AMMAN — Jordan on Thursday launched the implementation phase of a European Union-funded project to support social and economic recovery and promote sustainable local development by improving the archaeological site of Machaerus. 

 

The project is financed by the EU and implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Amman, in partnership with the Department of Antiquities (DoA) and the University of Perugia, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazin, EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, Italian Ambassador to Jordan Luciano Pezzotti, and Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan Archbishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso attended the launch ceremony.

 

Swedish Ambassador to Jordan Maria Sargren, Hungarian Ambassador to Jordan Péter Jakab, UNESCO Representative to Jordan Noha Bawazir, DoA Director-General Fawzi Abudanah, and representatives of partner institutions and the local community also attended the event.

 

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Hijazin said that the Machaerus development project marks an "important" step to enhance the site's position on the global religious tourism map.

 

He said that the project's success depends not only on upgrading the archaeological site but also on engaging the local community as a “key” partner in protecting and managing the site while benefiting from the development opportunities it creates.

 

He expressed appreciation to the EU, AICS, the Italian embassy, UNESCO and other partners for supporting a project that contributes to preserving Jordan's cultural heritage and advancing sustainable local development.

 

Chatzisavas said that the project has moved from the planning stage to implementation following extensive preparation and coordination among partners.

 

He said that work will focus on conserving the archaeological site, carrying out restoration work related to the site's caves, and involving the local community to ensure the project delivers direct development benefits to residents.

 

Pezzotti said that the initiative reflects the "close" partnership between Jordan, Italy and the European Union, highlighting Machaerus' exceptional historical and religious significance.

 

He said that the project will help boost the site's status as a "leading" religious and cultural tourism destination while preserving its heritage for future generations.