THE PATRIMONIALIZATION PROCESSES OF ARTISANAL SALTSCAPES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

The patrimonialization of traditional saltscapes in disuse can be a way not only to recover their heritage but also a tool for sustainable local development that goes beyond these values. A study carried out in twelve European salinas (nine in Spain and three in Denmark, Slovenia and France, respectively) that are at different patrimonialization stages, shows different strategies for heritage recovery; the obstacles that have been encountered on the road and how (some of them) have been solved. Through the comparative study of these saltscapes, we can identify good practices and draw conclusions about what does or not work when it comes to valuing the natural, cultural and human heritage of these sites. In the twelve cases studied, different degrees of patrimonialization can be seen, some incipient, others in progress and yet others already consolidated; the differences between them are explained. Among these, the consolidated processes are those that show how the multifunctional nature of saltscapes can be used to offer a broad range of products and services that goes beyond salt production. All cases, prior to their abandonment, were productive landscapes dedicated to salt monoculture, with no interest in preserving their natural and cultural values beyond what was strictly necessary to guarantee a minimum productivity. The lessons learned from the case studies can also serve as a model for other types of modest productive heritage initiatives in rural areas. Future challenges in the patrimonialization processes are also addressed.