MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

AND TRAINING

VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SCIENCE

AND TECHNOLOGY

GRADUATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE -----------------------------

DOAN THI TRUONG NHUNG

RESEARCH OF LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY IN SON LA PROVINCE

TO SERVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Major: Ecology

Code: 9 42 01 20

SUMMARY OF BIOLOGY DOCTORAL THESIS

Hà Nội - 2018

This thesis was finished at:

Graduate University of Science and Technology – Vietnam Academy of Science and

Technology

Supervisor 1: Asc. Prof. DSc. Tran Dinh Ly

Supervisor 2: Dr. Ha Quy Quynh

Reviewer 1: ……………………………………………………………….

Reviewer 2: ……………………………………………………………….

Reviewer 3: ………………………………………………………………..

The theisis will be defended in Committee in front of the thesis assement

committee at Graduate University of Science and Technology – Vietnam Academy

of Science and Technology

at ….hour….. on …………date …..….month…….year 2018

The thesis shall be found at:

- The Library of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology

- The Vietnam National Library

1

INTRODUCTION

1. The significance of study

Son La province locates in the North West of Vietnam, which is essential

geological position in socio-economic development strategy and protection of

national and regional security and defense. Moreover, Son La is ensuring national

and regional security and defense. Simultaneously, having the watersheds of Da and

Ma River, this province is the crucial protection area for the Northern Delta and has

the two largest hydropower projects in Vietnam. With the terrain predominated by

low mountain, highlands and valleys, abundance of land and climate resources, and a

special local knowledge system, Son La has great prospects for developing

agriculture, forestry, trade and tourism, bringing socio-economic and environmental

efficiencies.

However, low effectiveness of natural resource protection in Son La has

positive effects on other regions in the downstream of Da River and Ma River. In

recent 10 years, land use system and in structure of cultivated plants have been

change rapidly. In the province, land degradation has been more seriously, water

resource has been degraded; environment pollution caused by deforestation and

agricultural chemical and natural hazards have been more frequently and caused more

and more risks [84]. Thus, in long term strategy of socio-economic development need

scientifically consider rapid and sustainable development following functional

regions.

Researching landscape ecology (LE) is a synthetic and interdisciplinary approach

from research of species structure, environment characteristics, ecological and

regional conditions, and distributional regions. Researching ecological landscape

aims to clearly understanding of natural resources and natural conditions; the

interaction relation among natural components; features and functions of each

territorial unit, etc. which are foundations of new proposals of properly and

sustainable natural resource extractions and uses.Thus, nowadays, it is necessary to

research ecological landscapes in Son La province aiming to orientation of ecological

function exploitation, reformation and rehabilitation of provincial territory.

In this fact, the study of "Research of landscape ecology in Son La provinces to

serverve socioeconomic planning and development" contributes to sustainable socio-

economic development in Son La province.

2. Thesis Ojectives

The thesis aims to:

- Classify landscape ecology system and establish maps of landscape ecology in

Son La province

- Clarify the changes of landscape ecology in Son La over time (from 2005 to

2015)

- Identify the scientific foundations based on studing landscape ecology to

orientate rational territory use in agriculture, forestry and conservation

2

3. Main contents of the thesis

- Scientific bases of LE and classification of LE

- Characteristics of components of the LE in Son La province such as natural

features, socio-economic characteristics, humans and human activities

- System of landscape ecology in Son La province

- Assessment of the changes of the landscape ecology system in Son La

province.

- To propose solutions for rational and sustainable use of natural resources in Son

La province.

CHAPTER 1. LITERATURE REVIEW AND SCIENTIFC BASES OF STUDY

ISSUES

1.1. Scientific fields related to landscape ecology

1.1.1. Ecology

Ecology originated from Greek, “Oikos” means "house" or "living relation";

“Logos” means "study of". Thus, ecology means the scientific study of the relations

of organisms and their habitats. There are many different definitions of ecology, but,

generally, they are united that: ecology is a biology science that studies the

interrelations between organisms and the environment.

1.1.2. Ecosystem

Ecosystem concept: Vu Trung Tang (2003) [63] defined: “ecosystem is a

combination of biomes with their physical environment where they are existed, in

which, organism interact each other and with environment to create a material cycle

and energy metabolism"

Ecosystem components: Ecosystem includes two basic components: biomes và

physical environment.

Ecosystem structure: Including biomes, their physical environment,

interrelations among organisms, interactions between organisms and their

environment.

Ecosystem functions: The basic function of the ecosystem is the

implementation of the material cycle, energy and information exchange to recombine

biomes adapting with condition of biophysical environments, creating a dynamic

balance in development process.

Ecosystem Nature: Ecosystem has some features, three most significant

features of which have been mentioned in this part, including:

- Ecosystem is a constantly moving and changing system, the static state is

only relative and temporary.

- Ecosystem is an adjustable dynamic balance system

- The higher the diversity, the greater the sustainability

1.1.3. Landscape study

Concept of landscape

3

In this thesis, LE is defined as a form concept. "landscape is a complete part of the

earth's surface with geomorphology, structure, and determined complexion in the

development process and causal relations of impact factor integration" [97].

Elements of landscape forming

In Son La province, the thesis analysed the culture features, the role of landscape

forming factors and the relationship between them, and at the same time, grouped

these elements. Group of abiotic elements includes: geological background, terrain

and processes of geomorphology, climate and hydrology. Group of biotic elements

includes soil, biological system, duration and human activities.

System of landscape classification

Pham Hoang Hai and his colleagues (1997) constructed a landscape classification

system applied to the Vietnam territory at the map of a 1/1,000,000 scale with 7

levels: Landscape systems →Landscape subsystems → Landscape class →

Landscape subclass → Landscape type → Landscape sub-type → Landscapes kind

[27].

Structure and dynamic of landscapes

- Landscape structures include horizontal, vertical and temporal structure

- Landscape dynamic and changes

Landscape functions

Landscape functions have different conceptions

1.1.4. Biogeocenology

Biogeocenos are defined as "synthesizing natural phenomena on a certain surface in a

accordant manner with the matter exchange and transformation flow among natural

conditions (mother rocks, floras, faunas, micro-organisms, soils and hydro-climatic

conditions), which have particular characteristics for the interactions of the

constituent elements and have the specific types of material and energy exchanges

between them and other natural phenomena and is a dialectical unity having initial

contradictory in the constantly movement "(Sukachev, 1947) [122]. In a simple

understanding, biogeocenos includes biocoenosis and habitat. The nature of the

interrelationship between the components of biogeocenos is the processes of matter

and energy accumulation and transformation (Sukachev called the process of

biogeocenos) that decide the arising, growth, development and ecological succession

of forest ecosystems.

