Linking ecosystem services and the Sustainable Development Goals in Small Island Developing States: the case of Aruba

Elena Palacios,Boris Van Zanten,Francielle Lacle,Stijn Schep,Pieter Van Beukering,Inga Soellner

doi:10.3897/oneeco.6.e71033

Abstract

The economy and well-being in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other Subnational Island Jurisdictions (SNIJ) highly rely on marine and coastal ecosystem services (ESS). Moreover, SIDS and SNIJ share common challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Building a fact-based solution to demonstrate the link between ESS and SDGs is essential for nature conservation and sustainable development in SIDS and SNIJ. In this study, we developed a 5-step approach to capture the contribution of ESS to the achievement of SDGs in Aruba by means of a shortlist of indicators, with the aim to provide information for optimal policy investments to implement the Aruba 2030 roadmap. The results numerically and spatially demonstrate the contribution of fisheries, nature-based tourism and local cultural recreational ESS to achieve SDG targets 14.7 (increase SIDS' economic benefits from sustainable use of marine resources), 8.9 (devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism) and 3.4 (promote mental health and well-being); and how investing in these key ESS could lead to multiplying co-benefits for other SDGs. This paper also discusses how the 5-step approach and the outcomes can be used to assist other SIDS and SNIJ in their ambitions to meet the SDGs.

Highlights

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other Subnational Island Jurisdictions (SNIJ) share unique characteristics and challenges in the process of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (UN DESA n.d.)
International stakeholders highly agree on the importance of nature-based tourism for the achievement of SDG 8.9 in SIDS
Measuring and reporting on SDGs is especially challenging in SIDS, given the complex connection between national policy goals and the strong reliance of SIDS on wellfunctioning marine and coastal ecosystems

Summary

Introduction

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other Subnational Island Jurisdictions (SNIJ) share unique characteristics and challenges in the process of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (UN DESA n.d.). Their vulnerability stems from their limited natural resources, their small size and geographic isolation, making them highly dependent on international trade and vulnerable to external changes (Ghina 2003, Hay 2013, UNEP 2014). Part of the challenge to implement and finance these policies is that the benefits of investing in conserving and restoring healthy ecosystems for the achievement of national and global environmental and socio-economic goals are not yet sufficiently measured and recognised (UN 2019). Revealing the benefits of nature conservation, supports more informed decision-making and facilitates greater access to public and private financing for nature conservation (Hagedoorn et al 2017)

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