Project Area
The province of Imbabura contains the Mojanda Lake Complex, which includes Otavalo-Mojanda and Mojandita-Curubí Water Protection Areas (HPAs). The protected areas consist primarily of grasslands and remnants of Polylepis forests, and provide water for more than 200,000 inhabitants throughout the region. Despite its importance for water, the landscape has been highly degraded and is under pressure from several factors, including: poorly managed tourism, logging for charcoal production, burning, invasive species, and off-road vehicles. Mojanda is one of the main natural attractions of the province and is part of Imbabura UNESCO Global Geopark.

Project Goals
The project focuses on the recovery of environmental services provided by the Mojanda Lake Complex through reforestation with Andean forest species in degraded areas that are part of the Otavalo-Mojanda and Mojandita-Curubí Water Protection Areas. It is implemented through a cooperation agreement with the Municipality of Otavalo and the Zonal Directorate 1 of the Ministry of Environment. The nursery was established in conjunction with the Larcacunga community and is managed by seven Otavalo indigenous women who also participate in reforestation campaigns. The project also contributes to Mojanda's management by hiring community park rangers, who receive training in conservation issues as well as in the propagation of native species and nursery management. Reforestation focuses primarily on Polylepis pauta, however protocols are currently in development for other tree species such as Esacalonia, Illex, and Hediosmun. The project includes a baseline survey of Mojanda's biodiversity, a process carried out jointly with the Municipality of Otavalo and the National Biodiversity Institute (INABIO). Long-term project goals include:

• Contribute to the conservation of the Mojanda Lake Complex through the recovery of degraded areas with the planting of Andean forest species and the direct participation of local communities.
• Raise knowledge of Mojanda's natural values through the development of a biodiversity baseline.
• Increase legal protection of the Mojanda Lake Complex by supporting the creation and management of the Otavalo-Mojanda Water Protection Area and development of a community park guard team.
• Strengthen community leadership and empowerment, especially through the women's tree nursery group and other community stakeholders.
• By 2023, extend the project to two new communities: Mojandita Curubi and Piñan, thus contributing to local development, poverty reduction and forest restoration.

Current Results
Native Trees Planted: 115,000
Hectares Restored: 65
Nurseries Built & Maintained: 1
Communities Involved: 4