community, towards improving the effectiveness of nature conservation in general and wildlife conservation in particular. The program is implemented from June 9 to 11, 2020 in five villages including Vin, Phong, Chieng, Khong and Lua in the buffer zone of Xuan Lien Nature Reserve. The village meetings program took place successfully with the active and enthusiastic participation of local people. Besides, listening, exchanging ideas and suggestions between program implementers and local people are encouraged. At each meeting, local people not only understood the importance of protecting local white-cheeked gibbons but also were informed about the penalties prescribed by law for poaching and trading wildlife. Through the program, the message of standing together to protect endangered species of plants/animals in Vietnam has been spread to all local people.

Rosewood species  (Dalbergia  spp.) are high economic value and have been the most illegal logging and trading in Vietnam and Indochina region. As a result, many wild populations of rosewood species have been depleted in majorities of localities in Vietnam; few populations remained in specific protected areas are being threatened.  Dalbergia cochinchinensis  and  Dalbergia oliveri  are being protected by national and international laws and regulations such as Decree 06/2019/ND-CP dated on 22 January 2019 (Group IIA) and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (Annex II). 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. During March and April 2020, CCD conducted a distribution survey and regeneration assessment of  D. cochinchinensis  and  D. oliveri  in Dak Uy protected area (special use forest/SUF) of Kon Tum province and Bu Gia Map national park of Binh Phuoc province. Although the survey was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental social distancing policies, the survey team completed the field trips as expected schedule. Findings of  D. cochinchinensis  in Dak Uy SUF revealed that density of trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) from 6 cm and above is approximately 15 trees/ha; density of seedlings are about 35 individuals/ha, of which potential seedlings are 27 individuals/ha, accounting for 76% – relatively high. Shoot regeneration rate is about 56.7% and regeneration rate from seeds is 43.3%. In terms of tree species composition,  D. cochinchinensis  dominates amongst the average of 17 other tree species in each established sample plot. There is no record of the existence of  D. oliveri  in Dak Uy forests. The survey of  D. oliveri  in Bu Gia Map national park resulted that tree density with DBH from 6 cm and above is 7.6 individuals/ha; density of seedlings is more than 5.6 individuals/ha, of which potential seedlings are about 2.8 individuals/ha, equivalent to 49%. Shoot regeneration rate is 55.7% and seed originated regeneration is 44.3%. Amongst the average of 24 tree species per plot,  D. oliveri  accounts for a small percentage of 5.8%. Not any  D. cochinchinensis  was recorded in Bu Gia Map national park. The following are photographs of the two surveys. Photo 1: Taking note about Rosewood Photo 2: Making plots to measure tree height and DBH Photo 3: Rosewood’s DBH measurement Photo 4: Measuring DBH of buttress tree

Van Long Nature Reserve (NR) which situates in Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province (20˚21’-20˚25’N, 105˚49’-105˚55’E) is among the most interesting original wetland reserve of the Red River delta in Vietnam. Van Long NR covers unique landscape and typical forest on limestone habitat with the topography of a series of limestone karst outcrops that rise abruptly out of surrounding alluvial plains and run in Northwest to Southeast direction. Van Long NR is the most important site for the Critically Endangered Delacour’s Langur ( Trachypithecus Delacouri)  and believed to form a staging post and breeding site for seldom documented migratory birds and certain raptors in Vietnam. The reserve is also an important wetland that supports significant numbers of migratory & waterbirds in the Red River delta. However, besides its unique beauty and biodiversity significance, Van Long is subject to several pressures from surrounding communities because of being surrounded by areas of intensive agriculture on all sides. For instance, plenty of threats from development and agriculture extension including the use of pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers for agricultural activities; pressure from limestone mining for construction material and cement and smoke, dust, and waste disposal from nearby industrial zones. Its biodiversity also threatened by alien invasive species, poaching and small-scale illegal fishing. Therefore, ecotourism seems to be a new and rapidly expanded livelihood option for local community as more than 600 households directly or indirectly involved in tourism services. Besides, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) prioritized its support for the protection of critically endangered Delacour’s langur in Van Long and extended landscape include Kim Bang and Huong Son forests. CCD’s activities then will not solely focus on protecting the langur’s population and habitats but also improving local community’s livelihood through promoting community-based ecotourism, raising conservation awareness, engaging local community in monitoring langur and its habitat to mitigate threats. As a result, Van Long gains some successful stories on conservation of the critically endangered langur and community-based ecotourism. Currently, Van Long is among the pioneer reserves in Vietnam that effectively engaged local community in supporting endangered species and engaged them in the tourism activity that directly benefits their livelihood. Being aware of the benefits from the reserve, local people now actively participate in protection efforts to maintain the reserve landscape and amenity to attract tourists. The nature reserve is now benefiting both wildlife and people.

Ecotourism is a way to help management boards of national parks, protected areas and protection forests to improve their operational efficiency thanks to additional revenue sources for forest protection, management and biodiversity. Moreover, ecotourism also helps raise the society’s awareness of natural values, thereby helping them to understand, appreciate and act more responsibly to protect and preserve those values. The success of some models of ecotourism, community tourism in some national parks and nature reserves in Vietnam such as Cat Tien, Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Ba Vi, Van Long, Tra Su are good lessons learned for forest owners plan to exploit the natural landscape values and ecological values of their units more effectively through tourism development. The Center for Conservation of Nature and Development (CCD) sees ecotourism as a strategic direction to be promoted for special-use and protection forests in Vietnam. Therefore, in 2020, in addition to direct consultation for the development of the “Proposal on development of ecotourism in special-use forests in Xuan Lien Nature Reserve”, CCD has coordinated with Lang Chanh Protection Forest Management Board to develop an ecotourism proposal focusing on experiencing the values of nature and indigenous culture. The goal of the proposal is to sustainably exploit the landscape, ecological and indigenous cultural values more effectively, while raising public awareness and creating jobs, helping to improve the livelihood of the community, reducing their dependence on forest resources. The proposal focuses on promoting the active participation of the community in tourism activities in order to associate the rights and responsibilities of the community with regard to nature conservation and forest protection. In the near future, CCD will promote ecotourism and cultural experience tourism activities in order to help the tourists feel the values of nature and culture, thereby being more responsible in preserving and protecting the values of that nature and indigenous culture.