1.2. Research review of Landscape Ecology

1.2.1. Concept of landscape ecology

Definitions of landscape ecology focusing on ecological specialties of

landscape

The most common point of definition focuses on two important aspects of

interaction between organism and its environment that enables to differentiate

between landscape ecology research and ecology research.

Definitions focus on humanity features of landscapes

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In this way, the definitions focus on the theoretical points that this is general

and interdisciplinary sciences that study the relationship between human and the

landscape.

Landscape ecology of landscape scientists in Soviet and Vietnam

According to Soviet landscapeologists, LE is a new discipline of landscape

study, in which, humans are included as a part of the landscape in the form of

economic activities and surrounding elements forming the landscape [72].

In Vietnam, all the most important definitions of the LE are given by

geographers. LE is a discipline of applied landscape study, with particular emphasis

on ecological features of geology. Subjects of LE study are specific units with their

own principles, methods, and special regulation to classify them in the spatial

dimensions [27].

Integrated definition of landscape ecology

LE has two basic aspects: teritorial landscape and ecosystem of lanscape.

These two aspects are independent but link closely together in a united territory. The

LE theory issues are also the unification of landscape theory and the ecosystem

theory. Thus, the LE is a science studying and explaining the interactions of the

system of biotic and abiotic elements in the definite space of the landscape.

Studying landscape considers two directions including landscape compositions

and entire of landscape, while studying LE focuses on the ecological characteristics

of landscape components. Each landscape component is specifically considered in

terms of environment of the organism, and interacting with the organism according to

ecological laws [72]

1.2.2. Structure and functions of landscape ecology

The structure of LE consists of the landscape structure (the natural geographic

components of the landscape) and the ecosystem structure (organic and inorganic

materials, producers, consummers and decomposers) which are intergrated in a unity.

The function of LE is multifunctional, including the natural functions of the

landscape and the ecological functions of the ecosystem. The change of any structural

element of the landscape will cause the change of other components and the change of

landscape and all landscape functions.

1.2.3. Differentiation between “Landscape ecology” and “Ecological Landscape”

“Landscape ecology”: is the intermediate science between ecology and

landscape where ecological content is more focused than ecological issues in the

landscape, the centre of reflection is the ecosystems within the landscape boundary

[87].

“Ecological landscape”: In the foreign references, we only found the term of

Landscape Ecology (or Landschafts Oekologie in German) while the term of

Ecological Landscape (Oekologische Landschaft) has not been found.

The explanation for the two concepts presented by Nguyen The Thon (1993)

[74] differentiated unclearly these two concepts. Therefore, this research

recommends using the term of Landscape Ecology only.

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1.2.4. Literature review of Landscape Ecology

On the world

Ecologycal study of landscape has begun in the second half of the 1960s at the

Institute of Biology Landscape at the Academy Sciences of Czechoslovakia (1967).

The Fifth Conference (1974) initiated the establishment of the International

Association of Landscape Ecology (IALE), the first of meeting was held in Denmark

in 1984. It i scan be seen that ecologycal study of landscape means determination of

ecological characteristics and norms of a landscape in order to protect and improve

the environment [72].

In Vietnam

The study contents of the landscape ecology have become clearly since Vietnam

joined the International Association of Landscape Ecology in 1992. Researches in

this period is oriented and had research scale in accordance with demands for

economic development and environmental protection at the territorial level. Most of

the landscape ecology studies in Vietnam have been conducted following the

landscape structure analysis, landscape assessment, and determination of ecological

economic models.

1.3. Studies related to thesis topic in Son La province

Many previous studies related to the thesis topics, in different fields, are carried

out in different periods. The authors investigated on the natural, socio-economic

conditions of Son La province and grouped of researches implemented in the territory

of Son La province.

1.4. Theoretical bases

Based on scientific publications of ecosystem, landscapes, this thesis create

foundation theory for studing LE in Son La. The scientific contents and theory for

thesis approaching the research isues include:

- The term of „landscape ecology“ or „ecology study of landscape“ has the same

definition of natural objects, thus, the thesis uses the term of „landscape ecology“.

- The viewpoint:"LE is the science of studying the interactions between

organisms and the environment, organisms and organisms in a certain area limited by

the landscape" (Schubert, 1986, p. 447) [121] was used in this study. LE units are

ecosystems

- LE has clear hierarchy and classification as follows: LE system – LE sub-

system - LE class – LE sub-class - LE type – LE sub-type – LE kind. The objects of

LE study is the ecosystem in the landscape. Therefore, the specific object in this

thesis is sub-system of monsoon tropical monsoons LE with mild winters and a dry

season in Son La.

Because the separate classification for LE in Son La province has been

inexistent, the thesis used the landscape classification by Pham Hoang Hai et al.

(1997) [27] as a foundation for ranking the levels of the LE system in Son La

province. From the theoretical and scientific bases, the criteria for applying LE

classification, the thesis gave the classification criteria for the research area following

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the hierarchy of system sub-system class sub-class sub-class type

sub-type kind.

CHAPTER 2. RESEARCH CONTENTS, VIEWPOINTS AND METHODS

2.1. Research Contents

- Scientific bases of landscape ecology and landscape ecology classification

- Characteristics of components of landscape ecology in Son La: Natural - social -

economic conditions - human beings and human activities

- System of landscape ecology in Son La

- Change assessment of landscape ecology system in Son La

- Suggestion of solutions for sustainable and proper use of natural resources in

Son La

2.2. Theoretical viewpoints of the research

2.2.1. Systematic viewpoint

The basis of the systemic viewpoints is the conception of the unity and

completeness of internal relationships and the distribution of the external linkage of

the system.

