Bridging ecosystem services and disaster risk management: Entry points for integrating ecosystem information into policy frameworks, the study case of Thua Thien-Hue province in central Vietnam

Abstract

Nature encompasses diverse values, including intrinsic, instrumental, and relational dimensions, which shape human interactions with ecosystems. Understanding local perceptions of these values is a crucial first step in ecosystem service assessments (ESA), ensuring alignment with community priorities. ESA has the potential to enhance disaster risk management (DRM) by providing essential ecological information that is often overlooked, despite the close interconnection between social and ecological systems in disaster contexts. However, the practical integration of ESA into DRM strategies remains limited due to a lack of clear examples and actionable entry points for policymakers. Existing research highlights the need for implementation-focused studies that connect ESA information a with real-world DRM applications. This study addresses the multi-hazard risks faced by Thua Thiên-Hue province in central Vietnam by exploring how ESA can contribute to innovative, ecosystem-based DRM approaches. The research focuses on identifying entry points for integrating ecosystem service (ES) information into DRM policies, specifically through the 2020–2025 Natural Disaster Risk Management Plan (2365/QĐ-UBND), the province's key policy document outlining priorities and strategies for disaster risk reduction. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study has three specific objectives: (1) identifying the ecosystem values most appreciated by the residents of Huế—whether intrinsic, instrumental, or relational—through household surveys; (2) assessing the capacities of different land cover types to provide ES using a participatory ES Matrix approach; and (3) analyzing DRM policy documents with MAXQDA to identify actionable entry points for embedding ESA findings. Preliminary results suggest that residents prioritize instrumental ecosystem values, such as regulating and provisioning services, which align with local needs for hazard mitigation and vulnerability reduction. The ES Matrix reveals that evergreen broad-leaved forests provide the highest levels of ecosystem services. Furthermore, the policy analysis identifies key entry points for integrating ESA into DRM, grouped across various DRM phases. This study bridges critical knowledge gaps by linking ecosystem service supply with actionable DRM policies in Thua Thiên-Hue. The findings advocate for the integration of ESA into DRM strategies, enhancing resilience to multi-hazard risks in the region and providing a replicable model for other vulnerable regions globally.