Profound knowledge of region-specific human ecological parameters is crucial for the sustainable utilization and conservation of tropical mountain forests in southern Ecuador, a region with heterogenic ethnic, socio-cultural and socio-economic structures. In order to satisfy the objectives of environmental protection of tropical mountain forests on the one hand and the utilization claims of the local population on the other hand, an integrated concept of nature conservation and sustainable land use development is being sought. In biodiversity-rich places local people usually have a detailed ecological knowledge of species, ecosystems, ecological relationships and historical or recent changes of them. At the local level, utilitarian and socio-cultural values such as local perceptions and beliefs are the driving force behind use, management and conservation of natural resources. Additionally, economic and political factors influence people’s decision-making. Under current pressures of deforestation, fragmentation and species extinction, there is an urgent need to thoroughly study the issues of environmental perception and knowledge, livelihood strategies, land use conflicts and land tenure. The analysis and evaluation of these topics is indispensable for the sustainable management of a megadiverse mountain ecosystem.