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Accounting for the ecosystem services of different land uses: a case study of the ecological zones in the Mekong Delta Region, Vietnam

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  • Diep Nguyen Thi Thanh

    (Department of Auditing, School of Accounting and Auditing, National Economics University, 207 Giai Phong, Hanoi, 113068, Vietnam)

  • Tuan Nguyen Tran

    (Faculty of Real Estate and Resources Economics, College of Business, National Economics University, 207 Giai Phong, Hanoi, 113068, Vietnam)

Abstract

This study analyzed the physical changes of ecosystems and measured the value of ecosystem services (ESV) in a subregion of Vietnam. The results showed that cropland accounted for the majority of the natural area with 85%, while urban land area increased by 5% from 1990 to 2020. Water and aquaculture accounted for a significant proportion, while the remaining land groups, such as grassland, barren land, and forest, accounted for insignificant proportions. Can Tho, serving as the socio-economic center of the region, showed the most obvious contrast between the growth of urban land and the decline of cropland when both had a change of 8%. Meanwhile, An Giang showed growth in both types of land use in the period 1990–2005, but this locality had a decrease in crop land in the period 2005–2020. Land use change impacted on ESV during the study period. This value decreased from 1990 to 2005 by 43.36 million US$/year, then increased by 462.37 million US$/year from 2005 to 2020. However, the rate of change in ESV by locality showed different values. Hau Giang is the province that shows the strongest growth by 8%, followed by Vinh Long and An Giang bothwith growth rates of over 7.6%. Dong Thap was the only province that witnessed a decrease in ESV after 30 years. The research aimed to support policymakers to have more background information as a basis for building strategies to ensure sustainable development to combat climate change and environmental change in the study sub-region in particular and inVietnam in general.

Suggested Citation

  • Diep Nguyen Thi Thanh & Tuan Nguyen Tran, 2025. "Accounting for the ecosystem services of different land uses: a case study of the ecological zones in the Mekong Delta Region, Vietnam," Environmental & Socio-economic Studies, Sciendo, vol. 13(3), pages 11-25.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:enviro:v:13:y:2025:i:3:p:11-25:n:1002
    DOI: 10.2478/environ-2025-0014
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