Promoting Mediterranean artisanal salinas as a sustainable development model that contributes to conserve biodiversity

Article 09 Déc, 2022

Promoting Mediterranean artisanal salinas as a sustainable development model that contributes to conserve biodiversity

Saltpans are excellent grounds for bird nesting and breeding. Open areas near crystallisation ponds not only allow birds to detect approaching predators, but also drain water more easily and protect their nests from flooding. Moreover, saline environments host diverse forms of halophyte vegetation, which have developed mechanisms to survive despite the high levels of salinity. As part of the MedArtSal project, ��ϲʿ��ֳ�ֱ��-Med is promoting this cultural landscape in different events in the Mediterranean region.

XX Anniversary of the ��ϲʿ��ֳ�ֱ�� Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation

During the event to celebrate the , a stand of MedArtSal presented a variety of products produced by the salinas located inside the Bahía de Cádiz NP, such as artisanal salt or salicornia (a salty herb used in Mediterranean cuisine). Throughout the ��ϲʿ��ֳ�ֱ��-Med Week, the deep connection between Mediterranean gastronomy and conservation was illustrated and made visible in different dishes.
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Final event of the project in Murcia��

This project aimed to improve the conservation status of the Audouin gull and conserving two priority habitats (Mediterranean salt steppes and coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.) by increasing and improving the production of salt.

The final event, led by University of Murcia, allowed to explore synergies and to visit the works carried out by to restore Marchamalo salt flats, thanks to a MedArtSal subgrant, in the Manga del Mar Menor region.

Design of an ecotourism itinerary in Cádiz with the MEET Network��

In the last century, the abandonment of salt production in many Mediterranean salinas has led to the decline of natural ecosystems and the rich biodiversity they host. Exploring different low-impact activities is considered an effective strategy to help sustain the landscape, preserve traditional knowledge and create jobs.

As part of the and in the framework of MedArtSal, ��ϲʿ��ֳ�ֱ�� is working to design an ecotourism package which promotes the unique landscape of Mediterranean salinas in the Bahía de Cádiz NP.

MEET is an association - born thanks to the initative of ��ϲʿ��ֳ�ֱ��-Med and several other Mediterranean partners - to connect protected areas who want to engage in developing and commercialising low-impact ecotourism experiences. As a result, a specific methodology to create ecotourism experiences has been developed and several commercial partnerships have been established.

In the Bahía de Cádiz NP, ��ϲʿ��ֳ�ֱ�� is applying the MEET model and exploring the most attractive goods and services for sustainable ecotourism.��

Funded by the ENI CBC Med programme ( European Neighbourhood Instrument for Cross-Border Cooperation), aims to promote the sustainable development of artisanal Salinas, providing concrete support on economic, environmental and governance issues. By addressing common challenges in four Mediterranean regions (Italy, Spain, Lebanon and Tunisia), is promoting the development of a sustainable and adaptable management model fostering the territorial valorisation of artisanal salinas.

Link to project description on ��ϲʿ��ֳ�ֱ��’s website:

For further enquiries, please contact Helena Clavero: [email protected]

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