Strategic use of ecosystem services and co‐benefits for Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract Ecosystem services' (ES) assessments can inform sustainability policies but often translate poorly into practical decision‐making due to their disconnection from local challenges. Problem framing is a crucial step in improving the operationalization of ecosystem studies. First, study analyzes challenges and opportunities for three European outermost regions: Canary Islands, French Guiana, Reunion Island. Second, it proposes strategies make use ES as means address these issues. We used Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) analysis strategic planning, extended with PESTEL analysis, standing Political, Economic, Socio‐cultural, Technological, Environmental, Legal, Regulatory. Semi‐structured interviews ( n = 38) were conducted identify factors facilitating or impeding case Interviews coded before being synthesized reported SWOT matrices. suggest seven ESs implementation addressing Finally, this paper highlights potential contributions ES‐based achieving multiple United Nations' 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On average, are expected affect delivery six ESs. The suggested contribute achievement SDGs 15 (Life on Land), 2 (Zero Hunger), 14 Below Water), 11 (Sustainable Cities Communities). These results pinpoint key consider, through stakeholder consultation, when designing study.