Citizen non-participation in disaster preparedeness for volcanic hazards
Public engagement is a cornerstone of effective disaster preparedness, yet many citizens remain hesitant or entirely absent from such initiatives, limiting overall effectiveness of disaster preparedness. Barriers to participation may include lack of awareness, cultural resistance, mistrust, and unclear power dynamics between citizens and authorities. This project addresses the critical issue of low public participation in volcanic hazard emergency management/civil protection exercises, which are essential for disaster resilience.
To understand these challenges, the research will examine non-participation in volcanic hazard preparedness through two in-depth case studies, complemented by interviews with both participants and non-engaged audiences.
The expected outcomes include tailored strategies to overcome participation barriers and actionable recommendations to improve inclusion in emergency management exercises. These findings aim to enhance community resilience, equipping citizens to better respond to volcanic crises and mitigating disaster impacts.
This project aims to identify the factors discouraging participation in volcanic hazard preparedness, such as communication gaps, cultural barriers, perceived irrelevance, or lack of trust in authorities. By analysing real-world cases and exploring innovative engagement tools, the research will develop practical strategies to improve inclusivity and engagement.