INTRODUCTION
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Environmental service development effectively connects conservation efforts with the enhancement of ecosystem value Today, it plays a crucial role in managing relationships and aligning interests among stakeholders This is particularly evident in ecotourism ventures that involve leasing forest and marine environments, especially in unique areas like Cat Ba National Park.
Cat Ba National Park boasts a unique and rich ecotourism resource, featuring a stunning blend of natural landscapes, including forests, seas, mountains, caves, and diverse wildlife such as the Cat Ba langur and Nageia fleuryi Strategically located within the economic triangle of Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh, the park is part of the Ha Long Bay World Natural Heritage area, enhancing its appeal This ecotourism potential not only promises high economic returns but also plays a crucial role in environmental conservation However, the park faces challenges and shortcomings in managing its ecotourism activities effectively.
Cat Ba National Park holds significant potential for ecotourism development; however, its current contribution to revenue is a mere 1 billion VND per year The existing ecotourism services are inadequate and fail to meet tourist demands and expectations Additionally, there is a concerning trend of local individuals and businesses covertly exploiting ecotourism resources for profit.
The ecotourism demand in Cat Ba National Park is hindered by a significant lack of resources, as highlighted by Decision No 2119/QĐ-UBND from the Hai Phong People’s Committee on December 4, 2012 The projected capital requirement for ecotourism development by 2020 exceeds 300 billion VND, yet the state budget is unable to cover these substantial costs.
The lack of effective mechanisms and policies for attracting businesses and private companies to invest in environmental leases is a significant barrier Key issues include undefined lease size and duration, unclear responsibilities for environmental protection and enhancement, and the absence of established pricing and payment methods for environmental leases These limitations contribute to the slow and inefficient "socialization" of forest environmental service payments in Cat Ba National Park.
The study titled “Some Aspects of Environmental Lease for Ecotourism Business in Cat Ba National Park, Hai Phong City, Vietnam” aims to address existing challenges by clearly identifying the leasing location, pricing, and key implications related to ecotourism development in the area.
OVERVIEW
Environmental service payment is defined globally as a voluntary transaction involving at least one party that utilizes environmental services and another that provides them, contingent upon the provider's ability to deliver these services under specific conditions (Wunder, 2005).
In Vietnam, the concept of forest environmental services payment is recognized and institutionalized; however, there is currently no comprehensive legal framework governing payments for all types of environmental services The definition of environmental service payment in Vietnam differs from international standards in several ways Firstly, the government assumes a significant regulatory role, treating environmental service payments as a market-based instrument that is mandatory under specific conditions established by the government Secondly, one of the primary goals of environmental service payment policies is to alleviate poverty.
The Nature Reserve provides environmental service payments facilitated by the Management Board, with significant backing from local communities and individuals These payments are primarily utilized by businesses generating revenue from tourism services and tourists visiting the protected area.
1.2.2 Existing methods for determining the price of environmental lease
- Law on Forest Protection and Development (2004) [10] has established two fundamental rights for forest owners to engage in forest lease- for lease relations, namely in Table 1.1:
Table 1.1: The forest lease objects according to Law on Forest Protection and
Forest protection and development combined forestry- agriculture- fishery productions, landscape business, ecotourism
Special-use forests are protected landscape areas
Forest protection and development combined landscape business, ecotourism
2 Domestic economic organizations, households, individuals
Forestry production, combined forestry- agriculture- fishery productions, landscape- convalescence business, ecotourism
3.The Vietnamese settled in abroad, oversea
Production forests are planted forests
Implementation of investment projects in forestry under the provisions of the Law on investment, combined forestry -
Pay once for the organizations, foreign individuals agriculture – fishery productions, landscape- convalescence business, ecotourism entire lease period or Annual payment Production forests are natural forests
Decree No 48/2007/NDD-CP, issued by the Government on March 28, 2007, outlines the principles and methods for determining the pricing of various forest types It introduces three pricing methods for the utilization of forests, including protection forests, special use forests, and natural production forests, as well as establishing pricing for forest ownership concerning artificial production forests.
