Project Title:

HELAND Project

Project Duration:

2012 - 2015

Project Objectives:

HELAND was a European framework project aiming to promote sustainable socio-economic development through innovative technological actions for Mediterranean tourism-heritage and landscape protection clusters. HELAND counts with it the participation of organizations from Malta, Spain, Cyprus, Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon in dealing with tourism studies, regional development and innovative solutions.

JREDS was a pioneer partner in selecting a potential underwater heritage site, represented by the Shipwreck “Cedar Pride”. The shipwreck holds extraordinary natural, cultural and social value and is considered by far the most attractive site for tourism in the Gulf of Aqaba. The ship was sunk in 1985, per the orders of his majesty King Abdulla II (Prince Abdulla at that time), after the extensive damage that happened to its body due to fire. The project aimed to promote the Shipwreck as a well-kept diving site with its rich natural and cultural history.

Partner Organizations:

The European Commission through ENPI (European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument) Program.

Outstanding Achievements

• Biodiversity, gender and socio-economic information are well-studied and documented for the Cedar Pride.
• A group of well-trained divers from Aqaba on Reef Check is accessible.
• The first 3D virtual movie of the Cedar Pride shipwreck was released.