Sismología ciudadana, una revelación de las crisis en Haití

Le 12 janvier 2010, Haïti fut frappé par l'une des plus grandes catastrophes sismiques connues à ce jour. Cette catastrophe s’inscrit dans une longue suite de crises qui affectent les Haïtiens, qu’elles soient d’origine naturelles (ouragans, séismes…) ou liées aux facteurs politiques et économiques (manifestations, appauvrissement…).A partir d’une approche de sismologie citoyenne, une équipe multidisciplinaire de sismo-sociologue a utilisé des capteurs sismiques à bas coût (Raspberry Shake, ou RS) placés chez des citoyens haïtiens afin de compléter le réseau sismique national et d’améliorer la perception des risques, le niveau de préparation et les connaissances scientifiques de la population. A travers ces objectifs, c’est en fait un changement de paradigme qui est visé, dans lequel les réseaux sismiques ne sont pas seulement composés de capteurs, mais aussi des citoyens et de scientifiques qui se rassemblent autour de ces outils et de leurs informations.Sont présentés ici les résultats d'une enquête qualitative auprès de 15 hébergeurs de sismomètres RS en Haïti. Des entretiens semi-directifs ont été menés pour en savoir plus sur leur expérience, évaluer leurs motivations, leurs difficultés et leurs attentes dans le cadre de cette démarche de sismologie citoyenne. Il a été constaté que les hébergeurs de RS ont exprimé leur fierté et leur intérêt à faire partie du réseau et à contribuer activement à la réduction des risques au sein de leur communauté. Certains d'entre eux ont fait état d'une forme d'autonomisation dans la mesure où ils pouvaient pallier la déficience de l'État, dont ils se méfient généralement. Ainsi, la combinaison entre l’approche des sismologues mais aussi l’analyse des sociologues à partir de la démarche de science citoyenne nous permet de comprendre des enjeux qui vont plus loin que ceux uniquement liés aux secousses sismiques. On conclura qu’une démarche de sismologie citoyenne est un moyen très pertinent pour comprendre l’environnement général d’une crise afin de mieux y répondre et de contribuer à réduire les risques : les RS deviennent des révélateurs d’enjeux majeurs dans la société haïtienne, au-delà des séismes.On January 12, 2010, Haiti was hit by one of the largest seismic disasters known to date. This disaster is part of a long series of crises that affect Haitians, whether natural (hurricanes, earthquakes ...) or related to political and economic factors (demonstrations, impoverishment ...).Using a citizen seismology approach, a multidisciplinary team of seismo-sociologists used low-cost seismic sensors (Raspberry Shake, or RS) placed in the homes of Haitian citizens in order to complete the national seismic network and improve the risk perception, the level of preparedness and the scientific knowledge of the population. Through these objectives, it is in fact a paradigm shift that is aimed at, in which seismic networks are not only composed of sensors, but also of citizens and scientists who gather around these tools and their information.Presented here are the results of a qualitative survey of 15 RS seismometer hosts in Haiti. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to learn more about their experience, to assess their motivations, their difficulties and expectations in this citizen seismology process. It was found that RS hosts expressed pride and interest in being part of the network and actively contributing to risk reduction in their community. Some of them reported a form of empowerment in that they could compensate for the deficiency of the state, which they generally distrust. Thus, the combination of the seismologists' approach and the sociologists' analysis based on the citizen science approach allows us to understand issues that go beyond those solely related to earthquakes. We conclude that a citizen seismology approach is a very relevant way to understand the general environment of a crisis in order to better respond to it and to contribute to risk reduction: RS become indicators of major issues in Haitian society, beyond earthquakes.Vers un réseau d'observation socio-sismologique multi-acteur pour la réduction du risque sismique en HaitiEl 12 de enero de 2010, Haití sufrió una de las mayores catástrofes sísmicas conocidas hasta la fecha. Esta catástrofe se inscribe en una larga serie de crisis que afectan a los haitianos, ya sean naturales (huracanes, terremotos, etc.) o vinculadas a factores políticos y económicos (manifestaciones, empobrecimiento, etc.).Mediante un enfoque de sismología ciudadana, un equipo multidisciplinar de sismólogos utilizó sensores sísmicos de bajo coste (Raspberry Shake, o RS) colocados en los hogares de los ciudadanos haitianos para completar la red sísmica nacional y mejorar la percepción del riesgo, el nivel de preparación y los conocimientos científicos de la población. A través de estos objetivos se pretende, de hecho, un cambio de paradigma en el que las redes sísmicas no estén compuestas únicamente por sensores, sino también por ciudadanos y científicos que se reúnan en torno a estas herramientas y su información.Se presentan aquí los resultados de una encuesta cualitativa de 15 anfitriones de sismómetros de RS en Haití. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas para conocer mejor su experiencia, motivaciones, dificultades y expectativas en el contexto de este proceso de sismología ciudadana. Se comprobó que los anfitriones de la RS expresaron su orgullo e interés por formar parte de la red y contribuir activamente a la reducción del riesgo en su comunidad. Algunos de ellos informaron de una forma de empoderamiento al poder compensar la deficiencia del Estado, del que generalmente desconfían. Así, la combinación del enfoque de los sismólogos y el análisis de los sociólogos basado en el enfoque de la ciencia ciudadana permite comprender cuestiones que van más allá de las relacionadas únicamente con los terremotos. Llegamos a la conclusión de que un enfoque de sismología ciudadana es una forma muy pertinente de comprender el entorno general de una crisis para responder mejor a ella y contribuir a la reducción de riesgos: las RS se convierten en indicadores de los principales problemas de la sociedad haitiana, más allá de los terremotos

