Summary of biology doctoral thesis: Research of landscape ecology in Son La provinces to serverve socioeconomic planning and development

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 socioeconomic 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


4
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.


5
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 subsystem - 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


6
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


7
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.


8
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,


9
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, specialuse 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


10
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/
SubArea
subClass
Type
Sub-type
class
(ha)
systems
LE
High 1. Evergreen
1. Forests on Humic
2,172.56
system
mountai temperate and subChromic Luvisol,
of
n LE tropical forests on

including LE kind of
moonso
subhigh mountains, total 1a, 1b
on
class of annual
tropical,
(SLI-1) temperature under
LE sub- Mounta
5.500ºC, average
type of
in LE
annual temperature
moonso
class
<10ºC, amount of
on
(SLI)
rain: moderate to
tropical
high, cold season
with a
has at least 8
mild
months, dry season
cold
from 3-4 month, and
winter
a drought month
and a
(SLI-1-k1)

11
System/
subsystems
dry
season

Class

Subclass

LE subcalss of
everage
mountai
n
(SLI-2)

LE subclass of
low

Area
(ha)

Type

Sub-type

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)
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)
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 subtropical taxa. (SLI2-k2)
5. Closed evergreen
sub-tropical forests
The total

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

35.21

3. Closed evergreen
closed forests on
Humic Alisols,
including LE kind of
3c
4. Forests on Humic
Ferrasols including
LE kind of 4c

745.90

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

on Orthic Ferralsols,
incl. kind of 6g

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

21,925.52

1,189.71
852.37

172,591.01


12
System/
subsystems

Class

Subclass

Type

mountai temperature of
ns
5.500° - 7.300°C,
(SLI-3) 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)

6. Closed deciduous
and semi-deciduous
tropical rainforest
(SLI-3-k2)
7. Tropical bushes
and grasses (SLI-3k3)

LE
LE
8. Closed evergreen
class of subclas tropical rainforests,
Pleatau s of Son on the altitude of

Sub-type
8. Closed evergreen
sub-tropical forests
on Orthic Ferralsols,
incl. kind of 8c
9. Closed evergreen
sub-tropical forests
on Ferralic Acrisols,
incl. kinds of 9c, 9e,
9f, 9k
10. Closed evergreen
rainforests on

Ferralsols, incl. kind
of 10c
11. Mix bamboo
forests on Ferralsols,
incl. kind of 11e
12. Closed deciduous
and semi-deciduous
tropical rainforests on
Orthic Ferrasols, incl.
kind of 12d
13. Tropical bushes
and grasses on Orthic
Ferralsols incl. kinds
of 13g, 13i, 13k
14. Shrubs and
bushes on Ferralic
Acrisols, incl. kinds
of 14g, 14i, 14k
15. Shrubs and
bushes on other
Ferrasols, incl. kinds
of 15i, 15k
16. Shrubs and
bushes onn Dystric
Gleysols, incl. kind of
16i, 16k
17. Bushes on
Chromic Ferralsols,
incl. kinds of 17g,
17i, 17k

18. Closed evergreen
tropical rainforests
Chromic Ferralsols,

Area
(ha)
96,940.17

63,845.74

18,553.47

5,341.79
4,376.52

43,383.45

103,482.64

78,271.41

3,620.75

32,556.56

37,314.74


13
System/

subsystems

Class
(SLII)

LE
class of
hills
and
lowland
s at the
altitude
under
500m
(SLIII)

Subclass

Type

La
500 - 900m
pleatau (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 (SLIIk1)

Sub-type
incl. kinds of 18c,
18e, 18f
19. Closed evergreen
tropical rainforests on
Ferrasols, incl. kinds
of 19c, 19f

Area
(ha)

32,720.81

20. Closed deciduous 917.49
and semi-deciduous
tropical rainforests on
Chromic Ferralsols,
incl. kind of 20f
21. Closed deciduous 57,103.79
and semi-deciduous
tropical rainforests on
Acric Ferralsols, incl.
kind of 21i

10. Tropical Shrubs 22. Shrubs and
125,837.86
and grasses
grasses on Chromic
(SLII-k3)
Ferralsols, incl. kinds
of 22g, 22i, 22k
11. Closed
23. Closed
5,539.85
evergreeen tropical evergreeen tropical
rainforests
rainforests on Orthic
Total of annual
Ferralsols, incl. kind
temperature over
of 23e
7300°C, average
24. Closed
133,088.76
annual temperature evergreeen tropical
>20°C, annual
rainforests on
rainfalls are 1500Chromic Ferralsols,
2500 mm, <4-month incl. kinds of 24c,
cold season, 3÷424e, 24f, 24k
month dry season,
25. Closed deciduous
12,697.82
0÷1-month drought, and semi-deciduous

major botanical
tropical rainforests on


14
System/
subsystems

Class

Subclass

Type
components are
tropical taxa (SLIIIK1)

