Measuring from Space the Efficiency of Local Forest Management: The Successful Case of the Indigenous Community of Cheran, Mexico

Remote sensing-based forest cover change maps are usually elaborated for national level baseline information towards environmental conservation schemes. Community forest management is acknowledged as a key component of sustainable use of natural resources. In this research, we provide a means of technological appropriation for the community of Cheran, state of Michoacan, Mexico, to complement their local forest management initiative since 2012, after severe illegal logging occurred all along the previous decade. Participatory mapping, collaborative online cartography and global forest cover products were shared with the Community Council of the Commons. The environmental effect of the governance change occurred in 2012 was assessed using the Global Forest Cover Change (GFCC) product from 2000 to 2016. We find a significant reduction of deforestation in Cheran, due to local empowerment, which contrasts with overall trend in the region. We discuss the potential benefits of an alliance between communities and the academy through the construction of decentralized spatial data infrastructures in Mexico.