Sismoloji sitwayen kòm demach pou revele kriz an Ayiti

International audienceOn January 12, 2010, Haiti was hit by one of the largest seismic disasters known to date. This disaster is part of a long series of crises that affect Haitians, whether natural (hurricanes, earthquakes ...) or related to political and economic factors (demonstrations, impoverishment ...).Using a citizen seismology approach, a multidisciplinary team of seismo-sociologists used low-cost seismic sensors (Raspberry Shake, or RS) placed in the homes of Haitian citizens in order to complete the national seismic network and improve the risk perception, the level of preparedness and the scientific knowledge of the population. Through these objectives, it is in fact a paradigm shift that is aimed at, in which seismic networks are not only composed of sensors, but also of citizens and scientists who gather around these tools and their information.Presented here are the results of a qualitative survey of 15 RS seismometer hosts in Haiti. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to learn more about their experience, to assess their motivations, their difficulties and expectations in this citizen seismology process. It was found that RS hosts expressed pride and interest in being part of the network and actively contributing to risk reduction in their community. Some of them reported a form of empowerment in that they could compensate for the deficiency of the state, which they generally distrust. Thus, the combination of the seismologists' approach and the sociologists' analysis based on the citizen science approach allows us to understand issues that go beyond those solely related to earthquakes. We conclude that a citizen seismology approach is a very relevant way to understand the general environment of a crisis in order to better respond to it and to contribute to risk reduction: RS become indicators of major issues in Haitian society, beyond earthquakes.El 12 de enero de 2010, Haití sufrió una de las mayores catástrofes sísmicas conocidas hasta la fecha. Esta catástrofe se inscribe en una larga serie de crisis que afectan a los haitianos, ya sean naturales (huracanes, terremotos, etc.) o vinculadas a factores políticos y económicos (manifestaciones, empobrecimiento, etc.).Mediante un enfoque de sismología ciudadana, un equipo multidisciplinar de sismólogos utilizó sensores sísmicos de bajo coste (Raspberry Shake, o RS) colocados en los hogares de los ciudadanos haitianos para completar la red sísmica nacional y mejorar la percepción del riesgo, el nivel de preparación y los conocimientos científicos de la población. A través de estos objetivos se pretende, de hecho, un cambio de paradigma en el que las redes sísmicas no estén compuestas únicamente por sensores, sino también por ciudadanos y científicos que se reúnan en torno a estas herramientas y su información.Se presentan aquí los resultados de una encuesta cualitativa de 15 anfitriones de sismómetros de RS en Haití. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas para conocer mejor su experiencia, motivaciones, dificultades y expectativas en el contexto de este proceso de sismología ciudadana. Se comprobó que los anfitriones de la RS expresaron su orgullo e interés por formar parte de la red y contribuir activamente a la reducción del riesgo en su comunidad. Algunos de ellos informaron de una forma de empoderamiento al poder compensar la deficiencia del Estado, del que generalmente desconfían. Así, la combinación del enfoque de los sismólogos y el análisis de los sociólogos basado en el enfoque de la ciencia ciudadana permite comprender cuestiones que van más allá de las relacionadas únicamente con los terremotos. Llegamos a la conclusión de que un enfoque de sismología ciudadana es una forma muy pertinente de comprender el entorno general de una crisis para responder mejor a ella y contribuir a la reducción de riesgos: las RS se convierten en indicadores de los principales problemas de la sociedad haitiana, más allá de los terremotos.Le 12 janvier 2010, Haïti fut frappé par l'une des plus grandes catastrophes sismiques connues à ce jour. Cette catastrophe