Volcano experts gather for UN meeting in the Comoros

Experts in vulcanology, natural resources and disaster prevention are gathering today in the Comoros for the start of a United Nations-sponsored conference examining how the Indian Ocean archipelago can better manage and profit from the active volcano that dominates the main island in the chain.

The Karthala volcano, which covers two thirds of Grande Comore island, has erupted about 20 times over the past century and four times since 2005, displacing thousands of locals in the process.

But the volcano is also increasingly being recognized by Comorians for its potential development and economic values, particularly for eco-tourism and geothermic energy for the archipelago’s estimated 732,000 inhabitants.

The three-day conference, co-organized by the Government and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), will focus on the themes of new scientific research, the prevention and management of risks, energy exploitation, agriculture, tourism, the preservation of biodiversity and the potential for economic growth.

The conference is being held in Moroni, the capital of the Comoros and the biggest town of Grand Comore, where Karthala is situated.