2.2.2. Synthetic viewpoint

Synthesis is considered at two different views: (1) Synthesis is the process of

comprehensive research on the natural and socio-economic conditions, the

relationships between organisms in the ecosystem in the territory of the landscape. (2)

Synthesis is a systematic and regulative combination based on comphrehensive and

integrated analysis of the elements and factors of natural terrestrial aggregates,

simultaneously, identifies biological laws, relationships between organisms in the

geographic locations

2.2.3. Territorial viewpoint

For the evaluation process to be effective, research should establish theoretical

and practical issues related to organization and planning based on the approach of the

territorial point of view. This ensures that the research territory is assessed not only in

relation to neighbouring territories, but also for the specific characteristics of Son La

province.

2.2.4. Historical perspective

Every territorial unit or geographic entity has to go through the processes of

formation, development and evolution over time. Thus, the process of assessing and

perceiving the territory from a historical perspective is a full access to all aspects of

territory in the past and forecast of their changes in the future.

2.2.5. Interdisciplinary and sustainable development viewpoints

Sustainable Development (SD), a new and comprehensive aspect, has great

concerned when the economic development affects on the human environment and

natural resources. Research and assessment of landscape ecology from the SD point

of view is understood to be an evaluation for each unit level based on an integrated

assessment of the constituent elements, structure and functions of the landscape

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ecology. Using landscape ecology units ensures economic, environmental and social

factors in practice application.

2.3. Research methods

2.3.1. Fieldworks

The fieldworks were conducted based on a detailed survey of the formation factors

and the landscape slice.

Main survey routes and timeframes include:

- Route 1: Son La - Bac Yen - Phu Yen: April 15th - 14th, 2014.

- Route 2: Son La - Thuan Chau - Muong La - Quynh Nhai: May 20 to 27, 2015.

- Route 3: Son La - Mai Son - Yen Chau - Moc Chau: from March 1 to March 8,

2016.

2.3.2. Data and document analysis and synthesis

Materials, data related to research topic, research areas are collected, selected,

processed and systematized.

2.3.3. Mapping and GIS

Map is considered as the second language of geography, because they are the most

visible expressing spatial features of the research objects. Digital maps have enough

spatial and attribute information for the features of interest, helping the composite

mapping process to be performed accurately and objectively. Mapping and

geographic information systems (GIS) are used in a various context throughout the

research process.

2.3.4. Professional expert interview

The researcher has consulted experts and scientists from the Institute of Ecology and

Biological Resources, Institute of Geography, Vietnam Academy of Science and

Technology, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of

Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Science and Technology of Son

La province; Son La Forest Protection Department, Son La Nature Reserve

Management Board, University of Natural Sciences - VNU, Tay Bac University ...

2.3.5. Method group of landscape ecology research and assessment

The methodology group includes:

- Method of Conjugate component map analysis

- Method of the dominant factor analysis

- Method of LE mapping

- Method of landscape zoning

2.4. Steps of research

The research was done by this following main steps:

Step 1. Difined the ojectives, duties and scales and contents of research

Step 2. Collecting and reviewing typical issues related to thesis topic, at the

same time, doing the field trips and identifying the differented characteristics of the

constituent factors and their role in LE of Son La province.

Step 3. Research the landscape and LE classification systems, then, construct

the 1:100.000 scale map of LE in Son La.

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Step 4. Calculate the area of each LE kind over time and the changes of each

LE kind.

Step 5. Give orientation of proper exploitation and use of territory toward

socio-economic developmemt.

CHAPTER 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1. Natural conditions, human ecology elements - formation factors of landscape

ecology

3.1.1. Natural conditions

Geographical location

Son La is a mountainous province in northwestern Vietnam, far 280 km from

south-east of Hanoi, with a total natural land area of 14,125 km², located in two large

basins of Da River and Ma River.

Located deeply in the continent, Son La is situated within the latitude of 20°39’

N to 22°02’ N and longitude of 103

°11’ E to 105

°02’ east longitude. It borders with

Yen Bai, Lao Cai provinces to the north, with Phu Tho, Hoa Binh province to the

east, with Lai Chau, Dien Bien provinces to the West and Thanh Hoa province, Laos

to the south

Geology - Typography

Geology: Son La belongs to the geosyncline zone of Da River, located between

the two tectonic complexes of Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Ma River with

deep-marine sediments of limestone, metamorphic schist and basis and acidic magma

intrusive blocks.

Typography: The arrangement of mountain ranges, terrain types and tropical

monsoon regimes divide Son La into different natural areas such as: upland, midland

and lowland with specific characteristics of climate. The largest limestone range in

the north goes through Son La in the northwest - southeast direction, intercalated by

the sediment of clay forming the system of Son La - Moc Chau plateau. This is a

terrain type with special features of the province.

Climate and Hydrology

Climate: Son La has a humid tropical monsoon climate, with mild winters and

a dry season. Climate has a strong impact on the physical, chemical and biological

processes of soil and rock.

Hydrology: Territorial topography features create a dense network of rivers and

streams in Son La that flow into the Da and Ma rivers. Therefore, these two rivers are

the main hydrological systems of Son La and the natural boundary of the huge

waterway of the Xu Xen Chao Chai Range.

Soil

Results of soil survey, editing, land mapping at the rate of 1:100,000

(according to the soil classification system 1976-1984) in 2004 of the National

Institute of Agricultural Planning and Projection shown that land resources in Son La

province contain 7 groups with 24 types (mapping unit) with 1,329,644.1 ha,

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accounting for 94.61% of the total natural area of the province (Table 3.1),

(Figure 3.4).

Floras

Because of characteristics of geographical location, topography, climate and soil, Son

La province has very different ecosystems, the floras of conservation areas, special-

use forests, production forests and cultivated areas are also different from those in the

North East, the Red River Delta and elsewhere. Over time, the area of natural forests,

plantation forests have been evolved according to the demands of each period for war

serves, economic construction and people's life. In general, the natural forests in Son

La province have been degraded considerably, the areas of bare land and hills have

been increased. Despite the investment of the province to restore the forest, create a

material source to meet the essential needs, both positive and negative human impacts

have changed the appearance of forests in Son La.

Natural forests have retreated to areas with difficult terrain, few inhabitants, or only

protected in nature reserves, instead of regenerating forests, plantation forests,

industrial plants with industrial trees, fruit trees and up-land fields. Reforestation,

zoning for protection and rehabilitation have great efforts, however, a large area of

bare hills widely still distributes in all topographic types and forms.

