BIOSPHERE SOUNDSCAPES
Biosphere Soundscapes is a large-scale interdisciplinary research project underpinned by the creative possibilities of acoustic ecology and rapidly emerging fields of biology exploring environmental patterns and changes through sound. Acoustic ecology is a field of inquiry concerned with the ecological, social and cultural contexts of our sonic environments.
This project is designed to inspire communities across the world to listen to the environment and explore the value of sound as a measure for environmental health in UNESCO biosphere reserves. The project is delivered through immersive residencies with artists and scientists, research laboratories, intensive masterclasses and a diversity of creative projects spanning four continents.
Biosphere Soundscapes works in partnerships with multiple organisations and institutions across Australia, Europe, the USA, Mexico, Peru, Indonesia, India and Cambodia to develop and deliver socially engaged interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with the communities of UNESCO biosphere reserves. Biosphere reserves are sites recognised under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) to promote innovative approaches to sustainable development. There are currently 669 biosphere reserves in 120 countries comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each biosphere reserve is designed and managed in a different way, but all seek to reconcile the conservation of biological and cultural diversity. They differ from world heritage sites in that they encourage active community participation and are ideal locations to test and demonstrate innovative approaches to ecosystem monitoring and sustainable development.
Biosphere Soundscapes draws on the inherently interdisciplinary nature of sound to explore cultural and biological diversity through accessible audio recording technologies, community cultural development and environmental engagement with local and global communities. Biosphere Soundscapes sits at the intersection of art and science, with the recordings providing valuable scientific data for biodiversity analysis and infinite source material for creative works that bring awareness to these environments. This project is designed as a platform for artists, scientists and global communities to collaborate and expose the creative and scientific possibilities of sound and acoustic ecology to a global audiences.
Our 2017 programs include residencies in India, workshops across Europe and Australia, expanding research programs in Mexico and new locations launching in Canada, Portugal and the United Kingdom which will be announced soon.
This project is designed to inspire communities across the world to listen to the environment and explore the value of sound as a measure for environmental health in UNESCO biosphere reserves. The project is delivered through immersive residencies with artists and scientists, research laboratories, intensive masterclasses and a diversity of creative projects spanning four continents.
Biosphere Soundscapes works in partnerships with multiple organisations and institutions across Australia, Europe, the USA, Mexico, Peru, Indonesia, India and Cambodia to develop and deliver socially engaged interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with the communities of UNESCO biosphere reserves. Biosphere reserves are sites recognised under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) to promote innovative approaches to sustainable development. There are currently 669 biosphere reserves in 120 countries comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each biosphere reserve is designed and managed in a different way, but all seek to reconcile the conservation of biological and cultural diversity. They differ from world heritage sites in that they encourage active community participation and are ideal locations to test and demonstrate innovative approaches to ecosystem monitoring and sustainable development.
Biosphere Soundscapes draws on the inherently interdisciplinary nature of sound to explore cultural and biological diversity through accessible audio recording technologies, community cultural development and environmental engagement with local and global communities. Biosphere Soundscapes sits at the intersection of art and science, with the recordings providing valuable scientific data for biodiversity analysis and infinite source material for creative works that bring awareness to these environments. This project is designed as a platform for artists, scientists and global communities to collaborate and expose the creative and scientific possibilities of sound and acoustic ecology to a global audiences.
Our 2017 programs include residencies in India, workshops across Europe and Australia, expanding research programs in Mexico and new locations launching in Canada, Portugal and the United Kingdom which will be announced soon.
FEATURED PROJECT: Explore a sound map of all 14 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Australia. This project was presented at the 2016 Sonic Environments conference by Biosphere Soundscapes collaborator Andrew Skeoch. Click through the map to listen to a soundscape from each location.