Activity 1: Training
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Within the framework of the UNESCO project on sustainable conservation in Petra and Wadi Rum, the University of Florence has carried out a series of field-based activities at the Nabataean Temple in Wadi Rum, combining scientific research, conservation planning, and capacity-building initiatives.
A key component of the project has been the implementation of hands-on restoration training for local communities, designed to transfer practical skills and reinforce awareness of cultural heritage preservation. The training activities were delivered on-site by the specialized organization Raqeem, engaged by the University of Florence, and conducted under the scientific and methodological supervision of the University team.
The training, held over four days in December, focused on the practical application of traditional and compatible restoration techniques, in line with international conservation standards. It involved local community members and trainees, with the objective of building local capacity and enabling active participation in ongoing and future conservation efforts.
Activities carried out during the training combined theoretical guidance with intensive practical work on the archaeological remains. These included:
- preparation of experimental restoration samples using appropriate materials and proportions;
- careful removal of incompatible modern materials, such as cement, to prevent damage to original stone structures;
- mechanical cleaning of archaeological surfaces;
- preparation and application of restoration mixtures tailored to the geological and material characteristics of the site.
The training emphasized the importance of scientific rigor, material compatibility, and reversibility of interventions, while also promoting a strong sense of responsibility among participants towards the protection of their local heritage.
The results of the activity demonstrate a high level of engagement and skill acquisition among participants, confirming the effectiveness of integrating conservation practice with community involvement. This approach contributes not only to the physical preservation of the site but also to the long-term sustainability of heritage management in Wadi Rum.
Overall, the training represents a fundamental step in the project’s broader strategy, which combines technical expertise, academic research, and local participation to ensure the safeguarding and enhancement of one of Jordan’s most significant archaeological landscapes.
Last update
22.04.2026