s’inscrit dans une longue suite de crises qui affectent les Haïtiens, qu’elles soient d’origine naturelles (ouragans, séismes…) ou liées aux facteurs politiques et économiques (manifestations, appauvrissement…).A partir d’une approche de sismologie citoyenne, une équipe multidisciplinaire de sismo-sociologue a utilisé des capteurs sismiques à bas coût (Raspberry Shake, ou RS) placés chez des citoyens haïtiens afin de compléter le réseau sismique national et d’améliorer la perception des risques, le niveau de préparation et les connaissances scientifiques de la population. A travers ces objectifs, c’est en fait un changement de paradigme qui est visé, dans lequel les réseaux sismiques ne sont pas seulement composés de capteurs, mais aussi des citoyens et de scientifiques qui se rassemblent autour de ces outils et de leurs informations.Sont présentés ici les résultats d'une enquête qualitative auprès de 15 hébergeurs de sismomètres RS en Haïti. Des entretiens semi-directifs ont été menés pour en savoir plus sur leur expérience, évaluer leurs motivations, leurs difficultés et leurs attentes dans le cadre de cette démarche de sismologie citoyenne. Il a été constaté que les hébergeurs de RS ont exprimé leur fierté et leur intérêt à faire partie du réseau et à contribuer activement à la réduction des risques au sein de leur communauté. Certains d'entre eux ont fait état d'une forme d'autonomisation dans la mesure où ils pouvaient pallier la déficience de l'État, dont ils se méfient généralement. Ainsi, la combinaison entre l’approche des sismologues mais aussi l’analyse des sociologues à partir de la démarche de science citoyenne nous permet de comprendre des enjeux qui vont plus loin que ceux uniquement liés aux secousses sismiques. On conclura qu’une démarche de sismologie citoyenne est un moyen très pertinent pour comprendre l’environnement général d’une crise afin de mieux y répondre et de contribuer à réduire les risques : les RS deviennent des révélateurs d’enjeux majeurs dans la société haïtienne, au-delà des séismes.12 janvye 2010, youn nan pi gwo katastwòf sismik mond lan janm konnen frape Ayiti. Katastwòf sa ak kriz li pote a se youn pami anpil move moman peyi a pase, kit se kriz ki gen pou wè ak lanati, tankou siklòn, tranbleman tè, kit se kriz ki makònen avèk politik oubyen ekonomi tankou manifestasyon manch long oubyen apovrisman popilasyon an.Nan kad yon demach sismososyoloji sitwayèn, yon ekip chèchè milti-disiplinè ki genyen espesyalis franse ak ayisyen pran inisyativ enstale kèk kaptè sismik bon mache yo rele Raspberry Shake (RS) lakay kèk sitwayen konsekan. Inisyativ sa pèmèt yo amelyore kapasite rezo deteksyon nasyonal la avèk de sismograf pwofesyonèl epi amelyore fason sitwayen yo konprann risk sismik, nivo preparasyon yo ak konesans syantifik popilasyon an nan domèn nan. Atravè objektif sa yo, nou vize konstwi yon nouvo modèl paradigm oubyen modèl kote rezo sismik yo pa limite a sismograf, li enplike tou sitwayen avèk syantifik ki ap kolabore gras ak zouti teknik sa yo ak enfòmasyon yo yo pèmèt yo ranmase.Atik sila ap prezante rezilta yon ankèt kalitatif ki te fèt bò kote 15 sitwayen ki ebèje RS an Ayiti. Atravè antretyen semi-direktif, nou evalye motivasyon sitwayen sa yo, difikilte yo ansanm ak atant yo genyen nan kad eksperyans lan. Premye konsta montre sitwayen yo fyè dèske yo patisipe nan demach la epi yo montre yo enterese kontinye bay kontribisyon yo pou ede redui risk yo nan kominote yo a. Kèk nan yo kwè yo menm devlope yon fòm otonomi kote yo fè sa Leta te dwe fè, yon Leta yo pa toujou fè konfyans. Kon sa, konbinezon apwòch sismològ yo avèk analiz sosyològ yo, sou baz yon syans sitwayen, pèmèt nou konprann yon seri anje ki ale pi lwen pase sa ki gen pou wè ak sekous sismik yo abitye soulve. Pou n fini, n ap souliye yon demach sismoloji sitwayen enpòtan pou nou konprann anviwònman jeneral yon kriz. Sa dwe pèmèt entèvenan yo reponn defi ki poze yo pi byen, epi bay bon jan bourad nan redui risk yo sou teritwa a. Definitivman, RS yo tounen de enstriman ki devwale gwo anje nan sosyete ayisien an, pandan yo kontinye ba nou plis enfòmasyon sou sekous ki ap fè tè a tranble

