About Petra Archaeological Park
The Petra Archaeological Park (PAP) covers a 264 dunum (264,00 square meter) area within Wadi Musa, which is considered a tourism and archaeological site and a World Heritage Site registered on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1985. The area encompasses a breathtaking landscape of pink-hued rock mountains, the focus of which is the amazing ancient Nabataean city of Petra, which was carved into the rock more than 2,000 years ago.
In August 2007 the Park was announced by virtue of a new bylaw as an autonomous legal entity with separate financial resources, whereby the management and maintenance of the Park is funded through an allocation from the state budget; foreign aids, grants and donations; a percentage of Park entrance fees; and fees from services provided inside the Park.
Who manages PAP?
Since the new bylaw was passed in August 2007, management of PAP falls under the authority of the PAP Management Board. This board is chaired by the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and comprises the following members:
PAP Management Board
- Minister of Tourism and Antiquities (Chair)
- Director General of the Department of Antiquities (Vice-chair)
- Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
- Director General of the Petra Regional Authority
- Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment.
- Local Governor of Petra province
- Police Chief Officer of Petra province
- Director of PAP
- A representative of the Petra National Trust
- Two other members who may be appointed by the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities
The PAP Director is appointed by the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities on the recommendation of the board. The PAP Director reports to the minister in administrative matters and to the Department of Antiquities director in technical matters relating to antiquities, their protection and preservation.
The PAP Management implements the main duties of the PAP Board. This includes creating awareness and educating Jordanians in general and Petra locals in particular about the Park’s significance and its role in reflecting the historical and cultural character and the national identity of Jordan. PAP also sets the general policy for managing the Park and its facilities, approves the management plan that defines the use of Park areas and facilities, provides appropriate services and facilities to tourists and visitors and ensures public safety. Other duties include putting programs in place to develop the Park, maintain its natural features, and protect its archeological and historical ones. The organization also conducts studies to determine potential impacts of development work and visitor movement on the antiquities.
PAP management also coordinates with other authorities for the purpose of site development and conservation. This includes working with the Department of Antiquities to set a strategy and rules for renovation, restoration and excavations in the Park. Also PAP coordinates with the Petra Regional Authority to organize the areas surrounding the Park and prohibit work and construction that conflicts with and negatively impacts its archeology, nature and environment. There is also cooperation with national and international tourism establishments and authorities to provide funding needed to develop, manage and maintain the Park.
