CoV12: Montserrat Showcases Creative Resilience in Presentations
The recent Cities on Volcanoes (CoV) conference, COV12, convened from February 11 to 17, 2024, serving as a pivotal platform for global discourse on volcanic risk management. Hosted in Guatemala, the conference brought together diverse stakeholders including the public, government officials, monitoring agencies, and scientists to exchange insights and strategies concerning volcanic hazards.
Montserrat, known for its resilience amidst volcanic challenges, made significant contributions to COV12, showcasing innovative approaches to volcanic risk management and community engagement. Led by both the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) team and members of the local community, the presentations underscored the island’s commitment to proactive measures and creative solutions.
Presentations by MVO Staff:
- The Montserrat Volcano Babies project: a local take on international research impacts- Dr. Karen Pascal
- Altering perspectives to enhance the efficacy of volcanic hazard communication for decision-makers: Novel approaches in Montserrat, West Indies. – Dr José Marrero
- Bridging the Volcanic Divide: Fostering Connection and Preparedness through Art in Montserrat’s Youth- Thiffanie Williams
- The long red zone of Montserrat (1995 -present) and its challenges- Dr. José Marrero
- The Montserrat Volcano Babies project: an international and multidisciplinary collaboration to build ourselves a brighter future- Dr Karen Pascal
- The Montserrat Volcano Babies Project: Dr. Karen Pascal presented a groundbreaking initiative focusing on local impacts of international research, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration.
Presentations by Montserrat Community Members:
- An Eruption of Creativity on a Small Island – Herman ‘Cupid’ Francis
- The Alliougana Singers: Singing the Life We Live – Chezline Riley
- Legacies of Distruction: Growing and Preserving Culture in the Montserratian Diaspora- Annesta Fergus
- Alliougana Pearl : Poetry from Montserrat- Myrle Roache
Other Notable Presentations:
- The first volcano-seismological observatory on Montserrat: 1936 -1946 – Professor David Pyle
- Mountain Aglow: Evaluation of a novel co-created science and arts-badrf exhibit to communicate Volcanic risk on the island of Montserrat – Dr James Christie
- Unleashing the power of Community engagement for volcanic disaster risk reduction- Professor Jenni Barclay
- Volcanoes in Song, Story, Music and Poetry- Dr James Christie
- Creative Engagements with Volcanic Materials and Images from the Soufrière Hills Volcanic Crises (Montserrat West Indies) – Dr Miriam Rothenberg
Effective science communication plays a pivotal role in areas of volcanic risk, serving as a bridge between scientific knowledge and public understanding, which is crucial for mitigating hazards and fostering resilience in vulnerable communities.
In regions prone to volcanic activity like Montserrat, where the threat of eruptions looms large, clear and accessible communication of scientific findings and risk assessments is paramount.
The sessions featuring the Montserrat community were not just presentations; they were vibrant, interactive forums that showcased the island’s resilience and creativity in the face of volcanic challenges. Through music, poetry, storytelling, and visual arts, community members shared their lived experiences, cultural traditions, and collective resilience strategies.
Conferences like COV12 play a pivotal role in advancing scientific understanding, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing societal resilience in volcanic-prone regions. The COV12 conference, held biennially, serves as catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing in the field of volcanic risk management. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering a culture of cooperation, conferences contribute to the resilience of communities living in volcanic environments and promote sustainable development in regions prone to volcanic activity.
