Music to Save Species

Asmany of you are already aware, the extinction crisis is real. There aremany causes of species extinction - habitat destruction, over-fishingand over-hunting, and pollution all take their toll. But there are alsomany ways that species can be protected and their survival encouraged -ways that are sustainable and build strong communities, ultimatelyleading to more fulfilling lives for the people who share habitats withthreatened and endangered species. 

Oftenit is the lack of sustainability in people's lives that leads to theimperilment of other species. Yet, it is a rule of nature that greaterbiological diversity leads to greater survivability of all the speciesthat share a habitat - including human beings.

SpeciesMusic is designed to raise funds for actions to protect and preserveThreatened and Endangered Species and habitats, and to promotebiodiversity in general. It is still in a primitive stage, and it hasbeen created all in my own spare time, but there is no more time towaste if it has a chance of helping even one species avoid extinction.

Theidea of the Great Species Music Challenge is to challenge musiciansanywhere - any age, any musical style, any nationality, religion orgender - to create unique and original music, and to make it availableonly by download for a donation through the SpeciesMusic.org website.The music contribution can be about anything atall, or it can be thematic - about a species in trouble, about theplight of species, even about the special relationships we humans havewith them. The musician(s) get a royalty and the species get help. You can see how it is designed to work on the website speciesmusic.org.

Thisway individuals or organizations doing species and biodiversityprotection work get funds that are sorely needed in this difficulteconomic environment, species get enhanced protection, and musicalartists have a new forum to share their talents. This effort alsoincreases awareness among the general public about the speciesextinction crisis. 

Fortunately,there are many possible ways to help species recover and avoidextinction. Some are emergency fixes that only require a certain amountof expense, while others are longer term and require a more sustainedeffort. You can learn more about the plight of species and theextinction crisis, as well as some of the actions individuals andorganizations are taking, by following the Species Information link atthe speciesmusic.org website. Though not exhaustive, there are many links to organizations and information sources. Species Music is dedicated to raising the funds needed to realize these actions and solutions.

Thanksfor reading. If you have any questions at all about Species Music andhow it is designed to work, or would like to help in any way, pleasecontact me through GOOD, or you can e-mail me  - mark@speciesmusic.org

For the Species,

Mark Ericson