The sounds of wind turbines, rare whales and the Amazonian dawn chorus are among the noises being preserved as part of an exhibition of soundscapes found in world heritage sites.The SonicHeritageproject is a collection of 270 sounds from 68 countries, including from famous Unesco-designated sites such as Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal, as well as natural landscapes such as the monarch butterfly sanctuary in El Rosario, Mexico and the Colombian Amazon.“When you think of world heritage sites, you always think of visuals, but there’s almost no attention paid to the way these heritage sites sound,” said Stuart Fowkes, an Oxford-based sound artist and creator ofCities and Memory, one of the world’s largest archives of field recordings.The monarch butterfly sanctuary in El Rosario, MexicoCredit: Erick Ruiz ArellanoSorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen $https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2025/04/17/114_MEXICO_EL_ROSARIO_Heritage__Monarch_Butterfly_Sanctuary_El_Rosario_-Erick_Ruiz_Arellano.wav00:00:0000:02:08“The incredible thing about sound is that it’s so immersive and it can drop you into the experience of being in a place in a way that visuals and photography, and to some extent videos, can’t,” said Fowkes.“Sound is incredibly transportive. It helps you to get a more solid sense of what it would actually feel like to be there.”Fowkes said at least a fifth of the 270 recordings in the virtual exhibition were of natural soundscapes, and that the project was “as much about the preservation of natural life” as it was about preserving precious monuments.Listeners can immerse themselves in the sounds of leaves falling in the ancient city of Tikal in Guatemala, the squeaks made by bats in India’s Ellora caves, waves crashing against Morocco’s walled city Essaouira, or the Old Faithful geyser bursting out of the ground in Yellowstone national park in the US.“A lot of thoseUnescospaces are about things like the preservation of species, particular migratory routes and important habitats for rare species,” Fowkes said. “Sounds like the whale sanctuary of El Vizcaíno [off Mexico] is about preserving the breeding grounds of that specific grey whale.”As well as capturing and documenting natural soundscapes, the exhibition also highlights how human-made sounds intrude on natural spaces, such as the sound of a wind turbine on the Ningaloo coast in Australia.A wind turbine at Australia's Ningaloo reefCredit: Fur ChickSorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen $https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2025/04/17/002_AUSTRALIA_NINGALOO_COAST_Heritage_Ningaloo_Reef_coral_bay_wind_turbine__-_Fur_Chick.WAV00:00:0000:04:53“A wind turbine is great from the point of view of renewable energy, but it makes a lot of noise and that can intrude on the natural environment and have an impact on species that are living there as well,” Fowkes said. “It’s a complicated balance.”Fowkes spent six months collecting field recordings retrieved from his personal archive and gathered submissions from an open callout.Sea lions at Espíritu Santo island in MexicoCredit: Erick Ruiz ArellanoSorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen $https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2025/04/17/116_MEXICO_ISLA_ESPIRITU_SANTO_Heritage_Sea_lions_at_Isla_de_Espíritu_Santo-Mexico-Erick_Ruiz_Arellano-_Erick_Ruiz_Arellano.wav00:00:0000:01:25He said one focus of the Sonic Heritage project was the effects tourism has on the diversity of sound at a location.“There’s a lot of work that’s put into preserving how a place looks, but there is nothing like, for example, a blue plaque scheme for sound,” Fowkes said.“We should be paying attention to sound and how it is preserved, because one of the risks with overtourism is losing soundscapes. You lose that sonic aspect when you have lots of people crammed into the same space.”
From butterflies to wind turbines, project preserves world’s sonic heritage
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Sonic Heritage Project Aims to Preserve Sounds of World Heritage Sites"
The Guardian
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
The Sonic Heritage project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at preserving the auditory experiences of world heritage sites through a collection of 270 sound recordings from 68 countries. This exhibition showcases a diverse array of sounds, including those from iconic UNESCO-designated locations such as Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal, as well as the vibrant natural landscapes of the monarch butterfly sanctuary in El Rosario, Mexico, and the Colombian Amazon. Stuart Fowkes, an Oxford-based sound artist and the creator of Cities and Memory, emphasizes the importance of sound in capturing the essence of these sites. He notes that while visual representations are often prioritized, the immersive nature of sound can transport listeners into the heart of these environments, offering a unique perspective that photographs and videos cannot replicate. Fowkes highlights that about one-fifth of the recordings focus on natural soundscapes, underscoring the dual goal of the project: to preserve both cultural monuments and the rich biodiversity of natural habitats.
