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Description
The project "Ciência Viva Salt Farm" addressed the decline of traditional salt production in Figueira da Foz, which had led to the degradation of coastal cultural heritage. The abandonment of salt production had resulted in the deterioration of key areas, including the Corredor da Cobra Salt Flat, where compartments of the Salt Navy were partially neglected, the Salt Warehouse was underused, and the Pedário and nearby areas were in gradual decay. Additionally, the museum complex had a static exhibition approach without engaging strategies for diverse audiences or a cohesive plan for local development. To tackle these challenges, the project rehabilitated the salt production site and enhanced its historical, ethnographic, and economic value through various activities. These included boat tours, traditional salt harvesting demonstrations, workshops on food preservation, interpretative walks, and thematic meetings with local stakeholders. Structural interventions expanded the site’s functions, introducing new spaces such as the Salina Criativa (Creative Salt Flat), Open Lab, and saline spa, while six human resources were allocated to support operations. The project successfully preserved cultural heritage, strengthened community identity, and promoted science and innovation linked to salt farming. Local residents, visitors, and researchers benefited from increased cultural engagement, job creation, and educational opportunities. The project laid the groundwork for long-term sustainability through planned research activities, service provisions, and partnerships, ensuring continued benefits for the community beyond the funding period.
Summary of project results
Ciência Viva Salt Farm aimed to address several challenges related to the decline of traditional salt production in Figueira da Foz and its impact on coastal cultural heritage. The abandonment of traditional salt production led to the degradation of cultural heritage sites, such as the Corredor da Cobra Salt Flat, including the partial neglect of some compartments of the Salt Navy, the underutilisation of the Salt Warehouse, and the gradual deterioration of the Pedário. Additionally, the space lacked dynamic strategies to attract diverse audiences, and there was no integrative approach to local development. The museum complex suffered from a static exhibition format without engaging activities for visitors. The project also identified a need to enhance the area for training and research purposes. Furthermore, the initiative sought to revive and promote intangible cultural activities tied to traditional sea salt extraction, such as boat tours, old-fashioned harvesting, and food preservation, while also supporting the candidacy of Figueira da Foz''s traditional salt as intangible heritage. The overarching goal was to preserve and enhance the historical, ethnographic, and economic heritage of the region, promoting a sense of belonging and cultural appropriation, and promoting science, technology, and innovation linked to salt farming and related endogenous resources.
The Ciência Viva Salt Farm was implemented in the Corredor da Cobra Salt Flat in Figueira da Foz, Portugal, with the aim of preserving and enhancing coastal cultural heritage linked to traditional salt production. The initiative addressed the decline of salt farming by rehabilitating the site and introducing a range of cultural and educational activities. Structural interventions expanded the functionality of the space from 8 to 16 distinct areas, including a creative salt space (Salina Criativa), an Open Lab, an experimental salt room, a saline spa, and a mud bath. These enhancements were designed to attract diverse audiences and promote science, technology, and innovation related to salt production and local resources.
The project also focused on intangible cultural heritage, organising activities such as boat tours, traditional salt harvesting, salt transportation demonstrations, and workshops on food preservation and manual craftsmanship like rodilhas (traditional salt molds). Interpretative walks, themed meetings with local producers, and the use of traditional costumes further enriched the visitor experience. Additionally, multimedia outputs like videos and a photographic portfolio were created to document and promote the cultural significance of salt production. The initiative also secured recognition for Figueira da Foz''s traditional salt as intangible heritage, reinforcing its cultural value.
A key aspect of the project was its bilateral collaboration with the Bergen Science Centre in Norway, which contributed expertise in scientific literacy and public engagement. This partnership facilitated the development of joint programs highlighting the historical and cultural ties between Norway and Portugal, particularly through the lens of the cod and salt trade. Activities included science dissemination events and international outreach, raising awareness of salt''s role in food preservation and community life. The collaboration is expected to continue, fostering ongoing knowledge exchange and mutual learning.
The project laid the groundwork for future sustainability through job creation, cultural entrepreneurship, and plans for independent research funding via postgraduate studies. The initiative was recognised as a "good practice" for its innovative methods and potential to sustain positive effects beyond the funding period, including continued partnerships and community engagement.
The project Ciência Viva Salt Farm achieved significant outcomes and impacts for various beneficiaries, primarily focusing on the preservation and enhancement of coastal cultural heritage, the promotion of science and technology, and the strengthening of bilateral relations. The initiative was implemented in the Corredor da Cobra Salt Flat, addressing the decline of traditional salt production and its associated cultural degradation. Key results included the rehabilitation of properties and surrounding areas, which expanded the site''s functionality from 8 to 16 distinct spaces, such as the Salina Criativa (Creative Salt Flat), Open Lab, experimental salt room, saline spa, and mud bath. These structural interventions aimed to diversify the site''s appeal and utility.
The project had a strong educational and scientific component, targeting schools, researchers, and the general public. Collaborative efforts with the Bergen Science Centre in Norway facilitated the dissemination of scientific knowledge, particularly regarding salt''s role in food preservation and local history. This bilateral partnership enhanced the project''s international visibility and provided innovative methods for engaging younger audiences, encouraging interest in science, technology, and cultural heritage. The partnership is expected to continue, fostering ongoing knowledge exchange and joint initiatives.
For local stakeholders and businesses, the project created six jobs and laid the groundwork for future economic sustainability through increased tourism and partnerships. The project''s long-term potential for revenue generation and job creation is promising. The initiative also aimed to address prior weaknesses, such as the static nature of the museum complex, by introducing dynamic strategies to attract diverse audiences and integrate local development efforts.
Overall, the project achieved tangible and intangible benefits for the local community, cultural heritage sector, educational institutions, and international partners. Its outcomes included enhanced cultural preservation, increased educational opportunities, job creation, and strengthened bilateral relations, with anticipated long-term impacts on sustainability and regional development.
Summary of bilateral results
The project Ciência Viva Salt Farm significantly benefited from its donor project partner, the Bergen Science Centre (VilVite) in Norway, through enhanced knowledge exchange and innovative approaches to scientific literacy and cultural heritage promotion. The Norwegian partner brought expertise in engaging diverse audiences, particularly children and young people, with science and technology, which enriched the project''s activities. This collaboration highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Portugal and Norway, and emphasized the role of salt in food preservation and daily life. The bilateral efforts promoted mutual understanding and shared results, such as joint programs for disseminating heritage and science, which elevated the project''s international visibility and stakeholder interest.The partnership achieved several key outcomes. It facilitated the development of programs that linked the historical and cultural contexts of salt production in Portugal with Norway''s scientific outreach strategies. The collaboration also included science dissemination actions at VilVite, which broadened the project''s audience and reinforced its thematic focus. These activities not only strengthened bilateral relations but also extended the project''s impact to a regional and European level, creating opportunities for future cross-border initiatives.Plans to continue bilateral cooperation are firmly in place, with a focus on sustained knowledge sharing and joint activities. The partnership will maintain regular communication to explore innovative thematic content, particularly in science and research, to further align both entities'' goals. Efforts will also concentrate on engaging school groups and promoting studies in technology, cultural heritage, and research, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the collaboration. This ongoing cooperation underscores the project''s commitment to leveraging international partnerships for cultural and scientific advancement.