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.