MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
VIETNAM NATIONAL FORESTRY OF UNIVERSITY

STUDENT THESIS
Title
IMPACTS OF ECO-TOURISM ON BIODIVERSITY
IN VAN LONG WETLAND NATURE RESERVE,
NINH BINH PROVINCE

Major: Natural Resources Management
Code: D850101
Faculty: Forest Resources and Environmental Management
Student: LE THI THUY

Student ID:1453091737

Class: K59B Natural Resources Management _Advanced Education
Program_ Developed in collaboration with Colorado State University,
USA
Course: 2014 - 2018
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. HOANG VAN SAM

Ha Noi…/2018


ACKNOWLEDGE
After more than four years of study and training at Vietnam National University of
Forestry, to complete and evaluate my curriculum, I obtained the consent of Vietnam National
University of Forestry, Department of Forest and Environmental Resources Management. I
have done the theme "Impacts of eco-tourism on biodiversity at Van Long Wetland Nature
Reserve, Ninh Binh province". On the occasion of completing this thesis I would like to send

my thanks to:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Sam who directly guided me throughout the course of the
thesis.
- Teachers of Forest and Environmental Resource Management Department – Vietnam
National University of Forestry.
- The staffs of VLWNR Management Board, Ninh Binh province and local people helped
me to facilitate this thesis.
- All my colleagues and relatives helped me in the preparation of the thesis as well as
studying and training at Vietnam National University of Forestry
As I am beginning to get acquainted with scientific research, within a limited of time and
my experience, the thesis is inevitably lacking. Hopefully, I will be received ideas of teachers
and others interested in this issue to complete the thesis.
I sincerely thank!
Hanoi, 5th October 2018

Lê Thị Thúy


ACRONYMS

 PA: Protected Area
 NR: Nature Reserve
 NP: National Park
 VLWNR: Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve
 BC : Biodiversity conservation


LIST OF TABLE

 Table 1: Table information on sample plots.

 Table 2: Preliminary identification sampling in the sample plot
 Table 3: Statistics on population status of communes belong to the Van Long Wetland
Nature Reserve management
 Table 4: Phyla biodiversity in Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve (2010)
 Table 5: The most diverse families of flora in Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve (2010)
 Table 6: The status of tourists to Van Long from 2004 to 2013
 Table 7: The status of tourists to Van Long in July,2018
 Table 8: The survey on quality of service and conditions of tourism development at
VLWNR for 861 tourists (4th – 9th, Jul 2018)
 Table 9: General assessment of tourists on natural and environmental conditions
 Table 10: The standard plots information
 Table 11 : The list of plant diversity that we have listed from the standard plots of 300m of
the tourist route (Den Mau, Dam Cut)
 Table 12: The list of plant diversity that we have listed from the standard plots of 100m of
the tourist route (Den Mau, Dam Cut)
 Table 13: Species biodiversity index


LIST OF FIGURE


Figure1: Map of waterway and road trips at Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve



Figure 2: Map of geographic location of Van Long wetland nature reserve,

Ninh

Binh province



Figure 3: The route from Hanoi city center to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve
(2018)



Figure 4: The route from Ninh Binh city center to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve
(2018)



Figure 5: Number of tourists to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve in 2004 to 2008



Figure 6: Number of tourists to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve in July, 2018



Figure 7: The chart of the survey on quality of service and conditions of tourism
development at Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve for 100 tourists (4th – 9th, Jul 2018)



Figure 8: General assessment of tourists on natural and environmental conditions



Figure 9 : Image simulation standard plot location



TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGE
ACRONYMS
LIST OF TABLE
LIST OF FIGURE
I.

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1

II. RESEARCH OVERVIEW .................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Definitions ........................................................................................................................ 3
2.1.1: Eco-tourism ............................................................................................................... 3
2.2. The relationship between eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation. ............................ 7
2.2.1: Coexistence: .............................................................................................................. 7
2.2.2: Contradiction ............................................................................................................. 8
2.2.3. Symbiosis .................................................................................................................. 8
III. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, METHODS OF RESEARCH. ..................................................... 9
3.1 Goal ................................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Objectives ......................................................................................................................... 9
3.2. Objective .......................................................................................................................... 9
3.3. Methods ........................................................................................................................... 9
3.3.1. Secondary data methods ............................................................................................ 9
3.3.2. Research methodology on plant biodiversity ............................................................ 9
3.3.3. Plot inventory. ........................................................................................................... 9
3.3.4. Sampling method..................................................................................................... 12
3.3.5. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) ...................................................................... 13
IV. STUDY SITE. .................................................................................................................... 14
4.1. Natural conditions ......................................................................................................... 15

