Cultural Ecosystem Services Assessment Based on Geomorphological Approach – Case Study in Sapa, Lao Cai Province

Abstract

Recently, ecosystem services assessment has been developed as an effective tool to exchange and understand science, develop policies, especially in cultural ecosystem services. However, quantification and mapping of cultural ecosystem services are obstructed by complications in their definitions and suitable indicators. It can be solved based on a geomorphological approach. The similarities of related indicators between geomorphological resources and cultural ecosystem services can be a helpful key for quantifying a recreation and tourism, landscape aesthetics and cultural identity in a particular region. Therefore, study applied an Analytical Hiearchy Process (AHP) to cultural ecosystem services assessment in Sapa, Lao Cai province. Six indicators relating to geomorphology, ecology and social were used in the process. Results indicated a high potential of cultural ecosystem services supply in research area, especially in forest, water bodies and paddy fields. Two local regions, that have not brought into play their available geomorphological potential, need to be invested for cultural ecosystem services.