Development of an SDG interlinkages analysis model at the river basin scale: a case study in the Luanhe River Basin, China

Abstract While the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are broadly framed with 17 goals, goals and their targets inherently connect each other forming a complex system. Actions supporting one goal may influence progress in either positively (synergies) or negatively (trade-offs). Effective managing synergies trade-offs is prerequisite for ensuring policy coherence. This particular relevant at river basin scale where implementation of national policies generate inequalities sub-basin levels, such as upstream downstream. In existing literature, there still lack methodologies to assess SDG interlinkages differences subnational levels. paper presents methodology on development an analysis model its application case study China’s Luanhe River Basin (LRB). Seven broad areas, namely land use cover change, climate ecosystem services, flood risks, water sector, urbanisation, energy, were set scope study. Through systematic review, key elements system identified interactions mapped. The resulting generic validated expert survey stakeholders’ consultation tailored LRB. Quantification was conducted 27 counties LRB demonstrated by results 3 selected located upstream, midstream downstream respectively. applications can be used support integrated resource management basins.