The German-Jordanian University recently launched a Bachelor's program in Cultural and Natural Heritage, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas. This may raise questions for those unfamiliar with the program about the market's need for another specialization in tourism and archaeology, especially given the saturation of these fields. Some may also wonder about the motives behind the German Jordanian University, known for its applied focus, expanding into humanities fields, and how the German influence will elevate this specialization, particularly since Germany is primarily perceived as an industrial nation.
The German-Jordanian University has always aimed to anticipate the future by introducing new disciplines to equip the labor market with specialists in emerging fields that have yet to penetrate the Jordanian job market. The university's forward-looking approach not only focuses on providing specialists for the Jordanian market but also for the Gulf region and Germany, with statistics showing that 15% of its graduates work in Germany and about 12.5% work outside Jordan, while the Jordanian market attracts the remaining graduates, many of whom establish pioneering institutions and enrich the private sector with their expertise and contributions.
Those familiar with the Cultural and Natural Heritage specialization recognize that it is not just another program in archaeology, tourism, or heritage architecture; rather, it is designed to address new aspects within this field, aiming to prepare experts in reserve management. Reserves are defined geographical areas designated for the conservation of natural resources, whether they be natural, geological, archaeological, or otherwise. The program also focuses on storytelling about places, preserving their memory and conveying it to visitors through innovative techniques. It is the first program to specialize in intangible heritage, such as folklore and traditional narratives.
Germany has made significant strides in the field of natural and cultural heritage, boasting 52 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List and regularly adding new sites each year. It has 16 geological reserves and 103 natural reserves. This success is not solely due to its architectural or natural distinctiveness but rather the result of effective organization and the quality of experts and institutions overseeing these sites. While we all acknowledge the beauty of Jordan's natural landscape and biodiversity, which have allowed numerous civilizations to thrive and leave their marks on its soil, we recognize that we can learn a great deal from the German experience in this area and adapt it to fit the Jordanian context by attracting students to this program.
These graduates will provide the Arab world with specialists in preparing nomination files for World Heritage sites, managing the establishment of reserves, and conducting environmental impact studies. These tasks previously relied on foreign experts who, despite their experience, were often disconnected from our cultures and environments, thus failing to convey the image we wish to present about ourselves.
Undoubtedly, students will gain substantial practical experience through the program's applied approach, which includes 160 hours of direct involvement in various projects undertaken by the university, along with internships at international institutions such as UNESCO, the Supreme Council for the Affairs of Cultural Heritage, ICCROM, and natural reserves. Additionally, students will benefit from studying in Germany and interning at various institutions and reserves there. The bilingual education in English and German will equip students with language skills that open doors to job markets unavailable to others.
Through its economic modernization vision, the kingdom aims to develop and diversify its tourism offerings, empower local communities, and expand the registration of archaeological and natural sites on the World Heritage List by adding 15 new sites. These files require preparation, follow-up, and development in alignment with the royal vision to make Jordan a model in the region. Thus, this program translates the royal vision into reality by investing in the promising youth of Jordan's future. Congratulations to the students who will be the cornerstone of this program's launch, and congratulations to their families for their foresight in supporting them.