INTRODUCTION
Environmental resources lack a direct price, which leads to their underestimation in economic decision-making Therefore, valuing natural capital is essential to incorporate environmental costs and benefits into economic decisions Proper valuation enables the inclusion of environmental damages, supports investments in conservation, and allows natural resources to be assigned a positive value This process facilitates comparative analysis of investment proposals based on their environmental impact, promoting sustainable economic development.
Cost- or market-based methods estimate the value of natural resources by equating their benefits to the costs of conservation or remediation When environmental resources are damaged, the resulting loss of services requires investment to prevent or replace them, and these costs help approximate the original service's value Key cost-based valuation methods include the replacement cost method, shadow project method, remediation cost method, damage cost avoided method, productivity analysis, and cost-benefit analysis, all essential tools for evaluating environmental economic worth.
The replacement cost method estimates the expenses involved in substituting a freely available environmental resource or service This approach assumes that the value of the environmental service is at least equal to the replacement costs, making it a conservative, lower-bound estimate Essential conditions for applying this method include ensuring that the artificial replacement service matches the original in terms of extent and usability, selecting the most cost-effective option among available solutions, and confirming that the collective willingness to pay supports the investment.
Luot Mountain, an experimental forest managed by Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF), showcases significant ecological value supported by numerous research studies Key studies, such as “Research on the permeability and water retention ability of forest land” by Pham Van Dien, and “Water retention capacity of pine forests in Luot Mountain” by Vuong Van Quynh, highlight its vital hydrological and soil characteristics These features promote rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, making Luot Mountain a crucial ecosystem for ecological research and educational activities at VNUF.
A recent survey at VNUF revealed that nearly 75% of students prefer not to undertake long, distant trips To address this concern, Luot Mountain has been identified as an ideal local destination for student excursions In recent years, Luot Mountain has become a popular site for subjects such as Plant Identification, Land Use Management, and Water Quality, providing hands-on learning experiences close to campus.
Resources in Luot Mountain significantly contribute to social value; however, evaluating their true worth for research and educational purposes remains a challenge Effective measurement of Luot Mountain’s real value requires comprehensive assessment methods that consider both tangible and intangible benefits Prioritizing research initiatives can unlock the mountain’s full potential, emphasizing its importance for scientific study and academic development Understanding these values is essential for sustainable resource management and maximizing the mountain’s contribution to society.
This study selected the Replacement Cost Method (RCM) to evaluate the natural resources of Luot Mountain, as it effectively highlights the educational and scientific research values of the area in a simpler manner compared to methods like Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) or Travel Cost Method (TCM) RCM, focusing on preventive expenditure and opportunity cost, does not rely on preferences, making it a practical alternative that requires less data and resources This approach provides a straightforward and efficient means of assessing the value of educational and scientific resources associated with Luot Mountain.
The Replacement Cost Method (RCM) assesses the expenses involved in substituting ecosystem services with artificial alternatives (Dixon et al., 1997) Its core principle is that the replacement cost should not exceed the benefits derived from the ecosystem service, ensuring accurate valuation If this condition is not met, the RCM can misrepresent either willingness to pay or willingness to accept compensation, leading to an overestimation of the ecosystem's value (Farber et al., 2002).
One limitation of the RCM is that expenditure for replacement does not always reliably measure the benefits received from ecosystem services, since artificial technologies often cannot replicate all the services an ecosystem provides, potentially leading to an underestimation of the ecosystem's true value Consequently, the RCM is more suitable for assessing the economic value of a single ecosystem service or a limited set of services Additionally, identifying perfect substitutes for ecosystem services presents a significant challenge, further limiting the accuracy of the RCM.
The Replacement Cost Method (RCM) offers significant advantages, including easy access to cost information and reduced time requirements compared to other valuation techniques, making it a cost-effective approach for valuing environmental goods and services (Gunatilake and Vieth, 2000) Due to these benefits, this method is considered a practical tool for environmental valuation Consequently, we chose to focus our research on evaluating the educational and scientific research values of Luot Mountain using the Replacement Cost Method in our thesis titled, “Evaluation of Education and Scientific Research Values of Luot Mountain – An Application of Replacement Cost Method.”
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goal
The main goal of the thesis is to assess education and scientific research values of Luot mountain by using Replacement Cost Method (RCM).
