AbstractThe historical, climatological and local dimensions of climatic change in the Cotacachi area, Ecuador, were analysed. In an effort to reconcile local people's observations and beliefs with scientific and historical information, Cotacachi's climate change was analysed through a variety of sources: historical archives historical photographs, landscape paintings, recent photographs taken by Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources Management project since 1996, aerial photographs, meteorological data, participatory workshops with local people using visual aids (three-dimensional participatory model of the landscape) and structured farmer interviews. Field visits and transects were also conducted throughout the area, paying particular attention to streams, springs and rivers. The comments of local people in the climatic change workshop was divided into three main topics: seasons and rain patterns, glacier and snow on Cotacachi and water availability. Results indicated that the local perception of climate change in Cotacachi cannot be written off as nostalgia or a misreading of their landscape. Local people are aware and are able to articulate climate change and its impacts. In order to understand how humans will behave and adapt to climate change, it is essential to study people's perceptions of climate and the environment in general. Since it forms the basis of decision making, local knowledge of climate should be incorporated into any strategy meant to mitigate the impact of climate change.