Petra heritage revival creates jobs, trains hundreds in Jordan
Landmark conservation initiative in Jordan restores ancient sites, trains 250 individuals, and boosts local employment
PETRA, Jordan (MNTV) — In the heart of Jordan’s ancient city of Petra, a groundbreaking initiative is revitalizing the world-renowned archaeological site while creating employment and empowering local communities with specialized preservation skills.
The Jordan Archaeology as a Sustainable Industry project, led by Sela for Training and Protection of Heritage in collaboration with the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, has successfully concluded after more than two years of intensive work.
The initiative, launched in October 2022, combined conservation efforts with community-driven training programs, ensuring that local residents played a key role in safeguarding their cultural heritage.
The project, supported by the Swiss Drosos Foundation and Petra’s tourism authority, generated over 230 employment opportunities in the region and trained more than 250 individuals, including artisans, youth, and heritage professionals.
Participants developed expertise in essential restoration techniques such as plaster conservation, mosaic preservation, and traditional mortar application.
A key success of the initiative was the restoration of Petra’s Main Theatre, an ancient Nabataean structure that had suffered from erosion and salt damage.
Conservation teams, including newly trained professionals, conducted detailed condition assessments, created 3D digital models, and tested mortar samples to match the original texture and colour of the historic site.
The project also made history by incorporating female conservationists in high-skill restoration work. Women participants used advanced rope-access techniques to preserve the Tomb of Sextus Florentinus, a Roman-era monument showcasing Nabataean craftsmanship.
Their training included complex skills such as anchor-point setups, knot systems, and emergency rescue procedures—an achievement that challenged traditional gender roles in the heritage conservation field.
Another major restoration effort focused on Petra’s Byzantine Church, where experts worked to clean, treat, and stabilize ancient mosaics while addressing water pooling issues on its slab floors.
Conservationists carefully reattached detached mosaic pieces, preserving intricate artwork that dates back over a thousand years.
Beyond site restoration, the initiative has empowered Petra’s local communities—particularly Bedouin groups—by providing sustainable employment and long-term career pathways in heritage preservation.
Over two years, JASI’s efforts led to the conservation of 21 historical monuments, the training of 132 individuals, and the creation of 35 permanent jobs.
Additionally, the project launched the Cultural Ambassadors Programme, aimed at fostering greater community participation in preserving Petra’s heritage.
The program encourages local engagement in heritage protection and educates residents about the significance of conservation work.
By combining international expertise with local knowledge, this initiative has set a new standard for sustainable heritage preservation in Jordan, ensuring that Petra’s architectural wonders remain protected for generations to come.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