Objectives
The specific objectives of the research are:
- To assess ecological characteristics of Luot mountain;
- To assess potential education and scientific research activities in Luot mountain for students of Vietnam National University of Forestry;
- To apply the Replacement Cost Method (RCM) to evaluate education and scientific research values of Luot mountain;
- To propose recommendations for sustainable use and management for education and scientific research of Luot mountain.
STUDY SITE AND METHODOLOGIES
Study site
Figure 1 Map of Luot mountain in Xuan Mai – Chuong My – Ha Noi
Luot Mountain, part of Vietnam National University of Forestry's experimental forest, is situated in Xuan Mai Town, Chuong My District, Hanoi Located 45 kilometers southeast of Hoa Binh Province and 35 kilometers northwest of Ha Dong District, it offers a strategic position for ecological research and conservation Geographically, Luot Mountain's coordinates place it within a key area for biodiversity and forest ecosystem studies in northern Vietnam.
Located at 22°50'3" North latitude and 105°30'45" East longitude, this site is conveniently bordered by National Road No.21A to the east, providing accessible transportation routes To the west, it borders Hoa Son Commune in Luong Son District, while the southern boundary is adjacent to Xuan Mai Town, facilitating regional connectivity The northern edge borders Team 06 of the Cuu Long tea farm, making this location ideal for agricultural and commercial development due to its strategic positioning among local communities and key infrastructure.
Luot Mountain boasts a strategic location, situated approximately 27 kilometers from Hanoi's city center and about 39 kilometers from Hoa Binh City Its proximity to major national roads enhances accessibility, making it an ideal site for sustainable silviculture activities This advantageous position enables Luot Mountain to maximize environmental benefits while promoting eco-friendly development.
Luot Mountain spans approximately 133 hectares and features a simple terrain composed of low and medium mountains The landscape is characterized by two enclosed hills that extend from east to west over a distance of about 2 kilometers The highest peak reaches 133 meters above sea level, offering scenic views and unique topographical features The area has an average slope of 15 degrees, with the steepest slopes providing opportunities for adventure tourism and nature exploration.
270 The second highest peak hill is 76 meters above sea level The exposure direction is northeast, northwest and southeast There is no stream found in this area
The topography of the area is favorable for plantation, with a catchment primarily covered by Acacia, Pine, Eucalyptus, and native species such as Erythrophleum fordii, Fernandoa brilletii, and Dalbergia Tonkinensis To prevent soil erosion in steep slope areas, planting trees with higher canopy cover is highly recommended, and alternative land arrangements are also being considered Additionally, incorporating fast-growing shrubs in the forest’s shrub layer can accelerate the growth of woody trees, enhancing overall forest development.
Yellowish-brown feralit soil develops on Poocfiarit rocks, indicating strong weathering processes Thick soil layers are predominantly found at the base of two hills, specifically on the southeast side of the lower hill and the southwest side of the higher hill, suggesting areas of soil accumulation Conversely, thin soil layers are mainly present on the hilltops, where they are mixed with numerous rocks, reflecting erosion and limited soil development in those areas.
The soil in this area has similar characteristics and formations, with main differences in soil layers and stone content It primarily consists of average to medium clay, leading to a medium mechanical composition The presence of Acacia significantly improves soil quality, increasing organic content to 2-3% and maintaining a pH below 7 The soil is rich in aluminum and iron, making it acidic and limiting its capacity to retain phosphorus, resulting in very low phosphate levels.
The soil in this area is characterized by a very compact structure, particularly at the surface on the hilltops Low organic content indicates minimal accumulation and decomposition processes occurring beneath the canopy, reflecting the area’s limited organic matter buildup.
Luot Mountain is characterized by its location near the north latitude, which significantly influences its climate The area experiences a monsoon-driven climate, combining the effects of latitude and monsoon patterns This results in a humid tropical climate with cold, dry winters The region's rainy season spans from April to October, while the dry season occurs from November to March of the following year, shaping the area's distinct seasonal weather patterns.
The area experiences an average annual temperature of 23.2°C, with the hottest months (July and August) averaging 28.5°C and the coldest month (January) at 16.5°C During the hot season, from May to September, temperatures typically exceed 25°C, while in the cold season, from December to March, temperatures drop below 20°C The remaining months have average temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C, reflecting a moderate climate year-round.
