How to raise awareness of seismic risk? Lessons learned from case studies within European Projects

Main Article Content

Gemma Musacchio
Susanna Falsaperla
Fabrizio Meroni

Abstract

Awareness of at-risk population is a cornerstone of disaster risk management, and effective strategies should integrate sustainability to ensure long-term impact. While hazard and risk assessments are essential for prevention, their success is greatly enhanced when exposed communities are adequately informed.
This article presents lessons learned and follow-up insights into seismic hazard and risk awareness from case studies of two European projects—UPStrat-MAFA (Urban Disaster Prevention Strategies using Macroseismic Fields and Fault Sources) and KnowRISK (Know your city, Reduce seismic risk through non-structural elements). The discussion focuses on the rationale behind the selection of target audiences, how messages were adapted to meet diverse needs, and which educational tools were developed to address specific contexts. These experiences provided insights that were applied in national and international initiatives. Reflecting on experiences gained through European collaborations, this overview helps refine communication approaches and offers guidance for improving future earthquake risk mitigation efforts.

Article Details

How to Cite
Musacchio, G., Falsaperla, S. and Meroni, F. (2025) “How to raise awareness of seismic risk? Lessons learned from case studies within European Projects”, JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES, 2(Special Issue), pp. 1–15. doi:10.13127/jgsg-58.
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Special
Author Biographies

Gemma Musacchio, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Milano, Milan, Italy

Geologist and seismologist with expertise in science outreach and risk communication.  Researcher at INGV; PhD in Earth Sciences (University of Milan, 1993) and Master degree in Scientific Journalism and Communication of Science (University of Ferrara, 2016); Scientist at several research institutions and universities around the world: the University of Karlsruhe and Kiel, D; the U.S. Geological Survey, CA-USA; the Queen’s University, ON-CN; Author of more than 90 publications; research spanning lithospheric studies, rock physics, and seismic anisotropy, evolving toward disaster science and the communication of hazards and risks.

Susanna Falsaperla, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Catania, Osservatorio Etneo, Catania, Italy

Geologist with expertise in volcano seismology, scientific outreach, and augmented reality; Senior researcher at INGV, Sezione di Catania, Osservatorio Etneo, Italy; Member of the Scientific Council of the Italian “Festival della Scienza” (Festival of Science) of Genoa, Italy; Co-chair of WOVO (World Organization of Volcano Observatories) for several years; Editorial Board Member of the journal Scientific Reports (Springer-Nature) and Academic Editor on the Editorial Board of The Scientific World Journal (Hindawi).

Fabrizio Meroni, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Milano, Milan, Italy

Senior Technologist at INGV, Milan, Italy; Fields of interest: Seismic risk and hazard assessment, Multi-risk assessment of natural hazards, Computer science applied to risk assessment, GIS technologist.

How to Cite

Musacchio, G., Falsaperla, S. and Meroni, F. (2025) “How to raise awareness of seismic risk? Lessons learned from case studies within European Projects”, JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES, 2(Special Issue), pp. 1–15. doi:10.13127/jgsg-58.

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