The communities very much welcomed this book, “they told us that it would be a very useful tool to increase the knowledge with more residents in their municipal areas. We wanted people to know why Galeras is a volcanic complex, and to be able to identify, for example, which of the five volcanoes helped shape the soil they live on,” says Villamil.
On her behalf,Luisa Acosta,a geoscientist who also participated in the preparation of the map and the book,emphasizes this point. it includes the definition of certain concepts that help communities better understand the importance of geological mapsas well as the processes that allow the origin and evolution of volcanoes. “What we wanted was to put all this knowledge at the service of people. As a team we have a scientific and social responsibility to return the knowledge they give us to the territories, but beyond that, we see the need for people to take ownership of this knowledge.”
Another attempt to disseminate the new geological map of the Galeras volcanic complex
In addition to the informative efforts in the territory, Indira Zuluaga, a geologist from the Geology of Volcanoes team, held a virtual talk for the public (November 19) to explain the events that showed the evolution of the galeras volcanic complex. —emphasizing the type of phenomena such as lava flows, pyroclastic flows and pyroclastic falls, which gave rise to the deposits in this complex—what were the characteristics of the volcanoes of the complex and how the new geological map is interpreted.
The slopes visible from the city of Pasto do not, as is believed, belong to Galeras, but are the result of the activity of Urcunina<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: roboto, sans-serif;available here.
How does Luisa Acosta envision the future of community education in geoscience?
Time.news Interview with Luisa Acosta,Geoscientist
Editor: Welcome,Luisa Acosta! It’s a pleasure to have you here. You’ve been involved in an exciting project that merges geology with community education. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the book and map you’ve worked on regarding the Galeras volcanic complex?
Luisa Acosta: Thank you for having me! The inspiration really stemmed from our desire to empower local communities. We found that many residents were eager to learn about the geological context of the Galeras region—specifically, how the volcanic activity has shaped their land and lives. We aimed to create a resource that not only educates them about geology but also fosters a deeper connection to their environment.
Editor: That sounds incredibly impactful! How did the community respond to the book and map once they were introduced?
Luisa Acosta: The response was overwhelmingly positive. Community members expressed that the book serves as an essential tool. They appreciated learning which specific volcanoes contributed to the soil in their area, allowing them to understand better their agricultural practices and land use. The feedback we received reinforced that our efforts were well-received and needed.
Editor: It’s interesting to see that connection between geology and daily life. You mentioned that the book includes definitions and concepts that help demystify geological processes. Can you elaborate on some of thes concepts and their importance?
luisa Acosta: Absolutely! We focused on defining key geological concepts like volcanic eruptions,soil formation,and the lifecycle of volcanoes. Understanding these processes is vital for residents, not only for education but also for safety and preparedness. When communities know the risks associated with living near a volcano and understand the geological context,they can make more informed decisions about their lives and land.
Editor: It’s clear that you see a strong obligation to return knowledge to the communities. Could you share more about how you envision this knowledge affecting their daily lives?
Luisa Acosta: Certainly. Our goal was to translate scientific knowledge into practical insights. Such as, if a community understands how their soil was formed, they can optimize their agricultural practices, be more resilient to potential hazards, and even make better land-use decisions. This empowerment through knowledge is crucial for fostering sustainable development in the region.
Editor: That’s a powerful vision, Luisa. What do you believe are the next steps for community education in geoscience beyond this project?
Luisa Acosta: Moving forward, I think it’s essential to continue fostering partnerships between scientists and local communities. We need more workshops, field trips, and interactive sessions that can engage residents beyond the written page. Additionally, integrating local youth into these discussions is vital, as they can be the future advocates for geological understanding and environmental stewardship.
Editor: Such an important focus! Before we wrap up, can you tell us what motivates you personally in your work as a geoscientist?
Luisa Acosta: I’m deeply motivated by the idea that knowledge can empower people. When individuals grasp the science behind their surroundings,it leads to greater agency over their lives and ensures they can navigate the challenges posed by natural phenomena like volcanic activity. Seeing communities grow in confidence and understanding makes the work incredibly fulfilling.
Editor: Thank you, Luisa, for sharing your insights and passion with us today. Your work is clearly making a significant impact on the Galeras communities!
Luisa Acosta: Thank you! it’s my pleasure to share our journey, and I hope it inspires others to bridge the gap between science and community engagement.