Total annual rainfall is 1,753 millimeters; average rainfall is 146 millimeters The rainfall is unevenly distributed The highest monthly rainfall is
The region experiences an average rainfall of 312 millimeters, primarily occurring in July and August, while the lowest monthly rainfall of 15 millimeters typically happens in January Despite high humidity levels averaging around 84%, rainfall distribution is uneven throughout the year, affecting overall climate patterns Additionally, the area experiences significant annual evaporation, influencing the local water balance and environmental conditions.
602 millimeters; the highest evaporation is in May with 78.5 millimeters; the lowest evaporation is in February with 47.6 millimeters
Luot Mountain's climate is shaped by two primary wind patterns: the southeast monsoon, which blows from April to October, and the northeast monsoon, occurring from November to March Additionally, from April to June, the area is influenced by the southwest monsoon, bringing further climatic variation These diverse wind conditions promote rich tropical vegetation, supporting a variety of woody trees such as Erythrophleum fordii, Fernandoa brilletii, and Acacia, as well as abundant fruit trees like mango, litchi, and longan, making the region ideal for diverse plant growth.
The larger area features two main rivers, the Bui River and the Tich River, spanning a total of 29.43 hectares, providing essential water resources Additionally, the region includes lakes, ponds, dams, and reservoirs such as Vai Bon Lake and Tran Dam, which collectively supply water for diverse agricultural and land-use purposes However, deep groundwater is less suitable for plant growth during hot weather due to limited availability and unfavorable conditions.
Luot Mountain's biological diversity encompasses a rich variety of life forms and ecological processes, including diverse living organisms, their genetic variations, and the communities and ecosystems they inhabit The mountain's flora contributes significantly to its ecological richness, supporting a wide range of plant species vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance Protecting the flora of Luot Mountain is essential for preserving its unique habitats and promoting environmental conservation.
Luot Mountain covers 67 hectares of diverse forest, featuring species such as Pinus massoniana, Acacia auriculiformis, and Eucalyptus urophylla, along with over 300 native plant species (Anh Ha Quang, 2018) The mountain's forests are categorized into seven main types based on the dominant mature species, primarily Pinus massoniana and Acacia auriculiformis These forest types range in size from 0.13 to 6.19 hectares, with the total area of these forests spanning approximately 6.06 hectares.
The experiment Luot mountain is recorded with 342 vascular plant species, belong to 257 genera and 90 familiae (Trung Nguyen Truong Dinh,
Research methodology
A number of secondary data were collected:
- The data on natural conditions, climate, hydrology, soil, topography, forest resources of Luot mountain;
- The data on subjects that students have to take field - studies at Luot mountain conducted from the Academic Affair Division of VNUF;
- The reports of the researches of students and researchers in Luot mountain
To estimate the costs of field studies for students at VNUF in various locations such as national parks and natural reserves, we conducted a survey using semi-structured interviews This approach allowed us to gather detailed insights into the expenses associated with conducting fieldwork in different environments The findings will help in understanding the financial requirements and planning necessary for student field studies across diverse natural settings.
The sample size is 36 students from majors which have field - studies to other places as national parks or natural reserves
Nr Field of study Courses to take field study Locations
Biological diversity Forest Ecogeography Forest ecology
Forest vegetation management Forest Zoology
Geology of Natural Resources Hydro – Meteorology
Integrated ecosystem management Introduction to Soil Science
Land use and water quality National Parks & Protected Area Management Natural Resource Sampling
Natural Resource Ecology & Measurement Plant identification
Cat Ba National Park Cuc Phuong National Park Tay Thien - Tam Dao National Park
Principles of Watershed Management Soil science
Afforestation Entomology Forest fire Management Forest Pathology and Disease Management Forest Plant
Forest Resources Management Forest Seedling
Forest Vegetation Management Forest Zoology
Hydro – Meteorology Plant Identification Principles of Watershed Management
Ba Vi National Park Cuc Phuong National Park Tay Thien - Tam Dao National Park
Ba Vi National Park Tay Thien - Tam Dao National Park
Forest Planning Forest Plant Forest Seedling Soil science Silviculture Wood Science
Genegineering Microbiological Technology Plant cell Technology
The questionnaire, crafted in Vietnamese, utilizes both multiple-choice and open-ended questions to gather comprehensive data It focuses on collecting key demographic information such as age, gender, and major of the interviewees Additionally, it seeks to estimate the costs incurred during each field trip and gather their opinions on the educational and scientific research potential of Luot Mountain This approach ensures a thorough understanding of participants’ backgrounds, expenses, and perceptions regarding the significance of Luot Mountain for educational and scientific purposes.