Table 1.2 Method for determining the price of forest types Method for determining the price
- Interest rates of government bonds
There is enough information to determine the pure income of forest owners from the forest area that required a determining the price
- The investment costs of forest creation
- The interest rate of government bonds at the time of valuation
There is enough information to determine the investment costs to
“create” forests for forest area under valuation from invest moment to valuation moment
3 Comparison of the market Analysis price level
The "Willingness to Pay" method has been utilized in assessing the value of ecosystem services in Cat Ba National Park, as detailed in reports by Dominic Moran and the Institute of Forestry Ecology and Environment (2012) and by Do Nam Thang & Dinh Duc Truong (2013) The first report estimates the "Willingness to Pay" of tourists at 0.57 million USD in 2012, projected to rise to between 0.76 and 1.01 million USD by 2018 The second report highlights that local residents are willing to pay approximately 32 billion VND annually for environmental leases related to the park These findings indicate that the current revenue from ecotourism in Cat Ba National Park falls significantly short of its potential The "Willingness to Pay" method serves as a valuable tool for determining environmental lease pricing, reflecting the maximum amount individuals or businesses are prepared to pay, thereby establishing a transaction price between buyers and sellers.
1.2.3 Environmental lease in the practice
In 2002, Ba Vi National Park initiated a pilot program for forest environmental leasing to promote ecotourism, as approved by the Government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development The program demonstrated that leased forest areas were effectively protected, with minimal impact from tourism infrastructure development Previously cleared poor forest areas were restored, and landscapes enhanced to attract visitors Businesses involved in the ecotourism initiative planted 51.6 hectares of new forest and nurtured an additional 119.7 hectares From 2004 to 2009, these enterprises invested 250 billion VND and contributed 17 billion VND in taxes and charges to the State budget.
Ba Vi district has successfully established six forest environmental lease units, providing stable employment for 1,576 local residents and revitalizing traditional handicrafts while promoting indigenous culture through exchange activities Investments in infrastructure and ecotourism services have significantly improved the socio-economic conditions of this rural mountainous area, reducing the proportion of poor households from 25.3% in 2003 to just 9.7% in 2007, effectively alleviating hunger among locals The eco-tourism zones, characterized by stunning natural landscapes and historical sites, primarily offer sightseeing services, with lease prices varying based on location—higher in central areas compared to outlying ones The pilot model of forest environmental leasing for ecotourism in Ba Vi National Park serves as an exemplary model for replication.
Several provinces, including Thanh Hoa, Lam Dong, An Giang, Ba Vi - Hanoi, and Quang Ninh, have initiated forest environmental lease models to promote ecotourism development Quang Ninh Province has established the land lease and water surface lease pricing based on the Government's Decree No 142/2005/ND-CP, dated November 14, 2005.
On December 30, 2005, the Ministry of Finance issued Circular 120/2005/TT-BTC to guide the implementation of Decree 142/2005/ND-CP, which was enacted on November 14, 2005 In accordance with this regulation, Can Tho City has established a unit price calculation ratio for water surface leases related to the construction of jetties and anchoring wharves, set at 1% of the non-agricultural land price.
Since 2009, the Travel Service and Environmental Education Center has managed ecotourism in Cat Ba National Park, focusing on visitor fee collection and tourist guidance Key activities include organizing tours that showcase the park's natural landscapes and biodiversity, as well as operating hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Cat Ba National Park has implemented a pilot model that allows businesses and entities to lease forest environments to meet the ecotourism needs of visitors In recent years, 10 sites have been allocated to private companies, generating a total revenue of 280 million VND in 2013 This revenue supports park management, forest protection, and the regulation of human resources in other areas By continuing to attract private investments for environmental leasing in ecotourism, we can enhance the achievement of conservation goals while promoting sustainable resource management and development.
The Hai Phong city People's Committee has approved an ecotourism development scheme for Cat Ba National Park, outlining specific locations, types, and management organizations for ecotourism activities, with a particular focus on environmental lease sites.
The environmental lease for ecotourism development in Cat Ba National Park has not been consistently enforced over the years, with activities primarily limited to the allocation of locations to private entities or businesses, contingent upon their payment of annual fees As of 2013, a total of 10 locations covering an area of 148 hectares were allocated for this purpose.
The total amount collected for environmental lease in the local area is 280 million VND, marking a significant first step in promoting sustainable practices, especially considering that over 60% of the region consists of water surface area.
