Recently, CCD, in collaboration with The Learning Project and UNIS Hanoi , organized a 3-day volunteer program for 87 students to design and build enclosures for animals at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. During the program, the students gained valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in designing species appropriated spaces to promote the natural behaviors of rescued turtles, pythons, monitor lizards, and macaques. These activities were conducted under the direct supervision and guidance of CCD's wildlife rescue experts stationed at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. from left to right:Picture 1: Building a turtle enclosurePicture 2: Completing a turtle enclosurePicture 3: Placing furnishings in a small animal enclosure©CCD/2024 As part of CCD’s Wildlife Rescue & Release Program, organizing volunteer activities for students is a key priority. This initiative aims to help young people understand the biology and behaviors of wildlife, as well as the challenges of illegal hunting and trafficking. Additionally, the program encourages active participation and voluntary contributions to the care, biosecurity, and eventual rewilding efforts for rescued animals.

Red River Delta Inter-provincial Wetland Biosphere Reserve (Red River Biosphere Reserve) , recognized by UNESCO in 2004, spans over 105,000 hectares across the three provinces of Ninh Binh, Thai Binh, and Nam Dinh. The Red River Biosphere Reserve encompasses 12 habitat types, including mudflats, intertidal zone, grasslands, mangrove forests, sand dunes, etc., providing a home to numerous species of rare and endangered wildlife, both in Vietnam and globally, while also playing a vital role in disaster prevention. Additionally, the Red River Biosphere Reserve supports sustainable livelihoods for fishermen through various economically valuable aquatic species. Due to its unique natural and social characteristics and its complex interprovincial management structure, the Red River Biosphere Reserve requires periodic assessments to improve management effectiveness and fulfill its conservation, research, and development functions. from left to right:Picture 1-3: Discussing on survey and evaluation plan at the Red River Biosphere Reserve at three provinces of Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh and Thai Binh©CCD/2024 As 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), Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) supports a 10-year periodic assessment of the Red River Biosphere Reserve for the 2014-2024 period. CCD will evaluate the current management status, conservation challenges, and opportunities within the Red River Biosphere Reserve to develop a comprehensive report and provide guidance on rezoning based on the status quo and lessons learned from a decade of management activities. from left to right:Picture 4: Picture 4: Clam farming are at Thai Do commune, Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh provincePicture 5: Picture 5: The Red River Biosphere Reserve encompasses thousands of hectares of mangrove forests, which serve as a habitat for numerous wildlife species and act as a green barrier against natural disastersPicture 6: Picture 6: A flock of spoonbills at Xuan Thuy National Park – Nam Dinh province©CCD/2024 In the coming period, CCD is committed to providing technical support to meet UNESCO's requirements in the 10-year periodic review of the Red River Biosphere Reserve. Additionally, CCD will continue to work closely with stakeholders to harmonize conservation with community development, thereby laying a foundation for sustainable development strategies in the future.

In September, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) delivered nearly 80,000 seedlings of valuable timber species such as Magnolia tonkinensis, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Dalbergia oliveri, Afzelia xylocarpa to households and cooperatives in Huong Son and Huong Phung communes, Huong Hoa district, Quang Tri province, with financial support from One Tree Planted. These trees are meant to revive degraded, barren areas, and agricultural plots to stablize soil and retain water, provide shade, enhance agricultural and silvicultural productivity, and strengthen the protective function of the upstream of Ben Hai and Rao Quan rivers, while also contribute to the income of the local people and conserving those planted species. from left to rightPicture 1: Vigorous seedlings delivered to the peoplePicture 2: CCD's team coordinated with representatives from the People's Committee, forest rangers, suppliers, and transport units to ensure the correct recipients, quantities, species, and delivery locations for the seedlings.Picture 3: CCD's team providing silvicultural techniques of the tree species for local people.©CCD/2024 In an effort to restore ecosystems in the Annamite Range, countering deforestation, extreme weather, thus secure and rewild habitats for wildlife, CCD has been working with partners to mobilize resources and implement sustainable development projects. Additionally, CCD focuses on raising awareness among local communities about the value of biodiversity and providing silvicutural techniques to improve local livelihoods, thereby contributing to the unique economic and cultural development of the region. from left to rightPicture 4, 5: Households and cooperatives receiving the seedlingsPicure 6: Planting trees©CCD/2024