SWOT tool was used to assess the status of Luot mountain by strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
Opportunities Use strengths to take opportunities
Overcome weakness that stopping us to opportunities
Threats Use strengths to reduce threats
Overcome weakness that can be threats b Descriptive statistic
Data collected from interviews will be analyzed using Excel software to calculate the average and total costs students incur for each field trip This analysis also highlights the potential educational and scientific research benefits from students’ perspectives Additionally, the study estimates the educational and scientific research values of Luot Mountain using the RCM method, providing a comprehensive understanding of its significance for students and researchers alike.
The basic premise of the RCM is that the cost is no greater than the benefits accruing from the ecosystem service in question If not, the RCM
Misrepresenting willingness to pay or willingness to accept valuation concepts can lead to an overstatement of value, as noted by Farber et al (2002) This method also assumes that secondary benefits from the replacement system are irrelevant; if this assumption is incorrect, it results in another overestimation of the true value Accurate valuation requires considering all relevant benefits and avoiding assumptions that may distort the actual worth.
Based on interviews and data collection from the Academic Affairs Division of VNUF, four main national parks and natural reserves frequently used for field studies are Cat Ba National Park, Cuc Phuong National Park, Ba Vi National Park, and Tam Dao National Park Additionally, other sites such as Xuan Thuy National Park, Xuan Son National Park, Xuan Lien National Park, and the Truong Son Mountains are also important locations for specific subjects These findings help identify which of these places can be effectively substituted by Luot Mountain for educational and research purposes.
To estimate the costs students incur when participating in field studies at different locations, we asked students to provide the estimated expenses for a single field study Based on this data, we calculated the average total cost that students from each curriculum must pay for both education and research activities conducted elsewhere These final results offer a comprehensive overview of the total expenses involved in pursuing field studies outside the primary educational institution.
Based on interview data, we identified certain differences and disadvantages related to the study Additionally, we explored whether students at VNUF are interested in participating in field studies at Luot Mountain.
Fourthly, calculate total cost of all field - study for 1 cohort in 6 field of studies (Natural resource management; Forest resource management; Silviculture; Environmental Science ; Biotechnology; Land management)
Finally, to calculate cost differences between field-study in Luot mountain and replaced places base on student survey and previous calculation.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of Luot mountain
Luot Mountain is conveniently situated within the university campus, making it easily accessible for students to study and conduct research Its proximity offers a significant advantage over other natural locations like national parks and reserves, which are often far from the university, providing students with a practical environment for academic activities.
The experimental forest has plenty of fauna and flora species There are
The biodiversity in the area includes 156 Vertebrata species across 60 families, with 21 rare species recorded Additionally, 409 insect species belonging to 87 families have been identified The Lepidoptera order comprises 208 species, highlighting the region's rich insect diversity The forest also hosts 342 vascular plant species from 257 genera and 90 families, according to Trung Nguyen and Truong Dinh (2017) Favorable natural conditions such as optimal climate and hydrology support the thriving of these species Located in Xuan Mai Town, Chuong My District, the forest's humid tropical climate provides a highly conducive environment for species development Moreover, the area is less affected by natural disasters like floods, storms, and earthquakes, ensuring the stability of its biodiversity.
The experimental forest operates independently of timber production, adhering to VNUF's strict policy against logging and timber sales This approach ensures that no commercial activities related to cutting or selling timber are carried out, emphasizing conservation and ecological protection Consequently, the forest is safeguarded through numerous protective measures, supporting sustainable environmental practices.
The experimental forest is a narrow area lacking a stream, which influences its ecological characteristics Its soil has limited capacity to retain phosphorus, resulting in very low phosphate content Additionally, the low organic matter content indicates minimal accumulation and decomposition processes under the forest canopy.
Besides, the humid climate is the main reason which causes many diseases on plants There are many researches on these diseases such as:
Recent research studies have focused on leaf diseases affecting various tree species on Luot Mountain, including Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn, with Pham Anh Thuong (1999) investigating associated leaf diseases Additionally, Dang Huu Dung (2000) explored the biological characteristics of leaf pests in Acacia mangium wild populations in the same region Furthermore, Le Huu Hao (2017) conducted comprehensive studies on leaf diseases of Pinus massoniana Lamb and proposed effective management solutions These studies contribute valuable insights into tree health management and pest control strategies for sustainable forestry development on Luot Mountain.
