Empowering Indigenous Communities with Innovative Mapping Technology:Use of GIS Tools for Land Expansion in Colombia
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This article explores the innovative use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to empower indigenous communities in Colombia to map and reclaim ancestral lands. Focusing on the Gunmaku village in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, it details how indigenous youth, supported by Dutch Kadaster, were trained in practical GIS tools—such as GNSS antennas and the Esri Field Maps app—to define the previously undocumented boundaries of their community. Highlighting the participatory nature of the process, the article illustrates how these young community members, guided by indigenous elders, effectively mapped their territory, sacred sites, and culturally significant landmarks. By generating accurate spatial data, the Gunmaku community strengthened its ability to negotiate with governmental institutions, support formal land titling, and advocate for the sustainable conservation of natural and cultural heritage. Ultimately, this case study demonstrates the transformative potential of user-friendly GIS technologies in promoting community-led land governance and preserving indigenous knowledge systems.