Introduction
The rapid economic growth and increasing population have led to the over-exploitation of natural resources, resulting in complex and unpredictable environmental consequences such as droughts and natural disasters Forests, which cover a third of the Earth's surface, play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting economic development They are essential for human survival, providing clean air, habitats for wildlife, and resources like wood and timber for construction Additionally, forests protect watersheds, prevent soil erosion, and help mitigate climate change They also offer significant economic benefits through tourism and provide food sources, including wild animals and edible plants.
In Vietnam, forests and forestland play a crucial role in the livelihoods of populations living in or near mountainous areas, contributing to job creation and improved living standards for 25% of these communities The global trend towards wetland conservation and development is increasingly embraced, with Xuan Thuy National Park being the first site in Vietnam to join the Ramsar Convention To ensure sustainable resource management, comprehensive evaluation studies are essential to assess the park's total economic value and the social benefits it provides.
Economic valuation plays a crucial role in decision-making regarding natural ecosystems, serving as an essential input alongside political, cultural, social, and human considerations It helps in accurately representing resource resources in economic terms, although it is not the sole factor influencing every decision.
Xuan Thuy National Park, located 150 km southeast of Hanoi in Nam Dinh province, is renowned for its diverse natural habitats and the presence of numerous rare plant and animal species This coastal wetland ecosystem encompasses a conservation area of 7,100 hectares and a buffer zone of 8,000 hectares, including 3,000 hectares of mangroves, making it a vital reserve for wildlife and migratory birds Recognized by UNESCO as a Ramsar site since January 1989, the park was officially designated as Xuan Thuy National Park in 2003, with a focus on preserving its ecological and economic resources Despite its significance, environmental management in the park faces challenges, as local villagers often overlook the broader economic and cultural benefits of the park's resources To enhance awareness and promote sustainable practices, it is essential to evaluate the economic value of Xuan Thuy National Park and align conservation efforts with global trends in wetland management.
In addition to the introduction and conclusion, the thesis consists of 3 sections: Goals
& objectives, Methods and Results & discussion
Goals and objectives
This research aims to evaluate the total economic value of Xuan Thuy NP in order to raising awareness and implement measures to preserve the national park
1 To reconize economic value components of TEV of Xuan Thuy NP
2 To figure out appropriate methods to evaluate TEV of Xuan Thuy NP
3 To apply evaluation methods to assess economic value components of TEV of Xuan Thuy
Methodology
Study site
According to the report “Experimental evaluation of personal economic development of people in 5 communes in Xuan Thuy National Park” (Vu Huy Phuc, 2015):
On October 2, 1989, UNESCO designated the Red River estuarine area in Xuan Thuy District as a Ramsar site, marking it as the 50th Ramsar site globally and the first in the ASEAN region.
1989, the Xuan Thuy District People's Committee set up a district environmental management board to lay the foundations for the establishment of the nature reserve
The natural area of the National Park spans 7,100 hectares, comprising 3,100 hectares of floating land and 4,000 hectares of wetlands Located just 65 kilometers from Nam Dinh city and 155 kilometers southeast of Hanoi, the park is positioned between the coordinates of 20º10’ to 20º15’ North and 106º20’ to 106º32’ East.
The topography of the national park features a predominantly flat landscape that slopes from north to south, characterized by significant tidal fluctuations The average elevation ranges from 0.5m to 0.9m, with notable heights of 1.2m to 1.5m in the Con Lu area Additionally, the intertidal zones are divided by the Vop River and Tra River.
Xuan Thuy National Park, situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by hot and humid summers from May to September.
The winter season, spanning from November to March, experiences significant influences from tropical storms and low pressure systems Early winter brings cold, dry air, while late winter shifts to colder, more humid conditions The region's average annual temperature is approximately 24ºC, accompanied by an average annual rainfall of 1,175 mm.
The buffer zone communities of Xuan Thuy National Park showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Red River Delta, reflecting the traditional lifestyle of its residents Key cultural activities, deeply rooted in the region's rice civilization, include cheo (traditional opera), lion dances, and cockfighting, highlighting the vibrant cultural tapestry of this unique area.
