The magnolia family is one of the oldest plant families, comprising over 200 species. Magnolia species generally have stunning flowers and are thus clearly visible in their forest habitats when in flower. They also have significant economic value and are highly prized for their quality timber, medicinal properties and for ornamental purposes although they often have a very restricted distribution and are a “special” tree for the area in which they occur. The static nature of trees makes them easy for local communities to see and appreciate. Magnolias are thus excellent flagships for conservation.

Since 2010, with support from the Global Trees Campaign (GTC), Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), Flagship Species Fund (FSF), Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) Vietnam and Fauna and Flora International (FFI) trans-boundary botanical surveys have been implemented, raising awareness locally and empowering local communities to engage in conservation and management of magnolia and threatened trees in North Vietnam

Through the project, 21 species of Magnolia were recorded in Ha Giang Province which make up 35% of the total Magnolia species in Vietnam. Over the last two years, thirteen trees have been monitored by the Community Tree Conservation Team (CTCT) and 11 of them included one critically endangered, Magnolia grandis (H.H.Hu & W.C.Cheng) V.S.Kumar, and one endangered, Magnolia coriacea (H.T.Chang & B.L.Chen) Figlar, which produced over 10,000 seedlings in CPC and local nurseries. With these efforts, the wild populations of threatened magnolia have been boosted.