In June, Centre for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) collaborated with The Learning Project and The International School @ ParkCity Hanoi (ISPH) to organize a volunteer day at Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park's rescue center. On the day, in addition to learning about the rescue, care and release of wildlife rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, the ISPH volunteers participated in designing and installing snake boxes for rescued snakes, pythons at the center. These boxes are designed to be suitable shelters for small snakes while providing the caregivers with a safe and convenient way of monitoring the animals, cleaning and arranging the furnishing and enrichment for them. From left to rightPicture 1: The volunteers participating in the snake box designPicture 2: Making of the snake boxes©TheLearningProject/2024 Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park plays an important role in the rescue and conservation of wildlife in Central Vietnam. It is also one of the institutions that are supported by CCD's Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Program. In this program, CCD aims to improve the Vietnamese wildlife rescue facilities' standards for husbandry and animal release. In addition, CCD actively promotes sustainable tourism models and volunteer programs that focus on exploring nature in responsible manners, so as to enhance the public's awareness on nature conservation and restoration in Vietnam. from left to rightPicture 3: Completed snake boxes! ©ISPH/2024Picture 4: The boxes are being used as temporary “home” for the rescued snakes at Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park rescue center©CCD/2024

Picture 1: Ms. Sabina Stein, Head of Governance and Participation Unit, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, delivered an opening remarks at the seminar©CCD/2024 To share findings, suggestions and promote participation in building green spaces for Hanoi, on May 29th, For a Livable Hanoi Network in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, organized a seminar titled "Ecological and Social Approaches in Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Development: Stakeholder Participation from Experiences in Hanoi." At the seminar, experts with extensive experience and contributions to Hanoi shared insights on the multi-dimensional and reciprocal impacts between nature and people in the context of urbanization along the Red River. The seminar not only clarified environmental issues in relation to activities and the well-being of residents but also proposed comprehensive solutions for improvement, thereby encouraging stakeholder’s participation and contribution to creating a shared space for humans and nature. The combined insights and contributions at the seminar emphasized and reinforced the sustainable development direction of the city, which is a harmonious combination of ecological and social factors, integrating the unique characteristics of the area, the aspirations of the people, the legal framework, and the development strategy of the city government. From left to right:Picture 2: Dr. Nguyen Manh Ha – Director of CCD shares the ecological status of alluvial plains and islets of the Red river in Hanoi cityPicture 3: Speakers discuss aspects of sustainable and inclusive development in Hanoi city with attendees©CCD/2024 In its vision, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is ready to collaborate with partners in conserving and restoring the original ecosystems of the Red River. Additionally, CCD encourages planning initiatives and mobilizes participation and contributions for cultural, tourism, and recreational spaces for Hanoi city and its people.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is not only the political, economic, cultural, and educational center of the nation but also home to many wildlife species, including critically endangered Delacour’s langur ( Trachypithecus delacouri ) and the Yellow-breasted bunting ( Emberiza aureola ). As a rapidly developing urban area, the impacts of urbanization, agricultural practices, pollution, as well as unsustainable hunting and exploitation have been and continue to be the main factors leading to the degradation or loss of natural areas, and the reduction or extinction of many wildlife species. from left to right: Picture 1: Delacour’s langur, a species classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List (2023), is an endemic primate of Vietnam. The photograph was taken in Huong Son Special-use Forest, My Duc District, Hanoi.Picture 2: Yellow-breasted bunting, a migratory bird species classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List 2023. The photo was taken in the alluvial plains and islets of the Red River in Hanoi city©CCD/2024 To conserve biodiversity in Hanoi, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and its partners have been conducting numerous studies, monitoring, and conservation activities since 2020. These efforts focus on protecting and rehabilitating ecosystems and wildlife, particularly in the alluvial plains and islets of the Red River, the Ba Vi mountain range, and the limestone ecosystems in Huong Son ward, My Duc district. In addition, CCD has implemented numerous communication programs to convey the beauty of wild birds, endangered primates, and the importance of biodiversity and natural areas for Hanoi city. Since 2020, CCD has consistently proposed planning the alluvial plains and islets of the Red River into nature parks, in order to conserve wild birds and natural ecosystems. By establishing these nature parks, Hanoi can expand its green spaces for educational activities and nature experiences, introducing a greater harmony with nature for its residents. from left to right Picture 3: In response to human impacts on wildlife, particularly migratory birds in Hanoi, CCD and its partners periodically conduct field studies, monitoring, and interventions to prevent illegal activities related to wildlife.Picture 4: CCD and its partners have organized excursions for the public to understand the formation of alluvial plains and islets of the Red River in Hanoi, explore its natural ecosystems, agricultural activities, and residents.Picture 5: CCD in collaboration with partners has organized a free photography exhibition of wild birds in an open space in order to enhance the identification while promoting participation and contribution of the public to the nature of Hanoi city©CCD/2024 CCD will continue to collaborate with partners and Hanoi city to implement conservation programs and promote the planning and expansion of protected areas in the alluvial plains and islets of the Red River. CCD with its partners will also advocate for the establishment of multi-purpose protected areas that combine sustainable agriculture with programs and activities to protect original ecosystems. Additionally, CCD will promote public participation and contributions to the permeation of  nature and wildlife into Hanoi city.

On May 10, 2024, at the conference hall of the People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem district held a Launch Ceremony of the Competition on Ideas for Planning a Multi-functional Cultural Park at the alluvial plains and islets of the Red river in Hanoi. The park is within the area of 04 districts: Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Long Bien, Tay Ho. The competition is implemented by the People’s Committee of Hanoi city and Vietnam Association of Architects. Picture 1: An overview at the Launch Ceremony©CCD/2024 At the Launching Ceremony, representatives from Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), ECUE Consulting and Services Co., Ltd., (ECUE) and the "For a Livable Hanoi" Network presented survey results on the natural ecosystems and human society the alluvial plains and islets of the Red River. CCD and partners highlighted the natural value, particularly the importance of these areas as habitats and wintering grounds for wild birds, as well as the opportunities for conservation, sustainable agricultural development, and tourism experience on the alluvial plains and islets. This serves as reliable sources, providing attendees and those interested in the contest with an overview of the current situation, transformation processes, and the impact of urbanization on the ecology and society of the alluvial plains and islets of the Red River. CCD, ECUE, and the "For a Livable Hanoi" Network expect that the survey results will be bases for planning initiatives, ultimately providing  more public spaces that harmonize nature and humans for Hanoi city. from left to rightPicture 2: Dr. Nguyen Manh Ha – CCD’s Director shares the survey results of natural ecosystems at alluvial plains and islets of the Red river in Hanoi cityPicture 3: Alluvial plains and islets at the Red river, within the areas of Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts©CCD/2024 In the upcoming collaboration, CCD and partners will promote the protection and restoration of original ecosystems at the Red river in Hanoi city. Additionally, the alliance are working on creating conservation spaces in connected with culture and tourism, providing people with opportunities to engage in nature-related activities. This initiative aims to make Hanoi not only one of the most livable cities but also a safe haven for wildlife. Details of the competition can be found at: cuocthi.tckt.vn/song-hong