The vegetation cover in Son La province is classified into four classes according to

the classification framework of UNESCO 1973 (Figure 3.5).

Class I: Closed forests are determined by over 60% of the wood tree covers and from

5m height of the trees

Class II: thin forests are defined by the canopy cover (k) from 0.3 to 0.6. Some

authors argued that this type of forests exists in some small areas in Moc Chau,

Thuan Chau and Yen Chau districts (Son La). Through the survey, this forest types in

Son La was almost depleted or cut down and to be shrub or grass cover

Class III: Shrubs include woody vegetation cover with a height of 0.5 - 5m,

possibly with scattered wood trees with canopy cover under 0.3. This class mostly

have secondary origin and was regenerated after clear cutting or slash and burn. Only

bushes on high mountains are primeval nature.

Class IV: Grassland

Most of the grasslands in Son La have secondary origin and are formed after

clear cutting or slash and burn to create large gaps for grass growing

3.1.2. Elements of human ecology

Ethnics and Population:

There are 12 ethnic groups in Son Lan, in which, the Thai have the most

population, following by the Kinh, the H'mong, the Muong, the Dao, the Khơ Mú and

others (Kháng, La Ha, Lào, Hoa, Xinh Mun...).

Poverty reduction and employment:

In recent years, the National Program on Hunger Eradication and Poverty

Reduction, socio-economic development projects such as Program 135; 134; sedentary

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farming program; rural clean water and sanitation, etc. along with policies such as

policy 120; subsidy policy, … have been done in Son La

Economic structure:

The economic growth rate in 2014 was higher than that of 2013 (10.26% in

2013 and 11.28% in 2014). The economic structure continued to change positively:

the service sector increased from 40.92% in 2013 to 42.3% in 2014, occupied high

proportion and are the most contribution of the economy; the industry-construction

sector grew from 24.92% in 2013 to 26.65% in 2014; the agriculture, forestry and

fishery sector decreased from 34.16% in 2013 to 31.05% in 2014.

Human impacts on the natural environment

Water Environment: Surface water and groundwater in Son La province are

polluted mainly by agricultural activities, urban and industrial wastewater, loss of

upstream forests, migration and resettlement.

Air environment: Human activities that polluted the air environment include

construction, transportation, industrial production, forest fire and mining.

Soil environment: The soil environment in Son La province is polluted and

degraded due to migration, resettlement, agricultural production, industrial

production, natural disasters and environmental incidents.

3.2. Classification system of landscape ecology in Son La province

Based on analyzing the components of the landscape ecology system in Son La

province, we set up the system of classifying the landscape ecologies in Son La

province as follows: Son La is in the monsoon tropical zone, has a cold winter and a

dry season. Thus landscape ecology is formed 4 classes, 5 sub-classes, 13 types, 33

sub- types and 63 kinds (table 3.2)

Table 3.2. Statistics of landscape ecology units in Son La province System/

sub-systems

Class Sub-class

Type Sub-type Area (ha)

LE system

of moonso

on tropical, LE sub-type of moonso

on tropical with a mild cold

winter and a

Mountain LE class (SLI)

High mountai

n LE sub-class

(SLI-1)

1. Evergreen temperate and sub-tropical forests on high mountains, total of annual temperature under 5.500ºC, average annual temperature <10ºC, amount of rain: moderate to high, cold season has at least 8 months, dry season from 3-4 month, and a drought month (SLI-1-k1)

1. Forests on Humic Chromic Luvisol, including LE kind of 1a, 1b

2,172.56

11

System/ sub-

systems Class

Sub-class

Type Sub-type Area (ha)

dry season

2. Temperate and sub-tropical evergreen shrub on high mountain, annual temperature total: under 5.500ºC, annual average temperature: under 10ºC, cold season:8 months (SLI-1-k2)

2. Evergreen shrub on Humic Alisols including kind of 2g

35.21

LE sub-calss of everage mountai

n (SLI-2)

3. Evergreen temperate on everage mountain forest, total of annual temperature under 5500°C, annual average temperature of 10 - 15°C, moderate rainfall, cold season in over 8 months, dry season in 5 - 6 months, in which 0÷3-month drought (SLI-2-k1)

3. Closed evergreen closed forests on Humic Alisols, including LE kind of 3c

745.90

4. Forests on Humic Ferrasols including LE kind of 4c

21,925.52

4. Sub-tropical bushes and grasses. Total of annual temperature under <5.500°C, average temperature from 10°C to 15° C, moderate rain. Cold season is less than 8 months, dry season is 5-6 months. The major botanical components are sub-tropical taxa. (SLI-2-k2)

5. Shrubs and grasses on Humic Ferralsols, incl. kind of 5g.

1,189.71

6. Shrubs and grasses on Orthic Ferralsols, incl. kind of 6g

852.37

LE sub-class of

low

5. Closed evergreen sub-tropical forests The total

7. Forests on Chromic Ferrasols, incl. kind of 7c

172,591.01

12

System/ sub-

systems Class

Sub-class

Type Sub-type Area (ha)

mountains

(SLI-3)

temperature of 5.500° - 7.300°C, the average temperature is 15 - 20°C, heavy rain, 4÷7-month seasons, 3÷4 month dry seasons, 0÷1-month drought (SLI-3-k1)

8. Closed evergreen sub-tropical forests on Orthic Ferralsols, incl. kind of 8c

96,940.17

9. Closed evergreen sub-tropical forests on Ferralic Acrisols, incl. kinds of 9c, 9e, 9f, 9k

63,845.74

10. Closed evergreen rainforests on Ferralsols, incl. kind of 10c

18,553.47

11. Mix bamboo forests on Ferralsols, incl. kind of 11e

5,341.79

6. Closed deciduous and semi-deciduous tropical rainforest (SLI-3-k2)

12. Closed deciduous and semi-deciduous tropical rainforests on Orthic Ferrasols, incl. kind of 12d

4,376.52

7. Tropical bushes and grasses (SLI-3-k3)

13. Tropical bushes and grasses on Orthic Ferralsols incl. kinds of 13g, 13i, 13k

43,383.45

14. Shrubs and bushes on Ferralic Acrisols, incl. kinds of 14g, 14i, 14k

103,482.64

15. Shrubs and bushes on other Ferrasols, incl. kinds of 15i, 15k

78,271.41

16. Shrubs and bushes onn Dystric Gleysols, incl. kind of 16i, 16k

3,620.75

17. Bushes on Chromic Ferralsols, incl. kinds of 17g, 17i, 17k

32,556.56

LE class of Pleatau

LE subclass of Son

8. Closed evergreen tropical rainforests, on the altitude of

18. Closed evergreen tropical rainforests Chromic Ferralsols,

37,314.74

13

System/ sub-

systems Class

Sub-class

Type Sub-type Area (ha)

