Geological Conservation Through Risk Mitigation and Public Awareness at the Siq of Petra, Jordan

Abstract

The Petra Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, characterized by a spectacular geo-archaeological landscape, is also a fragile site facing a wide diversity of natural phenomena (landslides, flash floods, earthquakes) that pose a major threat to the heritage as well as to the visitors. The UNESCO Office in Amman, in partnership with the Department of Antiquities of Jordan and the Petra Archaeological Park has engaged in a long term strategy aimed at the prevention and mitigation of natural hazards at the site. Specific attention has been devoted to the case of the Petra Siq, a 1.2 km naturally formed gorge in the sandstone mountains serving as the only tourist entrance to the site, which is particularly at risk due to its narrow pathway, limited access points and recent active slope processes. Drawing on this approach, the UNESCO ``Siq Stability{''} project has been developed to design a strategy towards prevention and mitigation of instability phenomena at the Siq of Petra. After an initial phase devoted to the reconstruction of geomorphological dynamics and monitoring of active slope processes, the current phase of the project focuses on the implementation of landslide risk mitigation measures, the capacity development of the national authorities and the development and implementation of an awareness strategy on natural hazards. Main focus has been placed on project activities undertaken, results achieved and suggestions for steps ahead, aiming to present a useful case study on the management of natural hazards applied to heritage sites leading to the conservation of a unique World Heritage property.