Nevertheless, allocated activities for ecotourism development in Cat Ba National Park also have many disadvantages:
The allocated price is only based on the agreement between the two parties, has not been calculated in detail and in general, it does not approach the market price
The time limit for allotment is unclear, not high legality, so the investment of businesses is very limited That affects not only attraction to tourists but also service quality
Lack of evaluation and supervision about the forest resources management and biodiversity protection in allocated activities
The challenges faced necessitate a shift from "location allotment" to "environmental lease" for the comprehensive development of ecotourism, grounded in scientific principles and aligned with local practices.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to address the existing shortcomings in environmental leasing for ecotourism businesses in Cat Ba National Park, Hai Phong City, Vietnam The specific objectives of the research focus on exploring key aspects that can enhance sustainable practices in this sector.
To determine the location, price of environmental lease for ecotourism business at 22 places in Cat Ba National Park
This study aims to forecast the environmental lease prices for various locations within the designated area by analyzing the ecotourism business lease prices determined at 22 sites in Cat Ba National Park.
To find out some implications of the study
Contribute to provide some data and information relating to environmental lease
Creat opportunity to Cat Ba National Park links with local businesses.
SITE DESCRIPTION
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION AND RESOURCE VALUES
Cat Ba National Park, Hai Phong City, was established by Decision No.79/CT March
On August 1, 1991, the park received official approval through Decision No 237/CT from the Council of Ministers, following the initial proposal by the President of the Council of Ministers on March 31, 1986.
Figure 2.1 Geographic location of Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park, located approximately 150 km southeast of Hanoi at coordinates 20°44' - 20°52' North latitude and 106°59' - 107°06' East longitude, serves as a vital gateway to Hai Phong city Renowned for its rich biodiversity, stunning geological formations, and breathtaking natural scenery, Cat Ba is a key tourist destination in the region.
Cat Ba National Park spans an impressive 16,196.8 hectares, comprising a land area of 10,931.7 hectares and a sea area of 5,265.1 hectares The park is organized into three distinct functional zones: a Strict Protection Zone covering 4,914.6 hectares, an Ecological Restoration Zone of 11,094 hectares, and a smaller Administration and Service Zone of 93.1 hectares.
* About landscape, environment, conservation and ecotourism values
Cat Ba's stunning beaches, featuring clear blue waters and white sands, are a significant draw for tourists seeking summer getaways With around 20 beaches available for exploration, the island offers a variety of exciting activities, including scuba diving, coral watching, kayaking, and fishing Moreover, the sea serves as a vital link between Cat Ba and Ha Long Bay, enhancing the potential for sustainable travel experiences and diverse tourism products.
The Cat Ba archipelago features a unique system of limestone islands, including 366 smaller islands that contribute to a captivating landscape reminiscent of Ha Long Bay Notable areas such as Lan Ha Bay, Viet Hai Gulf, and Van Boi showcase the distinctive shapes of these islands, along with coral shelves and saline lakes, highlighting their unexplored potential.
The Cat Ba archipelago, shaped by tectonic movements and fluctuating sea levels over millions of years, features a stunning karst landscape rich in limestone formations This area is home to a variety of captivating caves, including Qua Vang, Thien Long, Trung Trang, Vem, and Tien Duc, alongside beautiful beaches such as Cat Co, Cat Dua, Ba Trai Dao, and Van Boi Many of these locations remain pristine, enveloped in lush greenery and offering breathtaking views of both sea and mountains Currently, over ten caves have been designated for tourism, enhancing the region's appeal to visitors.
Cat Ba National Park features a renowned network of streams, including Thuong Luong in Tran Chau commune, Trung Trang, and Treo Com in the Dong Co area Additionally, the park is home to natural limestone lakes, such as the Frog Pond, which spans over 3.6 hectares and maintains a consistent water level of approximately 30 cm throughout the year, nestled within a pristine forest environment.
