In an effort to raise funds for nature conservation, the Museum for United Nations – UN Live has launched a new global initiative called Sounds Right. This initiative aims to use nature’s own sounds, such as ocean waves, rainstorms, wind, and birdsongs, to raise money for the cause. Indian artist Anuv Jain has joined the initiative by using the sound of Indian rains in his track, Baarishein, and giving credit to nature for the inspiration.
Several other global artists, including David Bowie x Brian Eno, Ellie Goulding, London Grammar, and Tom Walker, have also collaborated with Sounds Right. They will be incorporating nature sounds into their songs and crediting nature as well. Anuv Jain expressed his excitement about being part of the initiative, stating that he is inspired by the beauty of nature and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to something that has given him so much.
The initiative aims to inspire fans and raise funds for nature conservation. It also encourages fans to take action, such as recording morning birdsong for biomonitoring and adopting sustainable behaviors. Sounds Right hopes to generate over $40 million for conservation efforts in the next four years and reach more than 600 million individual listeners during that time.
Currently, Sounds Right has identified funding organizations operating in regions such as India, Indo-Burma, Myanmar, Philippines, Atlantic Forest, Tropical Andes, Madagascar, the Indian Ocean Islands, and Sudaland that will benefit from the funds raised. The initiative assures that artists can continue to independently feature nature sounds in their songs and that at least 50% of recording royalties will be donated to biodiversity conservation and restoration projects for songs that feature nature as an artist.
United Nations’ Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications Melissa Fleming believes that the initiative will unite people around the world by recognizing the intrinsic value of nature and inspiring action to protect the planet. CEO of the Museum for the United Nations Katja Iversen sees popular culture, such as music, as a powerful tool to engage millions of people and drive positive global change. The initiative aims to reach people where they are, through platforms like screens and earbuds, with stories and actions that resonate with them and matter on a global scale. Recognizing nature as a valuable artist is seen as a potential game changer in the fight for conservation and sustainability.
