The project, launched in May 2025 and lasting 36 months, is led by the University of Western Macedonia with participation from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the International Hellenic University, K.E.P.E.A. Kastoria, the social cooperative Ecoroutes, and the NGO OIKOTOPIA.

So far, initial recordings have been made to identify needed equipment and sound environments. The team found the urban noise surprisingly loud in some natural areas.

The project will produce temporal and spatial maps to track bird species by season and determine optimal recording times. Sounds from other animals and human activities, including mussel farmers, fishermen, and rowers, will also be recorded.

Sound routes will be created for users to listen to the sounds of these ecosystems from computers. Educational guides using sound maps and podcasts will inform students about the ecosystems.

Podcasts will include musical soundscapes, historical information, and interviews with locals. A crowdsourcing tool will allow users to upload sounds from visits, increasing engagement and awareness.

The SoREAL project is funded by ELIDEK (Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation), under the “3rd Call for Research Projects” (Project No. 25276).