In today’s world, where the hum of technology and the constant buzz of urban life dominate our surroundings, the idea of quiet is becoming a rare and sought-after commodity. For many people seeking a respite from life’s noise both physical and mental quiet places have gained new significance. Enter acoustic ecologist Gordon Hempton, whose mission is to preserve and highlight the world’s remaining “naturally quiet” places. As the co-founder of Quiet Parks International (QPI), Hempton and his team work to certify and protect areas of natural quiet spaces where the sounds of nature dominate, free from human-made noise.
The concept of “natural quiet” does not mean absolute silence but refers to the natural soundscape untainted by the noise of human activity, such as traffic, construction, or industrial sounds. According to Hempton, this kind of peaceful environment is becoming increasingly rare, with human-made noise now encroaching upon every corner of the globe. However, there are still sanctuaries where the natural world speaks louder than the intrusion of modern life.
Quiet Parks in the Urban Landscape
While quiet may seem elusive in the bustling urban sprawl, the concept of Urban Quiet Parks is gaining momentum. Four years ago, QPI certified the first-ever Urban Quiet Park in Yangmingshan National Park, just north of Taipei, Taiwan. This 43-square-mile area, known for its scenic hot springs and tranquil mountainous terrain, offers an oasis of calm amidst one of the world’s most densely populated regions.
“Urban Quiet Parks offer a daily dose of natural beauty and inner stillness,” explains Vikram Chauhan, president of QPI. “These parks serve a target group of people who urgently need respite from the noise of urban living.” Cities like New York, Paris, and Brisbane are all on QPI’s radar, as they strive to bring pockets of serenity to their urban landscapes.
The Hoh Rainforest: A U.S. Quiet Sanctuary
One of the most well-known naturally quiet places in the United States is the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, Washington. Highlighted by Hempton in his “One Square Inch of Silence” project, this area is considered the quietest place in the U.S. It exemplifies the delicate balance of sound and silence in the natural world. Hempton, whose work focuses on preserving these soundscapes, defines natural quiet as the absence of human-made noise, allowing nature’s sounds to fill the air.
QPI aims to expand its certification program to encompass both Urban and Wilderness Quiet Parks worldwide. This year, it recognized the NambiRand Nature Reserve in Namibia as Africa’s first Wilderness Quiet Park. Spanning 494,210 acres, the reserve is a haven for both wildlife and humans, offering a place for quiet reflection and the preservation of its untouched natural environment.
The Healing Power of Quiet
The importance of natural quiet extends beyond personal relaxation—it has real implications for human health and the well-being of wildlife. Research has shown that exposure to noise pollution is linked to a host of health problems, from sleep disturbances and stress to more serious conditions like heart disease. Quiet environments have been shown to reduce these effects, promoting mental clarity and emotional healing.
Moreover, the absence of noise is not just beneficial to people but to animals as well. Human-caused noise disrupts animal communication, interfering with their ability to hear important cues like bird songs or mating calls. This, in turn, affects their behavior and reproduction. Areas like Muir Woods National Monument in California have seen increased bird activity after noise-reduction initiatives were introduced, demonstrating the positive impact of quiet spaces on wildlife.
Protecting Our Quiet Spaces
Despite the ubiquity of noise, there are still a few untouched regions where natural sounds reign supreme. Les Blomberg, founder of the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse, points out that the most tranquil places in the U.S. are often those located far from major air traffic routes or densely populated areas. Locations like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota and the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana are among the last refuges of natural quiet.
Globally, parks like Canada’s Elk Island National Park, Poland’s Białowieża Forest, and Chile’s Río Clarillo National Reserve are in various stages of certification as Wilderness Quiet Parks. In these remote locations, the goal is to preserve the sanctity of the natural soundscape for future generations.
A Cultural Shift Toward Quiet
The mission to protect and preserve these quiet spaces also involves a cultural shift. According to Kenya Williams, an advisor to QPI, educating people about the value of quiet in urban spaces is crucial for fostering long-term stewardship. “Just as we have learned to recycle and reduce waste, we must also learn to value and protect quiet,” Williams says.
In Taiwan, journalist and environmentalist Laila Chin-Hui Fan has been instrumental in promoting quiet spaces, particularly in Yangmingshan. “We want to create an island of listening,” Fan says, underscoring the power of collective action in preserving natural quiet for the world to experience.
As more cities and countries recognize the importance of quiet in both urban and rural settings, the movement for preserving natural soundscapes continues to grow. With ongoing efforts to certify quiet parks and promote awareness, the planet’s last few naturally quiet places may become accessible to more people, offering healing and peace in an otherwise noisy world.
