Khaberni - Adnan Suwaed, Chair of the Board of Commissioners in the Petra Region Tourism Development Authority, and the Swiss Ambassador in Jordan, Emilia Georgieva, discussed ways to enhance climate adaptation projects in the Wadi Musa area.
This occurred during a field visit conducted by a Swiss delegation in cooperation with Mercy Corps as part of a project "Nature", aimed at enhancing partnerships and coordination among various stakeholders, and to observe firsthand the projects on flood risk management and water resources conservation, as well as discussing local community priorities in facing climate and economic challenges.
During the discussion, the Authority and the Swiss delegation explored opportunities to develop cooperation, particularly given the challenges posed by climate changes on the tourism sector and local communities.
Suwaed stated that the partnership with the Swiss Embassy and Mercy Corps represents an effective model of international cooperation in implementing quality projects, especially in the areas of flood risk management and enhancing water use efficiency, which contributes to protecting local communities and promoting sustainable development.
For her part, Ambassador Georgieva affirmed her country's commitment to supporting local efforts to address climate change, pointing out the importance of the "Nature" projects which reflect the significance of collaborative work with local communities, particularly in developing sustainable solutions for water management and disaster risk reduction.
The visit included field tours to several main valleys in Wadi Musa, among them Al-Sadr and Al-Muqab, where the delegation was briefed on the barrier and storage dam projects implemented to mitigate flood risks and enhance the resilience of the area.
The delegation also visited Ain Musa, one of the most significant historical water sources, and learned about its importance in supporting the sustainability of water resources in the area.
As part of efforts to involve the local community, a dialog was held with community representatives and the local advocacy committee, focusing on climate and economic challenges, and the local efforts made to promote sustainable livelihoods, especially in communities dependent on tourism.
This visit is part of enhancing international cooperation and supporting sustainable development efforts in the Petra region, contributing to preparing local communities to face future environmental challenges.
