Multifunctional planning and design for the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Salt-Marshes Natural Reserve VANESSA EVARISTO (*) and Dr. ANDRÉ BOTEQUILHA-LEITÃO (**) (*) Research Centre on Landscape, Territory and Urbanism (CIPATUR), FERN University of Algarve (UALG) Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro PORTUGAL vanessaevaristo@portugalmail.pt (**) Assistant Professor, Departmental Area of Landscape Architecture, FERN Coordinator of CIPATUR, UALG; Researcher also at IN + / Centre for Geosystems, High Technical Institute (IST), Technical University of Lisbon (UTL) – Research Pole at UALG University of Algarve Campus of Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro PORTUGAL Http://andrebotequilhaleitao.googlepages.com/ Abstract: - This paper is based on the work entitled “Rehabilitation and Valorisation of the traditional saltworks at the Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António”. Its overarching goal was the rehabilitation of the traditional saltworks, which currently are mostly in abandonment. The overall planning and design goal focused on a multifunctional approach, through the reactivation of traditional saltworks, the conservation of natural and cultural values present, and the integration of economic activities found compatible with the present ecosystems. These could range from selected types of tourism (nature, scientific and cultural tourism), the use of halophyte plants for cosmetic purposes, and the creation of a spa, adding to the most valued product of these traditional saltworks – the delicatessen “flower of salt”. The adopted methodology for this study was based on the combination of the Sustainable Land Planning framework method (SLP) and a landscape architecture design approach. The methodological goal was to explore explicit links between different levels of analysis and intervention in the landscape. One specific objective was to elaborate a zoning plan, contemplating the various uses and activities proposed. A set of management guidelines are also suggested. Participative planning and design was implemented throughout the entire project, right from the beginning. This was most useful to the planning and design process. The most important issue identified in the study area is the lack of communication and cooperation between the people of Castro Marim and the traditional saltworks. Considering that all other conditions are set in place, this is the main obstacle to the success of the proposed plan. Key-Words: - landscape planning, landscape design, landscape architecture, traditional saltworks, reclamation, multifunctionality, integration, natural reserve, Castro Marim, Algarve. 1 Introduction This paper is based on the final report of the trainee period of the first author, in completion of the graduate degree in Landscape Architecture at the Faculty of Engineering of Natural Resources (FERN), University of Algarve (UALG). This report is entitled Rehabilitation and Valorisation of the Traditional Saltworks at the Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António (RNSCMVRSA) [1]. Initially this traineeship was suggested to FERN by the RNSCMVRSA / Portuguese Institute for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (ICNB). Their general goal was that a FERN trainee student develops a proposal to reactivate the traditional saltworks, which currently are mostly in abandonment. The general goals cover three main aspects: (1) provide a deeper knowledge about this traditional activity, characteristic of the Algarve region, generator of a sustainable cultural landscape, (2) preserve this cultural landscape – these are an expression of the relationship between nature and humans [2], and therefore a legacy that should be preserved; and (3) restore this activity to return such a sustainable economic way of living to the Algarve population, and particularly to the people of Castro Marim. The saltworks can and should be integrated with emergent economic-valued activities (tourism, spa, algae, etc.) under a multifunctional design. This is important not only for its social and economic value, but also for its ecological value. The traditional saltworks are proved essential to the maintenance of the biodiversity of the flora and fauna of the site [3 and 4]. 1st WSEAS International Conference on LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE (LA '08), Algarve, Portugal, June 11-13, 2008 ISBN: 978-960-6766-72-5 53 ISSN: 1790-5095