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Social Life Cycle Assessment of Innovative Products from Solar Evaporation Iberian Saltworks: A Descriptive Approach to the Implementation of Halotolerant Crops and Microorganisms

Author

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  • Sara Gómez Lorenzo

    (ICAI School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, 28015 Madrid, Spain)

  • María del Mar Cledera Castro

    (ICAI School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, 28015 Madrid, Spain
    Research Group on Emerging Contaminants and Resource Valorization, ICAI School of Engineering Universidad Pontificia Comillas, 28015 Madrid, Spain
    Institute for Research in Technology (IIT), ICAI School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, 28015 Madrid, Spain)

  • Katia Hueso Kortekaas

    (ICAI School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, 28015 Madrid, Spain
    Research Group on Emerging Contaminants and Resource Valorization, ICAI School of Engineering Universidad Pontificia Comillas, 28015 Madrid, Spain)

  • José Carlos Romero

    (ICAI School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, 28015 Madrid, Spain
    Institute for Research in Technology (IIT), ICAI School of Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, 28015 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

Soil salinization and land abandonment pose significant socio-economic and environmental challenges, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula, where traditional saltworks and agricultural lands have been increasingly degraded. Innovative approaches, such as the implementation of halotolerant crops and microorganisms, offer a promising strategy to revitalize these underutilized areas. This study applies the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) methodology to evaluate the socio-economic benefits of halotolerant agriculture in abandoned saltworks and salinized lands. Data were collected through interviews with key stakeholders, literature reviews, and case studies of four enterprises actively engaged in sustainable salina restoration. Key social indicators, including employment creation, community participation, and cultural heritage conservation, were assessed using an expert-based weighting system. The findings indicate that enterprises involved in these initiatives demonstrated strong contributions to local economic resilience and cultural heritage preservation. However, challenges related to scalability and external economic influences remain key considerations. These results highlight the potential of biosaline agriculture as a viable solution to address land abandonment and food security challenges, while also contributing to rural socio-economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Gómez Lorenzo & María del Mar Cledera Castro & Katia Hueso Kortekaas & José Carlos Romero, 2025. "Social Life Cycle Assessment of Innovative Products from Solar Evaporation Iberian Saltworks: A Descriptive Approach to the Implementation of Halotolerant Crops and Microorganisms," World, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-21, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:6:y:2025:i:2:p:38-:d:1620720
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Adam Pawlewicz & Katarzyna Pawlewicz, 2023. "The Risk of Agricultural Land Abandonment as a Socioeconomic Challenge for the Development of Agriculture in the European Union," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-24, February.
    2. Puiu Nistoreanu & Alina-Cerasela Aluculesei & George-Cornel Dumitrescu, 2024. "A Bibliometric Study of the Importance of Tourism in Salt Landscapes for the Sustainable Development of Rural Areas," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-16, October.
    3. Katia Hueso-Kortekaas & Jesús-F. Carrasco-Vayá, 2024. "The Patrimonialization of Traditional Salinas in Europe, a Successful Transformation from a Productive to a Services-Based Activity," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-17, May.
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