Located in spectacular Andean landscapes above the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco, Peru, the Vilcanota project is a 102,000 hectares, integrated, mountain landscapes restoration project that has been run successfully since 2001. Lead implementer Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN) partners with 21 indigenous communities across the Vilcanota corridor to protect and restore their communal lands with native forests, mainly for increased water security and improved community livelihoods. Main restoration activities include the establishment of Private Conservation Areas (PCAs), continuous community land titling; collaborative, community-led reforestation of native forests; local conservation leadership training; conservation management and addressing of drivers of deforestation, as well as the development of additional micro-businesses and food-security programs to improve community livelihoods. The success of the Vilcanota project is based on a long-term relationship of trust between ECOAN and the local communities. All projects were designed in alignment and respect of high Andean indigenous community culture.