Colombia Replaces Its National Anthem with Animal Sounds

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As the COP16 on biodiversity approaches, Colombia has innovated by unveiling a new version of its national anthem. Replacing traditional instruments with the sounds of animals and nature, this initiative aims to raise awareness of Colombia’s rich biodiversity, one of the most important in the world. Launched on October 16, 2024, this unique version reflects the country’s commitment to protecting its ecosystems in the face of growing threats.

An anthem sung by nature

Under the direction of composer Miguel de Narvaez, the project gathered the sounds of around forty animals, including rare birds, frogs like the Rana Sabanera, the roar of a jaguar, and even the songs of a whale captured off the Pacific coast. These recordings were made across various Colombian ecosystems, with the help of biologists, traveling through the Andean, Amazonian, and coastal regions to recreate a harmonious version of the anthem, faithful to its original notes.

Colombia, a sanctuary of biodiversity

Colombia is recognized as one of the world’s megadiverse countries, home to more than 1,935 bird species. This new interpretation of the anthem highlights both the beauty and fragility of this biodiversity. In parallel, promotional videos showcase the country's cultural and natural diversity, with the slogan "Peace with Nature" accompanied by marimba and drums, encouraging everyone to engage in the fight against the decline of animal populations.

A powerful message before COP16

This initiative echoes an alarming reality: global wildlife populations have declined by 73% in the last 50 years, according to WWF. By replacing its anthem with animal sounds, Colombia sends a symbolic message: it is urgent to restore harmony between humans and nature before it’s too late.

What do you think? Should other countries follow this example to raise awareness about environmental protection?

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19/10/2024