Publications
Lava flow hazard map of Piton de la Fournaise volcano
Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active basaltic shield volcanoes on La Réunion island, poses significant lava flow hazards, particularly outside its uninhabited Enclos caldera. A new study presents an up-to-date lava flow hazard map for the volcano, highlighting that while the majority of eruptions (95%) occur within the Enclos—visited by over 100,000 people annually—the probability of future lava flows remains low (< 0.1%) in inhabited areas outside this region. The map, based on vent distribution, recurrence times, lava flow statistics, and simulations using the DOWNFLOW model, indicates up to 12% inundation probability within the Enclos but only 0.5% along active rift zones outside it. However, the study acknowledges potential underestimation due to limited historical records and suggests that atypical large-volume eruptions could pose greater risks than currently modeled. Regular updates of digital elevation models (DEMs) are recommended to maintain accurate hazard assessments for land use planning and risk mitigation.
Tourism in the Fond Gens Libre Indigenous community in Saint Lucia
Fond Gens Libre, an indigenous community nestled at the foot of Saint Lucia's UNESCO-listed Pitons Management Area (PMA), faces significant challenges in poverty and limited livelihood opportunities despite its strategic location. This study highlights the community's historical significance as a descendant settlement of the Brigands since the 1700s, yet underscores its economic vulnerabilities within one of the Caribbean's few natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The research employs qualitative methods to explore tourism's potential role in addressing these challenges, offering insights into sustainable ethnodevelopment strategies for remote, culturally rich communities.
The politics of world heritage: a case study of the Pitons Management Area, St Lucia
The Pitons Management Area (PMA) in St. Lucia, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces persistent challenges balancing conservation and development. A study analyzing media discourse revealed that while the inscription heightened the site's profile, political factors have overshadowed opportunities for sustainable management. The research, using content analysis of two leading newspapers, found a focus on addressing problems rather than leveraging benefits from the inscription. This highlights the primacy of politics in heritage management, with development quandaries persisting since the site's designation.
World Heritage hot spots: a global model identifies the 16 natural heritage properties on the World Heritage List most at risk from climate change
A global model identifies 16 natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites most at risk from climate change, including islands, coastal properties, and mountainous regions. These sites, assessed using the World Heritage Vulnerability Index (WHVI), are likely to experience significant climactic changes within the next 40 years, potentially threatening their World Heritage status. The model integrates multi-model general circulation model ensembles, vulnerability assessments, and Human Influence Index (HII). Among the high-risk sites are the Pitons Management Area, Vallée de Mai, Aldabra, East Rennell, Teide, Laurisilva of Madeira, Isole Eloie, Morne Trois Pitons, Galapagos Islands, Everglades, Desembarco del Granma, High Coast and Kvarken Archipelago, Doñana, Brazilian Atlantic Islands, Ichkeul, and the Sunderbans. The study highlights adaptive strategies for proactive climate change adaptation in these vulnerable properties.
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