Empowering Communities: Institutional Transparency and Public Participation in Volcanic Risk Management

This poster explores the critical role of public participation and institutional transparency in volcanic risk management, with a focus on legal and governance frameworks. By examining recent initiatives, including the Italian Vulcano 2022 and Exe Flegrei 2024 exercises, it highlights how transparent communication tools like the IT-Alert system and collaborative evacuation drills can improve preparedness and resilience in high-risk areas. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific expertise while maintaining institutional clarity in communication and decision-making processes. Key challenges such as misinformation and limited public awareness are addressed alongside practical recommendations for policymakers, disaster management professionals, and public authorities to strengthen participatory approaches and ensure compliance with legal standards in volcanic risk management.