Sub-type

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

tropical rainforests on
Total of annual
Ferralic Acrisols,
temperature
incl. kinds of 27c,
>7300°C; evarage
27e
annual temperature 28. Closed deciduous
> 20°C, annual
and semi-deciduous
rainfalls are 1500 tropical rainforests on
2500 mm, <4-month Chromic Ferralsols,
cold season, 3÷4 incl. kind of 28d
month dry season;
29. Tropical shrubs
0÷1-month drought; and grasses on other
major botanical
Ferralsols, incl. kinds
components are
of 29g, 29i, 29k
tropical taxa, some
of them migrate
from the easth
(SLIII-k2)
13. Tropical shrubs 30. Tropical shrubs
and grasses (SLIII- and grasses on
k3)
Chromic Ferralsol,
incl. kind of 30i
31. Tropical shrubs

and grasses on other
Ferralsols, incl. kinds
of 31i, 31k
32. Shrubs and
grasses on Acric
Ferralsols, incl. kinds
of 32g, 32i, 32k
33. Bushes and
grasses on Aluvisols,
incl. kind of 33i
Rivers, Rivers,
streams streams
, ponds, , ponds,

Area
(ha)

1,943.37

25,541.54

263.07

87,688.30

3,263.44

187,967.04

24,144.93

1,041.84
25,490.64


15
System/
subsystems

Class
lakes
(SLIV)
Total

Subclass

Type

Sub-type

Area
(ha)

lakes
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.
Diện
tích
(ha)
Diện
tích
(ha)

200000
180000
160000
140000
120000
100000
80000
60000
40000
20000
0
1a

3c

6g

9c

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

Loại cảnh quan

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 broadleavedconiferous 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
Code of LE Area of LE kinds Area of LE kinds
Changes
No.
kinds
in 2005
in 2015 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.
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44

Code of LE
kinds
5g
6g
7c
8c
9c
9e

9f
9k
10c
11e
12d
13g
13i
13k
14g
14i
14k
15g
15i
15k
16i
16k
17g
17i
17k
18c
18e
18f
19c
19f
20f
21i
22g
22i
22k
23e

24c
24e
24f

Area of LE kinds Area of LE kinds
in 2005
in 2015
1,190.91
1,189.71
853.23
852.37
225,515.33
172,591.01
102,901.40
96,940.17
65,702.57
59,107.08
133.76
133.62
3,749.50
1,912.24
2,692.80
21,641.40
18,553.47
5,567.10
5,341.79
4,380.95
4.376,52
5,530.24
8,747.37

22,196.71
33,437.08
59.79
1,199.00
33,609.97
55,063.70
26,212.11
45,738.75
912.05
2,680.19
21,175.06
21,959.09
59,685.44
50,666.54
6,163.54
5,645.78
2,649.09
2,646.42
372.54
974.33
8,645.78
8,629.80
20,175.52
17,160.58
2,927.74
6,766.18
71,425.72
33,455.82
2,470.05
547.39

1,972.82
3,311.53
21,082.33
29,477.79
2,121.67
3,243.02
918.41
917.49
1,241.73
57,103.79
17,012.97
16,593.36
126,196.90
104,795.24
4,827.12
4,449.23
5,407.59
5,539.85
154,397.95
128,613.93
962.80
964.66
1,835.76
2,945.67

Changes
between 2005 - 2015
-1.20
-0.86
-52,924.32

-5,961.23
-6,595.49
-0.14
-1,837.26
2,692.80
-3,087.93
-225.31
-4.43
3,217.13
11,240.37
1,139.21
21,453.73
19,526.64
1,768.14
784.03
-9,018.90
-517.76
-2.67
601.79
-15.98
-3,014.94
3,838.44
-37,969.90
-1,922.66
1,338.71
8,395.46
1,121.35
-0.92
55,862.06
-419.61

-21,401.66
-377.89
132.26
-25,784.02
1.86
1,109.91


18
Code of LE
kinds
45
24k
46
25c
47
25e
48
26e
49
27c
50
27d
51
27e
52
28d
53
29g
54

29i
55
29k
56
30i
57
31i
58
31k
59
32g
60
32i
61
32k
62
33i
63
34l
Total of area

Area of LE kinds Area of LE kinds
in 2005
in 2015
564.50
10,249.44
9,232.27
3,800.54
3,465.55
2,202.95

1,943.37
31,299.49
23,925.28
51.22
0
1.752.85
1,616.26
212.11
263.07
52,418.83
50,964.86
20,616.71
20,724.18
3,131.90
15,999.26
1,723.80
3,263.44
149,101.44
155,293.45
22,775.38
32,673.59
17,452.49
22,320.89
1,102.12
1,547.29
63.16
276.75
232.81
1,091.84
15,200.00

25,490.64
1,412,500.00
1,412,500.00

No.

