We discuss results of a participatory project in an indigenous community in
central Mexico, where a GIS program was implemented. The implementation is
described in three ways: by system design, by training of community member
s, and by development of spatial databases. A variety of factors contribute
d to the success of the program development, including hands-on training se
ssions focused on CIS techniques that would support the development and aut
omation of the community's forest management plan. As a result, the forest
plan was fully automated by trainees, and the community subsequently obtain
ed green certification for sustainable forest management.