Mindo and Cayambe-Coca Reserves, located in the Pichincha province of northern Ecuador, are considered Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). They are critical for water security and home to threatened species such as the Andean bear and black-breasted puffleg. Efforts to restore high Andean Forests of the region will also be important for climate mitigation in the region, and include collaboration with local communities, creation of protected areas, and training of local nursery managers.