(SLII) La pleatau

500 - 900m (1000m). Total of annual temperature over 7,300°C. Annual rainfalls from 500 - 2500 mm. <4 cold months. Everage temperature >20 ° C, 3÷4-month dry season, 0÷1-month drought. Major botanical components are tropical taxa (SLII-k1)

incl. kinds of 18c, 18e, 18f

19. Closed evergreen tropical rainforests on Ferrasols, incl. kinds of 19c, 19f

32,720.81

20. Closed deciduous and semi-deciduous tropical rainforests on Chromic Ferralsols, incl. kind of 20f

917.49

21. Closed deciduous and semi-deciduous tropical rainforests on Acric Ferralsols, incl. kind of 21i

57,103.79

10. Tropical Shrubs and grasses (SLII-k3)

22. Shrubs and grasses on Chromic Ferralsols, incl. kinds of 22g, 22i, 22k

125,837.86

LE class of

hills and

lowlands at the altitude under 500m

(SLIII)

11. Closed evergreeen tropical rainforests Total of annual temperature over 7300°C, average annual temperature >20°C, annual rainfalls are 1500- 2500 mm, <4-month cold season, 3÷4-month dry season, 0÷1-month drought, major botanical

23. Closed evergreeen tropical rainforests on Orthic Ferralsols, incl. kind of 23e

5,539.85

24. Closed evergreeen tropical rainforests on Chromic Ferralsols, incl. kinds of 24c, 24e, 24f, 24k

133,088.76

25. Closed deciduous

and semi-deciduous tropical rainforests on

12,697.82

14

System/ sub-

systems Class

Sub-class

Type Sub-type Area (ha)

components are tropical taxa (SLIII-K1)

other Ferrasols, incl. kinds of 25c, 25e 26. Closed deciduous and semi-deciduous tropical rainforests Ferralic Acrisols, incl. kind of 26e

1,943.37

12. Closed evergreen tropical rainforests Total of annual temperature >7300°C; evarage annual temperature > 20°C, annual rainfalls are 1500 - 2500 mm, <4-month cold season, 3÷4 -month dry season; 0÷1-month drought; major botanical components are tropical taxa, some of them migrate from the easth (SLIII-k2)

27. Closed deciduous and semi-deciduous tropical rainforests on Ferralic Acrisols, incl. kinds of 27c, 27e

25,541.54

28. Closed deciduous and semi-deciduous tropical rainforests on Chromic Ferralsols, incl. kind of 28d

263.07

29. Tropical shrubs and grasses on other Ferralsols, incl. kinds of 29g, 29i, 29k

87,688.30

13. Tropical shrubs and grasses (SLIII-k3)

30. Tropical shrubs and grasses on Chromic Ferralsol, incl. kind of 30i

3,263.44

31. Tropical shrubs and grasses on other Ferralsols, incl. kinds of 31i, 31k

187,967.04

32. Shrubs and grasses on Acric Ferralsols, incl. kinds of 32g, 32i, 32k

24,144.93

33. Bushes and grasses on Aluvisols, incl. kind of 33i

1,041.84

Rivers, streams, ponds,

Rivers, streams, ponds,

25,490.64

15

System/ sub-

systems Class

Sub-class

Type Sub-type Area (ha)

lakes (SLIV)

lakes

Total 1,412,500.00

3.3. Change of Landscape ecology in Son La province

Based on the results of the formulation factor study of LE (terrain, soil,

climate) and hydrography, especially, the results of the vegetation cover survey in

2015 and documents collected from 2005, the thesis has established the map of LE in

2 periods of the year 2005 and 2015, and then assessed the variation of all types of

LE in Son La province.

3.3.1. Map of landscape ecology in 2005

Based on LE analysis, synthesis and mapping in Son La province in 2005

(Figure 3.16), then determined the area and position of each LE type, the area of LE

kinds in Son La province in 2005 is illustrated in Table 3.5 and figure 3.17.

Figure 3.17. The area of LE kinds in Son La province in 2005

At the year 2005, the major LE kinds in Son La were 7c, 24c with an area of

approximately 225,515.33 ha and 154,397.95 ha, respectively, followed by kind of

31i with an area of 149,101.44 ha and kinds of 22i with an area of 126,196.90 ha.

Some LE kinds have smaller area such as 8c, 18c and 9c with a total of area is about

240,029.69 ha. The smallest kinds are scrubs on humic Alisols (2g) with 35.24 ha;

residential land on low mountain (13k) with 59.79 ha; broadleaved deciduous and

semi-deciduous forests on Ferralsols (27d) with 51.22 ha; residential land in class of

hills and lowland (32k) with 63.16 ha; mixed broadleaved-coniferous forests on

Humic Chromic Luvisol (1b) with an area of 269.25 ha.

16

3.3.2. Map of landscape ecology in 2015

By analyzing, synthesizing, mapping the STCQ of Son La province in 2015

(Figure 3.18), then determine the area and position of each type of STCQ. The area of

STCQs in Son La province in 2015 is shown in Table 3.5 and figure 3.19.

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

160000

180000

200000

1a 3c 6g 9c 9k 12d 13k 14k 15k 17g 18c 19c 21i 22k 24e 25c 27c 29g 30i 32g 33i

Diện tích (ha)

Loại cảnh quan

Diện tích (ha)

Các loại sinh thái cảnh quan

Figure 3.19. The area of LE kinds in Son La province in 2015

In 2015, the major LE kinds are 7c with an area of 172,591.01 ha, 31i with an

area of approximately 155,293.45 ha, 24c with an area of 128,613,93 ha and 22i with

an area of 104,795.24 ha. Some smaller LE kinds are 8c, 9c and 14g with a total area

of about 211,110.95 ha. The smallest area of LE kinds are grasses and bushes on

humic Alisols (2g) with 35.21 ha; broadleaved deciduous and semi-deciduous forests

on Chromic Ferralsols (28d) with an area of 263.07 ha; mixed broadleaved-

coniferous forests on Humic Chromic Luvisols (1b) with an area of 268.98 ha.