Xuan Thuy National Park employs a community-based ecotourism model that supports local residents and utilizes services from communities in the buffer zone The park offers three distinct tourist routes designed to cater to diverse interests: one for an overview of the national park, another for nature exploration, and a third for walking through natural habitats.
Data
Data in the research is divided into two types: primary data and pre-existing data a Primary data
This research employs a sampling method to assess the willingness to pay among participants at Xuan Thuy National Park A survey was conducted with 100 respondents, consisting of both residents and visitors Due to the dispersed population in the core zone, data collection was time-consuming, leading to the selection of 100 samples Additionally, as there were only a limited number of foreign visitors during the survey period, the data was exclusively gathered from domestic respondents.
The survey included 9 questions which about gender, age, career, education level, member in family and willing to contribution and income b Pre-existing data
The research are mainly used pre-existing data in order to analysis and evaluation the value of Xuan Thuy National Park.
Analysis methods
3.3.1 Descriptive statistic: with the data collected in survey, it will be synthesized and evaluated to assess two content in research by using Excel: the willingness to pay (WTP) of respondents and net present value (NPV) The paper uses NPV formula to calculate: NPV = (F: future payment, i: discount rate, n: the number of periods in the future of F)
3.3.2 CVM (Contingent valuation method): CVM is a technique that allows the estimation of the value that people attach to a change in the availability of an environmental good or service by asking directly for their WTP or their willingness to accept (WTA) a compensation It is useful eliciting both use and non use values (it is the only technique available for non use values) It has been used for valuing almost everything (air, water, noise pollution, recreational services, biodiversity, protected areas, transport services) In this research, i designed a survey with 9 questions about basics information of domestics (there are no foreigners)
3.3.3 Using TEV (Total Economic Value) method in order to analyze the data and information on the exploitation and use of natural resources in Xuan Thuy NP, the economic values are being used in Xuan Thuy NP
TEV = Use value + Non-use value
To clarify the economic value of Xuan Thuy NP, I need to clarify the use value and non-use value a Definition
Use value is the value of use is derived from the actual use of the environment, values that satisfy the human needs of using them
Non-use value refers to the intrinsic, non-material worth of natural resources, independent of their practical applications or the choices surrounding their utilization.
Use Value: Direct Use Value(DUV) + Indirect Use Value(IUV) + Option Value(OV)
Non use Value: Bequest Value(BV) + Existence Value(EV)
So that: TEV = DUV + IUV + OV + BV + EV
Picture 1 The components of total economic value (Crotiou, 2007)
(source: African journal of agricultural research, 2010)
The direct use value of wetlands refers to the benefits obtained from utilizing their resources, such as wood from mangroves for fuel and construction, as well as fish and crabs harvested from mangrove streams Additionally, various plants and species within wetland ecosystems contribute to folk remedies, highlighting the importance of these habitats in providing essential resources for local communities.
X: The total economic value of each UV by unit of value of use
S: Area of submerged land is calculated
Indirect use values in wetland ecosystems encompass ecological, hydrological, and protective functions that occur without direct human intervention Various methods, such as replacement cost and cost of damage avoided, are employed to calculate these values For instance, the conservation benefits of mangroves can be assessed by evaluating the increased costs associated with disaster preparedness in their absence, or by comparing areas with and without mangrove protection When infrastructure like land, houses, and roads suffer from erosion or damage, the associated costs for restoration provide a tangible measure of this value.
The option value represents the economic worth of preserving the choice to use a specific commodity in the future, assessed through the willingness to pay (WTP) of individuals To evaluate this, the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) is employed, utilizing a questionnaire to gauge the WTP of residents and visitors for wetland conservation The total WTP reflects the optimal value for wetlands; however, it is noted that most individuals are only willing to contribute a minimal amount By posing an open-ended question regarding their willingness to donate annually for wetland preservation, respondents are presented with various contribution milestones The average WTP is then calculated based on the responses received.
Option Value = Average WTP of households in the region x Total number of households in the area + Average WTP of visitors x Total number of visitors
The value of wetlands is determined by the importance individuals place on their preservation for future generations, regardless of whether these ecosystems are actively used or not.
Determining the value of wetlands is complex, often utilizing the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) This method involves administering a questionnaire to gauge the amount individuals are willing to pay for wetland protection for future generations The questionnaire design follows established techniques, and once the average willingness to pay (WTP) is calculated from the responses, the value is derived using a specific formula.
