STRATEGIES OF THE COLOMBIAN GEOLOGICAL SURVEY IN THE SEARCH FOR THE SOCIAL APPROPRIATION OF GEOSCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND THE MANAGEMENT OF VOLCANIC RISK OF THE NEVADO DEL RUIZ

Abstract

The Social Appropriation of Geoscientific Knowledge (SAGK) is crucial for successful disaster risk management (DRM) in a territory. In the case of volcanology, scientific knowledge must be known and utilized by communities at volcanic risk. This article presents the strategies implemented by the Colombian Geological Service (CGS) and its Vulcanological and Seismological Observatory of Manizales (OVSMA) to promote SAGK and Volcanic Risk Management (VRM) of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano (NRV). These strategies are based on the lessons learned from the 1985 eruption of NRV, the second largest volcanic disaster of the 20th century with 25,000 victims. It is essential for people at risk to be familiar with their territory. Managing the risk of this volcano, currently the most active in Colombia, presents a significant challenge. Studied strategies may help to strengthen institutions, foster dialogue with communities, diversify meeting spaces, promote communication and education, facilitate co-production of knowledge, and raise awareness about community participation and shared responsibility in DRM. The article contextualizes the SAGK, the VRM in Colombia and the legacy of the 1985 eruption, while it thinks over the implemented strategies and their contributions to DRM.