UNESCO participates in the 3rd technical committee to support livelihoods through Cultural Heritage

Amman - The Department of Antiquities (DoA) in Amman, Jordan hosted the Third Technical Committee for the EU-funded project Support to Livelihoods through Cultural Heritage Development,  to discuss with partners and stakeholders the implementation of the project, assess the progress made, and identify any challenges that may have arisen.

The outcome of this meeting will ensure that the project continues to meet its goals and objectives during its next phase of implementation.

His Excellency Professor Fadi Bala’awi, Director General of the Department of antiquities of Jordan opened the meeting, attended by representatives from EU, UNESCO, ILO, MoTA and DoA, on behalf of His Excellency Makram Al-Qaisi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. In welcoming the attendees, Professor Bala'awi expressed his gratitude for their presence and support in preserving Jordan's cultural heritage.

Min Jeong Kim, UNESCO Representative to Jordan, stressed the importance of cultural heritage in fostering socioeconomic development and building resilience, and provided an update on the progress made so far with the rehabilitation of historical and cultural sites. Since the beginning of the project, 773 vulnerable Jordanians and Syrian refugees have benefited from job opportunities linked to basic conservation works in 4 cultural heritage sites (Um as-Surab, Rihab, and Al Fudain in Mafraq, amd Umm Qays in Irbid governorate).  It is foreseen that in the next phase of the works, 300 more job opportunities will be created in Irbid governorate (Pella and Beit Eidis).

Ms. Angela Atzori, Trust Fund Manager for the EU Regional Response to the Syrian Crisis & Madad Fund, in her remarks stated that the EU would support Jordan in preserving its cultural heritage to ensure sustainable livelihoods and to contribute to its development.

Turath Architecture and Urban Design Consultants, UNESCO's technical partner then presented the Sustainable Maintenance and Tourism Development Plans (SMTDP) detailing the conservation works to be carried out by 300 vulnerable Jordanians and Syrian refugees in the sites of Pella and Beit Eidis in the coming months through cash-for-work schemes. During their presentation, they highlighted the importance of both sites in Jordan's rich history.

All attendees demonstrated commitment to supporting the project, and approved the two Site SMTDP for Bait Eidis and Pella, including their goals, objectives, and strategies aiming at developing a sustainable tourism scheme. Emphasis was put on the importance of preserving both sites natural and cultural resources while balancing the needs of the visitors and local community, and on continuing to strengthen social cohesion by creating sustainable livelihoods and involving local communities in preserving their cultural heritage.