Cat Ba Island, known for its rich cultural tourism potential, is home to the oldest settlements, where the interaction between nature and humanity has fostered unique cultural traits The area boasts numerous historical and archaeological sites, including the Cai Beo relic, Hien Hao temple, and various caves such as Quan Y, Uy Ban, and Huyen Uy The traditional cultural life is vibrant, with festivals that highlight the identities of local fishermen who engage in aquaculture and fishing Unique rituals and games are held to invoke the blessings of Long Hai Dai Vuong, the sea god, ensuring a bountiful seafood harvest Each year, the community celebrates with a thrilling dragon boat race on the sea, showcasing their rich heritage and cultural pride.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ECOTOURISM ACTIVITIES IN CAT
Cat Ba National Park exemplifies the essence of ecotourism with its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity Renowned for its stunning natural beauty and pristine ecosystems, the park attracts visitors seeking an authentic experience Currently, ecotourism activities are primarily restricted to a few sightseeing tours, highlighting the need for expanded opportunities to fully appreciate this remarkable destination.
Tourism on Cat Ba Island has been growing since the 1990s, with a significant rise in visitors from 45,182 in 2003 to 144,194 in 2013, marking an increase of 3.2 times This trend indicates that sea tourism routes are more appealing to tourists than forest routes, attracting 2.25 times more visitors Consequently, this factor should be taken into account when setting environmental lease prices for ecotourism businesses in specific locations.
In 2013, ecotourism activities generated only 1.946 billion VND, representing a mere 4.8% of the park's total revenues Notably, the income from leasing locations for ecotourism was just 280 million VND.
2013, equivalent to 14.3% compared with revenues from ecotourism (**)
Results of the survey (in 2014) show that an increase of the number of visitors to Cat
Ba Island experiences an average annual growth rate of 30%, primarily driven by the tourism chain effect of Ha Long Bay However, this growth faces two challenges: the reliance on external tourism influences and instability in the growth rate from year to year To address these issues, implementing an environmental lease for ecotourism development is essential This approach not only helps attract tourists by prioritizing natural resource conservation but also enhances the contribution of service businesses to the overall development of ecotourism.
THE ADVANTAGES, POTENTIALS AND LIMITATIONS OF ECOTOURISM
The Cat Ba archipelago, a natural masterpiece at the country's edge, boasts a unique landscape and rich biodiversity, featuring distinct forest-marine ecosystems With a relatively low population density and poverty rate, the region benefits from a stable socio-economic and cultural environment, presenting significant advantages and immense potential for ecotourism development.
Ecotourism in Cat Ba faces significant limitations, including underdeveloped services that fail to meet visitor needs and poor infrastructure that impacts the quality of experiences The lack of synchronization and professionalism in ecotourism organization further hinders development in Cat Ba National Park Additionally, limited state investment and unclear socialization levels in ecotourism prevent the mobilization of resources from businesses and private sectors, stifling potential growth in this area.
METHODS
DATA APPROACH
The environmental lease area encompasses both land and sea surface Investors must adhere to state regulations during construction projects and are also responsible for resource protection and fire prevention within the designated area.
To establish pricing indexes for various locations, it is essential to set targets based on natural and socio-economic conditions, considering the significance of each area and the extent of their impacts This process can be effectively carried out using fuzzy mathematics techniques, such as fuzzy regression, as detailed in the following section.
DATA COLLECTION
The varying characteristics, benefits, and constraints of leased locations necessitate an assessment of their exploitation impact levels Consequently, the environmental lease price must be individually calculated for each site.
My thesis aims to establish the environmental lease prices for various locations within Cat Ba National Park by detailing their specific purposes and development orientations I will conduct an investigation of 22 sites, gathering insights from 10 individuals, including park staff, locals, and business owners This research will evaluate seven key parameters: land area, tourist attraction level, service diversification, convenience and transport cost reduction, connectivity with other tourism sites, investment appeal, and a final parameter that captures the overall characteristics and potential of each lease area.
The "willingness to pay" for environmental leases to develop ecotourism is influenced by several factors, including socialization purposes, management conditions, and the environmental lease priorities of Cat Ba National Park, which aims to conserve forest resources and biodiversity This subjective factor is assessed on a scale of priority levels, ranging from low to high In total, seven factors determine the environmental lease price, while the eighth factor represents the price unit or environmental lease price itself, which encapsulates the competitive advantages of each lease location.
DATA ANANYSIS
To determine the land lease price per unit at each of the 22 locations, we calculate the total willingness to pay (in VND per lease location per year), subtract the total sea surface lease amounts (which vary less by location), and then divide the result by the total land area.