4.1.1. Geographical location ............................................................................................ 15
4.1.2. Climate ................................................................................................................... 15
4.1.3. Geomorphology ..................................................................................................... 16
4.2. Socio – Eco – Cultural conditions................................................................................. 16
4.2.1. Population and labor force ..................................................................................... 16
4.2.2. Social and economic conditions. ............................................................................ 17
4.3. Forest resources and Biodiversity .................................................................................. 18
4.3.1: Status of forest resources ........................................................................................ 18
4.3.2. Biodiversity in Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve................................................ 19
V. RESULTS AND DISSCUSSION. .................................................................................... 21


5.1. The status of ecotourism development at the protected area. ........................................ 21
5.1.1 Eco-tourism development conditions ....................................................................... 21
5.1.2. Labor force and worker's income ............................................................................ 23
5.1.3. Statistics of the number of tourists to VLWN ......................................................... 24
5.1.4. Services and goods .................................................................................................. 26
5.1.5: General assessment of tourists on natural and environmental conditions............... 29
5.2 Indicators of plant biodiversity along to the tourism transects ....................................... 30
5.2.1. Biodiversity along the road travel routes. ............................................................... 30
5.2.3. Biodiversity along the travel waterways: ................................................................ 37
5.3 Impacts of ecotourism on Biodiversity in Van Long Nature reserve ............................. 39
5.3.1 Positive impacts: ...................................................................................................... 39
5.3.2 Negative impacts: Current and future threats and constraints for biodiversity
management and conservation. ......................................................................................... 39
5.3.3 Challenges posed to management staffs when developing ecotourism in the NR ... 40
5.3.4. Proposed solutions................................................................................................... 40
VI. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................. 43
6.1 Conclusions:.................................................................................................................... 43
6.2 Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 44

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 45


I. INTRODUCTION
In recent years, tourism service industry has become a strong economic sector in many
countries around the world. Tourism contributes a large part of the country's GDP and
generates income as well as enhances the quality of life of local people and organizations.
Therefore, many types of tourism has been born to meet the increasing demand and
abundance of tourists such as cultural tourism, tourist resorts, religious tourism and ecotourism.
In which, type of eco-tourism that new forms are formed but strong growth attracted the
attention of many countries and there is also the strategic goal of Vietnam tourism on the
development path. This is a type of tourism associated with nature and contributes to preserve
nature, protect biodiversity and community culture, and improve the quality of life of local
communities and development and socioeconomic. Therefore, eco-tourism in the international
eco-tourism organization is: "Eco-tourism is a type of tourism that is responsible for the
natural world in preserving the environment and improving the quality of life of local
community ".
Vietnam is a country located in the tropical monsoon climate with the topography of
three-fourths of the area is hills and plateaus, the coast stretches over 3200 km with thousands
of islands large and small. There is also a diversity of forest ecosystems and human
ecosystems. The harmonious combination of natural landscape and traditional culture is the
basis, the potential for eco-tourism development in Vietnam
Among the potential tourist attractions of Vietnam, the role of NPs, NRs are increasingly
prominent and interested. In recent years, NPs and NRs are not only places to conserve
natural environment values, scientific research, but also places for people to visit, entertain
and enhance environmental awareness.
VLWNR, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province was established in 2001 by the People's
Committee of Ninh Binh province. The total area of the management unit is 2,736 ha, which
is one of the largest wetlands in the Northern Delta; Van Long has a tropical forest ecosystem
in the limestone mountains is rich and diverse. VLWNR is located in the North East of Ninh

Binh Province. On the territory of 07 communes of Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province.
VLWNR has limestone mountains (intercalated with a few sandstone hills), which make up
about ¾ of the NR, running in the northwestern and southeastern direction of Ninh Binh
province. The limestone mountain here has an average elevation of less than 300m,
intermingled with mountains with the area of 342 ha, accounting for 11.8% of total natural
area. This NR offers many beautiful landscapes as limestone cliffs with the same name as:

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Meo Cao Mountain, Mam Xoi, Hom Sach, Da Ban Cave, Bong Cave, Elephant Mountain,
Kem Tram...
Not only that, VLWNR is also high biodiversity, with a variety of rare animals and plants
reside in diverse habitats. Of these, more than 30 species are listed in the Red Book of
Vietnam, VLWNR is the largest protected area in the Vietnam Northern Delta. The NR has
over 1,139 species of plants and animals that reside in diverse habitats and habitats. Van Long
has 457 species of higher plants, including eight species listed in the Red Book of Vietnam
such as Abstinence, Flowerpot, Leaflet, Butele, Sunflower, According to the survey, field
surveys conducted by Mai Dinh Yen of the University of Natural Sciences (2008) recorded
682 species of vascular plant belonging to 440 genera and 152 families; with the dominant
species of the Euphorbiaceae, the Asteraceae and the Poaceae. In addition, there are 39
species of animals, including 12 species of rare animals such as Delacour's langur, bear,
serow, large lion, red face monkey ... In the dry season, Van Long is home to many birds
migrating from the north to the feeding, dozens of pheasants, gray herons, hundreds of large
birds, gongs, thousands of storks.
Due to the convergence of elements of landscape, biodiversity and favorable location
associated with many famous sites such as Trang An - Bai Dinh; Cuc Phuong NP, Hoa Lu
ancient capital.... So every year, VLWNR attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from
many parts of the world to visit, relax and research.
However, currently, a number of tourism infrastructure development projects have been