Sismoloji sitwayen kòm demach pou revele kriz an Ayiti

International audienceOn January 12, 2010, Haiti was hit by one of the largest seismic disasters known to date. This disaster is part of a long series of crises that affect Haitians, whether natural (hurricanes, earthquakes ...) or related to political and economic factors (demonstrations, impoverishment ...).Using a citizen seismology approach, a multidisciplinary team of seismo-sociologists used low-cost seismic sensors (Raspberry Shake, or RS) placed in the homes of Haitian citizens in order to complete the national seismic network and improve the risk perception, the level of preparedness and the scientific knowledge of the population. Through these objectives, it is in fact a paradigm shift that is aimed at, in which seismic networks are not only composed of sensors, but also of citizens and scientists who gather around these tools and their information.Presented here are the results of a qualitative survey of 15 RS seismometer hosts in Haiti. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to learn more about their experience, to assess their motivations, their difficulties and expectations in this citizen seismology process. It was found that RS hosts expressed pride and interest in being part of the network and actively contributing to risk reduction in their community. Some of them reported a form of empowerment in that they could compensate for the deficiency of the state, which they generally distrust. Thus, the combination of the seismologists' approach and the sociologists' analysis based on the citizen science approach allows us to understand issues that go beyond those solely related to earthquakes. We conclude that a citizen seismology approach is a very relevant way to understand the general environment of a crisis in order to better respond to it and to contribute to risk reduction: RS become indicators of major issues in Haitian society, beyond earthquakes.El 12 de enero de 2010, Haití sufrió una de las mayores catástrofes sísmicas conocidas hasta la fecha. Esta catástrofe se inscribe en una larga serie de crisis que afectan a los haitianos, ya sean naturales (huracanes, terremotos, etc.) o vinculadas a factores políticos y económicos (manifestaciones, empobrecimiento, etc.).Mediante un enfoque de sismología ciudadana, un equipo multidisciplinar de sismólogos utilizó sensores sísmicos de bajo coste (Raspberry Shake, o RS) colocados en los hogares de los ciudadanos haitianos para completar la red sísmica nacional y mejorar la percepción del riesgo, el nivel de preparación y los conocimientos científicos de la población. A través de estos objetivos se pretende, de hecho, un cambio de paradigma en el que las redes sísmicas no estén compuestas únicamente por sensores, sino también por ciudadanos y científicos que se reúnan en torno a estas herramientas y su información.Se presentan aquí los resultados de una encuesta cualitativa de 15 anfitriones de sismómetros de RS en Haití. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas para conocer mejor su experiencia, motivaciones, dificultades y expectativas en el contexto de este proceso de sismología ciudadana. Se comprobó que los anfitriones de la RS expresaron su orgullo e interés por formar parte de la red y contribuir activamente a la reducción del riesgo en su comunidad. Algunos de ellos informaron de una forma de empoderamiento al poder compensar la deficiencia del Estado, del que generalmente desconfían. Así, la combinación del enfoque de los sismólogos y el análisis de los sociólogos basado en el enfoque de la ciencia ciudadana permite comprender cuestiones que van más allá de las relacionadas únicamente con los terremotos. Llegamos a la conclusión de que un enfoque de sismología ciudadana es una forma muy pertinente de comprender el entorno general de una crisis para responder mejor a ella y contribuir a la reducción de riesgos: las RS se convierten en indicadores de los principales problemas de la sociedad haitiana, más allá de los terremotos.Le 12 janvier 2010, Haïti fut frappé par l'une des plus grandes catastrophes sismiques connues à ce jour. Cette catastrophe