Mapping Community Vulnerability and Resilience: Insights from Participatory Risk Assessment

In crisis management processes, the importance of the safety and resilience of communities is increasingly emphasized. The resilience of local communities is determined both by elements of spatial vulnerability related to physical location and by socio-psychological factors. Therefore, in order to strengthen the capacity of responding to crises, it is important to understand the distribution of different risks and the subjective perception of the local population about the threats specific to their residential area. For this purpose, the study 'Socio-spatial determinants of societal vulnerability and resilience to crises and strengthening the crisis response potential of communities (SERENITY)' is being conducted in two local communities in Lithuania, located in different geographical areas of complex risks. The research employs the method of participatory mapping, during which participants work with a map representing their geographical area. This method allows for a thorough examination of the local context, environmental nuances, and the knowledge and experience of local residents. During the oral presentation, the results of the research on the communities' spatial perception of risks, the level of vulnerability and the barriers to responding to potential crises will be presented.