implemented and operated in many PAs and special use forests such as Phu Quoc, Hoang
Lien, Ba Na, Ninh Binh included VLWNR. This has raised public concern about the tradeoff
between nature conservation and economic development. Besides, because of the increasing
demand for tourism, tourism infrastructure, tourism activities as through garbage; Demand for
commodities such as souvenir materials, species orchids, wood ... have been affecting the
plant biodiversity of this area. That is why, I chose the topic "Impacts of eco-tourism on
biodiversity in Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh province" with purposes
are assessment of tourism development and eco-tourism development potential of VLWNR,
Ninh Binh province; Assess the impacts of eco-tourism activities on biodiversity in the study
area; Provide accurate and up-to-date scientific documents as a basis for proposing directions
for the protection of biodiversity at the protected area and raise awareness of the
characteristics of flora in VLWNR.

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II. RESEARCH OVERVIEW
2.1 Definitions
2.1.1: Eco-tourism
 Definition of eco-tourism?
Currently, eco-tourism has become familiar to the society. When it comes to eco-tourism,
we think of places such as PAs, NPs, rural areas, and so on. Places associated with nature.
Based on the specific characteristics and development goals, each country and each
organization develops its own definition of eco-tourism. In Vietnam, there are many
definitions for this type of tourism: "Eco-tourism is a nature-based tourism, supporting
sustainable management activities and biodiversity conservation.”
In the workshop on "Formulation of a national strategy for eco-tourism development in
Vietnam" (9/1999) with the participation of international organizations and experts, for the
first time gave the most common definition on eco-tourism in Vietnam as follows: "Ecotourism is a type of tourism based on nature and indigenous culture associated with
environmental education, contributing to efforts to conserve and develop sustainably with the

active participation of the local community ".
 What are eco-tourism resources?
 The Law on Tourism of Vietnam (2005) defines:
- Tourism resources are natural landscapes, historical relics, revolutionary relics, human
values, human creative works that can be used to meet the tourist demand, are weak Basic
form of tourist sites and resorts to create tourist attractions.
- Eco-tourism is an important part of tourism resources, including the natural values
expressed in a specific ecosystem and indigenous cultural values that exist and develop
inseparably that natural ecosystem.
However, not all natural and indigenous cultural values are considered eco-tourism
resources but only natural components and aggregates, indigenous cultural values associated
with a system specific ecological and ecological tourism resources can be exploited to create
eco-tourism products for the purpose of developing tourism in general and eco-tourism in
particular, which is considered ecological tourism resources.
 Eco-tourism resources include:
- Specific natural ecosystems, especially where biodiversity is high.
- Agro-ecological systems (orchards, farms, flower villages, ornamental plants ...).

3


- The indigenous cultural values that form and develop are associated with the existence
of natural ecosystems with cultivation methods and traditional festivals associated with the
traditions of the community. Indigenous values are often exploited as ecotourism resources
including: knowledge of cultivation, exploitation, conservation and use of species for the life
of the community; characteristics of cultural activities with traditional festivals; folk
architecture, works associated with legends, natural features of the area; handicraft products
associated with the life of the community; historical and cultural relics, archeology associated
with the development history, beliefs of the community.
 Eco-tourism resources have the following feature:

- Enrichment and diversity, which has excellent resources have great appeal.
- Usually very vulnerable
- Have different exploitation time.
- Often located far from central areas.
- Ability to reproduce and use long term.
 Characteristics of eco-tourism
The differences between ecotourism and other types of tourism are reflected in the
following characteristics:
 Based on attractive natural sites and indigenous cultural factors: the objects of ecotourism is attractive areas of nature, including the special cultural features.
 Ensuring ecological sustainability, support for conservation: This is a distinctive
feature of eco-tourism compare to other types of tourism as it is developed in environments
with attractive advantages. . Therefore, in eco-tourism, the form, location and extent of use of
tourism activities must be maintained and managed for the sustainability of both the
ecosystem and tourism itself. This is reflected in the size of the group of visitors, the demand
for the use of facilities and amenities is often lower than the requirements of ensuring quality
travel experience.
 Having environmental education: The nature of environmental education in ecotourism is a basic factor that is conducive to changing attitudes of visitors, the community and
the tourism sectors. This can be considered as one of the most effective tools for natural areas.
 Encouraging local communities to participate in and benefit from tourism: ecotourism improve the benefits of increased income for local communities on the basis of
providing knowledge, practical experience to the majority People are able to participate in the
management and operation of eco-tourism. That is how people can become active
conservationists.
4


