Theories, models, and studies of ecosystem services (ESs) are expected to be applicable to conservation practices. However, applying the ES concept becomes challenging, especially in terms of implementing theory into the local-level activities. We analyzed ten participatory mapping workshops involving conservation experts and local stakeholders to investigate theoretical challenges emergent in the ES concept implementation. Based on our results, we argue that local stakeholders are able to address practical problems in mapping ESs that are debated in the literature as major theoretical challenges to the concept. In particular, it considers the theoretical challenges of distinguishing ESs from the other levels of the ESs cascade; challenges in monetary valuation of the ESs, operationalization of service-providing units, service-benefiting areas, and ESs that are co-produced with humans, and the consequences of including the stakeholders’ subjective perspectives in mapping ESs.

We claim that these challenges can be addressed to a certain extent by defining realistic objectives for the ES mapping, followed by clear rules adjusted for local conditions. The ES concept may serve as an effective tool for engaging local stakeholders in constructive discussions about nature and spatial planning. However, participatory mapping has limitations in relation to providing a comprehensive assessments of ESs.

生态系统服务（ES）的理论，模型和研究预计将适用于保护实践。但是，应用ES概念变得具有挑战性，尤其是在将理论应用于地方层面的活动方面。我们分析了由保护专家和当地利益相关者参加的十次参与制图研讨会，以调查ES概念实施中出现的理论挑战。根据我们的研究结果，我们认为当地利益相关者能够解决ES映射中的实际问题，而ES映射是文献中讨论的对该概念的主要理论挑战。特别是，它考虑了区分ES与ES级联的其他级别的理论挑战；ES的货币估值，服务提供单位的运营，服务受益领域的挑战，

我们认为，可以通过定义ES映射的现实目标，然后根据当地情况调整明确的规则，在一定程度上解决这些挑战。ES的概念可以作为有效的工具，使当地利益相关者参与有关自然和空间规划的建设性讨论。但是，参与式制图在提供对ES的全面评估方面存在局限性。