Strategies on ecosystem service management of endemic Myrtaceae plants (Xanthostemon spp.) for a nature positive future

Information on the environmental status and ecosystem services of Xanthostemon spp., a tree of the Myrtaceae family is scarce, even though Xanthostemon spp. has important socio-cultural, economic and ecological roles in Southeast Asia. It also has great potential for engineering applications, including phytoremediation, open green space areas and reducing air pollution. However, this plant has declined in its natural habitat and is endangered because of deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Moreover, it is not fully applied in environmental applications and there is little known about its potential. In this article, a total of ten ecosystem services and functions of Xanthostemon spp. is identified from the review, some examples of findings are maintenance of soil quality through phytoremediation, and climate regulation and CO₂ storage. A strength, weakness, opportunity and threats (SWOT) analysis with brainstorming apporach is performed based on the environmental engineering and social-economic aspects to find the best strategies for ecosystem services and functions in order for it to flourish in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Several strategies are also proposed from the SWOT analysis of the recent situation in terms of external and internal conditions from an ecosystem service perspective to indicate conservation actions for Xanthostemon spp. that may be implemented, such as protection from local tribes from deforestation, establishment of regulation, and conducting research from science and engineering perspectives. Lastly, perspectives and prospects on the conservation of Xanthostemon spp. for a nature positive future are illustrated.