Because of many strengths Luot mountain has, the opportunities for this are also significantly mentioned
First, Luot mountain has potential values in education and scientific researching because of its diversity and suitable location for students in VNUF
Second, Luot mountain has opportunities to become a natural reserve that can reserve genes and develop numerous species
Luot Mountain has recently become a popular destination for international students and researchers The university offers specialized programs, such as the Tropical Forest Master Program, allowing students from multiple countries to study in its renowned experimental forest This unique opportunity has garnered positive feedback from participants, highlighting the region's growing reputation as a hub for ecological research and advanced education.
Awareness of students and local people affect a lot on the experimental forest Uncontrollably growing trash and grazing significantly effect on the development of the forest
A small group of students from Vietnam National University of Forestry are disinterested in conducting field studies at Luot Mountain, citing several reasons According to a student survey, approximately 10% of students prefer alternative locations over Luot Mountain for their fieldwork The primary concern is the mountain’s remote location, which makes it less attractive for daily field studies Additionally, many students seek more diverse ecosystems for research, as they believe Luot Mountain’s experimental forest, despite housing numerous species, cannot compare to the biodiversity found in national parks or natural reserves This lack of interest poses a potential threat to the conservation and ecological research opportunities at Luot Mountain.
Potential education and scientific research values of Luot mountain
4.2.1 Potential education values of Luot mountain
There are a total of 540 subjects in the university subjects system; in which, there are 40 subjects that students need to go for a field - study
Most students enroll in programs offered by two main faculties: the Faculty of Forestry and the Faculty of Forest Resources and Environment Management These faculties provide both standard programs, taught in Vietnamese, and advanced programs conducted in English Recently, two advanced curricula have been introduced: the BSc in Natural Resources Management (Advanced Curriculum) for Vietnamese students and the MSc in International Tropical Program for both Vietnamese and international students These programs emphasize practical field studies in subjects such as Afforestation, Forest Ecology, Forest Investigation, Forest Plant, Forest Resources Management, Forest Seedling, Hydro-Meteorology, Plant Identification, and Soil Science.
Table 3 List of subjects VNUF’s students have to go for a field - study
2 Biological Diversity 22 Geology of Natural Resources
5 Ecotourism 25 Introduction to Soil Science
6 Entomology 26 Land use and Water quality
8 Environmental Monitoring 28 Natural Resource Ecology &
9 Forest Eco-geography 29 Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism
10 Forest Ecology 30 Natural Resource Sampling
11 Forest fire Management 31 National Parks & Protected
12 Forest Investigation 32 Plant cell Technology
14 Forest Planning 34 Principles of Animal Biology
15 Forest Plant 35 Principles of Plant Biology
16 Forest Product Exploitation 36 Principles of Watershed
19 Forest Vegetation Management 39 Spatial Information
Based on survey analysis, twenty subjects can undertake field studies in the experimental forest on Luot Mountain, providing a viable alternative to visiting national parks and natural reserves This research highlights the potential of Luot Mountain's forest as an accessible and valuable location for student fieldwork Utilizing the experimental forest for educational purposes offers students a unique learning environment closer to campus, promoting sustainable exploration of local biodiversity The findings suggest that Luot Mountain's forest can effectively serve as an educational resource, reducing the need for external field trips to distant natural sites Incorporating this site into the curriculum aligns with eco-friendly practices and enhances students’ hands-on experience in environmental studies.
Table 4 List of subjects that can be practiced in Luot mountain
3 Entomology 13 Geology of Natural Resources
5 Forest Ecology 15 Introduction to Soil Science
6 Forest Fire Management 16 Land Use and Water quality
7 Forest Investigation 17 Natural Resource Sampling
10 Forest Resources Management 20 Spatial Information
Luot Mountain offers numerous strengths and opportunities, making it an ideal destination for students to study and train Its rich biodiversity not only provides a perfect environment for learning but also serves as an excellent resource for research and scientific exploration.
