Investigating plant diversity - The first step in ecosystem restoration through native plant species

11/09/2026

In nature conservation, restoring an ecosystem first requires a proper and comprehensive understanding of the native flora in that area. Through a series of field surveys conducted over nearly three years at Phong Dien Nature Reserve, researchers have updated the database on plant diversity, discovered two species new to science, and developed a model for planting native species to support ecosystem restoration. The study not only adds to knowledge of biodiversity but also opens up an approach that links resource surveys with forest conservation and restoration in accordance with natural processes.

After a series of historic floods in 2020, many forest areas in Central Vietnam suffered severe damage, including Phong Dien Nature Reserve (formerly Phong Dien Nature Conservation Area, in Hue City).

Some habitats during survey trips at Phong Dien Nature Reserve

Meanwhile, the Centre for Conservation of Natural Resources and Rescue of Animals and Plants (CCRR), under the Centre for Geology and Environment, Vietnam National Museum of Nature - Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, has been carrying out activities to preserve genetic resources, rescue animals and plants, and develop habitat restoration models.

However, in order to restore an ecosystem that is close to nature, the correct selection of native plant species capable of adapting to ecological conditions is a prerequisite. Based on this reality, Assoc. Prof., Dr. Vu Tien Chinh and the research team from the Vietnam National Museum of Nature implemented a Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology-level research project on Biology and Biodiversity: “Research on the plant diversity of Phong Dien Nature Conservation Area as a basis for restoring ecosystems at the Centre for Conservation of Natural Resources and Rescue of Animals and Plants” (code: CT0000.02/23-25). The study focused on investigating plant diversity in Phong Dien, collecting native plant seed sources and establishing a scientific basis for the propagation, cultivation and restoration of native flora at the CCRR, contributing to the conservation of genetic resources, improving habitat quality and laying the foundation for forest-planting programmes oriented towards restoring forests in a manner close to nature.

Assoc. Prof., PhD Vu Tien Chinh

After numerous field trips during the 2023-2025 period, the team has drawn a relatively comprehensive picture of the flora of Phong Dien, with 365 species and subspecies of vascular plants belonging to 294 genera, 114 families and five plant divisions. Compared with previous survey results, the study added 57 species and identified and standardised 308 species, contributing to the updating and completion of the area’s plant diversity database and serving conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts.

Some activities of the research team at the CCRR

The team also compiled a Plant Checklist for Phong Dien Nature Reserve, prepared a report assessing the current state of ecosystems at the CCRR, a report assessing the growth of selected native plant species planted for restoration, and developed a collection of plant specimens and a data system for management purposes. In particular, the application of remote-sensing technology in combination with eCognition software - specialised software used to analyse and classify satellite imagery - to digitise the status of vegetation cover and monitor changes in forests has provided an additional tool to support the long-term monitoring and assessment of ecosystem restoration effectiveness.

Based on the survey data, the research team proposed six groups of solutions for conserving and sustainably using rare and precious plant species, providing a basis for selecting native seed sources for forest restoration programmes, genetic resource conservation and habitat restoration in nature reserves.

Translated by Tuyet Nhung
Link to Vietnamese version

Tags: