Background Semi-xerophilous (semi-dry) forest is one of the most emblematic habitats of Réunion Island. Today only about 1% of its original area of 56 800 ha remains, scattered in small plots across the western coast (Mafate and Cilaos cirques) and the La Montagne mountain range. The main causes of this regression include heavy demographic pressure, loss of connectivity between relict areas, invasion by exotic species, decline of native species, such as the Réunion Giant Tortoise and day gecko, and the lack of awareness among the local population. Réunion National Park coordinated a previous LIFE project on semi-dry forests (LIFE07 NAT/F/000188 - COREXERUN), which committed the park and its partner to an ambitious conservation project to save the endangered forests. Results from that project pointed out the need for low-cost restoration of greater areas to guarantee long-term conservation success. Objectives The LIFE Forêt Sèche project aims to preserve unique semi-xerophilic forest habitats on Réunion Island and to re-establish the connectivity between restored and relict plots. It will demonstrate that the long-term conservation of this habitat can be achieved at lower cost, with a reduction goal of 20%, by the implementation of innovative measures. To achieve this objective, a set of demonstration actions and innovative approaches will be implemented in a coordinated and integrated manner. These actions will serve to directly and indirectly promote cost-effective and sustainable conservation on a greater area of the semi-dry forest on Réunion Island. Expected results: Re-establishment of the original ecological continuum that allows for the preservation of the semi-xerophilous forest on Réunion Island; Development of new cropping techniques that reduce intervention costs by 20%; 45 to 50 ha of semi-xerophilous forest land restored and protected; 80 000 trees planted; Improvement of the conservation status of 10 highly threatened plant species; Restoration of the fauna-flora dynamic; and Identification of potential agents for biological pest control.