Sonar Cities - Social sciences participatory research action in risk management for disasters and health emergencies in Europe’s cities

Duration: Dec 2024 - Nov 2027

Background

Disasters, including health emergencies, pose enormous strains on response capacities of cities, countries, and the European Union, compounding existing climatic, political, economic, and social challenges. The risks and consequences of these emergencies reduce the health and well-being of Europe’s inhabitants. But their burdens are not evenly shouldered across all populations. Cities face huge challenges in preparing for and responding to disasters: urban publics not only suffer higher morbidity and mortality during such emergencies but resulting instability and response measures can exacerbate social and health inequalities. Vulnerable urban inhabitants are at risk during such crises for exclusion and heightened health consequences. With lower access to health information, resources, care and support, they tend to experience higher mortality and morbidity and longer-term reductions in health. 

Objective

The goal of Sonar-Cities is to render Europe’s cities more resilient in health emergencies and disasters through the co-creation and implementation of a community-based, adapted toolset for people facing vulnerabilities, first responders, and decisionmakers. By strengthening inclusivity in risk management, we will enhance preparedness and reduce risks posed by these emergencies. 

Activities

Sonar-Cities will analyse One Health factors and consequences of past emergencies in six European cities, notably from the perspectives of people experiencing vulnerabilities: Groningen (Netherlands), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Udine (Italy), Vienna (Austria), Zagreb (Croatia), and Stockholm (Sweden). Centred around local Co-Creation Stakeholder Boards (CSBs), created in each of the six pilot cities, collected materials and analyses will be used to co-create a Citizen-Centered Toolset, together with publics at risk, first responders, and authorities. The toolset, coupled with its development process, seeks to generate inclusive preparedness, improve health literacy and crisis communication, strengthen capacity and decision-making, and reduce risks of disasters/health emergencies in European cities. Sonar-Cities will disseminate the toolset through an interactive Knowledge Platform and offer a Social Sciences Emergency Support Network for authorities seeking social sciences assistance during health emergencies and disasters.