Recently, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation team from Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) collaborated with veterinarians from Four Paws Vietnam to conduct health assessments on wild animals at the Rescue, Conservation, and Species Development Center at Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province. The coalition examined and diagnosed 10 animals, including various species of monkeys, wreathed hornbills, reticulated pythons, asian palm civet, wildcats, bengal monitor, darters, and changeable hawk-eagle. During this mission, parties shared techniques for health checks and minor surgical procedures with veterinarians at Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. from left to rightImage 1: General health check for a reticulated pythonImage 2: Minor surgery on a monkeyImage 3: Health check for a wildcat©CCD/2024 Wildlife at the Rescue, Conservation, and Species Development Center were rescued by authorities from illegal wildlife trafficking networks and subsequently transferred to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park for rehabilitation and re-release back into the wild. In this year, CCD has actively supported this process at Phong Nha - Ke Bang by providing direct technical consultation and carring rescued animals. Additionally, CCD collaborates with highly specialized veterinary units to ensure the animals receive optimal conditions to recover their health, instincts, and preparing for their homecoming.

On September 16, 2024, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) launched the project "Conserving Threatened Species in Hanoi city." The project will support improving the effectiveness of forest and wildlife protection in the city. This is one of the first two projects in the field of wildlife trafficking prevention to be directly funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for Vietnamese science and technology organizations. from left to right:Picture 1: Ms. Debra Mosel, Deputy Director of USAID Vietnam, shared USAID's vision for conservation in Vietnam, emphasizing the importance of collaborating with actively engaged Vietnamese science and technology organizations.Picture 2: Overview of the launching ceremony©CCD/2024 The project aims to conserve 100% of the newly discovered population of delacour’s langurs (Trachypithecus delacouri) in the Huong Son forest, reduce wildlife crimes in Hanoi’s forests by 80%; improve the management of 3,600 hectares of natural limestone forest in My Duc district. In addition, the project will standardize the procedures for rescuing, rehabilitating, re-releasing, and post-release monitoring of wildlife and share these practices with at least 10 other rescue centers. Raising awareness of the public, especially the student is one of the key objectives in the project, for at least 300 students is targeted to adopt correct attitudes and behaviors toward wildlife conservation, along with minimum of 500,000 people are disseminated the message of nature and wildlife protection via campaigns on VOV and at the Huong Pagoda festival. from left to right:Picture 3: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Ngoc Linh, Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA), shared about the efforts of grant recipients in conservation work in Vietnam and, on behalf of the organizations, expressed gratitude to the grant provider, USAIDPicture 4: Dr. Nguyen Manh Ha - CCD's Director shares the project: "Conserving Threatened Species in Hanoi city"©CCD/2024 To achieve these outcomes, within the framework of the project, CCD will collaborate with local government, communities, and schools to ensure the survival and recovery of endangered wildlife species and to sustain and conserve critical habitats in Hanoi. This will be done through strengthening the capacity of management and law enforcement agencies to combat illegal wildlife trade, improving procedures for wildlife release and post-release monitoring, raising public awareness to reduce the consumption of wildlife products, and working with secondary schools to raise students' awareness about taking positive actions for wildlife and nature.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is located in Tan Trach commune, Bo Trach district Quang Binh province. The park is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, with 2,953 plant species and 1,394 animal species, including rare and indicator species of the limestone forest ecosystem. A significant contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem restoration in the park comes from the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife. Since its establishment until the end of 2023, Wildlife Rescue, Conservation, and Development Center under Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park has received and rescued 1,439 individual and released 1,335 individuals of wild animals to the wild. The center is advancing its capacity to rescue multi-species in the Central Vietnam. This goal required periodic capacity-building activities for the staff to update their knowledge, skills and complete rescue, care, and release procedures at the Wildlife Rescue, Conservation, and Development Center. In July, the Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with the Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Indo-Myanmar Conservation, conducted a training course on turtle rescue and care for the veterinary staff at the Wildlife Rescue, Conservation, and Development Center. The training shared experience and expertise in rescue procedures, care, identification, and documentation, as well as providing guidance on health checks, weight monitoring, and creating a suitable living environment for turtles at the Center. In the near future, CCD will continue to collaborate with the Wildlife Rescue, Conservation, and Development Center on enhancing the standards of rescue, care, and release of wildlife; training staff on related skills and animal welfare; designing enclosures and planning conservation and rehabilitation spaces; upgrading facilities and equipment; and mobilizing financial supports. Not only accompany for development at the Wildlife Rescue, Conservation, and Development Center of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, CCD’s Wildlife Rescue & Release Program promote the foregoing in every related centers in Vietnam. Moreover, by becoming competitive and succesful in biodiversity conservation, any wildlife rescue, conservation, and development center will have a higher chance of prosper in ecological tourism, experiential learning, experience sharing, and scientific research.