In the region designated for environmental leasing, 10 out of 22 planned locations have been allocated for business deals, with pricing set between Cat Ba National Park and these enterprises We will establish the specific allocated price per unit of land for each location based on previously outlined calculations.
Fuzzy regression analysis is employed to assess the relationship between the "willingness to pay" price unit and six key factors, ensuring the data's suitability and reliability This method enables the determination of price units and environmental lease prices across various locations.
- Model 1 : includes 10 pairs of data (corresponding to the number of allocated places) Through this model, the relationship of the allocated price unit can be determined (G1 ) with 6 main influential factors
Model 2 consists of 22 data pairs, reflecting the number of locations in the environmental lease plan This model enables the calculation of the "willingness to pay" price unit (G2) based on six key influential factors.
Fuzzy regression model is written as follows (Tanaka et al , 1982 ; Chang et al , 2001) [5] : ̂ ̅ ̅ ̅ ̅ (3.1)
In which, Y is the dependent variable (the cost to lease for a year),
In this study, we utilize fuzzy coefficients, denoted as , alongside six explanatory variables (Xi) Both input and output data are treated as fuzzy data, leading to a fuzzy structure in the regression model Each coefficient is characterized by a triangular fuzzy membership function represented as f = (α, β, ϒ), where α is the center (or mode), and β and ϒ indicate the spread to the left and right, respectively This approach follows the methodologies outlined by Kao C et al (2003) and Cengiz Kahraman et al (2006).
L, R are identified functions on the left and right of the fuzzy and satisfy with the conditions: L(ω) = L(-ω), R(ω) = R(-ω); L(0) = 1, R(0) = 1 The fuzzy coefficients are identified by fuzzy least squares method (FLSM) by SAS software
The accuracy of the fuzzy regression model is evaluated using three criteria: Euclidean distance (D), the relative difference of fuzzy range (RDS, %), and the relative difference between the theoretical fuzzy center and the empirical fuzzy center (RDα, %) A smaller value of D, RDS, and RDα indicates a more reliable fuzzy regression model, as noted by Van Dien Pham et al (2013).
The "willingness to pay" for environmental leasing prices will increasingly align with realistic pricing The fuzzy regression model identifies two key components: G2, which serves as the foundational unit for determining the environmental lease price with a weight of 2, and G1, which is utilized to adjust the lease level when G2 exceeds G1, carrying a weight of 1 Consequently, the adjusted price, referred to as G3, is established based on these parameters.
G3 = (G1 + 2G2)/ 3 (3.3) Therefore, the official price for environmental lease depends on the 7th factor (discount factor) and will be adjusted Since G3 is a fuzzy number, the official price unit will be:
+ Places for leasing environment in 1 st priority: take the upper value of G3
+ Places for leasing environment in 2 nd priority: take the middle value of the G3 + Places for leasing environment in 3 rd priority: take the lower value of G3
Based on the volatility of the price unit for leasing environment, I will classify places according to the leasing money into 4 groups (ranked from high to low) (Table 4.7)
In the forest environment, lease agreements are capped at a maximum duration of 50 years Upon expiration, investors seeking to extend their lease must submit a request to the Hai Phong City People's Committee for consideration and approval.
The lease duration for the sea surface is capped at a maximum of five years Should investors wish to extend this lease, they must submit a request to the Hai Phong City People's Committee for consideration and approval.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSTION
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEASE
The competitive advantages of environmental lease locations significantly impact pricing, assessed through eight key factors The first six factors objectively highlight each location's potential, while the seventh factor indicates pricing preferences and connects resource management with service-related business activities The eighth factor serves as a comprehensive indicator of the competitive advantages associated with each location.