 Providing high-quality tourism experiences for visitors: Satisfying the visitor's desire
for increased awareness and interesting travel experiences is the survival and long-term
survival of the tourism industry eco-tourism.
 The basic principles of eco-tourism
Eco-tourism is developed on the basis of principles for sustainable development. The

principles enshrined in eco-tourism are not just guidelines for planners, managers, executives,
but also for tour guides compiled by Cochrane (1996) as follows:
 Careful use of resources, stimulation of conservation and minimization of solid waste
sources.
 Developing at a small and reasonable level with other economic sectors or with
territorial use strategies.
 Create long-term economic benefits for local communities who should have
ownership of development and planning.
 Market campaigns need to respect the environment, tourism should not undermine
local culture and society.
 Ability to attract the increasing number of tourists and regularly provide visitors with
exciting travel experiences.
 Visitors should be provided with accurate and complete information about the area to
visit, ensuring high educational quality.
2.1.2. Biodiversity
 Definition of biodiversity?
Biodiversity is a term that expresses the diversity of living forms, species and
populations, genetic variation between them and all their complex aggregation into
communities and ecosystems. Biodiversity is represented at three levels: genetic diversity,
species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
 Genetic diversity is thought to be the difference between the genetic traits of origin,
population, and between individuals within a species or population.
 Species diversity refers to the abundance of species or subspecies in the world, in a
geographic region, in a country or in a particular habitat.
 Ecosystem diversity, at present, does not yet have a uniform definition and
classification at global level. Ecosystem diversity is often assessed through the diversity of
member species; it may include assessing the relative abundance of the different species as
well as the species types.

5



 Value of biodiversity
The value of biodiversity can be divided into two types of values: direct value and
indirect value. The direct economic value of biodiversity is the value of biological products
that are directly exploited and used for human life; Indirect values include those that people
can not sell, which include the quantity and quality of water, soil protection, reproduction,
education, scientific research, climate regulation, and supply. Provide the means for the future
of human society.
 The main cause of biodiversity degradation.
Biodiversity is the most valuable resource, playing a huge role in nature and human life
is severely degraded. As a consequence, the ecosystem functions such as water regulation,
erosion control, waste chemical assimilation, environmental purification, and the circulation
of matter and energy within Reduce natural disasters / extreme climatic consequences.
Ultimately, the economic system will be degraded by the loss of natural and environmental
values.
There are two major causes of biodiversity degradation, namely the adverse impacts of
nature and human life, in particular human-induced effects since the middle of the century. 19
to present and largely alter and depress the landscape on a large scale and that has pushed the
species and the biotic communities into extinction. Human destruction, fragmentation, habitat
degradation, overexploitation of species to their needs, introduction of exotic species and
increased disease are also important causes for biodiversity degradation. Learn
 Biodiversity conservation (BC)
Biodiversity conservation is the process of managing the interactions between humans
and the genes, species, and ecosystems that best benefit the present generation and still
maintain their potential. To meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. In order to
be able to carry out BC activities management, it is necessary to understand the negative
impacts and threats that species currently face and to develop management approaches.
Appropriate to reduce the negative impacts of these hazards and to ensure the development of
that species and ecosystem in the future.

The main conservation approaches are in-situ conservation and Ex-situ conservation.
While on-site conservation is aimed at preserving ecosystems and habitats In order to
maintain and restore the populations of species in their natural habitat, the ex-situ
conservation method includes activities aimed at preserving the target species outside their
distribution or their natural habitat.

6


These two modes of conservation are complementary. Ex-situ populations may be
introduced into the wild in their natural habitat to enhance in-situ conservation populations
and study populations. Ex- situ conservation can provide us with insights into the biological
characteristics of species and thereby support the development of more effective conservation
strategies for in-situ preserved populations. .
However, under the increasing pressure of rapid changes in environmental conditions,
particularly due to global warming, the goal of a strategy to conserve plant genetic resources
is to preserve not only differences It also provides the right conditions for increased
adaptation and future evolution of the species. Conservation scientists therefore proposed the
concept of conservation of plant genetic resources. The essence of this concept is to
encourage species adaptation by placing conservation populations in the process of natural
selection and then in the evolutionary process in different directions to diversify the gene pool
of the species, prepared for wider adaptation of species to different environmental conditions.
In this way of conservation, plant genetic resources will be preserved in a dynamic process
rather than just being maintained in the same inherent genetic condition.
 Principles of biodiversity conservation
 BC is the responsibility of the State and all organizations and individuals.
 Harmonization between conservation and exploitation and rational use of biodiversity;
Conservation, exploitation and rational use of biodiversity with hunger eradication and
poverty reduction.
 Main site conservation, incorporating conservation in place with conservation

