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