ABSTRACT
Two approaches may be applied for analyzing acoustic environment: noise-based approach and soundscape approach. This chapter elaborates on various effects of noise pollution on humans and wildlife. It provides an overview of the definitions and concepts used in sound management, addressing both the noise-control approach and the soundscape approach, analyzing further the soundscape methodology and standardization developed so far. The legislative framework, guidelines, and principles in noise control, as well as strategies and declarations, are reviewed, whereby particular focus is on ex-ante tools in soundscape management, i.e., environmental impact assessment and urban planning. The need to regulate ocean soundscapes is considered as well since underwater noise has begun to receive adequate public attention, but not yet in the form of globally binding legislation. In addressing underwater noise, the focus should be placed on habitats, instead on individual sound sources on individual species. An overview of implementation issues and current practice is provided, as well as the analysis of the role of citizen science, focusing on the importance of soundscape approach in the Mediterranean region and in tourism industry. An indispensable requirement for appropriate soundscape management in an interdisciplinary approach thereto, integrating the knowledge of STEM, humanities, and social sciences (or multiliteracies), the knowledge of local environment and culture, as well as appropriate valuing of natural capital.
