A new world heritage site in Jordan?

Currently we have 3 site classified as World Heritage Sites in Jordan: the well known Petra, Quseir Amra, a desert castle from the 8th century, and Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a), an archaeological site containing remains from the Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim periods (end of 3rd to 9th centuries AD). According to an article in the Jordan Times of yesterday, there is a new strong candidate: Wadi Rum.

Author: David Bjorgen                                                                           

Wadi Rum is located 300km south of Amman. Here are a few facts about this beautiful site. I have taken the information from this website about Wadi Rum. The site has been declared protected area since 1998 and there is a large conservation program in place in order to limit the impact of ever increasing popularity. Wadi Rum covers a stunning 720 square kilometers with sandstone mountains, desert, sandy valleys, narrow canyons and much more. The Bedouin tradition is still alive in the region and is one of the main attractions as well. It is possible to visit Wadi Rum by Jeep, Camel / Horseback ride or simple hiking and one can spend the night at one of the Bedouin camps or for the less adventurous drive further south to Aqaba. We haven't been yet, having preferred to wait to Bibs is a bit older, so we will go next year at some point. I can't wait really, it looks stunning.

Wadi Rum can either be listed as cultural site or as mixed cultural and natural site. The vote will take place next year during the annual session in Bahrain. If the site gets listed it will mean greater preservation programs to ensure that this absolutely amazing place remains well protected. To be included on the World Heritage List, a site must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria. 

There is another Wadi mentionned in yesterday's paper as well it is Wadi Feynan. It is located in the Dana Reserve. The solar powered 26 room eco lodge located in the Wadi was in the top 50 of the such lodges in the National Geographic Adventure magazine last year. That little lodge looks lovely, with lots of activities to do on its doorstep.

Lunch at the Wild Jordan Nature Centre

Today I met with a couple of other mums and their girlies for lunch at the Wild Jordan Nature Centre. It is located after the 1st circle, above the old city of Amman and with fantastic views over the Citadel as well as the famous flag of Jordan (which is absolutely huge!). You can see it on the left hand side of the picture below.

The centre promotes the protection, the sustainable use of Jordan's resources as well as Eco Tourism. On the Website you will find information about trailing in different nature reserves, where you can stay, the costs...

The building is a new structure in glass and steal, built on the edge of a mountain, there are plenty of floors, but an elevator as well! There is a craftshop with really nice items from different nature reserves around the country. I bought some small things: 2 small hand made bowls, a soap tray and a soap made from olive oil - total of 14JD - I know not cheap but it is for the good cause! Then there is an area where with sofas and nature magasines. This is where we had lunch, they usually don't serve there but 3 mums and 3 babies made them understand that it was a bit easier. It is also a breastfeeding friendly place. The food is a "healthy option" place - it offers healthy snacks, salads and light meals through out the day. I had an Artichoke salad which was really nice, very fresh produce - with a blueberry milkshake (skimmed milk please!) and a bottle of water for a total of 11JD - that's also not cheap - but the location is nice and it is breastfeeding friendly! 

Then you have the restaurant located on 2 floors (one smoking, one non) as well as an outside terrasse I think, but it didn't look open and don't know if it was easy accessible with a stroller.

All in all a nice and refreshing place to come and enjoy some amazing views, and contribute as well to the protection of Jordan's fabulous nature heritage.