Percepción del riesgo asociado al volcán Cotopaxi y vulnerabilidad en el Valle de Los Chillos (Ecuador)

Abstract

A survey on Cotopaxi volcano risk perception was conducted in 2007 in Los Chillos Valley located near Quito. The analysis focuses (1) on perception of volcanic hazards and its characteristics, (2) on perception of the most exposed areas to volcanic hazards and (3) risk perception in the place of residence. The survey results show a clear awareness of the existence of volcanic hazard. It also shows significant distortions between the scientists and population points of view on the most exposed areas. Given the uncertainties in volcanic risk, this type of research on risk perception is very useful in terms of prevention and population vulnerability reduction. Its objective is not to ensure that people have the same view that the scientists but to demonstrate the benefit of linking constructively the views of different actors.

Keywords

• uncertainty
• vulnerability
• crisis management
• Valle de Los Chillos
• Cotopaxi
• risk perception