NATURE PARK ULCINJ SALINA

The Ulcinj Salina – largest salina (saltpan) in the Adriatic, located in the extreme south of Montenegro, close to the border with Albania is a nearly 15 km² large wetland area and one of the most important wetland areas in the Balkans.  It is located 1 km of air distance from the city of Ulcinj and the same distance from the border with Albania.

Ulcinj Salinas

The significance of these salt pans for migratory birds is commonly compared with that of Heatrow or Frankfurt Airport for its air traffic because the Salina is indeed a hub for bird migration along the Adriatic Flyway.

Ulcinjska solana

Thousands of wading and water birds rest there each year in the spring and autumn and refuel for the rest of their energy-sapping flight. Moreover as a breeding site the Ulcinj Salina is of great importance. The Site is divided into several areas which had different purposes in the salt production process, such as crystallization and evaporation.

Ulcinj saltpan

They are now mostly covered by grassland, halophyte vegetation and reeds. Overall, 252 bird species have been recorded in the Site, 20 of them globally threatened.

birds in ulcinj salina

The «signature» species of Ulcinj Salina in the past several years has been the greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), but also the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), a unique and distinct species which regularly visits the Salina area, with flocks of up to 100 specimens observed in the fall months. In addition, one endangered amphibian (Albanian water frog), one reptile (European pond turtle) and one mammal (European otter) are present.

the greater flamingo in ulcinj salinas

The salt works were set up here in the period 1926-1934 and in turn, ensured a good life for local workers and birds alike, the latter being particularly attracted by the salty delights of the altered ecosystem.

The salt works

At its zenith, the Ulcinj Salina was an inspirational example of how human activities and natural processes can indeed flourish together.

Ulcinj Salina

The national and local significance of Ulcinj Salina is reflected in its social-economic impact as well. The Bajo Sekulic saltworks used to employ up to 450 workers, making it a significant and steady source of income for a large number of households in the Ulcinj municipality.

Bajo Sekulic Saltworks Ulcinj

Moreover, Ulcinj Salina was a well-known Montenegrin brand – a product of the marriage of the sun and the sea.

Ulcinj Salina was a well-known Montenegrin brand

The procedure of winning sea salt in the Salina was in harmony with nature and people. The sea water was pumped into the vast salt pans, the water evaporated due to sun and wind, the salt remained and was harvested by hand.

ulcinj salina saltworkers

This was not only good for people. With the sea water being pumped-in also fish and other little animals entered the Salina – a rich food source for birds and the basis for a flourishing biodiversity.

Basin in Ulcinj Salina

However, the salt harvest stopped in 2013 and there were initiatives to sell Ulcinj Salina and build a luxury hotel resort on the land.

salt in Ulcinj Salina

Fortunately, Montenegro has designated Ulcinj Salina as its third Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site no. 2399). In June 2019 the Salina was declared a Natural Park and thus a Protected Area.

ulcinj salina nature park

The Ulcinj Salina can be explored whole year by foot or by bike, though the bird species observed will depend on the season.The Centre for the Protection and Research of Birds in Montenegro (CZIP) hold a series of tours where visitors can observe these elegant birds from up close.

Pelican and bird observatory