The recent online workshop hosted by PLAN‑B — “Noise Pollution & Biodiversity” — is now available for viewing, and it’s a must‑see for anyone interested in environmental science, policy and conservation. The session was originally held on 26 November 2025, aimed at exploring how noise pollution affects ecosystems and biodiversity, and at discussing concrete mitigation strategies.
What the Workshop Covered
The workshop featured a rich programme of presentations and discussions, including:
- Exposure experiments in offshore environments (by AquaPLAN) — exploring underwater noise/ALAN and its ecological impacts.
- Analyses on how different types of noise affect terrestrial and marine biodiversity — as well as proposals for mitigation.
- A legal and regulatory framework session presenting policy recommendations to protect habitats from noise pollution.
- A focused segment on how transportation‑related noise impinges on natural areas and access to quiet green spaces.
Finally, the workshop included an interactive fishbowl discussion — a dynamic, inclusive space where participants, experts and policy‑oriented stakeholders debated the future of noise‑mitigation policies and biodiversity protection, aiming to feed into the upcoming PLAN‑B policy brief.
📺 Watch the full recording now — it’s freely accessible online. Whether you’re an academic, decision‑maker, conservationist or simply curious — this workshop offers valuable reflections on how we can make our environment quieter — and healthier.
Who Participated
Attendees included a diverse mix of scientists, researchers, environmental experts, and policy‑makers, coming from across the European conservation community. The involvement of AquaPLAN researchers underscores the interdisciplinary and international scope of the event.
Why It Matters
Noise pollution is an often‑overlooked threat to biodiversity — but as PLAN‑B shows, it can have profound effects on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The workshop not only presented scientific evidence but also gathered legal, social and regulatory perspectives, highlighting the urgent need to integrate noise mitigation into broader biodiversity‑protection strategies.
The discussions and insights captured are especially relevant now, as Europe grapples with environmental degradation and seeks sustainable ways to preserve ecosystems while accommodating human activities.