Living with our Volcano: MVO Education and Outreach 2008-2010

1. Living with our Volcano: MVO Education and Outreach 2008-2010 Stacey Edwards, Guillaume Levieux, Richard Robertson

2. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory • Our Vision: • The Montserrat Volcano Observatory is the official source of scientific information for the Soufriere Hills Volcano. • Our Team: • Our team consists of scientists and professionals drawn mainly from Montserrat and the Caribbean. The UWI Seismic Research Centre and the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris manage our operations.

3. The Montserrat Volcano Observatory • Our Volcano • The eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano is one of the largest volcanic events in the Caribbean’s recorded history. Although it has rendered two-thirds of the island uninhabitable the Montserratian response has demonstrated the resilience of our people • Our Network: • Since the eruption began in 1995, scientists at the MVO have closely documented the event using a variety of techniques to monitor seismicity, ground deformation, dome growth, gas emissions and environmental impacts

4. Needs Assessment • Methods: • 2 surveys conducted: • The MVO Website Evaluation Survey ~150 responses • The Public Awareness Programme Evaluation for MVO ~100 • Meetings with stakeholders • Some Problems identified: • Lack of awareness of hazards, particularly among recent immigrants • Uncertainty re: local sources of information • Uncertainty re: emergency systems to mitigate hazard • Lack of teacher resources re: the volcano • Eruption seldom used as a learning opportunity • Lack of understanding of the Hazard Level System

5. Structure and Strategy • Theme: Living with Our Volcano • Target groups: • Recent immigrant population • Lower secondary school students (11-14yrs) • Residents of zones A & B

6. Structure and Strategy Preferred Communication Channels MVO Website Radio Montserrat Community Meetings Human Resources MVO Outreach Officer SRC/IPGP E&O support

7. Programme Messages • The MVO is comprised of a team of professionals who are committed to maintaining the organization’s position as the trusted and authoritative source of information on the Soufriere Hills Volcano. • There is an established system for living safely with the volcano.

8. Programme Messages • Although the volcano poses hazards for which safety precautions must be taken the ongoing eruption offers a variety of unique learning opportunities found nowhere else in the Caribbean. • The hazard level system has been established in collaboration with residents strictly for their safety and as such it is important that residents comply with instructions issued during periods of volcanic unrest.

9. Strategy and Tools • Website: • More modern design, expanded information & easier navigation • “Junior Scientists” section • Printed materials: • FAQ on SHV pamphlet • Professionally produced information pamphlet • 3-unit Soufriere Hills Volcano Educator’s Guide • “Living with our Volcano” booklet • Student versions of activity/weekly reports • Montserrat Volcano Resource Kit

10. Strategy and Tools • Media: • “Island Science” weekly ZJB radio programme • “Living with our Volcano” instructional DVD • Radio infomercials • Interactions: • Community meetings • Presentation to new teachers at Induction Week • Student lectures & Teacher Workshops • Annual Geosciences Fair

11. Summary • The MVO is primarily a scientific monitoring agency that have been involved in various education and outreach activities since its inception • “Living with our Volcano”: MVO Education and Outreach Plan 2008-2010, seeks to transform MVO’s E&O activities from an essentially reactive to a proactive approach that will resound to the benefit of Montserrat