Soundscapes of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark: Exploring Water, Ecology, and Sonic Perception

The Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark is a site of exceptional geological and ecological significance, where water shapes volcanic rock formations, coastal landscapes, and marine biodiversity. This research examines the geopark through sound studies and sound art, exploring cultural, environmental, and creative dimensions of its soundscape. Using acoustic ecology methodologies, it integrates field recordings and analyses of coastal formations, tides, and biodiversity, framing the geopark’s acoustic space as both an ecological indicator and a medium of cultural meaning. The study explores how natural soundscapes can be captured, manipulated, and integrated into electroacoustic music to enhance ecological sensitivity. This research contributes to discussions on water sensitivity by bridging sound studies, environmental humanities, and geoheritage preservation. It highlights the potential of sonic methodologies to enrich interdisciplinary environmental research and calls for expanded sensory engagement with geological and ecological landscapes. Ultimately, it positions the geopark as a vital site for rethinking the intersections of sound, water, and ecological consciousness in both academic discourse and conservation practice.