The Ria Formosa is an extensive ecosystem that extends through the municipalities of Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António, covering an area of about 18,400 hectares over 60 kilometers with a maximum width of about 6 km. This protected area, considered a natural park, is protected by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and intersected by salt marshes and small sandy beaches to the north.

Traditional salt production is a sustainable and environmentally friendly economic activity in which the salt flats are part of an ecosystem that includes microalgae, halophytes and diverse bird life.

The vegetation on the walls of the salt pans provides nesting, shelter, and food for various waterfowl and stabilizes the ponds in the salt pans.