relocation.
 Organizations and individuals benefiting from the exploitation and use of biodiversity
must share benefits with concerned parties; to ensure the harmony between the interests of the
State and the interests of organizations and individuals.
 To ensure the management of risks caused by genetically modified organisms and
genetic specimens of genetically modified organisms.
2.2. The relationship between eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation.
Currently, eco-tourism and BC are occurring in three main relationships such as coexist,
conflict and symbiotic.
2.2.1: Coexistence:
In the beginning, this situation occurs in areas where there is no planning and orientation
for tourism development in a concrete way. Tourism is still developing and conservation is
guaranteed. However, this relationship will not survive long-term by developing tourism will
7


definitely have impact on the environment, if there are no specific measures will lead to the
second relationship -Contradiction.
2.2.2: Contradiction
This is the case where tourism development degrades natural resources and pollutes the
environment. At that time, conservationists tend to oppose travel by prohibiting and
restricting. The type of tourism in this relationship is not eco-tourism.
2.2.3. Symbiosis
Symbiotic relationships can take place if eco-tourism and BC are in the same good
organization conditions. On the one hand, in terms of conservation, natural capital is
preserved to its maximum extent in its original state, or evolved to a more perfect state. On
the other hand, in terms of tourism, eco-tourism activities are allowed to use natural resources
within the limits allowed, eco- tourism must contribute to BC.
In practice, however, the relationship between tourism and BC often arises from
coexistence to conflict that is then symbiotic. This may be due to a number of reasons: poor

management; the outbreak of tourism as well as the degradation and loss of natural resources;
the expansion of tourism without careful planning; Benefit sharing among stakeholders has
not been harmonious ... There are many questions raised in the development of ecotourism in
PAs. Firstly, PAs are places where all elements of the nature of tourism can be developed.
Secondly, BC activities, maintaining the operation and development of the PAs, beside to the
support of organizations and the government, the PAs need to be charge to pay. That is the
reason of why:" should be develop eco-ourism in the protected areas".
In order to develop ecotourism in PAs, it is necessary to have a conservation and
development mechanism in place. In principle, eco-tourism will generate income and part of
the income or 100% of income from these activities must be used to support conservation and
require community participation.

8


III. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, METHODS OF RESEARCH.
3.1 Goal
Provide current status of eco-tourism and their impact on biodiversity in
VLWNR, Ninh Binh province.
3.2 Objectives


Assessment the current status of eco-tourism development and biodiversity in
VLWNR, Ninh Binh province



To understand the impact of eco-tourism on biodiversity in the study area




To propose some solution for sustainable eco-tourism development in the
research area.



Plant biodiversity and eco-tourism activities in VLWNR, Ninh Binh province.

3.3. Methods
3.3.1. Secondary data methods
Inheriting the related works of scientists who have studied at VLWNR in previous years
including articles, scientific research topics, master theses, PhD theses, Conferences,
seminars, programs, action plans, etc.
3.3.2. Research methodology on plant biodiversity
Use topographical maps to determine the boundaries of vegetation types from which to
build research lines as well as specific sites prior to conducting field research. From the
preliminary construction map, the GPS system specifies routes and sites in the field. Each site
conducts metrics, collects samples, describes, evaluates the structure and evaluates the
diversity of vegetation types.
Specific steps to study vegetation cover according to Nguyen Nghia Thin (1997)


Step 1: Based on a map of the vegetation cover, defined routes and research, using
GPS to identify specific sites in the field represent the entire study area.

 Step 2: Monitor, measure, describe and collect specimens.
 Step 3: Laboratory field data processing: identify tree names, calculate indices, and
then describe the standard plot.
 Step 4: Based on the principles of UNESCO (1973), the classification system for
carpet types in the study area was established.

3.3.3. Plot inventory.
We establish transects and plots in forest areas along the tourist routes.

9


Source: Map: protected area management board VLWNR ;(Gia Vien commune cooperative);
Estimated travel route: Based on the VLWNR tourism water routes: based on the map of the tourist
route at the management center of the development reports and field planning.

Figure 1: Map of waterway and road trips at Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve
 Waterway:
 Transect 1: Van Long Center Boat - Bong Cave - Kem Tram - return to the area Van
Long Tourist Service.
 Transect 2: Boat Center - Mau Temple - Thanh Son Pagoda - Holy Garden -Return to
Van Long ecotourism service area.
 Transect 3: Boat trip center - Meo Cao Mountains - Fish cave - Back to wharf boat
center.
 Road
 Transect 4: From Van Long Tourist Area - Ba Non Temple - Ben Noi Temple Animal Museum.
 Transect 5: From Van Long Tourist Area - Cut Dam - Hoa Lu Cave.
Transect line: On the survey line, the type of carpet, species composition and community
will be detected.

