Brief Description

Salinas are part of the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean. Since time immemorial, salt production has been achieved through the natural evaporation of salt water from the sea, coastal or interior lagoons.

There is a close analogy with agriculture: an activity based on the harvesting of natural resources, which has gradually evolved into a modern efficient industry, to facilitate collection by man.

Salt production is widespread in the Mediterranean where long, hot, dry summers lead to high evaporation of salt water from the sea, thus producing salt. Salinas however, are also important for nature conservation.

These heavily modified sites have become areas of high biological value supporting upto one hundred species of waterbirds, from 18 different families. Depending on their geographical location, surface area and management methods, they provide a range of habitats for a great variety of species.

This booklet explores the biological riches of Mediterranean Salinas as well as issues Reference: Sadoul N, Walmsley J, Charpentier B (1998) Salinas and nature conservation MedWet Station Biologique Tour du Valat Arles related to the management and conservation of these ecosystems.

Reference: Sadoul N, Walmsley J, Charpentier B (1998) Salinas and nature conservation A J Crivelli, J Jalbert (eds) Conservation of Mediterranean wetlands no9, Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat, Arles (France)

ISBN: 2-910368-25-4
Languages: English, French