On August 23rd, at Vu Quang National Park, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with Vu Quang National Park in Ha Tinh Province, held a conference to summarize the conservation project for the northern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys). The project was financially supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Species Conservation Fund (SCF). Picture 1: Overview of the closing event©CCD/2024 After more than a year of implementation, the project not only completed the database of 27 groups, consisting of 70 individuals of the northern white-cheeked gibbon in Vu Quang National Park but also provided training to staff, rangers, and community groups on surveying, monitoring, and conserving gibbons and other primates. Additionally, the project raised awareness among communities, local residents, and students about biodiversity and the importance of wildlife species such as red-shanked douc, dark muntjak and serow, Owston's palm civet and otter. from left to rightPicture 2: Dr. Nguyen Manh Ha - CCD's Director is sharing the project's results and recommendationsPicture 3: Mr. Ngo Cong Chinh - Deputy Chief of Party - USAID Biodiversity Conservaton is sharing about the project©CCD/2024 In the coming time, the CCD will continue to provide technical support to Vu Quang National Park to enhance effectiveness in surveying, monitoring endangered wildlife species. Vu Quang and other protected areas in the Central Annamite are known for their high biodiversity and rich habitats – home to many endangered wildlife. In these areas, effective and sustainable conservation efforts will require measures to reduce dependence on forest resources, improve livelihoods for local people, and raise awareness about the value of natural ecosystems in human development. These are the activities that the CCD is focused on implementing with its partners to form a collective effort against deforestation, climate change, natural disasters, and pandemics.

Hoang Lien Wildlife Rescue, Conservation, and Development Center in Lao Cai province has the function of rescuing and conserving, breeding wild flora and fauna, providing scientific and technical consultation on rescue and conservation; building databases for research, education, and biodiversity conservation. In its wildlife rescue efforts, the center has received 239 cases involving 647 individuals, including many endangered and rare species listed in Group I and Group II under the Vietnamese Government's Decree 84/2021/ND-CP. The success rate of the rescues is over 90%, and 367 individuals of 83 species have been released back into their natural habitats. Contributing to these achievements, since 2021, the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Team of Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) has directly coordinated with Hoang Lien Wildlife Rescue, Conservation, and Development Center in rescue and release efforts at Hoang Lien National Park. In recognition of these collaborative achievements, Hoang Lien Wildlife Rescue, Conservation, and Development Center awarded certificates of merit to CCD’s team as well as other individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Hoang Lien Wildlife Rescue, Conservation, and Development Center development during the ceremony celebrating its 10th anniversary (July 21, 2014 - July 21, 2024). As part of the CCD's Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Program, the team actively supports rescue centers nationwide in improving facilities to best accommodate reception, care, medical treatment, and rehabilitation of wild animals. The Rescue and Rehabilitation team also promote communication efforts to raise public awareness and responsibility in conserving wild flora and fauna, strengthen cooperation to utilize diverse experiences and seek support in biodiversity conservation.

In July, the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Team from Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), in collaboration with the Hanoi Wildlife Rescue Center (HWRC), organized an experience exchange program with professors and students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chungbuk National University (South Korea). As part of the program, HWRC and CCD introduced endangered wildlife species in Vietnam as well as their critical status, hence the urgent need for their rescue and conservation, in connection with the effort at HWRC. The program consists of intruducing several veterinary procedures at HWRC, including regular health checks for turtles, sampling methods through behavioral observation to assess the living conditions of rescued wild animals. This serves as a basis for designing and improving the living environments of animals at HWRC. from left to rightPicture 1: Sharing the work schedule at HWRC, including the process of rescue/treatment/rehabilitation.Picture 2: Conducting regular health checks for turtles/tortoises.Picture 3: Touring the wildlife enclosure area.©CCD/2024 Learning exchanges help rescue centers develop their networks; increase opportunities for promotion and multilateral cooperation; enhance experience, improve capacities in wildlife rescue, treatment, and wildlife rehabilitation. Additionally, these help standardize technical and management processes at these centers. Learning exchanges are highly valued and promoted in the Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Program at CCD, encouraging implementation across rescue centers nationwide, in efforts to conserve biodiversity and restore ecosystems in Vietnam.

Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve, established in 2020, is located in the southwest of Quang Binh province and covers a total area of 22,210.22 hectares. Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong is notable for its distinctive ecosystem of the Central Annamites mountain range and is home to 1,030 plant species and 357 vertebrate species, including many endemic and rare species of Vietnam. With the passage of time, people also enrich the value of Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong, namely the renowned Ho Chi Minh trail and remarkable cultural identity of its dwellers – Van Kieu ethnic community. Picture 1 & 2: Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve©CCD/2024 According to the master plan for tourism development in Quang Binh province until 2025 and vision to 2030, the Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve is a key destination in the province's tourism network. It contributes to the overall development of tourism in the province and also generates revenue for nature conservation and biodiversity protection in the Central Annamites mountain range. To preserve and cultivate its values, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is supporting Fauna & Flora (FF) and the Management Board of the Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve in developing an ecotourism plan for the 2024 – 2030 period. The plan aims to promote sustainable and responsible tourism activities at Dong Chau - Khe Nuoc Trong to engage the local community and generate stable revenue. This initiative not only supports biodiversity conservation and management but also ensures sustainable livelihoods for the buffer zone communities, thereby reducing impacts on the environment. Tourism activities will focus on experience and education, ultimately enhancing public understanding of natural values and biodiversity conservation efforts, thereby raising awareness and fostering responsible behavior towards nature conservation. default From left to right:Picture 3: Cong Troi WaterfallPicture 4: Toc Tien WaterfallPicture 5: Duong Cam WaterfallPicture 6: Primate-watching point©CCD/2024 With its vision, CCD is currently and continues to support the planning and development of sustainable, responsible ecotourism for national parks and nature reserves in Vietnam. This effort aims to ensure the harmony between conservation and development, fostering a strong connection between people and nature.

Ta Dung National Park was changed from Ta Dung Nature Reserve by Decision No. 185/QD-TTg dated February 8, 2018 by the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. With a total of 20,000 hectares, located in the Central Highlands, characterized by subtropical evergreen moist monsoon closed forest on lowland, Ta Dung hosts many ecosystems of the Highlands with high biodiversity value, including wildlife listed in the IUCN Red List and the Vietnam Red Data Book. As one of the high-priority conservation areas, Ta Dung National Park has been focusing on enhancing the effectiveness of forest management, protection, and biodiversity conservation, especially improving the capacity of technical staff and forest rangers which was perpetually carried out by the Park. To enhance the capacity of staff and the effectiveness of conservation activities, in June 2024, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) cooperated with Ta Dung National Park to organize the "Data Management and Patrol Reporting Training Program with SMART'' for over 30 staff members from various departments, five ranger stations and mobile teams. The training introduced Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tools (SMART) and gave participants practices in building data models; establishing patrol activities; data collection, entry and management; and compiling comprehensive reports. The training covered and pragmatically applied SMART Desktop and SMART Mobile, thus standardizing the toolkit for patrolling, management, study, and monitoring biodiversity in Ta Dung National Park. From left to right Picture 1: Overview of the training course Picture 2: Practicing with SMART Mobile Picture 3: Practicing on SMART Desktop (©CCD/2024) In the coming period, CCD will continue to cooperate with Ta Dung National Park to support updating models, fixing errors, completing information collection forms and report templates from the SMART system. CCD has also been supporting many national parks, nature reserves, and protective forest management boards across the country in building and standardizing management systems using SMART tools to improve accuracy and effectiveness in management, patrolling, forest protection, forest monitoring, and sustainable biodiversity conservation activities.

Aler Grubbs, the Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam, visited Vu Quang National Park in Ha Tinh Province, where USAID is making significant efforts to conserve biodiversity. With financial support from USAID through Species Conservation Fund (SCF), Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is collaborating with Vu Quang National Park to implement the project “Conservation of the White-cheeked Gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) in Vu Quang National Park, Ha Tinh Province”. The project aims to enhance the capacity of the national park staff, forest rangers, and community groups in survey, monitoring, and conservation of primates and gibbons; to raise awareness among the local community and school students of biodiversity and important wildlife. ©USAID Vietnam In CCD’s vision, cooperating with protected areas and national parks in Vietnam is a top priority to effectively preserve biodiversity values and restore ecosystems. Additionally, CCD focuses on harmonizing people and nature by improving livelihoods for local communities to reduce forest dependence; raising awareness about the value of nature and nature ecosystem services to people, thereby contributing and assembling joint efforts to combat deforestation, climate change, natural disasters, and pandemics in Vietnam.