3.3.3. Changes of landscape ecology in Son La over periods

Based on data of area of LE kinds in 2005 and 2015, the changes of area of LE

kinds between 2005-2015 are shown in Table 3.5 and figure 3.20.

Table 3.5. Changes of ara of landscape ecology kinds between 2005 and 2015

Unit: ha

No. Code of LE

kinds

Area of LE kinds

in 2005

Area of LE kinds

in 2015

Changes

between 2005 - 2015

1 1a 1,905.50 1,903.58 -1.92

2 1b 269.25 268.98 -0.27

3 2g 35.24 35.21 -0.03

4 3c 746.66 745.90 -0.76

5 4c 22,330.56 21,925.52 -405.04

17

No. Code of LE

kinds

Area of LE kinds

in 2005

Area of LE kinds

in 2015

Changes

between 2005 - 2015

6 5g 1,190.91 1,189.71 -1.20

7 6g 853.23 852.37 -0.86

8 7c 225,515.33 172,591.01 -52,924.32

9 8c 102,901.40 96,940.17 -5,961.23

10 9c 65,702.57 59,107.08 -6,595.49

11 9e 133.76 133.62 -0.14

12 9f 3,749.50 1,912.24 -1,837.26

13 9k - 2,692.80 2,692.80

14 10c 21,641.40 18,553.47 -3,087.93

15 11e 5,567.10 5,341.79 -225.31

16 12d 4,380.95 4.376,52 -4.43

17 13g 5,530.24 8,747.37 3,217.13

18 13i 22,196.71 33,437.08 11,240.37

19 13k 59.79 1,199.00 1,139.21

20 14g 33,609.97 55,063.70 21,453.73

21 14i 26,212.11 45,738.75 19,526.64

22 14k 912.05 2,680.19 1,768.14

23 15g 21,175.06 21,959.09 784.03

24 15i 59,685.44 50,666.54 -9,018.90

25 15k 6,163.54 5,645.78 -517.76

26 16i 2,649.09 2,646.42 -2.67

27 16k 372.54 974.33 601.79

28 17g 8,645.78 8,629.80 -15.98

29 17i 20,175.52 17,160.58 -3,014.94

30 17k 2,927.74 6,766.18 3,838.44

31 18c 71,425.72 33,455.82 -37,969.90

32 18e 2,470.05 547.39 -1,922.66

33 18f 1,972.82 3,311.53 1,338.71

34 19c 21,082.33 29,477.79 8,395.46

35 19f 2,121.67 3,243.02 1,121.35

36 20f 918.41 917.49 -0.92

37 21i 1,241.73 57,103.79 55,862.06

38 22g 17,012.97 16,593.36 -419.61

39 22i 126,196.90 104,795.24 -21,401.66

40 22k 4,827.12 4,449.23 -377.89

41 23e 5,407.59 5,539.85 132.26

42 24c 154,397.95 128,613.93 -25,784.02

43 24e 962.80 964.66 1.86

44 24f 1,835.76 2,945.67 1,109.91

18

No. Code of LE

kinds

Area of LE kinds

in 2005

Area of LE kinds

in 2015

Changes

between 2005 - 2015

45 24k - 564.50 564.50

46 25c 10,249.44 9,232.27 -1,017.17

47 25e 3,800.54 3,465.55 -334.99

48 26e 2,202.95 1,943.37 -259.58

49 27c 31,299.49 23,925.28 -7,374.21

50 27d 51.22 0 -51.22

51 27e 1.752.85 1,616.26 -136.59

52 28d 212.11 263.07 50.96

53 29g 52,418.83 50,964.86 -1,453.97

54 29i 20,616.71 20,724.18 107.47

55 29k 3,131.90 15,999.26 12,867.36

56 30i 1,723.80 3,263.44 1,539.64

57 31i 149,101.44 155,293.45 6,192.01

58 31k 22,775.38 32,673.59 9,898.21

59 32g 17,452.49 22,320.89 4,868.40

60 32i 1,102.12 1,547.29 445.17

61 32k 63.16 276.75 213.59

62 33i 232.81 1,091.84 859.03

63 34l 15,200.00 25,490.64 10,290.64

Total of area 1,412,500.00 1,412,500.00 0

-60000

-40000

-20000

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

1a 3c 6g 9c 9k 12d 13k 14k 15k 17g 18c 19c 21i 22k 24e 25c 27c 28d 29k 31k 32k

Loại cảnh quan

Diện tích (ha)

Các loại sinh thái cảnh quan

Figure 3.20: The area changes of LE kinds in Son La overtime

19

Overlaping of LE maps in Son La province in 2005 and 2015 to identify

changes of LE kinds. The variation of LE kinds in Son La province during 2005 and

2015 is shown in Figure 3.20.

Area of some LE kinds increased from 2005 to 2015. The highest increase was

kind of 21i (different species plantation on Acric Ferrasols) with an increase of

55,862.06 ha because of increasing demand for agriculture cultivation; fowlowed by

kind of 14g (Scrubs and grasses on Ferralic Acrisols) with an area of 21,453.73

hectares, kind of 14i (different species plantation on Ferralic Acrisols) with an area

of 19,526.64 ha and kind of 29k (residential landuse on Orthic Ferralsols) with an

area of 12,867.36 ha. Increase of residential LE caused by population growth leading

to increase the habitat demand. The area of hydrology system increased significantly

with 10,290.64 ha. This is the result of the construction of the Son La hydroelectric

dam leading to an increase in the surface area of rivers and lakes in this province.

In contrast, some LE kinds have been decreased between 2005 - 2015. The

highest drop of LE kind was 7c (broadleaved forests on Chromic Ferralsols) with a

declined area of 52,924.32 ha, the second was kind of 18c (broadleaved forests on

Ferralsols) with a declined area of 37,969.90 ha and kind of 24c (broadleaved forests

on Chromic Ferralsols, in class of lowland and hillside) with an area of about

25,784.02 ha. SomeLE kinds are almost unchanged between 2005 and 2015 such as

kinds of 2g (Shrubs and grasses on Humic Alisols); 9e (mixed bamboo forests on

Ferralsols) and 5g (Shrubs and grasses on Humic Ferralsols).

