Ecological service of aquatic ecosystems: A potential case in Tan Hung district, Long An

Abstract

The study was carried out in Tan Hung district, Long An province, to measure the value of services offered by aquatic habitats, which are typical of wetland ecosystems in the Dong Thap Muoi region. The study utilized the market value survey approach, together with information gathered from management agencies, to calculate the value of all four types of services provided: regulating services, cultural services, and support services. According to the findings, ecological services in the surveyed areas were worth roughly 74 billion VND annually. Regulating services, including flood regulation, water purification, and sediment transport, generated around 48 billion VND each year.  Cultural services, including entertainment and tourism, are projected to be worth approximately 19 billion VND each year. In addition, each of the remaining services, such as supply services (water and food resources) and support services (habitat, biodiversity), contributes around 3 billion VND annually. The results of the study emphasize the relevance of flood features in the Dong Thap Muoi region in sediment movement, water resource regulation, and the direct impact on agricultural, aquaculture, and fishing activities, which are the region's major economic activities. Furthermore, Lang Sen Wetland Reserve offers enormous potential for tourism development, creating value and contributing to the long-term growth of the local economy.