Valuation of Wetland Ecosystem Services in Xuan Thuy National Park

Abstract: Wetlands are globally recognized as important ecosystems, maintaining biodiversity and providing economic value. In Vietnam, Xuan Thuy National Park, the first Ramsar wetland site in Southeast Asia and a typical coastal estuarine ecosystem in the northern region, is facing economic development pressures, leading to ecological imbalance and impacting its service provision capacity. This study assesses ecosystem service values ​​to identify the economic contributions of wetland resources. By combining multiple methods such as economic valuation, interviews, remote sensing, and Geographic Information System (GIS), the values of eleven types of ecosystem services of the wetland area in Xuan Thuy National Park are assessed and calculated, including use value and non-used value (conservation). The research results show that the total economic value of the provided services is 2,072.0 billion VND/year, equivalent to 138.1 million VND/ha/year. Indirect use values account for 50%, prominently featuring carbon sequestration value (the highest among the total economic value). Although the conservation and transmission value had insignificant economic value, 100% of the votes showed the awareness, attitude, and feelings of local people about the functions of ecosystem services in wetlands. The study provides a scientific basis for policymakers and authorities in planning and promoting sustainable socio-economic development, contributing to the protection and long-term balance of ecosystem services in wetland areas in the future.