From seismic signals to community action: ten years of the Vigías network at Chiles–Cerro Negro volcanic complex

The Chiles-Cerro Negro volcanic complex (CCNVC), located on the Ecuador-Colombia border, has exhibited persistent seismic unrest since 2014. This activity has significantly impacted the nearby community of Tufiño, increasing both concern and interest in volcanic hazards. In response, the Instituto Geofísico de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN) developed a participatory monitoring and risk communication strategy inspired by the successful Vigías (community volcano observers, or “watchmen”) program implemented during Tungurahua’s prolonged eruption (1999 – 2018). Motivated by the period of increased seismicity at Chiles–Cerro Negro, this study documents the decade-long (2014–2024) co-creation of a Vigía network in Tufiño, examining how collaborative engagement between scientists, local authorities, and community members enhances volcanic risk preparedness. Through iterative workshops, interviews, and surveys, the program trained residents to systematically record and report volcanic phenomena while integrating local knowledge with technical monitoring. The Vigías became vital actors in early warnings, fostering trust and bidirectional communication between stakeholders. To understand the long-term impact of the Vigias network, we evaluated with specific interventions in 2015 and 2024. Key findings demonstrate that this participatory approach strengthened community resilience by: (1) improving hazard awareness and response capacity, (2) establishing reliable communication channels between scientists and at-risk populations, and (3) creating a sustainable framework for citizen science in volcanic monitoring. This article not only recounts the activities undertaken but also serves as an evaluation of the entire process. Despite its successes, the initiative faces challenges, notably maintaining volunteer engagement in the absence of an eruption. Nevertheless, the Vigías network remains an active component of the CCNVC communication strategy, underscoring the importance of sustained cooperation between scientific institutions, local authorities, and communities. The CCNVC case study provides a transferable model for volcanic risk reduction, emphasizing that community-scientist partnerships are not merely supplementary but foundational to effective disaster risk management. This partnership approach offers a replicable model for fostering resilience and preparedness in regions exposed to volcanic hazards. Lessons from this initiative highlight the critical role of local knowledge, the importance of institutional commitment, and the value of pre-crisis relationship-building in volcanic regions worldwide.