Ecosystem services approach in Latin America: From theoretical promises to real applications

•Expected mainstreaming of the Ecosystem Services Approach (ESA) has not been fulfilled.•Sectors involved in ESA and their relationships drive pathways of mainstreaming in Latin America.•Incorporation of knowledge and consensus over values are key factors for mainstreaming.•Researchers need to adopt new roles for an effective mainstreaming of ESA.•Opportunities for new roles lay in the interfaces among sectors involved in ES management.