Putting our house in order…

camels chow down Qasr al-Bint

Several meetings the previous couple of days with many of Petra’s Management Team and new Commanding Officer of the Tourism Police (Lt. Col. Attal) was culminated 05 Oct. with a Director’s gathering of Park Ranger Supervisors at PAP HQ.  There were 14 Petra Park Rangers, 3 Management Team members (led by the Director, Dr. Emad Hijazeen), and the 3 former NPS Rangers from DOI’s Jordan Parks Project (JPP) Team (aka: “Two wise-men & me”).

camels at Siq (Treasury entrance)

The 2+ hour meeting was conducted 99.9% in Arabic and I understood less than .1%. I did pickup up on “UNESCO” being mentioned a couple of times, Wadi Mousa & Um Sayhoun several times, the fact that new uniforms were discussed, and that “Mr. Phil” was mentioned. In that context my notes reflect that they must have meant something like: “complexities of PAP went over ‘Mr. Phil’s’ head… he is as simple as a tool… we call him Ranger File.” So, I imagined that I’d arrived multi-culturally in that several native groups around the globe have probably independently nicknamed me: “he who shovels fecal matter.” Yet, they keep inviting me back. The Price Is Right…



Camels at Al-Khazneh (Treasury)*





 JPP team conveyed the importance of the place (Petra) and profession (Park Ranger) and that both are recognized worldwide for PROTECTING THE RESOURCES (sometimes at great risk to life & limb), and HELPING VISITORS ENJOY THE PARKS (Visitor Services). The PAP Ranger Corp has great passion for their mission and it shows, with many going beyond the job description and expectations of Arab hospitality in the performance of their duties. They are to be praised. Several potential service innovations brought up by the Rangers were discussed. The 1^st step is to commence this Saturday with new operational schedules and attention to correct PAP mistakes and conflicts-of-interest being made by employees and authorized permit holders; followed by a subsequent phase to modify the behavior of others.

Bill, vendors & donkeys next to Treasury*

In post-session with Dr. Emad we mentioned the upcoming International Ranger Federation’s World Congress (Tanzania) in 13-months. He indicated that he was interested in sending 2-3 of the Petra Park Rangers if funding could be identified. Jordan is building an Arab Regional Ranger Academy at Ajloun Nature Reserve. We’d like to see Rangers from the “Middle East” develop national Ranger Associations and join the worldwide efforts of Park Rangers.

Here is wishing ALL well…

http://www.pamsfoundation.org/world-rangers-congress
*- photos by Bruce McKeeman