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| Djinn blocks |
It was great to be able to work once again in Petra. The
Rangers, Tourism Police, locals and authority deal with a myriad of issues and
challenges: much more graffiti and litter than on previous trips, and “Arab
Spring” has become the chant of rationalization for why progressive steps
forward have not resulted. In fact, resource degradation is winning. Many good
hard-working Rangers are deeply discouraged. Que lastima & too bad! If
Petra is on your lifelist/bucket-list, and I recommend that it be, I think you
should try to get there soon before it is overwhelmed by “money changers in the
temple,” trash and fresh equine deposits. As the ol’ Death Valley Ranger saying
went: “You can lead a burro to water… but, you can’t keep ‘em from fouling it
with their defecations.” Alas, there is something positive on-the-scene I want
to share. A year ago at the Best Practices for Managing Protected Areas (27th
of April, Meme & my anniversary) we proposed an idea I had: that a national
initiative to reduce litter & trash be considered; it would enhance eco
& heritage tourism efforts. Well, guess what made the Jordan Times? Please
see the attached:
May our friends in the Petra area, Wadi Musa and throughout
Jordan thrive. May your travels be excellent adventures (Inshallah)… Humdullah!
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