Overcoming the challenges of incorporating rare and threatened flora into ecosystem restoration

Abstract

Developing strategies that enhance the incorporation of rare and threatened flora into ecosystem restoration is urgently needed to capitalize on the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. We outline six major challenges that impede the widespread use of rare and threatened flora in restoration: (1) a lack of information about threatened species; (2) a lack of propagation material; (3) low survival rates and regeneration potential; (4) a lack of coordination and collaboration; (5) a lack of financial incentives; and (6) a lack of policy incentives. We also outline several potential solutions to overcome each of them, including changes to funding, legislation, and markets, advancing use of modern technologies and knowledge, and development of new collaborations. All stakeholders have a role to play, including practitioners, academics, funders, and policymakers.