Exciting Partnership to Safeguard Cultural Heritage and Empower Local Communities in Petra and Wadi Rum

Amman witnessed a remarkable collaboration on Wednesday, as the Italian government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inked a significant partnership agreement. Valued at 1.5 million euros, the agreement aims to protect cultural heritage and support local communities in the breathtaking sites of Petra and Wadi Rum.

The signing ceremony, held at the UNESCO Jordan Office premises, marked a momentous occasion in the long-standing alliance between Italy and UNESCO in Jordan. In attendance were Italian Ambassador to Jordan Luciano Pezzotti, UNESCO Representative in Jordan Min Jeong Kim, and representatives from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), as per UNESCO’s statement.

Ambassador Pezzotti emphasized Italy’s unwavering commitment to championing Jordan’s cultural preservation efforts. He reaffirmed Italy’s dedication to not only safeguarding and efficiently managing heritage sites but also to engaging in international cooperation for the protection of cultural heritage.

Expressing gratitude, Kim extended her thanks to the Italian government for their generous support. She highlighted that UNESCO will work closely with the Jordanian government, local authorities, and communities to address the growing challenges posed by the increasing influx of tourists. The project’s ultimate objective is to ensure sustainable preservation and development of these World Heritage sites for future generations.

Titled “Local Communities and Sustainable Tourism in Petra and Wadi Rum,” the two-year initiative aims to foster the sustainable protection of both sites. It will place a strong emphasis on empowering local communities, enabling them to actively participate in the preservation of these invaluable places and creating new livelihood opportunities, with a particular focus on women and youth.

The successful implementation of the project will be accomplished through close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Department of Antiquities, Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority.

This collaboration marks a crucial step towards preserving the cultural heritage of Petra and Wadi Rum while empowering local communities and nurturing sustainable tourism.