Valuation of the Trang An karst system using contingent valuation method and choice experiment

Abstract

Trang An Landscape Complex is a World Cultural and Natural Heritage with outstanding universal value owing to its remarkable scenery and rich traditional culture. This study contributes to UNESCO-listed heritage evaluation methodology by combining Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and Choice Experiment (CE) to consider the current and potential for conservation scenarios. The research results indicate the worth of the Trang An complex’s karst system is between 125 and 133 million USD per year and it will be five times larger in improvement scenarios. The perception of the threats to the karst landscape is an important factor to the karst value. The research findings demonstrate the importance of preserving this system. The conservation concept entails incorporating sustainable development principles into urban planning, prioritizing green, environmentally friendly solutions, and using smart planning models based on big data to foresee and mitigate the impact of urbanization.