**Acknowledgements**

The authors thank Amazonian State University (Universidad Estatal Amazonica) for research funding through two projects: Diagnosis of the state of conservation of the eastern slope of the Central Andes of Ecuador: Llanganates Sangay Ecological Corridor and the Anzu River Subbasin and Eco-cultural Pluralism in Quality Education in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The authors also thank the members of the Kichwa and peasant communities who participated in the research and shared their observations, particularly to Ecominga Foundation's team, Javier Robayo, Recalde family and Environment Minister for the research license N° 08-2015-IC-FLO-FAU-DPAT/MA. The research team members Diana Bermúdez, Karima López de Vargas Machuca, and Luis Sandoval and the assistants are also thanked for their contributions to the fieldwork and insightful discussions and feedback. Special thanks to Dr. Diego Tirira, PhD for pointing out the need to update certain scientific names.
