Limnological characterization of the lakes and lagoons of the Cajas National Park

The project presented consists of the limnological characterization of the lake water masses of the Austro Ecuadorian taking as an example those of the El Cajas National Park. It will constitute a novel scientific contribution, since these bodies of water have very particular characteristics due to their Andean and tropical character and have been studied only occasionally. The project includes: 1) the development of the methodology for its study; 2) its inventory and initial classification in types of lakes with mainly hydrological homogeneous characteristics; 3) the analysis of the hydromorphological, physicochemical and biological parameters of a sufficiently representative group of all established types; And 4) the final classification in types based on limnological characteristics. With the results of the biological analysis regarding macroinvertebrates and microcrustaceans, an ecological status quality index (provisionally called Celae) will be developed, with which all the masses of lacustrine water studied will be evaluated. The relationship between the ecological quality of the lakes and lagoons, and the existing pressures on them, as well as the reference conditions observed in which they are in a pristine situation, will constitute the basis for establishing specific guidelines for their conservation and their management.