EchoLoci: a participatory innovative soundscape application for biodiversity mapping and conservation in the pastoral routes of Zagori
Objectives: EchoLoci promotes active citizenship collaborative learning and a process of biodiversity, landscape and cultural heritage management through the recording of biodiversity and soundscapes along the transhumance routes of Zagori. Through participatory research and artistic activities, it highlights the ecological role of mobile pastoralism, a traditional activity included in the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2019 and considered a source for ecosystem services and other positive externalities. Among its objectives, the project seeks to preserve wildlife, endangered species, and their habitats while fostering awareness of mobile pastoralism’s contribution to biodiversity conservation, cultural awareness, and sustainable land management.
Results: EchoLoci integrated new technologies like the EchoLoci Mapp app for data collection and expanded into interdisciplinary research on soundscapes. Key achievements included biodiversity mapping, ecosystem service documentation, and digital portraits of mobile pastoralists. The project fostered active citizenship participation and learning about landscape and biodiversity preservation and management. It supported cultural preservation (mobile pastoralism), social capital enhancement and community empowerment (awareness, skills and knowledge).
Practical implications: the EchoLoci app – which is an interactive, georeferenced and user-friendly application, facilitates remote accessibility, GPS navigation and interpretation of local biodiversity with the help of an interactive map and open spatial data. It remains a vital tool for biodiversity monitoring, while lasting networks foster ongoing collaboration. The project's success has also secured new funding, enabling further initiatives that expand on EchoLoci’s mission of conservation, cultural preservation, and community engagement in Zagori and beyond.
Additional information
The project encountered various hurdles in its development journey, ranging from logistical complexities in organizing workshops, to securing funding for the creation of the EchoLoci Mapp app. Overcoming these obstacles required concerted efforts and support from local communities, scientific institutions, and cultural organizations. The designation of mobile pastoralism as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage provided supported the overcoming of such challenges.
Empowering rural communities to act for change
Ongoing | 2023-2027
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Italy, Spain, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Cyprus, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine