Purpose This paper explores the interplay between humanity and nature within saltern landscapes, encapsulated by the term “heritage ecosystems.” While these sites are often celebrated for their natural beauty, the cultural heritage that shapes them is frequently overlooked. The heritage ecosystem approach is crucial in these contexts, where natural and cultural elements are deeply intertwined and continuously influence each other. This study represents a pioneering academic research on the conservation of saltern landscapes in Turkey. It aims to broaden the dialogue on how “heritage ecosystems” can be effectively applied to these complex sites, which are characterised by diverse stakeholders and conservation areas. Design/methodology/approach The study includes comprehensive documentation of both tangible and intangible aspects of the Çamalti salt heritage site. This process involves historical research, field surveys and typological and spatial analyses. These methods help position Çamalti Saltern within established heritage frameworks as well as within the Gunma Declaration. Findings The results reveal the complexity of salt production landscapes, highlighting the diverse range of stakeholders and heritage concerns. The concept of the“heritage ecosystem” provides a crucial lens for understanding these landscapes. Originality/value The paper explores the distinctive relationship between natural and cultural heritage in salt production landscapes. This form of production is unique in that it does not harm the environment; in fact, salt production creates an ecosystem that benefits salt-dependent species, such as flamingos, enabling them to reproduce. In turn, the thriving flora and fauna contribute to the ongoing production of clean salt. This mutually beneficial and sustainable approach is exceptional and warrants further examination.
Isilay Tiarnagh Sheridan Gun (Wed,) studied this question.