Cotacachi, Imbabura (3500-5000 masl). This highland landscape reaches from the town of Cotacachi to the glacial slopes of the Cotacachi volcano situated inside the Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve. Forty two indigenous communities are located at higher elevations above the town of Cotacachi which is inhabited largely by mestizo populations. The Indian communities practice traditional agriculture and depend on artisan crafts  and labor migration while the town people are merchants. Haciendas around the town are increasingly turning to export floriculture production. There is perceived deforestation, waters quality and quantity problems, and declining agricultural productivity. SANREM has been conducting research in this community for almost 3 years and has excellent relationships with the Mayor of the Canton of Cotacachi, the governor of the Province of Imbaburra, and a strong second degree campesino organization called Union Organizaciones de Campesinos de Cotacachi.