Bequest Value = Average WTP of households in the area x Total number of households in the area + Average WTP of visitors x Total number of visitors
Existence Value refers to the willingness of individuals to financially support the preservation of valuable resources, even when they do not gain personal benefits from such conservation efforts Measuring this value poses significant challenges This study presents and applies a method to assess Existence Value effectively.
- Step 1: Choose the suitable valuation method
There are three methods of impact analysis, partial pricing and total economic valuation On purpose of this research, i choose total economic value method
The determination of the boundaries of a particular Xuan Thuy NP is depented on the administrative map, soil map provided by the park management
- Step 3: Identify elements, sort by importance
To create a comprehensive list of components, functions, and attributes found in wetlands, it is essential to utilize diverse data sources, including scientific studies and reports from relevant agencies, and to organize these elements by their significance.
To effectively assess the value of various elements, it is essential to categorize them based on their direct use value, indirect use value, and non-use value Calculating the direct use value requires conducting interviews with the local population, performing population surveys, and analyzing consultancy reports Additionally, more comprehensive scientific investigations may be necessary to enhance the accuracy of these evaluations.
9 used to understand values for indirect uses, focusing on wetland physical links and related economic activities
- Step 5: Collect informations needed for the valuation
Various methods can be employed to gather information from diverse sources In this study, data will be collected through management insights from Xuan Thuy National Park and surveys conducted with domestic respondents If the research extends beyond its intended scope, the assessment may be limited to qualitative evaluations.
- Step 6: Use the information available to determine the economic value
Technical values are often straightforward and quantifiable, while field values can be more challenging to measure accurately This discrepancy is particularly significant in developing countries, where information may be incomplete or unreliable, making it difficult to apply certain techniques effectively.
- Step 7: Perform the appropriate valuation
An economic analysis of wetlands should be conducted within a well-defined framework established during the research planning phase This analysis involves aggregating all direct, functional, and attribute values of the wetland in question By comparing these values with those of other wetlands, we can assess the overall societal benefits provided by the wetland, which is essential for developing effective management and utilization strategies for this vital resource.
Results and discussion
Socio-economic characteristics
Xuan Thuy NP has a total population of 69,347 people, 13,285 households with 4,206.73 ha natural area (2015) The average population density is 1,648.76 people /km 2 (Vu Huy Phuc, 2015)
Labor structure: There are 40914 people in working age, take 50.9% population (Female take 51.6%) On average, each household has 2 people in working age (Vu Huy Phuc, 2015)
Structure of career in Xuan Thuy NP is presented in the following figure
Agricultural production is a key sector in the economic development structure of communes in the buffer zone of the National Park, with two major sectors: Cultivation and Livestock
- Cultivation: At present, the area of rice cultivation is 3,533.04 ha, accounting for 83.7% of cultivated land, cultivated land and other industrial crops account for 17.3% of cultivated area
- Livestock: Cattle and poultry have been developed in both quantity and quality
On average, each household has 3-4 pigs; 10-15 kinds of poultry Compared with previous years, pigs and poultry tend to increase faster, cattle and buffaloes tend to decrease
In recent years, the marine economy has emerged as a vital sector within the region, showcasing an impressive average annual growth rate of 15-20% This sector contributes significantly, accounting for 20-25% of the agriculture, forestry, and fishery industries across all communes in the buffer zone.
Figure 1 Career structure in buffer zone (2015 )
AgricutureMarine EServiceOtherSource: Commune statics 2015
11 have made positive changes in the field of aquaculture, natural exploitation and services Of which, aquaculture accounted for 51.5%, natural exploitation accounted for 48.5%
Trade networks in buffer zone communes have expanded significantly in both scale and variety of businesses These networks operate through diverse methods, including the exchange and transportation of goods, as well as the buying and selling of essential items to support production and daily life needs.
Despite the lack of developed facilities in some areas, small-scale industries play a crucial role in economic restructuring, attracting labor, and effectively utilizing local resources.
