Risk mapping

Risk mapping is a participatory tool used to identify, analyze, and visualize risks associated with a territory, community, organization, or project. This method helps to understand threats and vulnerabilities in a specific context, enabling the planning of strategies to prevent, mitigate, or respond to those risks.

Preparation

1. Define the scope: Determine which types of risks will be analyzed (e.g., environmental, social, economic, safety-related).
2. Select the area or theme: Decide on the specific space or context to be mapped (e.g., a neighborhood, a school, a project).
3. Gather materials: Prepare base maps (if available), large sheets of paper, markers, sticky notes, and digital tools if the exercise will be conducted online.
4. Choose participants: Invite people familiar with the context, such as local residents, community members, or professionals involved in the project.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Introduction to the exercise
   • Explain the purpose of risk mapping and how it can benefit the group or community.
   • Clearly define what is meant by risk, threat, and vulnerability.
2. Prepare the base map
   • If maps are available, use them as a base to highlight relevant areas and points.
   • If maps are unavailable, draw a rough sketch of the area of interest (this could be a neighborhood, building, or territory).
3. Identify risks
   • Facilitate a brainstorming session for participants to identify the risks present in the area or context.
   • Sample guiding questions:
     • What situations pose a danger in this area?
     • What factors could cause harm or negatively impact the area?
   • Write the risks on sticky notes or directly onto the map.
4. Locate risks on the map
   • Ask participants to mark the locations on the map where the identified risks occur or could occur.
   • Use symbols or colors to differentiate types of risks (e.g., physical, environmental, social).
5. Group analysis
   • Discuss the connections between the identified risks as a group:
     • Which risks are most frequent or severe?
     • What factors contribute to these risks?
   • Reflect on the most vulnerable areas and those requiring priority interventions.
6. Propose actions
   • Invite the group to suggest strategies for mitigating or responding to the identified risks.
   • Example: installing signage, developing emergency plans, or promoting awareness campaigns.
7. Wrap-up and follow-up
   • Summarize the main findings and proposed actions.
   • Document the map and strategies for implementation and monitoring.