 How to set up plot
10


On each survey line to create 2 plots. We select and plot the most representative, most
characteristic of the exterior with an area of 1000m2 (40m x 25m). Use colored wire to locate

the cell perimeter. Mark the points on the wire, corresponding to 10m one mark. Cells are
squeezed into 4 consecutive cells (equal size 10x 25m). For herbaceous and grass species, we
set up 5 standard plots of 4m2 in 4 plots and the other in the middle of the plots. Then,
counting the number of individual or group and calculate the average of individual in each
subplot. The next, taking the result time to the cover percentages and 250.


Information collected in plot

Cell location is determined by GPS, topography, geomorphology, sun drying, vegetation
status, coverage is estimated and all plant communities’ plastic cord. Information on
individual tree species, shrubs, regenerated trees, grass cover will be saved.
Table 1: Tables information on sample plots.

Vegetation
status

Location
Plot
number

Location

Coordinate

1

Cut Dam
(plot 2)


N:202310
E:1054913
N:202309
E:1055426
N:202345
E:1054941
N: 202348
E:1054942

2
3
4

Cut Dam
(Plot 1)
Mau Temple
(Plot 1)
Mau Temple
(plot 2)

Cover
(%)

No.
species

Slope
(degree)

80


5

1

60

45

10

x

89

7

10 to 20

x

70-75

52

10 to 20

good

bad


x
x

11


3.3.4. Sampling method
 Take sample
On the tourist routes we select the key points, in the features to place the plot and serve
for research on plant biodiversity. In plot we record, sample and photograph all species.
 Sample Collection Instruments: Pair or sample bag, newspaper, lanyard, label, needle,
2B pencil, notebook, alcohol, scissors.
 Sample collection method: In order to collect samples, we use polyethylene bags to
hold the samples. We do not use wooden clamps as they are bulky and difficult to maintain
and scissors.
 Sample collection:
 Each sample must have all the components, especially: branches, leaves, flowers for
large trees or whole plants for herbs and fruits as possible.
 Each tree should collect from 3 to 5 acres, and herbarium specimens should look for
the same specimens and also collect the above numbers to study the deformation of the
species just for exchange.
 Samples collected on the same tree are marked with a sampling number. Samples
should be recorded immediately in the field, such as: bark characteristics, tree size, especially
the characteristics easily lost after drying samples such as color, taste ...
 Recording and finishing into polyethylene bags brought home new model. Putting the
sample into a polyethylene bag has the advantage of being lightweight, no scratches when
crossing the forest, long lasting specimens even when it is sunny but note that when the
sample in the bag should be light, if the flowers are used Leaves of the sample to wrap before
bagging. Small and thin pouches can be used for each species and tied together, and all of the

pouches are put into a bag or bag.
Table 2: Preliminary identification sampling in the sample plot

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 Sample handling and storage: After a day of sampling, labels should be worn for each
sample. The label may only record the sample number of the author and other information
will be recorded in a separate book or on the label with the following information:
 Sample number
 Location (province, district, commune ...) and place of collection (along streams,
valleys, slopes or peaks or hills ...)
 Date of sampling.
 Important features: wood or vines, height, diameter, leaf color, flowers, fruit ...
 The sampler.
When writing with soft pencil, absolutely do not use ball pen, ink pen to avoid loss when
soaked later
 Handing in the laboratory
Samples collected during the survey were brought back and processed at the Center for
Biodiversity - University of Forestry. Contents of the work include:
 Sample pressing and drying.
 Classification according to family and expenditure.
 Specimen specimens were prepared by the author with the help of experts in plant
classification of the Center for Biodiversity, Department of Forest Plants and the comparison
of samples with the sample set is saved stored at the Center for Biodiversity.
 Sample analysis: Based on a number of principles: Analysis from the master to the
details, from the big to the small, the analysis must go with the recitation.
 Scientific name: After analyzing the sample we conduct the scientific name based on
the identification key.
3.3.5. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methodology (Gordon Conway, Robert Champers
and Collective, 1980) identifies the indirect impacts of tourism activities on the decline of
biodiversity in VLWNR. This methodology includes interviewing, synthesizing and analyzing
data by Excel, SPSS.
While implementing this method, I have designed questionnaires for various subjects
such as forest rangers, conservation area staff, local people involved in tourism (bicycle
rental, boating, grocery ...). Based on their comments, I gathered information about the
number of tourists, the type of tourists, the type of goods sold, the transportation used, the
infrastructure, the income level, and awareness of each target group on BC. Particularly, the
opinions of each target group to develop ecotourism in combination with BC.