s’inscrit dans une longue suite de crises qui affectent les Haïtiens, qu’elles soient d’origine naturelles (ouragans, séismes…) ou liées aux facteurs politiques et économiques (manifestations, appauvrissement…).A partir d’une approche de sismologie citoyenne, une équipe multidisciplinaire de sismo-sociologue a utilisé des capteurs sismiques à bas coût (Raspberry Shake, ou RS) placés chez des citoyens haïtiens afin de compléter le réseau sismique national et d’améliorer la perception des risques, le niveau de préparation et les connaissances scientifiques de la population. A travers ces objectifs, c’est en fait un changement de paradigme qui est visé, dans lequel les réseaux sismiques ne sont pas seulement composés de capteurs, mais aussi des citoyens et de scientifiques qui se rassemblent autour de ces outils et de leurs informations.Sont présentés ici les résultats d'une enquête qualitative auprès de 15 hébergeurs de sismomètres RS en Haïti. Des entretiens semi-directifs ont été menés pour en savoir plus sur leur expérience, évaluer leurs motivations, leurs difficultés et leurs attentes dans le cadre de cette démarche de sismologie citoyenne. Il a été constaté que les hébergeurs de RS ont exprimé leur fierté et leur intérêt à faire partie du réseau et à contribuer activement à la réduction des risques au sein de leur communauté. Certains d'entre eux ont fait état d'une forme d'autonomisation dans la mesure où ils pouvaient pallier la déficience de l'État, dont ils se méfient généralement. Ainsi, la combinaison entre l’approche des sismologues mais aussi l’analyse des sociologues à partir de la démarche de science citoyenne nous permet de comprendre des enjeux qui vont plus loin que ceux uniquement liés aux secousses sismiques. On conclura qu’une démarche de sismologie citoyenne est un moyen très pertinent pour comprendre l’environnement général d’une crise afin de mieux y répondre et de contribuer à réduire les risques : les RS deviennent des révélateurs d’enjeux majeurs dans la société haïtienne, au-delà des séismes.12 janvye 2010, youn nan pi gwo katastwòf sismik mond lan janm konnen frape Ayiti. Katastwòf sa ak kriz li pote a se youn pami anpil move moman peyi a pase, kit se kriz ki gen pou wè ak lanati, tankou siklòn, tranbleman tè, kit se kriz ki makònen avèk politik oubyen ekonomi tankou manifestasyon manch long oubyen apovrisman popilasyon an.Nan kad yon demach sismososyoloji sitwayèn, yon ekip chèchè milti-disiplinè ki genyen espesyalis franse ak ayisyen pran inisyativ enstale kèk kaptè sismik bon mache yo rele Raspberry Shake (RS) lakay kèk sitwayen konsekan. Inisyativ sa pèmèt yo amelyore kapasite rezo deteksyon nasyonal la avèk de sismograf pwofesyonèl epi amelyore fason sitwayen yo konprann risk sismik, nivo preparasyon yo ak konesans syantifik popilasyon an nan domèn nan. Atravè objektif sa yo, nou vize konstwi yon nouvo modèl paradigm oubyen modèl kote rezo sismik yo pa limite a sismograf, li enplike tou sitwayen avèk syantifik ki ap kolabore gras ak zouti teknik sa yo ak enfòmasyon yo yo pèmèt yo ranmase.Atik sila ap prezante rezilta yon ankèt kalitatif ki te fèt bò kote 15 sitwayen ki ebèje RS an Ayiti. Atravè antretyen semi-direktif, nou evalye motivasyon sitwayen sa yo, difikilte yo ansanm ak atant yo genyen nan kad eksperyans lan. Premye konsta montre sitwayen yo fyè dèske yo patisipe nan demach la epi yo montre yo enterese kontinye bay kontribisyon yo pou ede redui risk yo nan kominote yo a. Kèk nan yo kwè yo menm devlope yon fòm otonomi kote yo fè sa Leta te dwe fè, yon Leta yo pa toujou fè konfyans. Kon sa, konbinezon apwòch sismològ yo avèk analiz sosyològ yo, sou baz yon syans sitwayen, pèmèt nou konprann yon seri anje ki ale pi lwen pase sa ki gen pou wè ak sekous sismik yo abitye soulve. Pou n fini, n ap souliye yon demach sismoloji sitwayen enpòtan pou nou konprann anviwònman jeneral yon kriz. Sa dwe pèmèt entèvenan yo reponn defi ki poze yo pi byen, epi bay bon jan bourad nan redui risk yo sou teritwa a. Definitivman, RS yo tounen de enstriman ki devwale gwo anje nan sosyete ayisien an, pandan yo kontinye ba nou plis enfòmasyon sou sekous ki ap fè tè a tranble

