Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) and BGCI forged partnership to develop a model for restoration of tropical rain forest on limestone in Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve. This forest type has dramatically decreased in size in Xishuangbanna area, mainly due to conversion to rubber plantations.

XTBG has established a management agreement with the Management Bureau of Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve for a period of 40 years to conduct research on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, including reintroductions and population reinforcement programmes.

This pilot demonstration project aims to restore one hectar of degraded area with locally available, native species, and to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the remaining natural forest stands from conversion into rubber plantations. To date, the pilot restoration site has been identified, and the plant species composition surveyed with the engagement of the local community. Work has begun to clear the area from invasive species. Saplings of climax species that have been propagated at XTBG including Cleistanthus sumatranus, Lasiococca comberi, Tetrameles nudiflora, Pometea tomentosa and Parashorea chinensis have been planted and are being monitored.

The pilot site before and after clearing

Saplings being planted to restore the pilot site