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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From November 6th to 15th, 2024, the CCD Center collaborated with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Vietnam Environment Fund to organize a capacity-building training course for 100 tourism officials from the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, tour operators, and local guesthouses/homestays. The training course is part of the project "Integrating natural resource management and biodiversity conservation targets into socio-economic development planning and management of biosphere reserves in Vietnam" (abbreviated as the BR project). During the training course, participants were equipped with knowledge and skills in guiding techniques and organizing ecotourism activities, developing presentations, and other guiding activities. The training course also included field trips to various locations in Cat Tien National Park such as the Wildlife Rescue Center, Cat Tien Natural Museum, the ancient Tung tree, the Bac Dong tree, and locations in the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve such as the Southern Central Office Relic and the giant Ko-nia tree. The training course also featured the participation of special members, forest rangers who are directly connected to the forest and have many interesting stories about the fascinating connection between nature, culture, and the history of Dong Nai. In the coming time, CCD will continue to collaborate with the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve to train and enhance the tourism capacity of relevant stakeholders to further improve guiding activities, develop ecotourism, protect natural resources, and environmental education in the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve. The Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve was recognized in 2011 with a total area of 756.00 hectares located in five provinces, including Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Lam Dong, and Dak Nong. The biosphere reserve has two important core zones: Cat Tien National Park and Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve, with many rare flora and fauna species and is a destination for thousands of tourists each year. The Biosphere Reserve is a combination of many values, making it an attractive ecotourism destination with various wildlife observation routes and exploring natural forest ecosystems, to ecotourism, community tourism, and water tourism on the Dong Nai River and Tri An Lake, to tourism activities combined with environmental and historical education.

As part of the training program "Using SMART Tools and Forest Patrol Techniques" (November 5-14, 2024), under the project "Conservation of Threatened Species in Hanoi" funded by USAID Vietnam, CCD has provided rangers and community patrol groups with the methodology to use the SMART tools. This tool enables the collection and development of a biodiversity database for the Huong Son Special-use Forest (Mỹ Đức District, Hanoi) Using the SMART tool is an important skill to improve patrolling, monitoring, and researching on biodiversity. CCD hopes that rangers and the six members of the community patrol group established under the project will apply these skills to contribute to the protection of wildlife, particularly the critically endangered Delacour's langur, in Hương Sơn Forest Stay tuned for more updates on biodiversity conservation activities in Hanoi in our upcoming posts!

Hanoi city is in the return of migratory birds, offering urban residents a renewed connection with nature. This setting raises concerns about nature conservation and wildlife welfare, as Hanoi city is not only home to humans but also to diverse natural species. Tune in the discussion: “Hanoi in Bird Season: A Story of Ecological Balance” as we explore the intersections between nature and humanity, reflecting on these issues in Vietnamese and global contexts. By getting diverse insights, together people will come up with solutions that further harmonize the relationship between nature and the residents at the capital. In the picture is a Critically Endangered yellow-breasted bunting (Emberiza aureola), taken at Hanoi city. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBM0lqTxFIY

Recently, CCD organized a study tour on community-based tourism for over 20 households from Vin Village in Bat Mot Commune, located in the buffer zone of Xuan Lien Nature Reserve (Thuong Xuan District, Thanh Hoa Province). During the trip, participants explored homestay models in Kho Muong Village experienced the traditional brocade weaving craft in Lan Ngoai Village, and visited Hieu Waterfall and Hieu Village - buffer zone of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Picture 1, 2, 3: Vin Village visited tourism service providers and touring touism models at bufferzone of Pu Luong Nature Reserve ©CCD/2024 We hope these experiences will equip the Vin Village community with valuable knowledge and skills to organize and manage community-based tourism effectively. They also highlight the importance of developing sustainable tourism that harmonizes with nature and preserves local culture. In the long term, these skills can help improve livelihoods, protect natural and cultural heritage, and showcase the unique beauty of the locality to more audiences. Picture 4, 5: Vin Village and villages at buffer zone of Pu Luong Nature Reserve shares similarities in nature and people ©CCD/2024

Recently, the final batch of tree seedlings was handed over by the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) to local residents and cooperatives in Huong Son Commune, Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri Province. Prior to this, CCD had distributed and planted 80,000 trees in September. With this final delivery, CCD and our partner, One Tree Planted , have successfully met the goal of restoring 100,000 native trees helping to connect areas of high biodiversity along the Truong Son Mountain Range. These trees are expected to provide natural shade for coffee plantations, reforest barren land, and rehabilitate degraded areas, while also increasing local incomes through the collection of non-timber forest products and forest environmental service payments. CCD and our partners will continue to support households and cooperatives that received the seedlings with sustainable forestry techniques. This will enhance the conservation of native species, contribute to local livelihoods, and regenerate natural forests rich in biodiversity. The initiative aims to harmonize the greenery of the Truong Son Range with the prosperity and cultural heritage of the local ethnic communities.