Table 4.2 Competitive advantages of environmental lease locations
Criteria for evaluation (scale from 1-10)
“willingness to pay” price unit
Convenience level, conditions for reducing transport costs
Connec- tion level with other tourism places
Level of investment attraction from businesses and private
Size of the lease area
Lychee garden resort in the park center
ENVIRONMENTAL LEASE PRICE UNIT AND AMOUNT OF MONEY
The project utilizes a fuzzy regression model to analyze land lease prices, identifying six key influencing factors and seven parameters: a, r, s, b, d, g, and h The model's accuracy is validated through three evaluation criteria: D, RDS, and RDα, which yielded low values (D = 0.2, RDS = 14.5%, and RDα = 5.9%) Additionally, the environmental lease price is determined by two main criteria: the price per unit and the total lease amount, with the price per unit calculated as the average cost for leasing one hectare of land or water surface annually (VND/ha/year) for a specific location.
Table 4.3: Parameters and criteria to assess regression model between G and influencing factors
Parameters of the fuzzy regression model
From this model, we have identified environmental lease price unit and amount of money (Table 4.4)
Table 4.4: Environmental lease price unit and amount of money
Preferential level for environmental lease
Price unit for lease land (millionVnd/ ha/ year)
Amount of money for lease location (millionVnd/ ha/ year)
2 Lychee garden resort in the park center
14 Khoan Tien Duc- Me Go 3 2.2-2.6 11-13
The ongoing application of established methods has led to the development of Table 4.5, which outlines the environmental lease price units and corresponding monetary amounts tailored to the practical conditions of Cat Ba National Park.
Table 4.5: Environmental lease price unit and amount of money that propose
People's Committee of Hai Phong city approves
Environmental lease price unit ( millionVnd/ha/year)
Environmental lease amount of money at locations (millionVnd/year)
Lychee garden resort in the park center
14 Khoan Tien Duc- Me Go 2,2 11,0
Land lease prices vary significantly across different locations, ranging from 1.0 million VND per hectare per year in Viet Hai Village to 19.98 million VND per hectare per year at Nam Cat Beach For the sea surface in 22 designated areas, lease prices fluctuate between 0.2 and 0.5 million VND per hectare per year, which is considered the starting or floor price Adjustments to this floor price will occur every 3 to 5 years.
Comparison results between the amount of money for allocation and the amount of money for environmental lease in 10 locations listed in Table 4.6
The annual environmental lease for ecotourism development in 22 locations amounts to 859.7 million VND Since 2014, the total forest environmental lease in Cat Ba National Park has surged by 648.5 million VND per year, marking an increase of over 3.31 times compared to 2013, excluding price inflation.
The analytical results of business activities of Nam Cat island travel company in
In 2013, the company reported a total revenue of 3.2 billion VND and total costs of 2.85 billion VND, which included 35 million VND for an allocated location, resulting in a profit of 350 million VND According to previous regulations, the environmental lease was calculated at 2% of revenue, amounting to 64 million VND However, as shown in Table 4.5, the new required payment for the environmental lease is 46.3 million VND per year, which is 11.3 million VND higher than the allocated price and represents 1.47% of the total revenue.
The analytical results of business activities of Cat Dua 1 island travel company in
In 2013, the company experienced a positive financial outlook, with total revenue reaching 9.6 billion VND and total costs amounting to 6.7 billion VND, which included 90 million VND allocated for environmental leasing Consequently, the profit stood at 2.9 billion VND, highlighting the company's successful management of expenses and revenue generation.
In 2013, the company faced an environmental lease payment of 133.3 million VND, which exceeded the allocated price by 43.3 million VND and represented 1.39% of its total revenue.
Table 4.6: Comparison between the amount of money for allocation and the amount of money for environmental lease in 10 locations
Amount of money for allocation (millionVnd/year)
Amount of money for environmental lease (millionVnd/year)
2 Lychee garden resort in the park center
Thus, the price unit and the amount of money for environmental lease that is defined in thesis basically have high conformity with the real situation
The thesis outlines that the calculation of the environmental lease unit is based on location, treating each area as a distinct leasing unit The total lease amount is derived from the entire location, while the price unit (VND/ha/year) serves merely as an intermediate technical calculation step.
Businesses are required to make annual payments for rent, adhering to the timing outlined in Article 8 and 9 of Decree No 142/2005/ND-CP, as well as Clauses 6 and 7 of Article 2 in Decree No 121/2010/ND-CP, which was enacted on December 30, 2010.
CLASSIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEASE LOCATIONS BY
Each location serves as a calculated unit for lease, making the clustering of locations based on leasing costs significant (Table 4.7) To facilitate this clustering, several key locations have been subdivided: Location 1 into five sub-locations (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) corresponding to 1.1 through 1.5; Location 4 into two sub-locations (4a, 4b) corresponding to 4.1 and 4.2; and Location 8 into two sub-locations (8a, 8b) corresponding to 8.1 and 8.2 as detailed in Table 4.5.
Table 4.7: 22 Locations clustering by amount of money for environmental lease
As such, environmental lease locations for ecotourism activities divided into four small groups: I, II, III, IV; the amount of money to lease must pay in a year are: Group I is
≥ 60 millionVnd/ year, Group II is from 30 to 60 millionVnd/ year, Group III is from 20-
30 millionVnd/ year, Group IV is < 20 millionVnd/ year.
IMPLICATIONS
Environmental service development plays a crucial role in generating resources for ecosystem management and protection One effective mechanism is environmental leasing, which facilitates the socialization of resources for ecotourism management and conservation efforts, ultimately contributing to the payment for ecosystem values.
This study strengthens the relationship between lessees and lessors, addressing challenges related to capital sources and infrastructure services essential for sustainable ecotourism development in Cat Ba National Park.
With objectives and results has achieved, the study will provide the basis for policy makers to further improve efficiency in resource management and ecotourism.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSIONS
This study examines seven key parameters influencing ecotourism development: land area of lease locations, tourist attraction levels, service diversification, convenience and transport cost reduction, connectivity to other tourism sites, and investment appeal for businesses Additionally, it includes a parameter reflecting the willingness to pay for environmental leases, which helps gauge pricing preferences From these factors, an eighth general indicator is derived to assess the competitive advantages of each location The findings provide a framework for determining environmental lease prices in line with current regulations and market conditions Furthermore, the study analyzes the current status of environmental lease areas and future ecotourism initiatives A significant innovation is the application of the "fuzzy regression" method, which calculates environmental lease prices across 22 locations in Cat Ba National Park and forecasts lease prices for other sites within the study area.
With results have achived, the study has some important implications as following:
- About theory: provide more data, information that contribute to supply some important data relating to environmental lease
To enhance the environmental lease framework, it is essential to establish a pricing bracket that addresses existing shortcomings while promoting competitive advantages in key locations This initiative will create opportunities for collaboration between Cat Ba National Park and local businesses, fostering partnerships that contribute to the socialization of ecotourism and drive sustainable development in the region.
The study “Some aspects of environmental lease for ecotourism business in Cat Ba
Cat Ba National Park in Hai Phong city, Vietnam, can be effectively compared to leases, joint ventures, and enterprise associates The revenue generated from fees will boost the park's income and local budgets, aiding in natural resource conservation and environmental education Additionally, reinvesting these funds into tourism will enhance services on Cat Ba Island and within the park, attracting more visitors, creating jobs, and increasing income for the local community, thereby contributing to overall economic development.
RECOMMENDATIONS 32 REFERENCES
Environmental leases should be closely tied to environmental protection, the preservation of forest and marine ecosystems, and the conservation of biodiversity This connection is essential not only as a critical solution but also as a requirement for ecotourism To achieve this, several solutions must be implemented effectively.
The thesis emphasizes that the calculation of the environmental lease unit is based on location, treating each location as a singular integrated unit for leasing purposes The lease amount is determined for the entire location rather than dividing it into smaller parts, ensuring a straightforward calculation process.
In this study, the price unit is defined as the floor price, which will be adjusted over a period of 3 to 5 years It is essential to implement procurement methods that ensure the environmental lease price is greater than or equal to this floor price.
- Need to control price for environmentla lease if there is a large variation in the socio-economic situation (as market price, consuming price index, inflation )
- Need to guide visitors comply strictly with the provisions of the National Park and local communities, contributing to the protection of natural values and culture of the region
- Protecting and promoting national identity, maintaining typical ecosystems and rare species
- Creating more jobs and attracting local community to join in ecotourism services activities, such as participating in guiding tours, providing commodities, souvenir, developing shops to serve ecotourism
- Encouraging businesses to contribute on raising the quality of life and improving living environment for the local community, such as building infrastructure, support professional development, planting and caring forests
Implementing environmental leases in Cat Ba National Park is crucial for promoting ecotourism and linking conservation efforts with sustainable development This initiative will create stable jobs and income for local communities, enhance visitor and community awareness, and aid in natural resource conservation Additionally, it will improve environmental protection, boost park revenues, and contribute to the growth of tourism services in both Cat Ba Island and Hai Phong City.
