We are currently implementing a set of plant biodiversity modelling analyses to support habitat restoration, conservation, and ecological planning. To achieve this, a crucial challenge is to ensure that the resulting ecosystems are adequately functioning and able to provide the necessary ecological services. We integrate existing data and approaches in workflows and analyses that include: 
 
• The compilation of a comprehensive list of plant species for the area of interest based on modern and historical literature; 
• The automated extraction of plant trait information from herbaria specimens and taxonomic descriptions using machine learning tools and expert-curated databases; 
 • Estimation of the species expected to be present through species distribution modelling; 
 • Estimation of the expected level of functional diversity needed for the ecosystem to thrive. 
 
The ultimate goal is to provide a set of complementary metrics, all calculated on the same area, geographic resolution, and species, leading to a multifaceted understanding of biodiversity change. Such an understanding is extremely useful for assessing the efficacy of protection and restoration efforts.  

This approach, which is still under development, is currently informing reforestation projects in several locations across Africa. Once fully established, it has the potential to play a significant role in our efforts to meet the Convention on Biological Diversity's target to conserve and protect 30% of land by 2030.