Natural resources
The vegetation composition in the national park is relatively limited when compared to the lush moist tropical forests found in hilly and mountainous regions It primarily consists of just two plant species, which are floras and angiosperms However, the diversity at the family and genus levels is notable, with 42 families and 99 plant branches identified despite the total number of species being only 116 (2004-2010).
The mangrove forest of Xuan Thuy National Park (NP) is home to a diverse and valuable array of plant species, including important resources such as wood and firewood This ecosystem also boasts numerous medicinal plants, including wild pineapple, lake, and ginseng The mangroves contribute significantly to the region's landscape and beauty, while the chlorophyll-rich vegetation plays a vital role in producing primary biological products As plants decompose, they support the food chain and provide essential shelter and nourishment for various animal species.
The fauna of the national park showcases a diverse range of lowland and highland species, featuring a significant population of migratory waterbirds and other migratory birds Additionally, the park is home to various reptiles and frogs, contributing to its rich biodiversity The value of these animal resources is assessed based on their ecological significance and the variety of species present.
Animals are poorly composition, mainly rodents
Every winter, from November to December, migratory birds travel from northern regions such as Siberia and South Korea to warmer southern destinations like Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia In spring, these birds return to their breeding grounds Notably, in 1994, around 120,000 seabirds were recorded stopping in the Red River delta during migration, while current estimates suggest that 30,000 to 40,000 birds pass through the area Among these, up to 11 species are classified as rare and are listed in the international red book.
The aquatic ecosystem boasts 107 fish species across 12 orders and 44 families, with over 40 economically valuable species contributing to an annual yield of 4,000 tons Notable high-value species include sea bass, cobia, mullet, and mackerel Despite the rich diversity of fish species, recent trends indicate a concerning decline attributed to overexploitation.
The bottom fauna is diverse, with 154 identified species, including economically valuable ones like clams, crabs, and shrimp Recently, the introduction of black tiger shrimp has enhanced the region's marine specialties, contributing significantly to its economic value.
Floating animals comprise 165 species across 14 different groups, with their distribution heavily influenced by salinity levels During the dry season, their population density can soar to tens of thousands per cubic meter, while in the rainy season, this density significantly declines to fewer than expected levels.
In both dry and rainy seasons, cloaked claws maintain a population density of 1000 individuals per cubic meter, resulting in a significant biomass that serves as a plentiful food source for various animals in the region.
Evaluation of total economic value of Xuan Thuy NP
The paper calculates the economic value of 4,000 hectares area according to researchs of Vu Huy Phuc (2015) and Nguyen Duc Thang (2014)
4.3.1.1 Direct Use a Value of wood-based products
Xuan Thuy National Park (NP) encompasses valuable timber resources from its forest areas, including both mangrove and casuarina forests The park is home to 14 tree species, primarily native or purebred, resulting in a limited species composition Currently, the national park's forest area spans approximately 4,000 hectares, featuring economic timber that is between 10 to 5 years old According to statistics from the park, the average timber volume in the mangroves is 65 m³/ha, contributing to the overall timber volume of Xuan Thuy NP.
The average forest period is approximately 15 years, and to promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities, the actual timber value exploitation is limited to 80% (Management Board of Xuan Thuy NP, 2016) In this study, the price of wood is set at 600,000 VND per cubic meter (Vu Huy Phuc, 2015; Nguyen Thanh Nga, 2014).
The average annual economic value of timber yield is:
EV of timber = (260,000 x 0.8 x 600,000) : 15 = 8,320,000,000 (VND/year) b Value of firewood
Firewood sourced from mangroves in wetland areas serves a dual purpose: it is utilized directly as fuel and provides protection for shrimp ponds, rather than being sold in the market (Ngoc Anh).
2016) Mining takes place in two forms: thinning process and exploitation
The thinning process in shrimp ponds, covering approximately 1,327 hectares, results in an average firewood yield of 7 cubic meters per hectare over a 15-year cycle Based on the prevailing wood prices, the value of the firewood is estimated at 350,000 VND (Vu Huy Phuc, 2015).
Therefore average annual economic value of firewood yield obtained by thinning is:
EV of firewood obtained by thinning = (1,327 x 7 x 350,000) : 15 = 216,743,333 (VND/year)
Firewood production in Xuan Thuy National Park occurs in both natural mangrove forests and plantations, covering over 2,000 hectares (Management Department of Xuan Thuy National Park, 2016) Theoretically, firewood harvesting represents only 10% of the total forest reserves over a 15-year cycle, with an average yield of 3 cubic meters per hectare (Management Board of Xuan Thuy NP, 2016).
So total of firewood volume is: 3 x 2000 x 1/10 = 600 (m 3 )
Average annual value of firewood is:
EV of firewood obtained by exploitation = (600 x 350,000) : 15 = 14,000,000 (VND/year)
Total number value of firewood is: EV of firewood = 230,743,333 (VND/year) c Non forest timber products (NFTPs)
Every year, around 60 local households and visitors enter Xuan Thuy National Park to harvest Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), primarily for medicinal purposes According to statistics from Xuan Thuy NP Management Officer, these individuals report an average annual income of approximately 1,300,000 VND from NTFP exploitation (Xuan Minh, 2015).
Thus, the total economic value obtained from non-timber forest products is:
EV of NFTPs = 60 x 1,300,000 = 78,000,000 (VND/year)
Table 1 Total value of wood-based products and NTFPs
(Source: synthesized by the author)
According the table, harvesting wood are the main revenues of wood-based products and NFTPs with a very high proportion (96.4%) d Value of fishing and aquaculture
Aquaculture is the primary beneficiary of Xuan Thuy National Park (NP), particularly in the Giao Lac, Giao Xuan, and Giao Hai communes, where mollusc farming has flourished, generating billions of VND annually The economic value derived from aquatic products in this area includes a variety of species such as fish, shrimp, crab, and clams, sourced from both aquaculture and capture fisheries To assess the value of aquaculture in Xuan Thuy NP, data was gathered from the District Office of Statistics alongside insights from local residents, utilizing a specific formula to calculate the total value of these aquatic products.
(V m : value of fishing and aquaculture; P i : price of product; Q i : quantity of product )
Table 2 Value of aquatic products harvested annually (2015)
Product Qi (kg) Pi (VND/kg) Value (VND/year)
(Source: Survey on the status of livelihood development in Xuan Thuy NP- 2014)
Clams constitute approximately 90% of the total value of aquatic products, making them a significant economic asset In recent years, buffer zone communes have focused on enhancing clam farming, positioning it as a primary source of income This shift highlights the importance of sustainable exploitation of natural resources in the region.
In Giao Thuy district, approximately 250 individuals from buffer zone communes and nearby areas engage in the exploitation of natural products within the national park, with activities occurring year-round except during a few months of heavy rain (Lam Hanh, 2018) Local surveys indicate that these individuals typically earn around 70,000 VND daily, contributing to the overall annual value of the region's natural resources.
EV of natural resources = 70,000 x 300 x 250 = 5,250,000,000 (VND/year) f Recreation value
In recent years, the National Park has welcomed approximately 40 to 50 international delegations annually, attracting around 200 to 250 visitors each year The majority of these visitors are biologists focused on studies related to birds, mangroves, and aquatic ecosystems.
In 2015, domestic tourism saw a significant increase, with over 200 delegations and approximately 2,000 visitors annually, primarily consisting of students, staff, and local residents returning for visits According to national park data, each delegation typically spends an average of two days, generating revenue of 400,000-500,000 VND per person for Vietnamese tourists and 40-50 USD for foreign visitors, based on the exchange rate of 21,500 VND to 1 USD as of November 2015.
So, tourism and entertainment bring about the following value averagely:
EV of recreation value = 200 x 50 x 21,500 + 2000 x 500,000 = 1,215,000,000 (VND/year) g The benefits of wildlife products
The primary value of wildlife products in Xuan Thuy National Park is honey, derived from the mangrove trees that bloom for approximately four months each year These trees produce around 30 tons of honey annually, significantly contributing to the local ecosystem Research conducted by Nguyen Duc Thang (2014-2015) indicates that the price of raw honey was 38,000 VND per kg in 2015, highlighting its economic importance.
EV of wildlife products = 30,000 x 38,000 = 1,140,000,000 (VND/year) h Economic value of livestock grazing in the area
In the Lam Hanh area, approximately 500-600 cattle and over 100 goats are tended by border guards daily, benefiting from abundant free grazing resources This availability of natural grazing eliminates the need for households to spend over 10,000 VND daily on purchased feed, resulting in significant annual economic advantages for livestock owners.
