QCOSTARICA — In a world where noise has become an unwanted companion in many cases, the search for silence, a movement that advocates for the creation of positive soundscapes, not only for citizen well-being, but also to strengthen key sectors such as ecotourism, has emerged as a cutting-edge trend worldwide.
Costa Rica is no exception. For this reason, Legislator Antonio Ortega and the Costa Rica Sin Ruido collective are promoting a bill that would create positive soundscapes in the urban environment.
“With this project, we are talking about introducing and promoting the concept of positive soundscapes as a concept linked to the right to health and a healthy and ecologically balanced environment,” said the Frente Amplio legislator.
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The ‘Frontiers’ report, published in 2022 by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), underlines the importance of moving away from noisy environments and migrating to neighborhoods and cities with sound peace.
Examples of these sounds include birdsong, the rustling of the wind, and the murmur of water.
Cities more advanced in this trend, such as Lyon, France and Barcelona, Spain, have implemented policies that reduce the deafening sounds of railways, motorcycles, and industries while protecting silence in key areas such as parks, hospitals, and residential areas.
These European examples stand out for being in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), which suggests keeping noise levels below 55 decibels during the day and between 40-45 decibels at night.
In Costa Rica, noise control regulations fall short of international best practices.
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Currently, a decree from the Ministry of Health sets limits of 65 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night for residential areas; which means that we are failing to meet WHO standards and therefore, a law is required to protect citizens’ right to a healthy and balanced environment.
Noise is not just a nuisance. It is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. In addition, it affects the quality of sleep and causes stress, irritability, and inadequate learning and work environments.
“Positive soundscapes have a totally opposite effect, as they increase concentration and productivity, while improving the quality of life,” said Eduardo Sasso of the citizen collective Costa Rica Sin Ruido.
“Costa Rica, with its rich biodiversity and natural appeal, has a unique opportunity to adopt this cutting-edge trend.
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“By doing so, it would not only improve the quality of life of its citizens but would also reinforce its position as a leading ecotourism destination, where silence and the sounds of nature become a right and a privilege for all. It is time to pay tribute to the positive sounds that have graced our natural environment for millions of years,” Sasso concluded.
The keys to success. According to Costa Rica Sin Ruido, there are two ways to reduce noise levels and increase positive sounds in our environments: the corrective approach and the preventive or proactive approach.
Among the corrective measures are:
- The creation of green curtains, where noise reduction can be enhanced by choosing native plants and trees suitable for the design of outdoor spaces.
- Noise barriers, by building 3-4 meter walls between busy streets and residential areas.
- Acoustic windows can reduce noise levels by up to 25-30%.
- Complaints involve the police and municipalities in reducing noisy environments in neighborhoods
Among the preventive measures are:
- Encourage electric transport that generates lower noise levels.
- Active mobility supporting municipal and state policies.
The “Frontiers 2022: Noises, Blazes, and Mistmaches” report published by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), established the quietest and busiest urban environments on the planet, such as Toronto and Montreal, Canada, as the quieter and New York City, United States, as the more bustling in North America.
In Latin America, Talca, Chile is quieter while Bogota, Colombia and Puerta Vallarta, Mexico are the noisiest; in Europe, Lyon, France and Barcelona, Spain the quieter, while London, England more bustling.
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