In this VLIR-UOS network programme, several Ecuadorean institutes of higher education (Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Universidad de Cuenca, Universidad Técnica del Norte and Escuela Politécnica Nacional) work together in order to contribute to the sustainable management of Ecuador's natural resources by strengthening advanced human talent in the areas of biodiversity (project 1) and water resource management (project 2). In the first phase of these projects, two joint master's degree programs will be established with international standards aiming at the international accreditation.