13


Based on the analysis of these data, we find out the causes of biodiversity loss at the VLWNR
to develop the most effective conservation solutions. We analyze each of the causes. , applying
many solutions, developing specific action plans to minimize the impact of the cause
IV. STUDY SITE.
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve (VLWNR) was established in accordance with
Decision No. 2888 / QD-UB, dated 18/12/2001, the People's Committee of Ninh Binh
Province. The PA is located in the north-east of Ninh Binh Province and in the form of valley
between the rivers, in the administrative area of 7 communes Gia Lai: Gia Hung, Lien Son,
Gia Hoa, Gia Van, Gia Lap, Gia Tan and Gia Thanh. It is adjacent to three provinces of Ninh
Binh, Hoa Binh and Ha Nam.
The area of the Reserve is 2,736ha, including a core zone of 1297 ha a regenerated zone
of 1437 ha and an administration area of 2ha and the headquarters of the Management Board
of the NR is located at Tap Ninh Hamlet, Gia Van commune. The buffer zone of the NR is
5,990.2 ha. There are 19 adjacent villages adjacent to VLWNR.
For many years, due to the pressure of population, food, raw materials for construction,
combined with farming is not high, monoculture rice for a long time, the Wetland areas are

also exploited by catching fish and shrimp by means of tools (electrical pulse, net, post ...). To
solve the conflict among people in the buffer zone with the conservation and promotion of
biodiversity values, contributing to effective implementation of the policy of sustainable
forest protection. One of the most effective and urgent solutions now is to develop livelihoods
of the people living in the buffer zone, put the science and technology into production and
develop ecotourism to improve the livelihoods of communities, stabilize production for
people living near the forest and living without dependence on the deforestation to affect the
forest resources of the NR.

14


Figure 2: Map of geographic location of Van Long wetland nature reserve,
Ninh Binh province
4.1. Natural conditions
4.1.1. Geographical location
The buffer zone of the Wetland Nature Reserve is located in 7 communes: Gia Hung, Gia
Hoa, Gia Van, Gia Lap, Gia Tan, Gia Thanh and Lien Son, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh
province.


North: bordering Lac Thuy district, Hoa Binh province.



South: limited by levees Dam Elbows, stretching from the village tomorrow Phuong

Hung commune at Hill gravel Gia Thanh commune.



East: It is bounded by the foot of Dong Quyen Mountain to Mo Mountain, Gia Thanh

Commune, Day River.


West: is bounded by Nui Mot (left bank of Boi River) in Gia Hung commune.



Geographical coordinates



From 20020'55 o 20025'45" North latitude



From 105048'20 "to 105054'30" East longitude.

4.1.2. Climate
VLWNR has average annual temperature ranging from 23.3oC - 23.4oC. Cold season
early in late November ends in early March (average cold days from 50-60 days) mainly
affect the Northeast monsoon The hottest temperature average July in> 29oC, low temperature
most is 5oC and the highest is 39oC. Average rainfall varies from 1800mm to 1900mm,
unevenly distributed between seasons. The rainy season lasts from April to the end of
October, accounting for 88-90% of total annual rainfall. The highest rainfall is in August and
rainy days to 451mm.
There are 03 major river systems that directly affect the hydrological regime in the area:
Day River, Boi River, Hoang Long River, these rivers have small slopes, many meandering
rivers creates a dense stream network. The hydrodynamic cave is one of the factors that

maintain the stability of moisture, water regime for the area. The dyke, embankment of Van
Long wetland makes a difference in the hydrological regime between dykes. In addition, there
are some small streams flowing into the Van Long lagoon such as Tep stream, Cut stream and
a series of limestone karst caves provide regular water for the Cut and Van Long lagoons.

15


4.1.3. Geomorphology
The geomorphology of the NR is diverse and complex. The dominant terrain is karst,
surrounded by marshes. The NR is located in an ecotone between mountainous western side
of the Da River and the South West Red river Delta plain. The Day River runs through the NR
in the Northeast and the Hoang Long River runs through the Southwest of the NR. There are
numerous caves, collapsed holes and karst funnels due to the karst topography. Marshes are
supplied with water from the Tep stream and surrounding area.
4.2. Socio – Eco – Cultural conditions
4.2.1. Population and labor force
VLWNR is located in 7 communes mainly of Kinh people. Information on population and
labor of these communes is shown in the table below:
Table 3: Statistics on population status of communes belong to
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve management
Average

labors
No

Commune

Population


Households

poor

population

households total

males

females

growth
rate (%)

