A team of researchers from the BlueZC Institute, at the University of Algarve, was recently in Huelva, Spain, to share scientific advances within the scope of the Sal C project. This project aims to improve the quality of salt produced in traditional and transforming them into large carbon sinks, contributing to mitigating climate change.
Led by Professor Rui Santos, a specialist in marine plant ecology, the team has developed an incubator for the production of marine phanerogamic plants in semi-natural environments, located in the MadeInSea salt flats, in Castro Marim, Portugal. These plants, known for their high carbon sequestration capacity – up to a hundred times greater than that of forests – are being reintroduced to compensate for the degradation of many salt marshes over the last few decades.
The project’s objectives include enhancing the production chain of traditional salt pans, integrating seagrass production. These plants not only contribute to ecological restoration but also help offset CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the retention of pollutants, including microplastics, by seagrass improves the quality of the extracted salt, increasing its market value.
The Salinas del Alemán, the only ones in the province of Huelva that maintain traditional methods of salt extraction, were chosen for their relevance in the production of sea salt, fleur de sel and salt flakes – a product valued in haute cuisine. The company’s managers showed great interest in transferring the results of the Sal C project, recognizing the potential ecological and economic benefits.
The Sal C project, financed by the La Caixa-BPI Foundation through the Promove program, intends to be replicated in other Portuguese and Spanish salt mines, contributing to the revitalization of these traditional activities. With the support of Eurocidade do Guadiana, the project also aims to strengthen ties between Iberian communities and multiply economic, ecological and social benefits in other territories.
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