4.2.2 Potential scientific research values of Luot mountain
There are more than 230 researches on Luot mountain These research topics are very diverse such as research on species like plants, insects, mushrooms, etc or natural conditions in here
Recent studies highlight the ecological significance of Luot Mountain Research such as "Insects Composition on Luot Mountain" (Le Bao Thanh, Bui Van Bac, 2015) provides insights into the diverse insect populations that contribute to the mountain’s biodiversity Additionally, "Research on the Potential Capacity of Infiltration on Luot Mountain" (Pham Van Dien, Vu Thi Quynh Nga, 2009) emphasizes the mountain's critical role in natural water infiltration processes, supporting sustainable water resources and ecosystem health These studies underscore Luot Mountain’s importance as a vital environmental and ecological area worth preserving.
Research on Luot Mountain explores various ecological and environmental aspects, including soil texture distribution (Phi Dang Son & Nguyen Truong Dinh Trung, 2017) and carbon stock in forest plantations (Ha Quang Anh, 2018) Studies also evaluate the impact of vegetation cover on overland flow and soil erosion (Chao Thi Yen, 2014), as well as silvicultural practices in local forests (Vu Tuan Anh, 2014) Biodiversity research highlights butterfly diversity (Nguyen Van Linh, 2015), mushroom ecology (Dong Thi Hai Yen, 2018), and natural forest regeneration (Ngo Thi Anh Thu, 2018) Additionally, investigations focus on forest canopy coverage (Hoang Thu Yen, 2016) and diseases affecting Pinus massoniana (Le Huu Hao, 2017), providing comprehensive insights into the ecological health and management of Luot Mountain.
Research in Luot Mountain primarily focuses on its rich biodiversity, including both flora and fauna, as well as its natural environmental conditions These studies explore the mountain's ecological functions, such as carbon sequestration and landscape beautification, highlighting its vital role in supporting the surrounding environment The research areas make Luot Mountain an ideal site for educational and scientific activities related to Natural Resources Management and Forest Resources Management, offering valuable opportunities for coursework and thesis projects under the guidance of academic lecturers.
“Evaluating effects of vegetation cover types on overland flow generation and soil erosion in Luot mountain” of Chao Thi Yen was guided by Dr Bui Xuan Dung; or “Research on natural regeneration of forest in Luot mountain” of Ngo Thi Anh Thu was guided by Dr Bui The Doi; etc Luot mountain is one of the best locations for students in Vietnam National University of Forestry to do scientific research.
Estimating education and scientific research values of Luot mountain
4.3.1 Estimated costs for field - study in other places
The costs for a field - study are not the same in different places and different time periods Also, it depends on how a student managing their pocket After surveying 36 students from 6 different courses: Natural resources management, Forest resources management, Silviculture, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, Land management, we calculated the average cost (AC) that one student has to pay for a field - study in another place There are 5 types of expenditures: travel cost, living cost, meals cost, study materials cost and expense cost The results are shown in the table below
Table 5 Average cost students have to pay for a field-study in another place
Nr Types of expenditure Max Min Average
Based on a student survey, the maximum cost for participating in a field study elsewhere is 5 million VND, while the minimum is 1 million VND The majority of expenses are related to living and meals during the field study, which constitute the largest portion of the total cost Study materials incur the lowest expenses, amounting to just 50 thousand VND Overall, these costs vary depending on the distance and duration of the stay, with longer stays leading to higher expenses.
The average cost for a student to study in a different field at another location is approximately 3 million VND According to the Academic Affairs Division of VNUF, students typically undertake three different field studies throughout their academic cohort, highlighting the importance of budgeting for such expenses.
Average total costs (ATC) for 1 cohort = AC of 1 field – study * 3 field-studies
Each student enrolled in the designated course group is required to participate in field studies, which incur a fee of 9 million VND per cohort This mandatory component emphasizes practical learning and hands-on experience essential for their academic development.
In 6 subjects Natural resource management (both advanced and standard program), Forest resource management, Silviculture, Environmental Science, Biotechnology and Land management; there are total 635 students of K60 have to go for field – studies The total average costs they have to pay for those field – studies is 5,715 million VND per cohort (Table 6)
Table 6 Number of students taken field - study and average cost according to the field of study
Nr Field of study Number of students/cohort
Average cost/student/ field-studies (VND)
1 Natural resource management (both advanced and standard program)
(Sources: Academic Affair Division of VNUF, Students survey, 2019) 4.3.2 The difference between field - study at Luot mountain and other places
A recent survey of 36 students from various majors revealed that 90% prefer to visit Luot Mountain for their field study instead of choosing alternative locations The primary reasons for selecting Luot Mountain include its unique natural environment, diverse ecological systems, and educational opportunities that enhance their learning experience Students believe that Luot Mountain offers an ideal setting for practical studies, fostering a deeper understanding of their subject matter Overall, Luot Mountain stands out as the top choice for students seeking an engaging and beneficial field-study destination.
