From Landscape to Geohazard: Assessing volcanic hazard communication in Tenerife geosites.

Volcanic landscapes attract millions of visitors annually, drawn by their unique geodiversity. However, these environments present a dichotomy: they are significant economic resources, but they also pose potential hazards for both residents and tourists. Effective risk mitigation also requires preparedness, integrating hazard awareness directly into the visitor experience. A key challenge lies in designing communication strategies that maintain scientific rigor and inform about active processes without generating unnecessary alarmism. 

This issue is particularly pertinent in Tenerife, which is currently under a volcanic unrest, and hosts 21 volcanic geosites listed in the Spanish National Inventory of Geosites (IELIG, open access https://info.igme.es/ielig/), 12 of which are located within active volcanic areas. Despite these numbers, the representation of volcanic risk in public outreach materials at these sites remains largely unassessed. Consequently, both residents and the over 7 million annual tourists may lack essential knowledge regarding the island’s eruptive potential, associated hazards, and the critical role of scientific monitoring in ensuring their safety.

This study evaluates eight key geosites in Tenerife, selected within the framework of the “Canary Islands: Destination of Volcanoes” project for their relevance to active volcanism. We conducted an evaluation of available outreach materials (including in-situ signage, printed brochures, and official web portals) based on three core criteria: i) the scientific accuracy and currency of the data presented; ii) the thematic scope (e.g., geological formation, environmental values, active volcanic processes, etc); and iii) the presence of specific information regarding volcanic hazards and risk management (preparedness, monitoring, and emergency protocols).

Beyond assessment, we aim to bridge the identified gaps by integrating risk communication strategies directly into the project’s outreach materials. This entails updating existing materials and embedding volcanic hazard modules into the project's newly developed materials and training courses for nature guides. By ensuring a balanced narrative that educates without inciting alarm, we propose a model of resilient geotourism where risk preparedness is intrinsic to the visitor experience, thereby enhancing general knowledge of active volcanic processes among both residents and tourists.

Sub-Project 1 ‘Canary Islands, destiny of Volcanoes’ (led by IGME-CSIC) is funded by PROMOTUR SA through Next Generation EU funds, PRTR. 2024krQ00nnn, carried out within the framework of the agreement between Promotur Turismo Canarias, S.A. and the CSIC, Univ. of La Laguna, Fundación Canaria General of the Univ. of La Laguna, and Univ. of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.