From a Seismological Network to a Socio- Seismological One: A Citizen Science Experiment in Haïti to Reduce Seismic Risk: Analysis of a “Small Box” that Can Do a Lot

International audienceOn January 12, 2010, Haiti was hit by one of the largest seismic disasters known to date. At the time, the culture and perception of seismic risk was low among the population and– because of the lack of seismic sensors in Haiti –—so was seismological knowledge. In a citizen seismology approach, the S2RHAI project used low-cost seismic sensors (Raspberry Shake) to (1) complement the national seismic network and (2) to improve risk perception, preparedness, and scientific knowledge of the population. Through these objectives, we introduce a paradigm shift in which seismic networks are not only composed of sensors, but also of citizens who gather around these tools and the information they produce. We present here the results of a qualitative survey of 15 Raspberry Shake (RS) seismometer hosts in Haiti. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to learn about users’ experience to assess their motivations, difficulties, and expectations in this citizen seismology process. We found that RS hosts expressed pride and interest in being part of the RS network and actively contributing to risk reduction in their community. Some of them reported a form of empowerment in that they could compensate for the deficiency of the state, which they generally distrust. However, the RS hosts also expressed the need for more technical and scientific support from scientists. Also, few of them engaged in mediation activities or discussions with their community members, partly because they feared that this would awaken the trauma caused by the earthquake of 12 January, 2010. This allowed us to list concrete actions to (1) improve the seismic information system, (2) better integrate the volunteers into the network, (3) enrich the collaboration between citizens and seismologists, and (4) accompany them in their role as ambassadors to their community. We conclude that understanding the motivations, obstacles, and expectations of volunteers is essential to increase the chances of sustainability of this citizen seismology project

L'etat et la Mediterranee

SIGLECNRS AR 13064 / INIST-CNRS - Institut de l'Information Scientifique et TechniqueFRFranc

