AI-powered bird-listening stations launched in Da Nang

Three stations have been installed and put into operation at the Community Digital Library, the Dam River area in Ban Thach Ward, and the Cua Garden in Huong Tra Ward.

A diverse ecological information corridor

As part of the “Green Citizens - Healthy Cities” project, the model is implemented by the Centre for Live and Learn for Environment and Community (Live & Learn) in coordination with the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Environment and local authorities of Ban Thach and Huong Tra wards, with funding from Fondation Botnar, a charity organization headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

Each station is an initiative combining artificial intelligence (AI) technology, installation art, and conservation science, designed to listen to nature.

When birds sing, the system identifies and provides information about the bird species, their seasonal adaptations, habitats, and habits. This helps listeners better understand biodiversity and ecosystem values, thereby fostering greater appreciation and awareness of conservation.

At the same time, recorded audio data contributes to global databases, supporting research on bird behavior and migration patterns.

The experience at these stations is designed to be highly interactive. Upon stepping onto a station, visitors are greeted with a friendly voice. Within three minutes, the system connects and listens to bird sounds in the surrounding area.

If bird calls are detected, the system will use AI to identify and "translate" them for visitors. If not, the system will describe one of the common bird species found locally.

Each session lasts about 10 minutes, creating a short yet information-rich journey of discovery.

Beyond just an experience, the network of three bird-listening stations forms a diverse ecological information corridor.

In particular, the Dam River serves as a crucial stopover for migratory waterbirds, whilst the Cua Garden connects the natural forest with residential areas.

Meanwhile, the Community Digital Library demonstrates the harmonious adaptation of nature within a modern urban environment.

Initial results have been clearly encouraging. After only 10 days of operation, the AI ​​system recorded the presence of 89 bird species at the Dam River, 49 species at the Community Digital Library, and 53 species at the Cua Garden.

Strengthening community responsibility

With the addition of the three bird-listening stations in Da Nang, Vietnam now contributes a total of five bird-listening stations to the global network.

The first two stations were deployed in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City as part of the project “What are the birds telling us?” initiated by the Goethe Institute, Think Playgrounds, and Baltic Raw Org.

Notably, the model in Da Nang has quickly received enthusiastic support from the younger generation.

A group of local students have proactively connected with each other, learning how to introduce the stations and develop plans to maintain food sources, aimed at turning these sites into sustainable experiential learning spaces.

In the context of increasing urbanization and shrinking natural habitats for birds, this initiative is seen as an innovative solution to reconnect humans with nature.

Beyond serving as tools for research and conservation, these stations have become new experiential destinations where locals and tourists can slow down, listen, and rediscover the increasingly rare sounds of the natural world.