Altra Quota: a field-based monitoring and education initiative for Disaster Risk Management in the Western Italian Alps

Effective Disaster Risk Management (DRM) education requires geoscientific knowledge to be grounded in local contexts and translated into practical skills for those involved in risk prevention and emergency response. Altra Quota is a monitoring initiative in the Western Italian Alps that integrates real-time environmental monitoring, field-based research, and dissemination activities. It operates through close collaboration with local administrations and stakeholders exposed to hydro-meteorological, hydrogeological and cryospheric hazards.

A core aim of the project is to support capacity building in DRM through risk communication and the dissemination of monitoring results. Data from hydrological, meteorological and geomorphological monitoring networks are actively employed in hands-on activities for students, practitioners and decision-makers, enabling participants to interpret real-world observations, understand early warning systems and explore decision-making under uncertainty. Through field-based training, laboratory activities and dissemination initiatives, the project bridges theoretical geoscientific concepts with operational DRM practices. These activities empower local communities to better understand risks and interpret information from monitoring and warning systems, which is crucial for effective prevention and rapid response to emergencies.

A key component of the project is the long-term monitoring of the Ciardoney Glacier, conducted in collaboration with the Italian Meteorological Society. The glacier’s retreat and the resulting hydrological stress offer a powerful case study to analyze and communicate the impacts of climate change on alpine water resources and downstream risks. By combining observations from ground stations, satellite data, and model simulations, the researchers from Altra Quota can offer engaging experiences that effectively contextualize hazards.

Ultimately, by linking scientific research, education, and community engagement, Altra Quota represents a model for DRM education that improves risk awareness, strengthens the dialogue between science and society, and supports informed decision-making under changing climatic conditions.