“Listening to Rivers: Engaging Communities in Freshwater Conservation Through Real-time Audio and Locative Media” presented by Unknown presenters

Listening to Rivers: Engaging Communities in Freshwater Conservation Through Real-time Audio and Locative Media

River Listening is an interdisciplinary project established in 2014 that presents an innovative approach to freshwater conservation. This paper reflects on a decade of research with particular focus on the creative outcomes that have leveraged real-time audio and locative media for public engagement and ecological awareness. This interdisciplinary project works at the intersection of art and science and has deployed hydrophones in global river system making the artistic and scientific possibilities of listening to rivers accessible to global audiences through real-time audio streaming and interactive sound walks. River Listening embodies the concept of Everywhen by interweaving the past, present, and future narratives of freshwater ecosystems through sound. This approach not only amplifies the project’s scientific contributions but also extends its reach and impact on public engagement. The project stands as a testament to the transformative potential of art, science, and technology in facilitating an empathetic connection and care for rivers at a time when it is increasingly important to listen.