In May 2024, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) collaborated with ECUE Consulting and Services Co., ltd and "For a Livable Hanoi" network to organize a unique excursion on alluvial plains and islets of the Red River under the theme "Exploring alluvial plains and islets during the urbanization at the Red River." This activity is part of the research collaboration between CCD and its partners, serving as a basis for the development of the project "Transforming alluvial plains and islets of the Red River into a multi-functional cultural park" for Hanoi city. From left to rightPicture 1: Alluvial plains and islets within Tay Ho, Long Bien, and Ba Dinh districtsPicture 2: Floating neighborhoods are a part of alluvial plains and islets of the Red river in Hanoi city©CCD/2024 The excursion led people to explore the formation of alluvial plains and islets as well as its natural ecosystems, agricultural activities, and communities living in the area. While enjoying nature, participants had a chance to discover the diverse biological values, including beautiful bird species, and people’s livelihoods, especially vegetable farming being the main agriculture activity in the alluvial plains and islets. The excursion was either a tourism activity or the public awareness raising program of the natural, historical and cultural values in alluvial plains and islets, in regard to the impacts of urbanization. Furthermore, the exploration of alluvial plains and islets promoted planning initiatives, including the restoration of natural ecosystems in the area, ultimately transforming it into a park for nature experiences, sports, and cultural activities, located at the heart of Hanoi. From left to rightPicture 3: Contemplating the nature ecosystem and communities in the alluvial plains and islets from the Long Bien bridgePicture 4: Visit Phao hamlet - an impoverished neighborhood in a alluvial plain of the Red riverPicture 5: Exploring nature at the Red river©CCD/2024 In the upcoming time, CCD will continue to implement experiential programs to raise the public awareness and promote people’s participation in protecting alluvial plains and islets Furthermore, CCD, along with the "For a Livable Hanoi" network, will promote planning initiatives to transform and renovate the lake areas into a system of natural cultural parks in Hanoi, aiming to protect the original ecosystems and wild bird species there. In addition, CCD and its partners will focus on promoting sustainable agricultural models that harmonize with nature on alluvial plains and islets of the Red river in Hanoi. These parks will serve the public, bringing meaningful experiences and learning and adding more green spaces to make Hanoi a more livable city.

On April 27th, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) collaborated with SMEC Vietnam Joint Stock Company, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, and the local community to carry out the "saplings thrive - forests arise" - an activity within the reforestation, ecosystem restoration  program which CCD is promoting and accompanying the private sector. During the "saplings thrive - forests arise" in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, CCD, SMEC, and Pu Luong planted indigenous tree species in degraded forest areas in need of restoration within the Reserve. The activity supports the stabilization and enhancing the supply capacity of ecosystem services in Pu Luong forest and significantly benefits the environment and local community. From left to rightPicture 1. A tree planted, myriad of lives sprouting Picture 2. Revitalize degraded forestsPicture 3. Sowing seeds of the green future©CCD/2024 As part of the Awareness and Public responsibility Enhancement program in biodiversity, preventing forest degradation and loss in Vietnam initiated by CCD, "saplings thrive - forests arise" not only has direct and sustainable benefits to the environment but also helps the private sector fulfill their social/environmental responsibility in a effective and meaningful way. Picture 4. Be the green contributor in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021 - 2030!©CCD/2024 Through its works and vision, CCD will always accompany partners in developing and organizing the most effective and practical social/environmental responsibility programs.

On March 28, 2024, the People's Committee of Soc Son district organized a consultation meeting on the Sustainable Tourism Development Plan aligned with the economic and social development of Soc Son district for the period of 2023-2030, with a vision to 2050. In the meeting, Mr. Pham Van Minh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Soc Son district chaired with the participation of representatives from departments, specialized agencies, and 26 communes and towns of Soc Son district, as well as tourism experts. During the meeting, Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD), the organization supporting the development of the plan, proposed the tourism attractions needed to develop in the coming time. from left to right:Picture 1: Representative of the Department of Culture and Information shared at the meeting Picture 2: Mr. Pham Van Minh - Chairman of Soc Son District People's Committee shared solutions for tourism development in the upcoming time ©CCD/2024 Contributing to the plan, delegates and experts discussed the potentials, advantages, and products of tourism in the district that need prioritized development. CCD also shared experiences and management initiatives in putting  natural, cultural, and historical tourism resources into good use for Soc Son. Accordingly, the Sustainable Tourism Development Plan will serve as an important legal basis to complete tourism planning, attract investment, and create unique tourism products, making tourism a leading economic and social activity of the district.

Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry One Member Limited Liability Company (Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry Company), formerly known as Quang Truc Forestry Company, is one of the major forest owners in Dak Nong province with a management area of ​​over 27,000 hectares, mainly bordering Cambodia. As one of the pioneering units in Dak Nong province in applying science and technology to business, production, forest management and protection, Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry Company has been implementing numerous training programs to enhance the capacity of technical staff and forest management officers, aiming to improve the effectiveness of forest management, planting, restoration, and forestry business. Picture 1: Forest area within the management of Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry One Member Limited Liability Company©CCD/2024 Following the annual capacity training program on forest management and protection, this year, the program focuses on data management and patrol reports using the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART tools). In April 2024, Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry Company and Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) organized a training for over 60 officers from departments, divisions, and staff of 9 forest protection stations of the Company. The main objective of this training is to introduce the SMART tools and how to utilize them in the management of patrols, reports, and supporting study programs, biodiversity monitoring, thus operating an effective and sustainable management system.  Picture 2, 3: Not only introducing necessary processes, the training program also focuses on outdoor practice of SMART tools application©CCD/2024 Throughout the training, CCD’s team guided trainees through processes such as building data models, establishing patrol activities; developing data collection procedures; input and managing data in the system; and creating reports using the SMART tools. To master the SMART tools, on-field sessions are necessary where trainees directly apply SMART’s processes on mobile phones in regular tasks as well as appreciating its integrity and convenience in synthesizing information, retrieving reports, correcting errors, and improving the database and reports as per the Company's demands. In the coming time, CCD will continue to coordinate with Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry Company to update models, fix errors, and refine data collection forms and report templates from the SMART’s system. In addition to cooperation with Nam Tay Nguyen Forestry Company, CCD has been and is supporting many forest owners nationwide in building and standardizing management systems using the SMART tools to enhance accuracy and efficiency in forest management activities, patrols, forest monitoring, and biodiversity.

A rich habitat for wildlife in captivity is extremely important for the animal's physical and mental health. It makes comfortable for the animal to exhibit and maintain its instinctive, natural behaviours and minimizes human interferences that may cause undesirable behaviours in wild animals. In this upcoming sharing session, we will probe into enriching the habitat for animals and how to design enclosures and facilities to suit the characteristics of each species to promote the instinctive, natural behaviours of wild animals. Through this session, we will see how well enclosure design impacts animals' welfare in rescue centers. Subject: Enclosures design and captive wild animal welfare Speaker: Harold Browning in cooperated with Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) and Save Vietnam's Wildlife and Vietnam Wildlife Rescue Network Time: 9:30 – 11:00, Tuesday 19 March 2024 Languages: English and Vietnamese Platform: Online via Zoom Contact: Tran Van Truong – 0366840350 Please register for the event via the form: https://s.net.vn/Pwsd All information about the sharing sessions will be announced via the official fanpage of the Vietnam Wildlife Rescue Network https://www.facebook.com/groups/1415356845951850?locale=vi_VN Please share with anyone who may interest to attend together. See you at the sharing session.

Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) was discovered by scientists in 1992 in Vietnam, and is considered among the most important large mammal discoveries of the twentieth century. However, it is also the least known large mammal due to its small population, narrowly distributed in the Northern and Central Annamite of Vietnam and Southern Laos. In addition, hunting, trapping and loss of forests are the most important causes of this ungulates' severe population decline. Therefore, since 1995, studies and surveys have been made across all their ranges but few were found. In addition, conservation plans for saola have been envisioned, but the highest priority remains to accurately assess the current saola population and its primary distribution, thereby devising the most impactful and effective conservation plans. Picture 1. Camera trap setup team©CCD/2024 To perform intensive studies and develop drastic conservation measures for this exceptionally rare animal, "Saving saola from the brink of extinction" project funded by European Union (EU) is implemented by the World Wide Fund for Nature in Vietnam (WWF-Vietnam) in the 2022 – 2024. Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) is one of the partners participating in the project, focusing on saola surveys in the field. (from left to right)Picture 2. Water sample retrievingPicture 3. Leech collectingPicture 4. Camera trap installation©CCD/2024 During the 8-month period of 2023 - 2024, CCD’s team has carried out 3 saola investigations in 3 priority areas in the Northern Annamite region with a total of 1,700 hours of surveys and more than 691,200 hours of camera trap investigations. The team also collected various eDNA and other samples for analysis to assist in determining the existence of saola in the study areas. With its vision, CCD implements long-term conservation programs for threatened species and habitats throughout the country as well as in Indochina. To effectively carry on the effort, CCD will expand cooperation with organizations and localities to conserve and effectively restore nature and wildlife.

