Integral risk management (IRM) consists of all the measures used to address natural hazards. Two important pillars of IRM are risk perception in the population and efficient communication between the various actors that deal with risk. To manage natural hazards successfully, we need to understand what influences risk perception and how to communicate those risks and potential mitigation measures.

In this context, RiKoST, a project financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the frame of the Interreg V-A Italy-Austria 2014-2020 Program, aims at improved, target-group-oriented risk communication by means of tailored risk communication strategies and tools.

As one of three partners alongside the Agency for Civil Protection of Bolzano – South Tyrol (Lead Partner) and the Regional Government of Carinthia (Austria), Eurac Research has a role in all work packages:

-        Status quo analysis

-        Surveys on risk perception and risk communication

-        Development and implementation of an IT-based interactive platform on natural hazards

-        Training courses and awareness campaigns

RiKoST supports the improvement of risk communication and risk awareness in border regions of South Tyrol and Carinthia and authorities in the development and implementation of risk communication strategies. Within RiKoST, particular importance will be given to the presence of multilingualism, vulnerable population groups and socio-cultural aspects. The continuous exchange of information with existing initiatives such as the EUSALP Action Group 8 and the Alpine Convention platform for natural hazards PLANALP will ensure a multiplication of results and their use beyond the project’s lifetime.

Contact person: Lydia Pedoth (lydia.pedoth@eurac.edu)