Students can significantly save money by choosing to conduct their field studies in the experimental forest on Luot Mountain instead of visiting costly locations such as national parks or natural reserves Traveling expenses, accommodation costs, and study fees tend to be much higher when visiting popular destinations like Cuc Phuong, Tay Thien – Tam Dao, Cat Ba, Ba Vi, or Xuan Lien Natural Reserve Among these options, Ba Vi National Park is the closest, making it a more economical choice for students.
Students living 40 kilometers from the university face additional costs related to accommodation, meals, and daily expenses during their field studies A typical field study lasting 3 to 4 weeks can cost students between 3 to 5 million VND Conducting field studies at Luot Mountain offers a cost-effective alternative, allowing students to save a significant amount of money All students surveyed believe that choosing Luot Mountain for their field studies would reduce expenses, with many confident they could save a substantial portion of their budget.
Figure 2 Percentage of money students can save if they choose Luot mountain for a field - study instead of other places
Approximately 50% of students believe they can save between 30% to 50% of their expenses by choosing a different location for their field study Furthermore, 25% of students are confident they can save even 50% to 70% of the costs These findings highlight significant potential cost savings for students when opting for alternative field study sites, making it a financially beneficial decision.
Percentage of money students can save
Practicing and conducting scientific research at Luot Mountain is significantly more cost-effective compared to other locations On average, students believe they can save nearly 50% of their expenses by choosing Luot Mountain for their field studies instead of alternative sites This affordability makes Luot Mountain an ideal and economical choice for research and educational activities.
Approximately 35% of students recognize Luot Mountain as an ideal location for studying and conducting research due to its favorable infrastructure and rich biodiversity Its strategic position within the university campus allows easy access for students to collect samples from the experimental forest and analyze them in well-equipped laboratories The mountain features accessible pathways that facilitate straightforward exploration and sample collection Additionally, Luot Mountain is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a valuable resource for scientific investigation Notable researchers such as Tran Cong Loanh, Tran Van Mao, Nguyen The Nha, and Nguyen Kim Oanh have contributed to the university’s research legacy since the 1990s, with their findings preserved in the university library.
The experimental forest on Luot Mountain offers numerous advantages for students, teachers, international students, and researchers, setting it apart from other national parks and natural reserves International students enrolled in courses such as Tropical Forest and Sustainable Forest Management benefit from practical, hands-on experience in the forest, allowing them to apply their knowledge immediately This unique opportunity enhances learning and research, making the Luot Mountain experimental forest a valuable resource for academic and ecological development.
4.3.3 Education and scientific research values of Luot mountain
The cost of a field study varies among students based on their living location and personal expenses After surveying 36 students across six different courses—including Natural Resources Management, Forest Resources Management, Silviculture, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, and Land Management—we calculated the average cost per student for a field study in Luot Mountain The total expenses are categorized into five types: travel costs, living expenses, meals, study materials, and other miscellaneous costs The findings, summarized in the accompanying table, provide insights into the varying financial burdens faced by students during these trips.
Table 7 Average cost students have to pay for field-study in Luot mountain
Nr Types of expenditure Max Min Average
According to a student survey, the cost for a field study in Luot Mountain ranges from a minimum of 560,000 VND to a maximum of 2.4 million VND The majority of expenses are allocated to accommodation and meals, which comprise most of the students’ costs Students living very close to the university incur minimal or no travel and living expenses, highlighting the significant impact of proximity on the overall cost of field studies.
The average cost that one student have to pay for each field – study in Luot mountain is 1.48 million VND
Average total costs (ATC) for 1 cohort = AC of 1 field – study * 3 field-studies
Students enrolled in the specified course group are required to pay 4.44 million VND for field studies during their cohort if they choose Luot Mountain as their location Participating in field studies at Luot Mountain is a mandatory component for students in this program The fee for the field study experience at Luot Mountain is set at 4.44 million VND per cohort.
Table 8 Number of students taken field - study and average cost according to the field of study if student go to Luot mountain
Nr Field of study Number of students/cohort
Average cost/student/ field-studies (VND)
1 Natural resource management (both advanced and standard program)
(Sources: Academic Affair Division of VNUF, Students survey, 2019)