Communication strategy for volcanic hazard understanding in Italy: The role of INGVvulcani team

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Maddalena De Lucia

Abstract

Communication by public institutions about volcanoes and their activity is crucial in Italy, where many active volcanoes are in inhabited areas. In recent years, in addition to traditional conferences, science festivals, open days, and seminars, communication efforts towards the public have been carried out through 2.0 and 3.0 web activities, based on blog and social media, to establish a dialogue with non-experts. This is particularly important for research institutes like the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV, National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology), which is responsible for monitoring Italian active volcanoes and collaborates with civil protection authorities in emergency planning. Since the birth of INGV in 2000, the many branches of the institute have been strongly involved in communication with media and outreach activities. Recently, INGV has improved its communication about volcanoes. The blog ingvvulcani.com was launched in 2018, followed by associated INGVvulcani Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. According to modern volcano risk communication practices worldwide, the INGVvulcani blog and social media are used to provide comprehensive and timely information on volcanic activity and its impacts, particularly focusing on Italian volcanoes. We publish a range of content including real-time updates on volcanic eruptions and activity, bulletins, scientific analyses, educational articles, and multimedia resources, adapting our strategy to volcanic activity levels, providing general information during dormancy and real-time updates during crises. INGVvulcani’s approach prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and engagement, using blogs and social media to foster informed discussions. Social media insights highlight strong public interest and trust, but further qualitative analysis, including sentiment studies and surveys, as well as professional engagement could help to address challenges like misinformation and enhance communication strategies in the future. Our aim is to disseminate scientific knowledge, enhance awareness of volcanic hazards, and promote a culture of preparedness and safety, especially for people living in areas near active Italian volcanoes who need to be accurately and constantly informed about volcanic hazard and monitoring, in collaboration with national and local Civil Protection authorities.

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Author Biography

Maddalena De Lucia, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Osservatorio Vesuviano, Naples, Italy

Geologist and Technologist at INGV - Osservatorio Vesuviano in Naples, Italy. Her work focuses on volcanology, geophysics, and natural hazards. Since 1995, she has been involved in communication and outreach activities at INGV. She is responsible for the INGV Center for Communication and Scientific Outreach and has also served as the coordinator of the INGVvulcani working group, which manages blog and social media communication. Additionally, she is responsible for the task "Communication and Information in Volcanic Emergencies through Web and Social Media" as part of the Framework Agreement between the Italian Department of Civil Protection and INGV for risk and hazard assessment activities.

How to Cite

De Lucia, M. (2025). Communication strategy for volcanic hazard understanding in Italy: The role of INGVvulcani team. JOURNAL OF GEOETHICS AND SOCIAL GEOSCIENCES, 2(Special Issue), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.13127/jgsg-59

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