First Steps Towards a Methodology to Assess the Influence of Noise on a Natural Area

Abstract

Natural sounds are integral elements of the natural environment that are frequently associated with natural parks and similar areas. They are, indisputably, inherent components of landscapes and their contents of natural and historical features, and particularly of their wildlife. Natural sounds constitute an indicator of the health of the wildlife habitat and the diverse ecosystems that comprise such areas. The present generation has an acknowledged obligation to conserve these natural resources for the benefit of those to come.

In the process of planning to achieve the objectives of acoustic quality of the natural soundscape, the fundamental principle for determining the health of the natural environment, which forms part of the general planning of the natural parks, is the preservation of the soundscape at levels compatible with the characteristics of the park. When deficiencies are identified, action needs to be taken to restore the soundscape to its natural condition. The objective of this project is to analyse the existence of “non-natural” noises foreign to the natural environment and protect the Natural Soundscape from intrusive acoustic impacts. The study was carried out on the "natural area" of Anceu, located in the municipality of Pontecaldelas in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia (Spain).