The Italian Development Cooperation system continues to support the conservation of archaeological assets. To protect the archaeological area of Petra in Jordan against hydrogeological risks, the Italian Development Cooperation system gave UNESCO 1.5 million euro. It is the fourth project financed for the same area since 2012, and is further proof of Italy’s firm commitment to protect world cultural heritage.
The project plans to employ Syrian refugees, enhance the professional skills of young Jordanians in the field of cultural heritage conservation, heighten the protection of the World Heritage Site of Petra, and implement measures to prevent natural hazards at the Siq of Petra. The long-term goal is also to promote the development of professional skills among Syrian refugees, who could then be employed in the restoration activities of Syria’s cultural heritage, when conditions allow once the emergency situation is over.