Here are some considerations about the importance of local management of risks and benefits of GIS tools for land management in the sustainable development of communities. This research, product of a literature review, has an informative-reflexive function on this topic of global interest. The methodology comprises review the overview of risk management, updating the terms and some examples of using GIS. In conclusion we can say that: (a) is necessary to consolidate an intercultural perspective, focusing on the specific recognition of community, gender and generation, to manage risk and disaster response; (b) it is advisable to include both communal and institutional actors; and (c) promote access to appropriate technologies for the reduction and mitigation of risks, such as GIS that are a quick, inexpensive and updateable source of information.