[1] Dominic Moran and Institute of Forestry Ecology and Environment (10/2012), “
Ecosystem service valuation and Payment mechanisms applied to Cat Ba National Park” report
[2] Do Nam Thang & Dinh Duc Truong (2013), “Ecotourism value quantifying in Cat Ba
National Park by using Contingent valuation method”
[3] Pham Van Dien et al (2013), the fuzzy regression model
[4] Pham Van Dien (4/2014), Scheme “ Forest environmental lease in Cat Ba National Park, Hai Phong city”
[5] Tanaka et al (1982); Chang et al (2001), Kao C et al (2003) and Cengiz Kahraman et al(2006), fuzzy regression
[6] The Congress (20/ 06/ 2013), Price Law (No 11/2012 / QH13 ), has clearly stated: for lease of land, water surface, forests (including forest environmental lease), need to determine the price rates and price brackets
[7] The Government (30/12/ 2010), Clause 6, 7- Article 2 - Decree No 121/2010/ND-CP
[8] The Government (06/07/2007), Decision 100/QD-TTg
On June 1, 2012, the Government issued Decision No 24/2012/QD-TTg to promote investment in eco-tourism development within special use forests This initiative encourages all economic sectors to participate, ensuring compliance with approved plans and the regulations outlined in the Law on Enterprises and the Law on Forest Protection and Development.
[10] The Government (03/12/2004), Law on Forest Protection and Development, has established two fundamental rights for forest owners to engage in forest lease – for lease relations
[11] The Government (28/03/2007), Decree No 48/2007/NDD-CP, about the principles and methods of determining the price of forest types
[12] The Government (10/09/2002), Document No.1248/CP-NN on approving the project
"Piloting in using of special-use forest environment for service business and vocational guidance education in Ba Vi National Park ";
According to Decree No 142/2005/ND-CP issued by the Government on November 14, 2005, the pricing for leasing water surfaces not covered by Article 13 of the 2003 Land Law is established as follows: for projects utilizing a fixed water surface, the lease ranges from 10,000,000 to 100,000,000 VND per km² per year (equating to 100,000 to 1,000,000 VND per hectare annually), while for those using a non-fixed water surface, the lease ranges from 50,000,000 to 250,000,000 VND per km² per year (or 500,000 to 2.5 million VND per hectare annually) The lease price remains stable for a duration of five years, after which the President of the Provincial People's Committee will adjust the unit price for subsequent leasing periods.
On June 11, 2006, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issued Circular 99/2006/TT-BNN, which provides guidance on specific articles related to the management of special use forests This regulation aims to facilitate environmental lease contracts that support ecotourism services, including sightseeing, relaxation, and scientific research.
[15] The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (09/12/2002), Decision No
5561 / QD-BNN-KL, on of approving scheme about Piloting in using of special-use forest environment for ecotorism development and vocational guidance education in
[16] The Ministry of Finance (30/12/2005 ), Circular 120/2005/TT-BTC
[17] The President of Hai Phong People's Committee (04/12/2012), Decision No 2119/QD-UBND, about approving the Scheme on ecotourism development in Cat Ba
[18] The President of Hai Phong People's Committee (2012), Decision No.1572/QD-UBND, about the planning of Hai Phong city
[19] The President of Hai Phong People's Committee (2012), scheme “Cat Ba National
[20] The Prime Minister (14/08/2006), Decision 186/2006/QD-TTg, on of about promulgating the Regulation on special use forests management
[21] Wunder, Sven (2005), “Payments for environmental services: basic knowledge”,
Link : http://www.cifor.org/pes/publications/pdf_files/OP-42.pdf
(*) Table 01: The total number of tourists to Cat Ba National Park 2003-2013
Tourists visit the forest route Tourists visit Cat Ba by the sea route
Tourists visit both the forest and sea routes
Vietnam International Total Vietnam International Total Vietnam International Total
(Source: Cat Ba National Park, 2013)