On the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2026, Via Pontica Foundation will implement Wetlands Speak, an audio-based initiative that will highlight the soundscape of Lake Vaya, with additional recordings from Lake Mandra.
The initiative will present authentic sound recordings captured directly in the wetland environment, including bird calls, water movement, wind, and other characteristic natural sounds. Through this approach, Lake Vaya will be presented as an active and living ecosystem with a central role for biodiversity, environmental balance, and ecological resilience in the city of Burgas. Lake Mandra will be included as a complementary wetland of regional importance.
Rather than relying on traditional visual formats, Wetlands Speak will encourage listening as a way to better understand natural processes that often remain unnoticed. Sound offers a direct connection to wetlands and reflects their continuous interaction with both nature and people.
The initiative aligns with the theme of World Wetlands Day, which highlights the link between wetlands and traditional knowledge. For generations, Lake Vaya and Lake Mandra have been part of the natural and cultural landscape of the region, supporting livelihoods, seasonal knowledge, and long-standing relationships between communities and water.
The audio experience will be accessible through QR codes placed at selected public locations in Burgas, as well as through Via Pontica Foundation’s online platforms, ensuring access for both local residents and a wider audience.
Through Wetlands Speak, Via Pontica Foundation aims to raise awareness of the importance of Lake Vaya as a leading wetland ecosystem for Burgas, while also drawing attention to the role of Lake Mandra within the wider network of wetlands in the region and the need for their long-term conservation.
https://www.worldwetlandsday.org/