Engaging communities in listening to ecosystems: Case studies from acoustic ecology research in Australia and Mexico

Abstract

Engaging communities in practices of listening to changing ecosystems is the most powerful ways to inspire a presence and connection to place. Ecological sound artists emerging from the acoustic ecology movement have propelled many of the most significant discoveries that have informed the development of ecoacoustics. This chapter introduces a series of case studies working with communities in Australia and Mexico through the international research projects Biosphere Soundscapes, Biosphere Open Microphones, and River Listening. The emergence of ecoacoustics is considered a new science, yet the concept of listening to ecosystems to understand environmental changes is not a new proposition. Biosphere Soundscapes is a large-scale international research project that works directly with the communities of UNESCO biosphere reserves to facilitate local acoustic ecology research projects that connect with a global network. In addition to major river systems in Australia, the project has worked with freshwater ecosystems throughout Europe, North America, and the Asia Pacific facilitating major creative projects and community engagement.