The project also addresses the impact of human-made sounds on natural environments. For instance, the noise generated by wind turbines, such as those found on Australia’s Ningaloo coast, illustrates the tension between renewable energy initiatives and their ecological repercussions. Fowkes points out that while wind turbines contribute to sustainable energy, they can also disrupt local wildlife and their habitats. Additionally, the Sonic Heritage project raises awareness about the effects of tourism on soundscapes, arguing that the acoustic qualities of a place can be compromised by overtourism. Fowkes advocates for a greater recognition of sound preservation, suggesting that similar to visual preservation efforts, there should be initiatives to protect and document the unique auditory experiences of these significant sites. By highlighting the interplay between natural and man-made sounds, the project seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the auditory heritage of our world, ensuring that these experiences are not lost to future generations.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a unique initiative aimed at preserving the sounds associated with world heritage sites. By curating a collection of 270 sounds from various locations, the project seeks to emphasize the auditory experience of these sites, which is often overlooked in favor of their visual aspects. This initiative not only aims to document cultural landmarks but also natural soundscapes, thereby merging heritage conservation with environmental awareness.
Purpose Behind the Initiative
By focusing on soundscapes from UNESCO-designated sites and natural habitats, the project underscores the importance of auditory experiences in understanding and appreciating our world heritage. This serves to foster a deeper connection to these places, encouraging people to acknowledge and protect both cultural and natural heritage.
Public Perception and Impact
The article is likely intended to create a sense of awareness regarding the fragility of natural and cultural sounds, which can be threatened by urbanization and climate change. By presenting these sounds, the project may evoke nostalgia and a sense of urgency for conservation efforts. It aims to engage audiences who may not typically consider the role of sound in cultural heritage.
Potential Concealments or Omissions
While the project focuses on preservation, it may intentionally downplay the more significant issues of destruction and degradation of these soundscapes due to human activity. This could shift attention away from the pressing need for global action against climate change and habitat loss.
Authenticity of the Information
The information presented appears credible, as it is sourced from a reputable project led by an established artist and sound archivist. The emphasis on renowned sites and natural environments lends further credibility to the initiative.
Societal Implications
This project could influence societal attitudes towards conservation, encouraging more people to engage with environmental and cultural preservation efforts. It may also inspire educational programs that use sound to teach about biodiversity and heritage.
Audience Engagement
The initiative is likely to resonate with environmentalists, cultural enthusiasts, and the general public who appreciate the arts. It appeals to communities interested in sound art, nature conservation, and cultural heritage.
Economic and Market Impact
While the direct impact on the stock market may be limited, the project highlights growing trends in eco-tourism and cultural heritage tourism, which could influence investments in those sectors. Companies involved in sustainable tourism may find this initiative beneficial.
Geopolitical Context
From a geopolitical perspective, the preservation of world heritage sites and natural environments is increasingly relevant. It aligns with global conversations about sustainability, climate action, and cultural identity, making it pertinent to current events.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in the creation of this article. However, if AI had been employed, it might have contributed to data analysis or sound selection processes, potentially influencing how the sounds are curated and presented.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not exhibit overt manipulation, but it could be argued that it selectively emphasizes the positive aspects of the project while omitting challenges faced in preserving these soundscapes. The language used is evocative and aims to elicit an emotional response, which may influence public perception. In conclusion, the article provides a valuable insight into an innovative approach to heritage conservation, drawing attention to the often-ignored auditory aspects of our world. It effectively communicates the project's goals and fosters a sense of appreciation for the sounds that define our cultural and natural landscapes.