Heritage-Based Sustainability: Evaluating the Piran Salt Model in Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, Slovenia

This study investigates traditional salt production at Sečovlje Salina Nature Park in Slovenia, focusing on the Piran Salt (Piranska Sol) initiative as a potential model for heritage-based sustainability. The study is set against the backdrop of accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss and cultural erosion. It explores how ecological sustainability, cultural continuity and economic resilience can be meaningfully integrated in response to these challenges. Although heritage systems are increasingly acknowledged for their value, few have been assessed using structured and multidimensional sustainability frameworks. To address this gap, the study employs a qualitative case study approach, applying both the GPM P5 Standard and the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) model. Interviews and document analysis were evaluated using five sustainability lenses: Lifespan, Servicing, Efficiency, Effectiveness and Fairness, across the domains of People, Product, Process, Prosperity and Planet. Results indicate strong sustainability outcomes. Traditional practices such as manual harvesting, petola maintenance, and solar evaporation promote biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions, while PDO certification and product diversification enhance market viability. Nevertheless, the system faces demographic challenges, particularly an aging workforce and limited engagement from younger generations. The study concludes that heritage-based practices can contribute meaningfully to global sustainability agendas when supported by strong governance and inclusive community participation. These practices also offer adaptable models that can be applied in other heritage landscapes.