Abstract ID: 3.13402 | Accepted as Talk | Talk | TBA | TBA

Mountain ecosystems provide critical ecosystem services, including water regulation, biodiversity conservation, and carbon storage. However, they are increasingly threatened by climate change and human activities, particularly in the Andes. The Machangara River sub-basin in southern Ecuador is vital for hydropower, human consumption, agriculture, and livestock but faces significant pressures from land-use changes, deforestation, and intensified anthropogenic activities. This study, part of the Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources in the Andes project, analyzed the sub-basin’s landscape structure to inform adaptive management strategies that enhance resilience. The research employed a landscape approach integrating ecological, hydrological, and socio-economic dimensions. It examined three key aspects: vertical (elevation gradients and ecosystem distribution), horizontal (land-use patterns), and transversal (ecological-human interactions). Spatial analysis tools, including GIS and remote sensing, mapped land-use types, identified critical water recharge zones, and assessed connectivity. Findings highlighted the essential role of paramos and montane forests in water regulation, particularly in the sub-basin’s upper regions. However, lower and middle sections face growing pressure. Key conservation areas, water recharge zones, and connectivity corridors supporting species like the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and páramo wolf (Lycalopex culpaeus) were identified, along with areas requiring restoration and sustainable management. To address these challenges, the study proposed adaptive management strategies, including improved land-use planning to balance conservation and development, enhancing ecological connectivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that mitigate water resource degradation. Additionally, integrating climate adaptation measures into hydropower management is crucial for maintaining water availability for energy, agriculture, and human consumption. The adaptive landscape approach provides a robust framework for managing mountain ecosystems amid climate change. By preserving ecosystem functionality and resilience, these strategies ensure the long-term sustainability of vital ecosystem services in the Machangara River sub-basin.