Changes
between 2005 - 2015
564.50
-1,017.17
-334.99
-259.58
-7,374.21
-51.22
-136.59
50.96
-1,453.97
107.47
12,867.36
1,539.64
6,192.01
9,898.21
4,868.40
445.17
213.59
859.03
10,290.64
0

Diện tích (ha)

80000

60000

40000

20000

0
1a

3c

6g

9c

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

-20000

-40000

-60000

Loại cảnh quan

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
Suggested
orientation of
Current
Kinds

Services of
spatial
Area (ha) Characteristics
state of
of LE
LE kinds
conservation and
landuse
proper use of
natural resources
13i, 493,468.60 Low hills and Paddy field Providing
- Maintain kinds of
14i,
mountain,
and annual
food
13i,
14i,
21i;
15i,
quite flat,
crops
examine and select
16i,
small slope
crops which are
17i,
ferrasols
suitbale with the
21i,

natural conditions
22i,
and land slope of
29i,
the locality
30i,
- Increase the
31i,
landuse efficiency
32i,
Prevent
soil
33i
erosion, improve
soil
environment
(22i)
13g, 184,279.07 Low mountains Bushes and Provide land - Widen area of wet
14g,
and hills,
shrubs
for
rice cultivation in
17g,
Ferrasols.
alternate
expansion of places
having
22g,
with small

agricultural
suitable conditions
29g,
size woody cultivation
(14g)
32g
trees
and
- Develop large
remaining
husbandry
livestock
and
after
poultry farms (32g)
exploitation
- Encourage people
and bamboo
to plant forests and
Green the bareland
and hills (17g, 22g,
29g)
- Develop protetion
and
production
forets
8c, 178,128.98 Low mountains Bare land;
Improve
- Forest protection
9c,

and hills; high and
forest quality and plantaion in


21

Kinds
Area (ha) Characteristics
of LE
10c,
19c,
25c,
27c

9e,
11e,
18e,
23e,
24e,
25e,
26e,
27e
1a,
1b,
2g,

19,552.49

3c,
4c,

7c,
18c,
24c,
5g, 6g

88,460.14

2,207.80

Current
state of
landuse

Services of
LE kinds

Suggested
orientation of
spatial
conservation and
proper use of
natural resources
areas of 8c, 9c, 10c,
25c, 27c

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

soil thickness

Area of
broadleaved
forests
declined

Low mountains
and hills; high
slope; mild and
huge amount of
rainfalls;
enough
sunshine; deep
soil thickness
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
Average
mountains,
mean
annual
temperature
from 10 - 15oC,
cold
season
lasts
≥
8
months,
dry

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

Coniferous
forests,
mixed
coniferousbroadleaved
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

Area of
mixed
broadleavedconiferous
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
Area (ha) Characteristics
of LE
season lasts 5 6 months; 0 - 3
month drought;
rainfalls over
2.000 - 2.500
mm/year;
Alisols

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

12,329.95

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

73,921.61

Cool weather,
temperature of
15oC - 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

Current
state of
landuse
broadleaved
deciduous
and semideciduous
forests;
bushes and
scrubs,
shrubs on
high and
average
mountain
has been
decreased, in
which, the
most
declined is
kind of 7c
Plantation
forests
on
low
mountain
and plateau.

Services of
LE kinds
regulation;

flood
mitigation;
environment
protection
and
prevention of
climate
change

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

Suggested
orientation of
spatial
conservation and
proper use of
natural resources
tourism (3c, 4c, 7c,
18c, 24c);
- Forest halibitation
on LE kinds of 5g,
6g

- 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).
Valley and low Residental
Develop
- Continuously
terrain,
flat, land,
sociodevelop these
altitude of 25 - commercial economics,
landscape kinds
900 m, average and service urban
and following their
annual

development infrastructure states to serve the
temperature
and industry development, production and the
over 20 oC, zones
daily life of the
average annual
local people
rainfalls
<
Urban
2.000
mm,
development:


23
Suggested
orientation of
Current
Kinds
Services of
spatial
Area (ha) Characteristics
state of
of LE
LE kinds
conservation and
landuse
proper use of
natural resources

32k
short
cold
Rational
seasons ≤ 4
development of big
months,
dry
cities, towns and
season from 3 townships.
6 months
- 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, Provide area Aquaculture, Protect
and
lakes,
rivers of
hydorpower, develop the Son La
and
streams, specialized
tourism,
hydropower plant
growth
of surface
wáter
way Develop
hygrophyte
water
trasportation 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