MAPS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND DISSEMINATION OF GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS FOUND AND MAPPED IN AREQUIPA, PERU

Since 2019, the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado and the National University of San Agustin (UNSA) in Arequipa, Peru, have conducted joint research on one of the most important social and environmental problems that faces southern Peru: how to manage the use of natural resources in a way that is sustainable, supports local economies and minimizes environmental impacts.

With the growth of mining in the region, there is significant in-migration and land use pressure that increase exposure to geologic hazards both for mining infrastructure and for the local population. Therefore, we have developed geologic hazard maps for most of the communities in the region, dedicating significant effort to producing documents that incorporate local knowledge and display results in formats accessible to non-scientists. In 2024, we published a book that contains all these maps with clear and simple descriptions targeted to a public audience and as an easy management tool to reduce exposure to hazards. The book is in a large format that makes it easy to manipulate and handle.

The book includes analysis of various hazards including rockfall, folding soil, debris flow, flood risk, slope erosion risk, landslide, liquefaction after earthquakes and important geological information. Chapters focus on identifying and distinguishing between the various hazards, triggering factors, specific dangers posed by each hazard, and options for mitigation and management that are reasonable for the socioeconomic limitations of the area. Maps also indicate the changing exposure to hazards over time as the community populations have increased due to influx of mine workers. While science can provide valuable information, it may not be entirely accessible to the local population most in need of the results. The design, printing and distribution of this book seeks to solve this gap in communication.