Salinas and “Saltscape” as a Geological Heritage with a Strong Potential for Tourism and Geoeducation

Abstract

Salinas and saltscapes are relevant geoheritage sites with important implications on socioeconomic activities beyond the production of salt, particularly tourism and education. As cultural landscapes, they also have implications related to the identity of their communities. This work presents the study of the patrimonialization processes of four sites in Europe (Añana in Spain, Guérande in France, Læsø in Denmark, and Sečovlje in Slovenia). Lessons obtained from these processes may contribute to the recovery and valuation of similar saltscapes and other forms of geoheritage. The study is based on interviews with relevant stakeholders, a survey of the related grey and scientific literature, and a simplified SWOT analysis. Despite their differences in historical background and current management, all four sites share features that have contributed to the success of their patrimonialization processes, such as having a dedicated entity for this purpose or being protected in some way. They also share common threats that need to be addressed, such as the banalization of the heritage discourse. Other saltscapes and geoheritage sites in general may benefit from these common features, which should serve as an inspiration and not as a template. In the end, shifting from a little-known productive, (proto-)industrial activity toward a sustainable, multifunctional landscape in which geoeducation and tourism are paramount contributes to a more resilient and educated society.

Frasassi Caves and Surroundings: A Special Vehicle for the Geoeducation and Dissemination of the Geological Heritage in Italy

“…The selection of the case considered one criterion; that is, whether they are or have been in the process of patrimonialization (in this case an UNESCO candidacy). We modified the table provided by the authors of [7] for our case study. The geosite has a high value because the observation of its elements in the field allows people to understand the natural process that produced it; therefore, the geosite has great geo-educational potential…”

Salt Production and the Geoheritage of the Huesca Province (Spain): Context, History, and Potential as an Educational Resource

“…Salt evaporation ponds are large shallow basin reservoirs designed to extract salt from brines, salty lakes, or seawater through natural evaporation, among other processes [7]. Usually, these ponds are carefully designed to maximize the surface area that is exposed to the sun and wind, facilitating the evaporation of water and the crystallization of salt.…”

“…Different authors have analyzed saltscapes and saltworks, carrying out qualitative and quantitative assessments on the geotouristic, geoheritage, or educational value [44,59] as they are cultural landscapes that can be linked to the development of communities [7].…”

Fleur de sel: How Does a Pinch of Suitable Choice Practices Value This Sustainable Natural Resource?

“…The bond between flower of salt and the tourism and hospitality sector has been increasing, as there is a growing interest in having this commodity at the table and presented alone or in combination with other ingredients to be included not only into gourmet and other sophisticated recipes, but also at a more mundane level. Additionally, in the case of the tourism sector, there has grown an immense interest in visiting saltscapes [48][49][50].…”