Abstract
Challenges within risk governance of natural hazards partly emerge due to knowledge gaps concerning the communication of risks to citizens. Particularly the identification and analysis of factors that influence risk perception is required to develop tools that contribute to an increased capacity for the management of natural hazard risks.
The here presented poster exhibits activities and results from the INTERREG project RiKoST (Risk Communication Strategies). Within this study, scientific and institutional partners from South Tyrol (Italy) and Carinthia (Austria) work on developing recommendations concerning improved risk communication strategies. The study is based on a multi-methodological research design following an interactive, participatory and target-oriented approach: In addition to a review of existing literature and communication platforms, the project collects and analyses survey data from twelve municipalities as well as data gained through expert interviews. It thereby aims to better identify and understand institutional needs for communication tools as well as factors influencing the risk perception of citizens, their knowledge about risks and their satisfaction with current risk communication efforts. It further aims to design and implement innovative communication tools (e.g. a web-based platform) and to raise the awareness of citizens through a number of activities such as information campaigns, citizens’ assemblies, expert trainings and workshops in schools.
Within the project, particular importance is given to the presence of diverse mountain communities including socio-cultural aspects such as gender, income, language and vulnerable population groups.