LIVING WITH OUR LIVING WITH OUR VOLCANO:VOLCANO: MVO EDUCATION MVO EDUCATION AND OUTREACH 2008-2010AND OUTREACH 2008-2010

Stacey Edwards, Guillaume Levieux, Richard Robertson

The Montserrat Volcano The Montserrat Volcano ObservatoryObservatory

Our Vision: The Montserrat Volcano Observatory is the official

source of scientific information for the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

Our Team: Our team consists of scientists and professionals drawn

mainly from Montserrat and the Caribbean. The UWI Seismic Research Centre and the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris manage our operations.

The Montserrat Volcano The Montserrat Volcano ObservatoryObservatory

Our Volcano The eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano is one of the

largest volcanic events in the Caribbean’s recorded history. Although it has rendered two-thirds of the island uninhabitable the Montserratian response has demonstrated the resilience of our people

Our Network: Since the eruption began in 1995, scientists at the MVO

have closely documented the event using a variety of techniques to monitor seismicity, ground deformation, dome growth, gas emissions and environmental impacts

Needs AssessmentNeeds Assessment

Methods: 2 surveys conducted:

The MVO Website Evaluation Survey ~150 responses The Public Awareness Programme Evaluation for

MVO ~100 Meetings with stakeholders

Some Problems identified: Lack of awareness of hazards, particularly among

recent immigrants Uncertainty re: local sources of information Uncertainty re: emergency systems to mitigate hazard Lack of teacher resources re: the volcano Eruption seldom used as a learning opportunity Lack of understanding of the Hazard Level System

Structure and StrategyStructure and Strategy

Theme: Living with Our Volcano Target groups:

Recent immigrant population Lower secondary school students (11-

14yrs) Residents of zones A & B

Structure and StrategyStructure and Strategy

Preferred Communication Channels MVO WebsiteRadio MontserratCommunity Meetings

Human Resources MVO Outreach OfficerSRC/IPGP E&O support

Programme MessagesProgramme Messages

The MVO is comprised of a team of professionals who are committed to maintaining the organization’s position as the trusted and authoritative source of information on the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

There is an established system for living safely with the volcano.

Programme MessagesProgramme Messages

Although the volcano poses hazards for which safety precautions must be taken the ongoing eruption offers a variety of unique learning opportunities found nowhere else in the Caribbean.

The hazard level system has been established in collaboration with residents strictly for their safety and as such it is important that residents comply with instructions issued during periods of volcanic unrest.

Strategy and ToolsStrategy and Tools

Website: More modern design, expanded information &

easier navigation “Junior Scientists” section

Printed materials: FAQ on SHV pamphlet Professionally produced information pamphlet 3-unit Soufriere Hills Volcano Educator’s Guide “Living with our Volcano” booklet Student versions of activity/weekly reports Montserrat Volcano Resource Kit

Strategy and ToolsStrategy and Tools

Media: “Island Science” weekly ZJB radio programme “Living with our Volcano” instructional DVD Radio infomercials

Interactions: Community meetings Presentation to new teachers at Induction

Week Student lectures & Teacher Workshops Annual Geosciences Fair

SummarySummary

The MVO is primarily a scientific monitoring agency that have been involved in various education and outreach activities since its inception

“Living with our Volcano”: MVO Education and Outreach Plan 2008-2010, seeks to transform MVO’s E&O activities from an essentially reactive to a proactive approach that will resound to the benefit of Montserrat