Ciência Viva Salt Farm

About this project

<p style="text-align: justify">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.</p>

Bilateral cooperation 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.

Project partners

• VilVite Science Centre, Bergen Donor project partner· Norway
• University of Coimbra Project partner· Portugal
• Ciência Viva - National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture Project partner· Portugal