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Tree diversity in Asia's tropical and subtropical forests is central to nature-based solutions. Species vulnerability to multiple threats, which affect provision of ecosystem services, is poorly understood. We conducted a region-wide, spatially explicit assessment of the

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High-quality, suitably adapted tree seed at volume is a key component for the implementation and long-term success of forest landscape restoration (FLR). We analysed the tree seed systems in four Asian countries—the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and India—which have committed to restore in total over 47.5 million hectares of degraded lands by 2030. We assessed the national seed systems using an established indicator framework, literature review and expert surveys and interviews. Additionally, we surveyed 61 FLR practitioners about their challenges in acquiring seed to understand how the strengths and weaknesses identified at the national level were reflected in FLR projects on the ground. Identified key constraints common to the studied countries are (i) a mismatch between the growing demand for priority native species and the limited seed supply in terms of quantity and quality, (ii) lack of effective quality control for seed of native species and (iii) lack of information about the effects of climate change on native species to guide species selection and seed sourcing and to improve the resilience of restored ecosystems. We discuss options to strengthen seed systems for native tree species both in terms of quality and volume to enable them to effectively respond to the national FLR commitments and make recommendations on promising technical solutions.

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Herbal medicine has been considered as a promising future medicine for the management of healthcare. The shift "Return back to Nature" has enhanced the consumption of plant-based phytomedicines and other botanicals in recent years. Medicinal plants are considered as rich sources of phytochemical ingredients. With a big gap in the demand and supply, there is heavy exploitation of these resources. The fast depleting are the medici nal trees, which, due to their long gestation, fails to find a place in cultivation. There is a need to encourage cultivation of these species. Traditional breeding and biotechnology can be used in their genetic improvement. Environmental conditions affect the active constituents of medicinal plants and, therefore their activity profiles. Hence, there is a need to understand the geographical variation at the genetic level. DNA-based techniques have been widely used for assessing diversity and authentication of plant species of medicinal importance. This paper describes the demand of some medicinal trees which are in high demand in the Ayurvedic industry, and the application of DNA techniques to understand the geographic distribution, authentication and confirmation of identity of the species.

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