Integrating Molecular Plant Taxonomy into Ecosystem Restoration and Climate Resilience Strategies in the Global South

Alfred Ossai ONEFELIJessica Deborah Salami^*Goodness Oluwabusayomi FASANOluwaseyi Osaretin EMOVONEsther Goodness KUKOYIPETER AYOMIDE ADEGBOYEOlanrewaju Segun OYEDIJOFunmilayo Priscilla ETUMUDONMichelle Titilayo OLASUMBO

• University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Ecosystem restoration is increasingly promoted as a central nature-based solution for addressing biodiversity loss and enhancing climate resilience, particularly in the Global South, where ecosystems are both highly diverse and highly vulnerable. However, restoration initiatives are frequently undermined by taxonomic uncertainty, species misidentification, and limited baseline biodiversity data. A structured narrative review approach was adopted to examine how molecular taxonomic tools such as DNA barcoding, environmental DNA (eDNA), and population genetic analyses contribute to improved species identification, genetic diversity assessment, and biodiversity monitoring in restoration contexts. Quantitative gaps were further highlighted in molecular reference databases by comparing regional plant species richness with representation in major global databases, underscoring persistent geographic and taxonomic biases. This review synthesises current knowledge on the role of molecular taxonomy in strengthening ecosystem restoration and climate resilience, with a specific focus on applications and constraints in the Global South. It was concluded that context-specific, integrative approaches are essential for maximising the contribution of molecular taxonomy to effective ecosystem restoration and long-term climate resilience in the Global South.