Building an efficient and inclusive communication strategy for risk reduction in Haiti through a citizen-seismology approach

International audienceOn January 12th 2010, Haiti was hit by one of the largest seismic disasters known to date. At the time, seismic sensors, knowledge and risk culture were critically lacking. The dramatic social, political and economic consequences of the event revealed the importance of developing seismic risk reduction in Haiti. We present here the communication components of a citizen-seismology project in Haiti.. The project called OSMOSE propose to contribute to risk reduction by in installing low-cost seismic sensors (Raspberry Shake) at volunteers' houses to (1) collect seismic data and complement the national seismic network, and (2) engage with the population to understand their risk perception and the usage they could make of these tools. An international team of geoscientists, education specialists and social science researchers gathered to build an efficient communication strategy, which aimed at (1) informing the public about seismic risk and felt earthquakes, (2) establish a trust relationship with volunteers who host sensors, educate them about science and risk, (3) support the volunteers in their ambassador roles among their community. In order to establish a communication strategy that was inclusive and suitable to the local cultural context (including scientific literacy level, vodou culture, risk culture, past trauma, trust in the authorities etc), we first led a quantitative survey among the general public and a series of sociological semi-structured interviews with Raspberry Shake hosts who volunteered for the project. This enabled us to assess information expectations in terms of content and medium. Working with geoscientists, we then designed a first set of tools to respond to these needs, when possible. For instance, a website (https://ayiti.unice.fr/ayiti-seismes/) enables the public to know in a few minutes where an earthquake occurs and what its magnitude is, thanks to seismic data collected by the citizen network. It also displays educational information about seismology. The LastQuake app which crowdsources seismic data was translated into Creole for better access in the country. Finally, a WhatsApp group gathering volunteers and scientists has also been created given the importance of the messaging app in daily communication and information practices in Haiti. The group enables them to exchange information about the technical and scientific aspects of the Raspberry Shake they host and data they collect. During the August 14th 2021 earthquake, the group was used to share information about damage and rumors. Yet, this communication strategy is still incomplete and requires improvements. For instance, volunteers requested pedagogical support to better play their ambassador role among their community. Communication towards the general public also needs to gain visibility and accessibility. As part of an iterative process, additional interviews and assessment will help us improve the communication strategy. We will also include additional partners (such as schools, disaster management institutions, etc.) and test other methods such as a Virtual Reality tool. We argue not only that assessing the public needs is essential to build an inclusive and efficient communication strategy but also that the citizen-science approach is a strong asset to achieve this goal

A Socio-Seismology Experiment in Haiti

International audienceEarthquake risk reduction approaches classically apply a top-down model where scientific information is processed to deliver risk mitigation measures and policies understandable by all, while shielding end-users from the initial, possibly complex, information. Alternative community-based models exist but are rarely applied at a large scale and rely on valuable, but non-scientific, observations and experiences of local populations. In spite of risk reduction efforts based on both approaches, changes in behaviour or policies to reduce earthquake risk are slow or even non-existent, in particular in developing countries. Here we report on the initial stage of a project that aims at testing, through a participatory seismology experiment in Haiti—a country struck by a devastating earthquake in January 2010—whether public or community involvement through the production and usage of seismic information can improve earthquake awareness and, perhaps, induce grassroots protection initiatives. This experiment is made possible by the recent launch of very low-cost, plug-and-play, Raspberry Shake seismological stations, the relative ease of access to the internet even in developing countries such as Haiti, and the familiarity of all with social networks as a way to disseminate information. Our early findings indicate that 1) the seismic data collected is of sufficient quality for real-time detection and characterization of the regional seismicity, 2) citizens are in demand of earthquake information and trust scientists, even though they appear to see earthquakes through the double lens of tectonics and magic/religion, 3) the motivation of seismic station hosts has allowed data to flow without interruption for more than a year, including through a major political crisis in the Fall of 2019 and the current COVID19 situation. At this early stage of the project, our observations indicate that citizen-seismology in a development context has potential to engage the public while collecting scientifically-relevant seismological informatio