ON SOUND/IN SOUND
01/07/2024-30/06/2025.
Field recording, soundscapes and community engagement.
This project, undertaken in collaboration with EcoMuseum Zagori and funded by the Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), focuses on acoustic ecology to raise awareness about biodiversity and traditional livestock farming in the Zagori region. As part of the initiative, fieldwork involves capturing seasonal soundscapes at five georeferenced pastoral routes, documenting the natural environment's unique biodiversity.
Key elements include the creation of seasonal soundscape recordings that highlight the interplay between biophony, geophony, and anthropophony, showcasing the ecological richness of pastoral routes. Community engagement is a core aspect, with citizen science workshops such as BioBlitz encouraging local participation in biodiversity monitoring and sound documentation to support environmental awareness. The recorded soundscapes enrich the EchoLoci app, creating an interactive digital sound map that connects ecological and cultural heritage.
These recordings and associated workshops aim to preserve cultural practices such as transhumance, emphasizing the region’s interconnected natural and cultural heritage while inspiring sustainable practices. A blend of art, science, and community effort, the project bridges the gap between conservation and local traditions, ensuring their legacy is both celebrated and protected. The work represents a contribution to understanding how soundscapes can enable ecological and cultural preservation, making the inaudible dimensions of biodiversity accessible and immersive at the same time.