Participatory engagement to reduce communication gaps

Legna M. Torres-García (), Manuel Valdés-Pizzini, Krystalliá Valdés-Calderón, Donya Frank-Gilchrist, Dawn M. Kotowicz, Emmanuel Maldonado-González and Priscila Vargas-Babilonia
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Legna M. Torres-García: St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Manuel Valdés-Pizzini: University of Puerto Rico
Krystalliá Valdés-Calderón: St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Donya Frank-Gilchrist: St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Dawn M. Kotowicz: St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Emmanuel Maldonado-González: University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus
Priscila Vargas-Babilonia: St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2025, vol. 121, issue 6, No 1, 6367-6390

Abstract: Abstract Underserved communities, especially those in coastal areas in Puerto Rico, face significant threats from natural hazards such as hurricanes and rising sea levels. Limited funding hinders the investment in costly mitigation measures, increasing exposure to natural disasters. Providing coastal resources and data products through effective communication mechanisms is fundamental to improving the well-being of these underserved coastal communities. The overall objectives of the pilot effort to engage and connect with underserved coastal communities in Puerto Rico were the following: (1) compile a comprehensive database of the projects and resources relevant to natural hazards in Puerto Rico; (2) foster connections with Puerto Rican interested parties to better understand their priorities regarding coastal hazards and provide them with pertinent U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) resources; and (3) identify knowledge gaps to guide future USGS projects in Puerto Rico. Here we outline our participatory engagement framework and process, along with two specific resources developed with the information collected from this effort. These resources are available in English and Spanish and consist of user-friendly, non-technical information products. Among them are: (1) a website where users can learn about USGS research on landslides, hurricanes, earthquakes, water resources, coastal hazards, tsunamis, and ecosystem hazards and environmental contaminants, and (2) a geonarrative highlighting shoreline changes in Puerto Rico with sections on historical shoreline trends, hurricane impacts, and potential solutions that could help protect communities and mitigate coastal hazards. Continuing participatory engagement in future projects could enhance the accessibility and usability of natural hazards resources within the community.

Keywords: Natural hazards; Participatory engagement; Puerto Rico; Risk; Communication; Coastal hazards (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-024-06860-2

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