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Ammon News - by Muath Freij | JT
AMMAN — The cultural heritage sites of Jordan are threatened by industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural expansion, according to Sharifa Nofa Bint Nasser, president of the Friends of Archaeology and Heritage Society (FoAH).

“Despite the fact that many economic developments such as factories, airports and roads are beneficial to the country, many were developed near these sites, causing environmental pollution, air pollution and even visual pollution,” Sharifa Nofa said at a lecture organised by the FoAH last week.

Founded in 1958 by a group of Jordanian and non-Jordanian archaeologists and residents, the FoAH held a lecture at the Jordan Museum last Wednesday to discuss the challenges facing the Kingdom’s archaeological heritage.

During the two-hour lecture, Professor Muawiya Ibrahim, a Jordanian expert in archaeology and heritage, presented several case studies highlighting the challenges that face archaeological heritage.

Sharifa Nofa noted that the society initiated consultation meetings to discuss these challenges and what is needed to address them.

“The FoAH promotes greater understanding of archaeology and the importance of preservation and conservation of our national heritage by introducing members and guests to various issues related to archaeology and heritage,” she noted, adding that the society also hosts lectures in both Arabic and English presented by professors and experts in these fields.