Alluvial plains and islets on the Red River under the administrative boundaries of Hanoi city can be considered one of the most important natural habitats in the Red River Delta. Commons at alluvial plains and islets are clusters of timbers, hardy sugar canes, common reeds, interlacing with creeks, canals which form diverse habitats for birds. These areas are feeding and wintering grounds for settled and migratory birds on the East Asian/Australasian Flyway. (from left to right)Picture 1: Phu Cuong islets, Ba Vi district retained its integrity while being a living and wintering ground for threatened wild birdsPicture 2:  The natural habitat of tall grass and reed on Phu Cuong - Tan Hong alluvial plains.(©CCD/2024) From 2021 - 2024, Center for Nature for Conservation and Development (CCD) cooperated with partners in survey the inventory, threads and habitats of wild birds along the Red River’s alluvial plains and islets. In the search for possible conservation solutions, our team identified at least 232 species of birds, including 192 migratory birds, listed in endangered and critically endangered levels or equivalents in multiple indicators of the health of the biodiversity. Appearing to be among important bird areas in Northern Vietnam, our team frequently recorded illegal capturing and hunting wild birds, with most devastating methods being mist nets and playbacks of bird songs and calls, surging during migratory seasons (from the September to the next April). In addition, the invasion and destruction of grasslands, hardy sugar canes, common reeds to grow fruit trees such as bananas, apples, guavas, and other crops are seriously degrading the natural habitat of either wild birds or other wildlife. (from left to right)Picture 3: Huge mesh of mist nets at alluvial plains and islets are destroying population of wild birdsPicture 4:  A Critically Endangered Yellow-breasted bunting (Emberiza aureola) entangled in a mist netPicture 5: Dead bycatch can be found in disposed mist nets during migratory seasons.Picture 6: CCD's team is surveying the inventory of wild birds on Phu Cuong islet(©CCD/2024) In efforts to protect the important bird area in Hanoi, CCD has coordinated with the Hanoi Forest Protection Division and partners to monitor and disseminate related information to protect wildlife and natural habitats in the Red River’s alluvial plains, islets, as well as natural forests in Hanoi city. Among efforts to strengthen protection measures, CCD submitted proposal to Hanoi People's Committee to establish wild bird sanctuaries and natural parks in the big alluvial plains and islets along the Red River to increase the conservation area and the green space for the city, while promoting educational activities for students and nature experiences for citizens at the capital. (from left to right)Picture 7: Pied harrier - (Circus melanoleucos) Picture 8: Red avadavat (Amandava amandava) Picture 9: Barred button quail (Turnix suscitator) Picture 10: Black stork (in the middle) (Ciconia nigra) (©CCD/2024)

Center for Nature Conservation and Development (CCD) cooperated with Vu Quang National Park to organize communication campaigns at local primary and secondary schools on the northern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) conservation. These events are within the framework of the project “Conservation of White-cheeked Gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) in Vu Quang National Park, Ha Tinh Province”, pertaining to the project “Sustainable Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation” (VFBC), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Picture 1: Sharing biodiversity values at Vu Quang National Park ©CCD/2024 Campaigns at local schools promoted biodiversity values, sharing the importance of large mammals and primates in natural ecosystems, hence the strict regulations to protect them from wildlife crimes. In addition, CCD encourages active, creative and sensible participation in conservation efforts of northern white-cheeked gibbons and other wildlife at Vu Quang National Park. Picture 2, 3: Communication events shared visual messages and promoted interaction, creativity through lively pursuits ©CCD/2024 With its vision, CCD aims to work with localities, national parks/nature reserves, and forest owners to implement communication campaigns on raising awareness for the public, especially in educational institutions for the nature conservation messages dissemination to pupils/students. CCD put efforts into expediting the prudent acts toward nature of the mass youth, ultimately for the better social response to climate change, forest degradation/loss, environmental pollution, and biodiversity reduction.