Soil loss, both from surface soil loss and subsurface soil leakage, in the karst regions of southwest China is a serious environmental problem that threatens sustainability in that region. The surface soil loss has been extensively studied, and many studies have been conducted to investigate the causes, impacts and mechanisms involved, but the study of subsurface soil leakage has received little attention due to the difficulties in studying the natural conditions. There is no consensus on the overall proportions between surface soil loss and subsurface soil leakage. To control soil loss, improve ecological restoration, and help locals out of poverty, the Chinese govment carried out a series of ecological restoration projects in the karst regions of southwest China starting in the 1980s. As a result, the intensity and areal extent of soil loss continues to decrease and the ecological situation is steadily improving. However, because of the fragile ecosystem in the karst regions, the soil loss control is a long-term task, and the soil loss in some karst regions continues to be a problem. Subsequently, we put forward some suggestions for the policy makers relative to conservation of soil loss and vegetation restoration. These suggestions include:(1) govment, private organizations and individuals are encouraged to raise funds for soil loss control and vegetation restoration;(2) nature reserves should be established to increase biodiversity;(3) engineering projects such as small reservoirs, ponds, and flow diversion channels should be constructed in marginal karst regions.