Conserving Critically Endangered rosewood and Endangered padauk species in Community forest Vietnam's Central Annamite

Conserving Critically Endangered rosewood and Endangered padauk species in Community forest Vietnam's Central Annamite

Rosewood (Dalbergia spp.) and Dipterocarpus macrocarpus are among the most logged and traded tropical timbers in Southeast Asia due to high demand from the luxury furniture market. Extensive illegal logging and trade have led to local extinction or severe population declines across its range. In response, we propose a community-based conservation program in the Central Annamites, Vietnam. The initiative includes establishing community nurseries, replanting rosewood in known habitats, and protecting remaining mature mother trees through the creation of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in community forests. This integrated approach will safeguard vital seed sources, support long-term species recovery, and actively engage local communities. In doing so, it will also create alternative income streams through seedling production, participation in restoration efforts, and access to carbon credits and other green financing opportunities.