Living near volcanoes: Scoping the gaps between the local community and volcanic experts in southern Chile

• Published in: Journal of volcanology and geothermal research 2020-06, Vol.398, p.106903, Article 106903
• Main Authors: Marín, Andrés, Vergara-Pinto, Francisca, Prado, Francisco, Farías, Cristian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Disaster risk reduction; Hazards; Knowledge; Livelihoods; Risk communication; Risk perception; Socio-environmental
• ISSN: 0377-0273; 1872-6097
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2020.106903

Human societies have always inhabited volcanic zones, but only recently scientists and decision-makers have turned the attention to volcanic risk prevention and reduction. Despite a growing consensus about the importance of engaging with nearby populations, in practice there is little dialogue with them regarding volcanic threats and opportunities. We study the experiences, impacts and concerns of an indigenous community, inhabiting in-between two major volcanic systems (Carrán Los Venados and Puyehue-Cordón Caulle), regarding past and recent eruptions. Results show a longstanding cultural and economic interrelationship between people and volcanoes, representing both benefits and barriers to development; existing local/traditional knowledge is necessary but not sufficient to meet people’s needs for adequate understanding and forecasting; despite community interest on volcanic science and risk reduction, important communication and trust gaps with experts persist. Our findings suggest the importance for scientists to establish collaborative and participatory relationships with local communities and decision-makers, with the goal of not only reducing negative volcanic impacts and uncertainty, but also taking advantage of the potential of volcanic environments to boost local sustainable livelihoods. •Conventional research and policy still depict communities living near volcanoes as part of the problem.•Rural and indigenous communities conceive their volcanic environment is as natural as life itself.•Volcanic environments provide communities with resources and well-being, but can also limit their development opportunities.•Communication gaps and lack of trust exist between local community and volcanic scientists and decision-makers.•The challenge is to provide integrative, reliable, and policy-relevant information towards sustainable volcanic livelihoods.