Web participatory framework for disaster resilience: Coping with information deluge

Abstract

A clear and correct information on hazards and in Disaster Resilience (DR) is crucial. But the “web era” changed the information models of production and distribution, allowing citizens to take part in the overall process; and this change is having a strong impact also in DR Information. Validated scientific information on natural hazards, far from being a common heritage, requires both a high degree of cooperation and a wide interdisciplinary approach. It involves experts, scientists, practitioners, civil servants, but also citizens, volunteers and media representatives. This complexity should be taken into account, without raising barriers, but avoiding the risk of misleading or «unsafe» information spreading, fostering a true information preparedness, through collaborative-knowledge building approach. DR Information is a key element all along the disaster cycle: from preparedness to disaster reduction, and the challenge is to organize data and information adopting a user-centered approach. We envisage an open approach to structured knowledge so to benefit from web tools (including Social Media) and to build precision and common understanding. In this perspective, a joint team UNITO-NatRisk and CNR IIA conceived a web project “Natural Hazards Wikisaurus” (NHW), whose aim is to sustain and support a common understanding through the implementation of an augmented «terminology tool»: a collaborative digital source of validated information and knowledge on Natural Hazards and Civil Protection.