EV of livestock grazing = 600 x 10,000 x 365 = 2,190,000,000 (VND/year) Table 3 Total direct use value in research (unit: VND)
No Products/Functions Value (VND) Percentage (%)
(Source:synthesized by the author)
Fishing and aquaculture represent the highest total direct use value in research, accounting for 65% This sector aligns well with the recent economic development trends in Xuan Thuy National Park Investing in fishing and aquaculture is essential for establishing it as a key economic sector in the region.
The indirect use value is calculated based on the benefits gained from the ecological functions a Protection function of sea dykes, storms
Mangroves play a crucial role in safeguarding sea dykes against waves and wind storms Their protective value is assessed in two distinct periods: prior to the rainy season and following it (Minh Ha, 2014).
The summary of total value of Xuan Thuy National Park
Table 8 Summary of total value
No Product/ Functions Value (in VND) Value(in USD) Direct use value
8 Protection function of sea dykes and storms
Economic value of 1 hectare of mangroves 32,606,735.37 1,526.50
(Source: synthesized by the author)
In summary, the minimum annual economic value reflects the direct use values
The annual benefits provided by wetlands, including both direct products and indirect services, are substantial, amounting to approximately 32-33 million VND per hectare.
26 above figures are not real value because this study does not take into account some potential values such as values of biodiversity conservation, non-religious values.
Discussion
The total economic value of Xuan Thuy NP is 130,426,941,476 VND, it means 32,606,735.37 VND per hectare The TEV of Xuan Thuy NP is relatively high with natural resources and condition
Xuan Thuy National Park boasts a significant economic value from fishing and aquaculture, amounting to 30,149,511,000 VND (approximately 1,402,302.84 USD), which represents 24.2% of the park's total economic value This sector has the potential to be further developed into a key economic driver for the region The park's economic value is categorized into three distinct groups, highlighting its substantial economic potential Overall, the findings indicate that Xuan Thuy National Park has a high potential for economic development.
The protective role of sea dykes against storms constitutes a significant 66.4% of the total economic value of the region This value, while not directly reflected in economic activities, is derived from the potential damage mitigated during environmental hazards.
The TEV method effectively assesses the economic value of Xuan Thuy National Park by evaluating various features of its economy The findings and data from this study can be applied to related subjects, but future research should focus on updating the data to ensure relevance.
The economic values of various wetlands highlight significant differences, with the Bach Dang river mouth in Hai Phong valued at 7,704,600 VND/ha, the Van Uc river mouth at 11,336,650 VND/ha, and the Tien river mouth in An Giang reaching 47,420,200 VND/ha, as reported by Ngoc Anh (2015) Notably, Xuan Thuy National Park boasts a relatively high economic value compared to these other wetland areas, underscoring its importance in the region's ecological and economic landscape.
Conclusion
Research has highlighted the economic characteristics and value of Xuan Thuy National Park, identifying significant economic values such as use value and non-use value through detailed analysis This integrated management perspective aims to enhance evaluation and management efforts The study provides insights into the park's geography, climate, terrain, and ecosystem potential, assessing impacts for conservation The total economic value, calculated at 130,426,941,476 VND, incorporates both use and non-use values, utilizing methods such as Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and Total Economic Value (TEV) for data collection However, limitations exist, including a potentially insufficient sample size, incomplete data, and a lack of new information in certain areas, which may affect the credibility of the findings.
Despite our best efforts, there are still several shortcomings I welcome contributions and ideas from teachers and friends to help me enhance this topic Thank you very much for your support!
Picture 2 Map of Xuan Thuy National Park
Picure 3 Map of areas of Xuan Thuy National Park
Picure 4 Mangrove forests and typical animals
Xuan Thuy National Park boasts significant economic and biodiversity potential, with its natural resources playing a crucial role in ecological protection and cultural tourism However, illegal exploitation by uninformed individuals poses a serious threat to these valuable resources, risking the loss of the park's rich ecosystem To combat this issue, the establishment of a forest protection fund is proposed to conserve and sustainably develop the park's natural resources for the benefit of the local population.
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