In accordance with global demands, UNEMI has the linkage project titled “Strengthening tourism skills in indigenous communities” implemented in the communities of Colta and Guamote, Chimborazo; Therefore, the objective was to systematize the community experiences that emerged in the linkage project in the aforementioned context during the period 2021-2022 through theoretical foundations and oral stories to demonstrate knowledge from a holistic vision of local knowledge based on ethnotourism. We worked with a mixed descriptive approach and case study design. The collection of information was carried out using the survey technique that yielded quantitative results and the interview technique that generated qualitative information. The results highlighted the importance, advantages and challenges of linkage projects. It is concluded that this type of projects allows creating opportuniti...

Ecuadorian Andean páramos face accelerated degradation due to climate change and anthropogenic activities. Indigenous communities in Ozogoche preserve ancestral knowledge for sustainable management of these critical ecosystems. This ethnographic study documents traditional conservation methods through Andean phenomenology and oral history with local taytakuna and pushakuna. Four main strategies were identified: reforestation with native species (totora, quishuar, yagual), traditional water management, biological control of invasive species, and rotational grazing with llamas. Findings evidence the effectiveness of practices based on reciprocity, ecosystem balance, and Andean worldview. Integration of this knowledge with Western science offers sustainable alternatives for restoration of degraded páramos, contributing to conservation of hydrological ecosystem services and unique high-mou...