Salt: The white gold of algarve

Susano, C.L.; Marçal Gonçalves, Marta

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/18035

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Authors

Susano, C.L.

Marçal Gonçalves, Marta

Abstract(s)

One of the riches of the municipality of Castro Marim, in Portugal, are its traditional salinas (salt fields). In this article it is proposed to make known the patrimonial aspect of this activity, as much from the point of view of the cultural heritage, as of the natural one. For the development of this article, bibliographical research, iconographic, audiovisual, photographic and field surveys were carried out, but one of the fundamental parts was the interaction with the local population dedicated to this task. One of the objectives of this work is the dissemination and appreciation of the natural heritage, but also of the vernacular heritage connected with the exploitation of salt in Castro Marim. In this way, it is intended to influence decision-makers, industry associations and the community in general to be an active part in the valorisation of a product of excellence that is sea salt and salt flower, which play a fundamental role for the socio-economic development of this territory. As the research evolved, it was clear the territorial, cultural and economic importance that this activity has for this municipality, which is why it is urgent to disclose these assets. The lack of well-defined and structured programs, in partnership with other environmental and scientific institutions, makes it impossible to implement sustainable projects for the valorization and enrichment of the salt areas and increases the distance of the community from these environments, making it difficult to raise awareness of the value they possess. Traditional salinasshould be made known and valued so as to create empathy and a sense of belonging in the community. All this should play a key role in the protection, maintenance and enhancement of these marine environments. In this sense, this work is important because of the approach adopted and because it is one more way of disseminating this kind of heritage that is disappearing and deserves to be maintained.