Salt of the Ancients / Our Salt Gate Mountains: Saving and Promoting an Ancient Heritage

Dear friends of tradition, authentic flavour and untold stories,

The recent calamity at Salina Praid, a painful event that affected the heart of the salt massif, was a wake-up call. It was a moment of stark realisation of the fragility of a millennia-old heritage, of a "spell of eternity" that Praid hides and that suddenly seemed threatened. For me, Marta Ramona Oprea, this experience has amplified a vision that has animated me for a long time: to become the founder and ambassador of an international project to rescue and promote Romanian salt, under the name "Salt of the Ancients / Munții Noștri Sare Poarta".

Why "Salt of the Ancients / Munții Noștri Sare Sare Poarta"?

The name evokes the depth of history (Salt of the Ancients) and our deep connection to the Romanian soil (Munții Noștri Sare Sare Poarta). It's not just about a mineral; it's about a silent witness to millennia, our cultural roots and an invaluable natural resource that deserves to be understood, respected and celebrated globally.

Romania has some of the oldest and richest salt deposits in Europe, true geological treasures that have influenced our history, our economy and even our identity. Yet Romanian salt remains largely a well-kept secret. Until now.

Project Vision: A NEW ERA for Romanian Salt

The project "Salt of the Ancients / Munții Noștri Sare Poarta" is not just an association; it is a movement, a bridge between past and future, between tradition and innovation. We aim to transform Romanian salt into a symbol of prestige through:

1. Cultural Pairing: we will explore and document the deep connection between salt and Romanian cultural identity. We will discover how salt has influenced culinary traditions, crafts, folklore and even language. We will create unique "cultural pairing" experiences, where the taste of salt will meet art, music or history, opening new perspectives on our heritage.
2. Professional Tasting and Expertise: We will develop a 'salt sommelier' standard, training a new generation of experts who will be able to accurately assess the sensory profile of each type of salt - from the unique texture of Praid salt to the mineral nuances of sea salt. We will provide manufacturers with detailed expert reports (mineralisation characterisation, nutritional classification, sensory description and pairing recommendations), turning this information into powerful marketing tools for labels and online promotion.
3. International Storytelling: we will bring the story of Romanian salt to the global stage. Through documentaries, podcasts, international fairs and festivals, and collaborations with embassies, prestigious cultural and gastronomic institutions, we will share the "spell of eternity" of our salt and how it intertwines with Romanian history and culture. We want each Romanian salt crystal to tell a captivating story.

How will we use your contribution?

Your support is essential to kick-start and sustain this ambitious project. Every penny invested will be channelled strategically towards:

• 20% - Cultural Research and Documentation: exploring the archives, interviewing geologists, researchers, folk craftsmen and historians, documenting the links between salt and Romanian traditions, to build a solid foundation of "cultural pairing".
• 25% - Curriculum Development and Professional Standards: Creation of training programmes for sommeliers, teaching materials, purchase of equipment for tastings and sensory analysis.
• 30% - Storytelling Content Production (Video/Audio/Text): Production of high quality multimedia materials (mini-documentaries, podcasts, articles) to take the story of Romanian savoury around the world.
• 15% - Digital Platform and Communication: Development of a multilingual website, branding materials and communication campaigns to attract international partners and audiences.
• 10% - Pilot Events and Networking: Organisation of the first "cultural pairing" and tasting events in Romania and then internationally to create connections and promote the vision of the project.

Rewards for Your Support: A Part of the "Spell of Eternity"

Join this journey and become part of the Romanian salt story! Your generosity will be rewarded with authentic experiences and recognition:

• "Romanian Salt Crystal" level (50 - 150 RON):
• Your name (or company) mentioned on the "Supporters" section of our international website.
• An exclusive e-book: "Romanian Salt: A Journey Through Time and Taste" - an introduction to the history and diversity of our salt.
• The "Heart of Salt" level (151 - 400 RON):
• All the rewards of the "Romanian Salt Crystal" level.
• Free access to an exclusive online session of "Cultural Storytelling about Salt " - a virtual foray into the stories and traditions of Romanian salt, presented by me.
• A personalised digital certificate of appreciation.
• The "Praid Crystal" level (401 - 1000 RON):
• All rewards from the "Heart of Salt" level.
• A simplified sensory expertise report for a salt of your choice (a personal salt you wish to analyse).
• Preferential access to the first module of the Junior Salt Sommellier course.
• VIP invitation to the official launch event of the Salt of the Ancients / Our Salt Mountains project.
• Level "Salt Mountain" (1001 - 3000 RON):
• All rewards from the level "Praid Crystal".
• A private "Cultural Pairing and Salt Tasting" experience with me (online or, logistics permitting, in selected locations in Romania).
• Special mention as "Patron of the Romanian Salt Heritage" on all major project communication materials.
• An exclusive "Salt & Culture" kit containing premium Romanian salt samples and documentary materials.
• The "Spell of Eternity" level (Over 3000 RON):
• All rewards from the "Mountain of Salt" level.
• Private strategic consulting session (2-3 hours) with Marta Ramona Oprea for you or your company, focused on integrating salt into your personal/business brand and storytelling strategies.
• Honoured invitation to all major project events for one year.
• Your or your company's name will be engraved on a commemorative plaque to be displayed in the future headquarters of the Association.

Join our vision - Protect and Promote the Salt of the Ancients!

Recent events in Praid have shown us that we can no longer delay. Now is the time to act, protect and proudly promote this essential part of our identity. I invite you to become part of this mission, to rediscover together the "spell of eternity" of Romanian salt and share it with the world.

Thank you for your time and generosity.

With respect and dedication,

Marta Ramona Oprea - Founder & Ambassador of the International Project "Salt of the Ancients / Munții Noștri Sare Poarta"