ENVIRONMENTAL COST FOR 2 DIFFERENT HIGHWAYPLAN AT BA CHE – HA LONG

Abstract

This article mentioned the usage of Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) to calculate the benefits and detriments of the environment         when choosing between 2 plans for Ba Che – Ha Long highway. The first plan is 18.39 km long, with 6.2 km cut straight through Dong Son – KyThuong natural reserve, the area of forest taken is 65.4 ha. The second plan has the length of 21.07 km take the detour around the reserve, the area of forest taken is reduced to 56.57 ha. In 6 different categories selected to measure environmental cost, results show: (1) Erosion and biodiversity  reduction at the second plan is less than that of the first plan is about 13.24-124 million vnd. (2) About water regulator, preserve and carbon absorption, increase land fertile and scenery preserve the second plan all have better result than the first, the cost difference is about 15.2-250 million vnd depend on the category. In conclusion, based on the benefit and negatives impacts on the environment, the second plan is the better one. This is the basics for the government to decide which plan to choose to both increase the development of the economy and also reduce the harmful effects to the environment.