Madaba, July 2 (Petra) -- 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 European Union and implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Amman, in partnership with the Department of Antiquities and the University of Perugia.
The launch ceremony was attended by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazin, European Union Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, Italian Ambassador to Jordan Luciano Pezzotti, and Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan Archbishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso.
In presence were also Swedish Ambassador to Jordan Maria Sargren, Hungarian Ambassador to Jordan Péter Jakab, UNESCO Representative to Jordan Noha Bawazir, Director General of the Department of Antiquities Fawzi Abudanah, and representatives of partner institutions and the local community.
Speaking at the event, Hijazin said the Machaerus development project marks an "important" step to strengthen the site's position on the global religious tourism map.
He said 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 European Union, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (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.
In turn, EU Ambassador Chatzisavas said the project has moved from the planning stage to implementation following extensive preparation and coordination among partners.
He said 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.
Italian Ambassador Pezzotti said the initiative reflects the "close" partnership between Jordan, Italy and the European Union, highlighting Machaerus' exceptional historical and religious significance.
He said the project will help strengthen the site's status as a "leading" religious and cultural tourism destination while preserving its heritage for future generations.
//Petra// NQ
