Page 44 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

Introduction 21

Figure 1.5 Japanese risk maps are for everybody, although only a small number of maps have been translated into other
languages to date

Note: The maps and booklets are very colourful, which is not necessary. Simple fact sheets following a generic template and containing essential
information including emergency phone numbers, danger zones, escape routes, shelter locations and collecting points, which could largely be based on
pictograms for easy visual recognition may be a solution to the lack of information in many volcanic areas (Erfurt-Cooper, 2007a,b; 2008a,b ; Erfurt-
Cooper and Heggie, 2008; Erfurt-Cooper, 2009a).

In this situation of individual risk management the millions of annual visitors in active volcanic
the Internet presently offers local communities and geothermal environments. Leonard et al
and the general public (usually tourists or potential (2008) are among the very few scientists including
tourists) a range of information for health and in their research findings transient populations
safety around volcanoes; however, this is only such as tourists (in popular skiing areas such as
useful if people are actually looking for information the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand).
and advice. Both the US Geological Survey and Risk management assessments are valuable
IAVCEI have recommendations for safety in case contributions towards adapting existing general
of a volcanic disaster, but these are mainly warning systems and emergency management
developed for scientists and local residents. Aramaki models for the use of the temporary visitors of any
et al (1994) developed recommendations for volcanic region. If people realize that they may be
scientists working on volcanoes, and the public vulnerable in active environments they are more
living in the vicinity of active mountains; likely to undertake protective measures (Johnston
temporary visitors such as tourists are not et al, 1999).
mentioned. What’s more, these guidelines were Existing guidelines need to be adapted for and
developed 15 years ago and it may now be the made available to temporary visitors, as they do
right time to review such previous safety not have access to the same information as the
recommendations and make some provision for local population. While residents may not be in

Ch01.indd 21 3/28/2010 1:26:19 PM