Together with the nearby Strunjan pans, the Sečovlje salt-pans are the northernmost and still active salt-pans in the Mediterranean . They are situated in the extreme southwestern part of Slovenia , along the boundary between the Republics of Slovenia and Croatia , and cover about 6.5 km². Their main freshwater vein is the Dragonja river, which after few kilometres of its course joins the sea at the Sečovlje salt-pans. Today, salt is produced in the northern part of the pans called Lera. The part known as Fontanigge is full of large basins that are being gradually overgrown by the characteristic salt-loving vegetation – halophytes. The basins are crisscrossed by the system of ancient levees, amongst which mostly the larger ones have been preserved. Along the wide channels, the former salt-pan houses are scattered, which with their characteristic appearance co-create the unique image of the salina landscape.
Through centuries, a very special saline habitat has been created through the traditional production of salt. By preserving it, we are thus providing for the conditions needed for the existence of rare and endangered animal and plant species as well as protecting the richness of this cultural heritage and landscape.
