In the coastal area of Syria, Mudar Salimeh searches for butterflies. He is creating an online encyclopedia of the different species he encounters. Amidst a landscape scarred by conflict, he finds joy in following these colorful, fluttering creatures.

 

This creative audio documentary is a collaboration between Mudar Salimeh – a Syrian geologist and visual artist – and Nanna Hauge Kristensen, a Danish anthropologist and audio maker. It is a Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.

Through Mudar's field recordings, listeners are transported into Syria’s acoustic landscapes, experiencing his deep connection to nature. What began as an exploration of the ecological consequences of war – specifically its impact on butterfly populations – evolved into a sonic inquiry into loss, belonging, and coexistence.