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Raising Natech Risk Awareness Using a Serious Gaming Approach in Colombia〇Lina Maria PARRA-ORDUZ, Ana Maria CRUZ

Introduction

based on a collaborative and experience-based learning

Raising risk awareness and risk communication

approach. The game was implemented during several

among stakeholders is still an issue to be addressed toworkshops conducted in Colombia. This study isdevelop and implement effective risk reduction

expected to later contribute to the improvement of risk

measures (OECD, 2015).

reduction measures and the development of inputs for

Past studies have shownthat there is little or even no information provided torisk management policies.

the local communities regarding natural and chemical

Past studies

hazards and risks (Kinoshita et al., 2014) and Natechs

Previous work by (Tzioutzios, 2022), aimed at the(i.e. Natech' - Natural hazard -triggered technologicaldesign and testing of a serious game to promote

accidents) (Yu et al., 2017). It has been identified that

information sharing and awareness raising, using asometimes industry limits the information access to

non-traditional approach. The name of the serious gameother stakeholders (Tzioutzios, 2022), such as

is EGNARIA.

government entities and citizens. This can result inTo evaluate the impact of the game, Tzioutzios

adverse effects, such as a negative impact on risk

developed a survey based on the Situational Theory

awareness, and less disaster prevention measures andof Problem Solving (STOPS) (Jeong-Nam Kim &preparedness planning for these events (Mohammad,James E. Grunig, 2011). STOPS attempts to model how2019).

individuals communicate during a situation that

The aim of the study is to understand how risk

requires problem solving and the factors that drive theirawareness can be raised and which factors may affectmotivation to do so.

it, we studied interactions among stakeholders. TheMethodology

study was carried out using a serious game approach.

The

study

wasconductedthroughtheThe serios game, proposed by (Tzioutzios, 2022)

implementation of 8 gaming workshops in 4

promotes dialogue among stakeholders and their

Colombian cities, involving 71 individuals fromparticipation in decision-making processes concerning

different groups of stakeholders. Representatives fromnatural and Natech disasters under high uncertainty andnational, regional and local government entities,often incomplete information. The serious game isindustry

Figure 1. Methodological steps for this study. Source: the authors.

andcommunities

participatedintheworkshops. The survey based on STOPS, describedcommunication channels might be stablished among

above, was conducted before (Step 1) and after (Step 3)

the stakeholders.

the gaming sessions (Step 2) and the data collected

Referencesfrom all the workshops were analyzed at a later stage.
The followed 4 steps are described in Figure 1.

Jeong-Nam Kim & James E. Grunig. (2011). ProblemSolving

andCommunicative Action: A

Results

Situational Theory of Problem Solving.

After conducting the workshops and performing theJournal of Communication, 61(1), 120–149.

analysis of the data, we were able to identify, thathttps://doi.org//doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-

female participants and those with higher education

2466.2010.01529.x

levels, showed and increased risk awareness. When
comparing

among

thedifferent

Kinoshita, T., Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University,

stakeholder’s

31-17 Kotakeyabu-cho, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-perspectives those related to the national governmentku, Kyoto 606-0967, Japan, & Fellow,entities and industry indicated higher risk awareness.

International Institute for Advanced Studies.

The analysis provided insights on the impacts of the(2014). Short History of Risk Communication

game on Natech risk awareness considering theirin Japan. Journal of Disaster Research, 9(sp),different profiles based on their actual roles, previous

592–597.

experiences, age, education, and gender. Our analysis

https://doi.org/10.20965/jdr.2014.p0592

supports that the gaming experience and the direction

Mohammad, L. R. (2019). Risk Perception andof the discussion was highly influenced by theAwareness about Earthquake among Residents

participant’s backgrounds and past experiences.

inDhaka.

KyotoUniversity.

The experience for the workshops demonstrated thehttps://doi.org/10.14989/doctor.k22105

suitability of the game to promote the dialogue between

OECD. (2015). Addendum Number 2 to the OECDdifferent actors in a territory. Furthermore, it exposed

Guiding Principles for Chemical Accident

how the workshops helped each of the involved

Prevention for Chemical Accident Prevention,

stakeholders to better understand their real-life role inPreparedness and Response (2nd Edition) To

Natech risk management, considering the national

Adressregulations in place in Colombia.

Technological Accidents (NaTech).

By studying the workshop discussion recordings, itTzioutzios, D.

NaturalHazards

Triggering(2022). Exploring Natech Risk

was identified that the game is seen as a valuable toolCommunicationfor

Participatory

to increase risk awareness and the participants

Management:

Understanding

expressed their desire for this game to be available as acommunicative

behaviour

tool for their communities. In addition, valuable

comparative study and a serious gameinsights were offered to improve both the game and theTZIOUTZIOS

survey, to better serve as a useful tool.

University.

DimitriosRisk

citizens’

through2022.

aKyotoOverall, our findings can serve as an initial input toYu, J., Cruz, A. M., & Hokugo, A. (2017). Households’

improve the decision-making process and making theRisk Perception and Behavioral Responses toimplementation of risk reduction measures more

Natech Accidents. International Journal ofeffective, leading to an improved Natech risk

Disastermanagement process. Further analysis of the data ishttps://doi.org/10.1007/s13753-017-0116-y

expected to help to better understand how theRisk

Science,8(1),1–15.