Inland saltworks and sustainable rural territories: the Duernas socio‑ecosystem in the light of the Añana model

Abstract Inland saline wetlands and saltworks are unique socio-ecological systems that deliver essential ecosystem services, yet they are often neglected in global wetland and rural development agendas. Drawing on a broad comparative perspective of saline wetlands and inland “saltscapes,” this article examines the socio-ecosystem of the Duernas saltworks (Córdoba, Spain) as a representative example of small inland saltworks in dryland agricultural basins. First, we position inland saltworks within the context of current international discussions on wetland conservation, saline lake decline, and rural territorial sustainability. Second, we characterize the Duernas socio-ecosystem from geographical, physical, historical, and habitat-based perspectives. Third, we use the Salt Valley of Añana (Álava, Spain)—recognized as a FAO Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)—as an international reference for heritage-based, community-centered management of inland saltworks. Building on this comparative analysis, we present a multi-scalar sustainable management framework for the Duernas saltworks, integrating geoheritage, biodiversity, cultural landscape, and rural development objectives within a social-ecological systems (SES) approach. Finally, the article offers recommendations for public policy, governance, and research that are relevant to inland saltworks in other regions worldwide facing similar challenges of abandonment, degradation, and territorial marginalization.