Based on the research results, application of the GIS and database system, the

thesis edited the LE maps of Son La province in 2005 and 2015. The LE change in

Son La province from 2005 to 2015 was determined by overlaping the LE maps in

these two years. The LE changes show the trend of changing, which can identify the

natural and social impacts of Son La and support for a sustainable natural resources

management

3.4. The orientations of proper territory exploitation and use for socio-economic

development

General plan for socio-economic development of Son La province

Agriculture, forestry and aquaculture: Rapidly moving towards commodity

production; Establishing agro-industry- service-market linkages, ensuring sustainable

development and high efficiency in the future; establishing concentrated commodity

production areas; protecting watershed forests for hydroelectricity; developing farm

economy, considering the household economy as autonomous units; stabilizing and

increasing the production value of all sectors

Industry, handicrafts and construction: Transforming from agriculture economy

to econoy with high proportion of industry and services; exploiting potentials and

benefits from the Son La Hydropower Plant.

Toursim: Son La have potentials of tourism development with many kinds of

toursim activities. Thus, Son La should create tourism tours following ecotourism.

Spatial orientations of LE units for conservation and rational resourse usages

20

The general viewpoints of these orientations based (1) the synthetic study of

natural conditions and natural resources, (2) the results of the landscape assessment

and the analysis of the development state of the agriculture, forestry, and toursm, and

(3) combination of reviewing the general plan of provincial socio-economic

development up to 2020 to propose an appropriate development orientation for Son

La province. The status and orientation of using the territory of Son La province is

shown in Table 3.6 and Figure 3.21.

Table 3.6. Status and orientations of territory use of Son La province

Kinds of LE

Area (ha) Characteristics

Current state of landuse

Services of LE kinds

Suggested orientation of

spatial conservation and

proper use of natural resources

13i, 14i, 15i, 16i, 17i, 21i, 22i, 29i, 30i, 31i, 32i, 33i

493,468.60 Low hills and mountain, quite flat, small slope ferrasols

Paddy field and annual crops

Providing food

- Maintain kinds of 13i, 14i, 21i; examine and select crops which are suitbale with the natural conditions and land slope of the locality - Increase the landuse efficiency - Prevent soil erosion, improve soil environment (22i)

13g, 14g, 17g, 22g, 29g, 32g

184,279.07 Low mountains and hills, Ferrasols.

Bushes and shrubs alternate with small size woody trees remaining after exploitation and bamboo

Provide land for expansion of agricultural cultivation and husbandry

- Widen area of wet rice cultivation in places having suitable conditions (14g) - Develop large livestock and poultry farms (32g) - Encourage people to plant forests and Green the bareland and hills (17g, 22g, 29g) - Develop protetion and production forets

8c, 9c,

178,128.98 Low mountains and hills; high

Bare land; and

Improve forest quality

- Forest protection and plantaion in

21

Kinds of LE

Area (ha) Characteristics

Current state of landuse

Services of LE kinds

Suggested orientation of

spatial conservation and

proper use of natural resources

10c, 19c, 25c, 27c

slope; mild and huge amount of rainfalls; enough sunshine; deep soil thickness

Area of broadleaved forests declined

areas of 8c, 9c, 10c, 25c, 27c

9e, 11e, 18e, 23e, 24e, 25e, 26e, 27e

19,552.49 Low mountains and hills; high slope; mild and huge amount of rainfalls; enough sunshine; deep soil thickness

Areas of mix bamboo forests decreased

Natural ecological balance to improve the forest quality

- Forest protection and plantaion in areas of 9e, 11e, 18e, 25e, 26e, 27e

1a, 1b, 2g,

2,207.80 High mountain, highest peak is Pu Luông (2853 m); temperate climate and floras; high humidity due to condesation and little vaporation; Humic Alisols; high soil humidity; few running water flow; shallow soil layer and low soil nutrients

Coniferous forests, mixed coniferous-broadleaved forests and part of scrubes and grasses. There are some specious timber species

Protecting biodiversity; endemic and specious species; genetic keeping; water regulation; flood mitigation; environment protection and prevention of climate change

- In-situ LE kinds of 1a, 1b; - Forest rehabilitation on LE kind of 2g

3c, 4c, 7c, 18c, 24c,

5g, 6g

88,460.14 Average mountains, mean annual temperature from 10 - 15

oC,

cold season lasts ≥ 8 months, dry

Area of mixed broadleaved-coniferous forests, broadleaved limestone forests,

Protecting biodiversity; endemic and specious species; genetic keeping; water

- Develop tourism to adventure Karst caves (3c, 4c, 7c, 18c, 24c); - To develop tourism economy in combination with convalescent

22

Kinds of LE

Area (ha) Characteristics

Current state of landuse

Services of LE kinds

Suggested orientation of

spatial conservation and

proper use of natural resources

season lasts 5 - 6 months; 0 - 3 month drought; rainfalls over 2.000 - 2.500 mm/year; Alisols

broadleaved deciduous and semi-deciduous forests; bushes and scrubs, shrubs on high and average mountain has been decreased, in which, the most declined is kind of 7c

regulation; flood mitigation; environment protection and prevention of climate change

tourism (3c, 4c, 7c, 18c, 24c); - Forest halibitation on LE kinds of 5g, 6g

9f, 18f, 19f, 20f, 24f

12,329.95 Cool weather, temperature of 15

oC - 20

oC, 4

- 7 month cold season, mid rainfalls with everage annual amount of 1.500 - 2.000 mm; 3 - 6 month dry season. Humic ferrasols

Plantation forests on low mountain and plateau.

Preventing soil erosion, flood, landslides; environment protection; regulation and production

- Forest plantation on kinds of 9f, 20f. - Prospose some woody species for plantation like: Chukrasia tabularis (Lát hoa); Cassia siamea (Muồng đen); Manglietia glauca (Mỡ); Acacia magnum (Keo lá tràm); Pinus kesiya (Thông 3 lá).