1

Gia Van

5990

1815

50

2875

1380

1495


1,0

2

Gia Hung

7200

1882

87

3100

1488

1612

0,7

3

Gia Hoa

8597

2357

60


5136

2465

2671

0,77

4

Gia Thanh

6980

2100

45

4563

2190

2373

2,1

5

Gia Lap


8454

2454

57

3921

2626

1295

1,1

6

Lien Son

5845

1611

64

3120

2097

1023


0,9

7

Gia Tan

8710

2848

74

4280

2054

2226

0,7

51.776

15.067

437

12.694

1


Total

26.995 14.301

(Source: Report of Van Long Wetlands NR 2014)
According to the statistics of the People's Committee of 7 communes in the NR in 2014,
the population in the area is distributed over 77 villages (19 villages bordering the NR). The
total population is 51,776 people / 15,067 households. The total population is 594 persons /
km2, mainly in rice paddy fields. The largest population is Gia Hoa commune with 8,597
people. The average household size is low, only about 3 people per household. There are still
400 households in the core zone of the NR with about 2,500 people living in 05 villages: Hoa
16


Tien, Cot (Gia Hung commune), Thi village, Ngo hill, Gong Vo commune (Gia Hoa
commune). The average population density in this area is very high at 724 persons / km2, but
the population distribution is uneven in the communes.
The region has 26,995 workers, accounting for 52.1% of the population. Of these, 12,694
are female (48% of the labor force). The annual average natural population growth rate is 1%.
Although labor is active in different occupations, it has a small, scattered, simple division
of labor, mainly concentrated in agricultural production, professional qualification of labor in
the weak area, most of the agricultural workers are not trained.
4.2.2. Social and economic conditions.
The buffer zone of VLWNR is fairly homogeneous and has a plentiful workforce that can
attract them to implement the state's management, protection and development programs,
conservation and development project.
Socio-economic situation in the buffer zone of Van Long Nature Reserve is located in 7
communes of Gia Vien district, which is undergoing new development, economic structure is
shifting, orienting economic sectors especially forestry, agriculture, epidemic. The growing

sector; the material life, the spirit is raised; Infrastructure is invested under separate programs.
Almost all communes have achieved more than 12/19 new rural criteria.
Forest land allocation in the buffer zone has been timely and synchronous; the forest has a
real owner. The protection of the forest in the direction of socialization goes into order and
promotes effectiveness; the movement of planting and protection of forests grow strongly
among the people.
Throughout the years, through the project programs, it was determined that the forest tree
group was suitable for the area with high efficiency, which confirmed the technical
experience of growing and nursing on other site conditions. Annual agricultural crops such as
sugarcane, maize, cassava ... have relatively favorable prices and market for high economic
efficiency contributing to poverty reduction in Gia Vien district in general and 7 communes
Based on the data in the table above, the total natural area of 7 communes of VLWNR is
8,726.2 ha divided into 3 main types of land, including agricultural land, non-agricultural land
and other land. In particular, the land used for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes is
very large accounting for 93.4%, the remaining land fund accounted for 6.6% of total natural
area. The area of buffer zone planning is 5,990.2ha, accounting for 68.4% of the total natural
area. In the coming time, the area will be reduced due to the change of purpose for socioeconomic development in the area.

17


The area of agricultural land in the area (3,786.4 ha) accounts for 63.2% of the total
natural area of the buffer zone. As a result, people's livelihoods are largely dependent on
agricultural production. In order to ensure the sustainable development of forest resources, the
communes and the Van Long NR need to integrate in the socio-economic development of the
buffer zone.
 Economic sectors


Agriculture:


-

Cultivation: The main products are rice, cassava and short-term industrial crops such

as peanuts, sugar cane and short-term industrial crops. But the per capita product is not high,
leading to a lack of food. This is also the cause and pressure for forest security.
-

Livestock: The people in the NR mainly focus on breeding cattle and poultry such as

buffaloes, cows, pigs, goats and goats, but the numbers are low and not through sewing.
Selection of varieties so productivity is not high. Particularly, the grazing of cattle here is not
planning and development strategies should also have a significant impact on forest
conservation


Forestry:

-

Afforestation: The Management Board of Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve has

allocated land for forestry land to households for zoning and protection of 2046 ha, of which
rocky forest is 1.865 ha, planted forest is 78 ha and 112 ha of new hills and mountains.
-

Forest protection and management: Over the past years, forest protection and

biodiversity conservation have been well implemented and forest cover has been gradually

improved. The environmental landscape is improved. Forest protection and development has
been paid attention by all levels of Party committees, authorities and people in communes in
the region.


Industrial production, handicrafts, basic construction continues to develop, attract

more resources for investment development, facilities and techniques are strengthened,
sectors are strengthened. Up to now, in the area of the communes have formed a number of
villages embroidered lace, stone carving, production of souvenir items ...


Trade and tourism: The number of laborers engaged in trade and tourism activities is

very low, accounting for only 3.8% of the total number of workers in the NR and mainly in
Tap Ninh village in Gia Van commune. , other communes have very low rates.
4.3. Forest resources and Biodiversity
4.3.1: Status of forest resources
 Total area of natural land
VLWNR has a total area of 2,736ha with structure of land types below:


Forest land: 2,079 ha
18