The research aims to contribute to the current global committment to implement the 17 sustainabel developent goals (SDGs). It attempts to assess the potential and to be expected environmental impacts of the efforts to achieve the different SDGs on natural environments and environment-dependent livelihoods and development. The reseaerch identifies the synergies and trade-offs among the SDGs and related development approaches from the viewpoint of natural habitats, specifically forests. The resaerch is implemented in close collaboration and as part of the IUFRO Special Project World Forests, Society and the Environment and other participating partners.