Our Expertise
Protecting Petra's Legacy - 10 years of collaboration between UNESCO and Italy
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra has captivated the world with its stunning rock-cut architecture, including the iconic Treasury, Monastery and Royal Tombs. However, the site has faced numerous challenges, such as erosion, tourism pressure, and the need for extensive restoration and preservation efforts.
Over the past decade, the collaborative efforts between UNESCO and the Government of Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Petra have showcased the remarkable potential of international partnerships in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Since 2011, this dynamic collaboration has yielded significant results, reaffirming the importance of safeguarding one of the world's most renowned archaeological sites.
Safeguarding tangible Cultural Heritage
UNESCO Amman provides technical assistance to the authorities in safeguarding tangible cultural heritage and protecting sites inscribed on the World Heritage List through actions leading to their improved management and conservation in line with the World Heritage Convention. As part of this approach, UNESCO has been implementing disaster risk reduction strategies for the protection of the 'Siq' of Petra and working collaboratively with the Department of Antiquities and the Petra Development and Tourism Regional Authority for the development of an integrated management plan for the World Heritage Site of Petra.
Youth empowerment
This project focuses on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) as a holistic response to promote the safe and ethical use of the media and the internet, building upon the pilot initiative carried out under UNESCO's Support to Media in Jordan project. The project works to strengthen the MIL capacities of public institutions —universities and schools—, media and education professionals accros the Irbid, Zarqa, Ma'an, and Mafraq governorates.
It also works to promote active engagement of youn people through information and communication technologies. In close collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of State for Media Affairs, UNESCO is working to convene and mobilize national authorities, schools, local radio stations and civil society organizations to empower youth with MIL skills.
