Doğulu C., Manzella I.(Executive)
Project Supported by Private Organizations in Other Countries, 2020 - 2022
"Risk communication and citizen engagement is central to management and mitigation of natural hazards and to strengthen community resilience to disasters. Unfortunately, these aspects are often underrated by scientists, who are usually not trained to interact and communicate science to stakeholders and the general public. The development of new techniques such as digital cartography, virtual and augmented reality and big data analysis opens many possibilities for improving the effectiveness of risk communication and promoting a participatory approach to disaster resilience. In this project, a multidisciplinary and diverse team will work closely to develop the concept and trial application of citizen-science in relation to disasters by collecting data through social media and other communication channels. A pilot study will be conducted in Elazığ in eastern Turkey, a city with high level of vulnerability and risk. Data obtained will be processed in terms of monitoring of changes and damage and vulnerability assessments. The citizen-science approach consists of engaging communities in actively taking part in those assessments through reporting and learning from the results. The information provided is then used to direct the pre- and post-disaster interventions for vulnerable people and areas. Hazard simulations, digital field and citizen science datasets will be incorporated through gaming software to create dynamic visualisations of risk scenarios and post-disaster assessment. The innovative, multidisciplinary and participatory approach of the present project will help citizens and stakeholders to monitor site evolution, raise awareness, increase resilience to multiple hazards and ultimately build a sustainable future."