Amman, Nov 29 (Petra) - The Cultural Harmony Path initiative organized the first conference on the development of natural and cultural caves in Amman and across Jordan on Saturday.

The head of the Organizing and Scientific Committee, Mohammad Wuhaib, said cave tourism in Amman has reached "advanced and distinguished stages" in the Arab world, citing historical cave trails already launched by the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM). These include Al-Raqim Cave, Carnival Cave in Abu Alanda, Al-Mualaqa Cave in Iraq al-Amir, and caves in Jabal Al-Luweibdeh and Ain Ghazal.

Wuhaib added that efforts are currently underway to link Amman's caves with distinctive sites in other governorates, such as Prophet Lot's Cave in Ghor Al-Safi and Al-Mashnaqa Cave in Mukawir. He confirmed that a comprehensive national cave tourism strategy and its associated trails will be ready next year, positioning Jordan to become a pioneer in this specialized type of tourism.

He explained that some caves are "unexploited mines and treasures." The conference, held in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, GAM, and Jordanian universities, is intended to be a launchpad from Amman to the rest of the governorates for optimal investment in this sector.

Former Minister Taha Al-Habahbeh said the economics of cave tourism are vast, with positive repercussions for local communities, though further development is needed.

Nasser Abu Jaber, Director of the Abu Jaber Caves Museum, where the conference was held, noted the site represents a unique heritage center focused on protecting the cultural legacy of Jordanian caves for future generations.

The head of the Cultural Harmony Path Initiative, Retired Brigadier Munawer Shakhatreh, highlighted that the academic papers presented reflect a strong local and regional interest in this tourism type and in activating local community participation in its economics.

Khalid Al-Raqad from the Ministry of Tourism pointed to the ministry's contribution to developing the sector, while Rasmiya Al-Laham, President of the Historians Of Tribes Legacy And Genealogy Union, confirmed that documentation efforts by Jordanian historians have reached an advanced stage, promising a "bright future for cave tourism" across the nation.

The conference, which took place in the subterranean Abu Jaber Cave in Al-Yadudah, featured scientific sessions that covered the development of historical caves, international marketing strategies, visitor health, archaeological importance, and integrating school students into educational activities.

Participants recommended holding the conference annually, with dedicated support from the Greater Amman Municipality and the Ministry of Tourism to boost the sector and link heritage and archaeological caves across all governorates to maximize their economic impact. Activities accompanying the conference included a visit to Qasr Al-Mushatta and surrounding heritage sites.

//Petra// AF