9k, 13k, 14k, 15k, 16k, 17k, 22k, 24k, 29k, 31k,

73,921.61 Valley and low terrain, flat, altitude of 25 - 900 m, average annual temperature over 20

oC,

average annual rainfalls < 2.000 mm,

Residental land, commercial and service development and industry zones

Develop socio-economics, urban and infrastructure development,

- Continuously develop these landscape kinds following their states to serve the production and the daily life of the local people - Urban development:

23

Kinds of LE

Area (ha) Characteristics

Current state of landuse

Services of LE kinds

Suggested orientation of

spatial conservation and

proper use of natural resources

32k short cold seasons ≤ 4 months, dry season from 3 - 6 months

Rational development of big cities, towns and townships. - Check of urban development planning - Integrated investment in urban infrastructure - Develop wood processing industry, forestry services and raising the value of forestry products; - Raise awareness in environmental protection

34l 25,490.64 Incl. ponds, lakes, rivers and streams, growth of hygrophyte

Provide area of specialized surface water

Aquaculture, hydorpower, tourism, wáter way trasportation

- Protect and develop the Son La hydropower plant - Develop aquaculture and waterway transportation in potential areas - Develop tourims at the areas of the hydropower plant reservoir and beautiful streams and landscapes.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

CONCLUSION

1. The research classified LE system in Son La including: the tropical monsoon

climate LE system, sub system of monsoon tropical monsoon LE with mild

winters and a dry season. Four classes of LE includ: Mountain (SLI) with

649,884.78 ha; highland (SLII) with 253,894.66 ha; hills and lowland under

500m (SLIII) with 483,229.96 ha; rivers, streams, ponds, lakes (SLIV) with

24

25,490.64 ha. Mountain LE class has 3 sub-classes and 7 types. Plateu LE class

has 1 sub-class, 3 types. LE class of hills and lowland less than 500m has 3 sub-

classes. LE class of streams, ponds and lakes has 1 class. In Son La territory, 33

sub-types and 63 kinds of LE are divided.

2. The research constructed the maps of LE in Son La from 2005 to 2015 with scale

of 1:100.000, and calculated the area of each LE kind and the changes of LE

between 2005-2015.

- Approximately 1,731.79 hectares of LE kinds were changed in a positive

direction (bare lands were converted into LE kind of plantation forests),

accounting for 0.12% of the area.

- Approximately 28,431.64 ha of LE kinds were changed in a negative direction

(closed evergreen forests were converted into bare land and grasslands),

accounting for 2.01% of the area.

- There is a strong fluctuation of 25,490.64 ha, accounting for 1.80% because of

the construction of the Son La hydroelectric dam. This type of LE kinds

significantly affects on the LE changes in Son La province from 2005 to 2015

as well as interaction between constituent components of LE.

3. Based on the natural characteristics, human ecology of each LE unit, the thesis

has proposed 6 groups to exploit, use and develop sustainably LE in Son La

province including: agriculture on the type SLII - k3; industry on the type SLII -

k1; development of protected areas on the type LI-k1. More detailed kinds of

business are proposed according to the characteristics of sub-type and kinds units.

RECOMMENDATION

1. To promote researches and access to LE in biodiversity conservation in order

to have better theoretical foundation.

2. To develop gradually a teaching plan of LE in biology and researches into the

establishment of protected areas in Vietnam.

THE NEW POINTS OF THE THESIS

- The classification system of landscape ecology in Son La province was built

based on the selective inheritance of landscape and ecology research results.

- The map of landscape ecology in Son La province with scale of 1:100 000 was

built

- Initial clarification of ecosystem service values is the basis for proposing

conservation space and rational use of resources.

25

THESIS - RELATED PUBLICATIONS OF PHD. CANDIDATE STUDENT

1. Doãn Thị Trường Nhung, Hà Quý Quỳnh, 2015. Xây dựng hệ thống thông tin quản

lý đa dạng sinh học Khu bảo tồn thiên nhiên, lấy KBTTN Tà Xùa, tỉnh Sơn La làm ví

dụ. Báo cáo khoa học tại Hội nghị toàn quốc về Sinh thái và Tài nguyên sinh vật toàn

quốc lần thứ VI, 2015. NXB Khoa học tự nhiên và Công nghệ, tr. 764-772.

2. Hà Quý Quỳnh, Doãn Thị Trường Nhung, 2015. Ứng dụng công nghệ viễn thám và

GIS nghiên cứu biến đổi thảm thực vật Khu bảo tồn thiên nhiên Tà Xùa, Sơn La. Báo

cáo khoa học tại Hội nghị toàn quốc về Sinh thái và Tài nguyên sinh vật toàn quốc lần

thứ VI, 2015. NXB Khoa học tự nhiên và Công nghệ, tr. 1627-1635.

3. Hà Quý Quỳnh, Doãn Thị Trường Nhung, Chu Thị Ngọc, 2016. Ứng dụng phần

mềm MapEdit và GIS để xây dựng và hiển thị bản đồ trong máy định vị GPS Garmin

60.x phục vụ quản lý vườn quốc gia, lấy ví dụ tại Vườn Quốc gia Xuân Sơn, Phú Thọ.

Báo cáo khoa học tại Tuyển tập báo cáo Hội nghị khoa học và công nghệ “Đo đạc bản

đồ với ứng phó biến đổi khí hậu”. NXB Tài nguyên – Môi trường và Bản đồ Việt Nam.

Hà Nội, tr. 221-229.

4. Doãn Thị Trường Nhung, Hà Quý Quỳnh, 2016. Ứng dụng viễn thám và GIS để

nghiên cứu thảm thực vật lòng hồ thuỷ điện, lấy ví dụ hồ thuỷ điện Sơn La. Báo cáo

khoa học tại hội nghị khoa học địa lý toàn quốc lần thứ 7. NXB Khoa học tự nhiên và

Công nghệ. Hà Nội, tr.475-480.

5. Doãn Thị Trường Nhung, Hà Quý Quỳnh, Lê Quang Tuấn, 2017. Ứng dụng viễn

thám và GIS để nghiên cứu biến động STCQ tại tỉnh Sơn La. Báo cáo khoa học tại Hội

nghị toàn quốc về Sinh thái và Tài nguyên sinh vật toàn quốc lần thứ VII, 2017. NXB

Khoa học tự nhiên và Công nghệ, tr. 1890-1894.