LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT FOR THE ORIENTATION OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT IN MÃ RIVER BASIN, THANH HOA PROVINCE

Abstract

Mã River is a transnational river with a main stream length of 528 km. The total area of ​​Mã river basin is 28,106 km², of which the area belonging to the RDR of ​​Laos is 7,913 km²; of Vietnam it is 20,193 km², and of which the area of Thanh Hóa province is 10.610 km². The territory of Mã river basin in Thanh Hoa province is characterized by diverse and complex natural conditions and has rich natural resources. However, the exploitation and use of the territory is still traditional.  It lacks a scientific basis which leads to low efficiency, and which does not match the territory potentials. In addition, the problems of floods, droughts, landslides, and other occurrences contribute additional obstacles and difficulties to development of the river basin. Therefore, a study and assessment of the river basin landscapes which addresses agriculture and forestry development has an urgent and important practical significance. This is the scientific basis which is needed to create a spatial orientation of agricultural and forestry development for the territory in a reasonable and effective manner.