The Center for the Study of Natural and Cultural Heritage (CSNACH) at the German Jordanian University (GJU) hosted Dr. Gösta Hoffmann, Program Specialist at the UNESCO Global Geoparks Unit, Department of Heritage, Nature, and Society, German Commission for UNESCO, on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Jennifer Gronau, Director of the International Affairs Department at GJU, as part of the Digitizing Heritage Project, led by Prof. Julia Schnitzer, a Digital Media specialist at Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, and supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Abu-Jaber, Acting Director of CSNACH, presented an overview of the Center’s activities and its engagement with the Jordanian Geoparks Committee. He highlighted the Center’s role in promoting awareness of geoparks and geotourism through workshops and educational initiatives. Prof. Abu-Jaber also discussed the university’s plans to establish a Geological Museum on campus and enhance students’ understanding of Jordan’s unique geoheritage through field excursions.
In his remarks, Dr. Hoffmann outlined potential avenues for cooperation between the German Commission for UNESCO and CSNACH, including joint workshops, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering Jordanian youth to become specialists in geoparks and geotourism. He emphasized the importance of using modern visualization technologies to effectively communicate Earth’s complex and fascinating history.
The discussion also reaffirmed the ongoing efforts of Dr. Özlem Adıyaman Lopes, Program Specialist at the UNESCO International Geosciences Program, to support Jordan in developing a national geopark initiative, contributing to the expansion of UNESCO Global Geoparks in the Arab region.
As part of this collaboration, CSNACH organized a field visit to the Umm er-Rasas World Heritage Site, focusing on Jordan’s exceptional geological formations, ancient and modern water management systems, and the interaction between humans and their natural environment over centuries.
Dr. Hoffmann praised Jordan’s extraordinary geological diversity and potential, underscoring the country’s significant opportunity to advance regional awareness and global recognition in the field of geoheritage and sustainable tourism.