What are halophytes and why are they important for Venice?

Halophytes are saltwater-tolerant plants crucial for Venice as they can grow in increasingly saline soils threatened by rising sea levels.

How is The Tidal Garden helping Venice adapt to climate change?

The Tidal Garden explores the edible potential of halophytes, integrating them into local cuisine and culture to aid adaptation to climate change.

Can halophytes help farmers in coastal areas like Venice?

Yes, halophytes offer resilient crops for saline soils and can be intercropped to improve fertility, providing a sustainable solution for coastal farmers.

Home / Environment / Venice's Salty Future: Wild Herbs Rise

Venice's Salty Future: Wild Herbs Rise

21 Dec

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Summary

Rising sea levels and salinity threaten traditional Venetian crops.
Scientists and chefs explore forgotten wild herbs, known as halophytes.
Halophytes offer a resilient, edible solution to climate change impacts.

Coastal regions like the Venice lagoon are experiencing increasing soil salinity due to rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and decreased rainfall. This salinisation poses a significant threat to traditional agriculture, which often cannot tolerate salt concentrations exceeding 1.2%. Historically, these areas were fertile, but the changing climate is transforming the land, impacting crop yields and the delicate balance of local ecosystems. This environmental shift is forcing a re-evaluation of agricultural practices.

In response, researchers and environmental scientists are rediscovering and promoting the cultivation of halophytes – plants adapted to thrive in saltwater environments. These often-overlooked species, such as sea fennel, marsh samphire, and monk's beard, are being explored for their edible potential and resilience. Initiatives like The Tidal Garden in Venice aim to integrate these wild herbs back into the local food culture, working with farmers, chefs, and artists to create demand and awareness.