Governmental rules and funding issues (Jeita Grotto)
Governmental Rules & Funding Issues
Regulations relevant to the site
Jeita Grotto has a geological importance as the caves provide a tunnel route for the underground river. For this and more reasons, the government and other subsidiary programs can help preserve the site in several ways. The government to control the amount of money individuals and organizations willing to visit the site are required to pay can provide entrance fee regulation (Licciardi et al, 2012). This should vary between corporate organizations and individual tourist. The government should make sure that the fee is lower for students taking geology-related courses. The amount raised from the tourist will help in maintaining the site for future visitors. The regulation will also ensure a smooth flow of activities and management of the site.
The government can initiate a preservation review process. The first step in the execution of this preservation review process is the identification of the site and other properties in the area that could have an effect on the site. The government will then continue with the identification of the adverse effects of working on the site and the significance of preserving and protecting the site (Licciardi et al, 2012). Jeita Grotto is essential to the area in the sense that it helps in water preservation. It is also a tourist attraction site. Tourism is one of the biggest sources of income for a country and preserving these sites can attract tourist. Tourists will in turn create job opportunities to the residents, as the tourists will require tour guides. Tourists should be advised not to tamper with the site thus should leave it the way the found it. The area is also set to develop, as the need for hotels will crop up. This is because the tourists need a place to eat and spend a night if the need arises.
The world heritage Centre can help in the enhancement of the management and preservation of the site through encouraging adherence to the site’s regulations and laws. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) should make sure that the site under massive protection (Licciardi et al, 2012). This should focus on the minimization or prevention of interference of the natural state of the site by the visitors. Utilizing to the fullest extent possible the services of the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and the Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) will also help in the preservation of the site (Barthel-Bouchier, 2013).
The government through the ministry of tourism can set aside a portion of its money to fund the preservation of Jeita Grotto (Daher, 2007). This focus should also consider paying a number of employees who will be required to work on the site on a daily basis. Subsidy programs, financed by the government or other international organizations can put up hotels and develop camping sites near Jeita Grotto to provide accommodation to the tourists.
In conclusion, Jeita Grotto is a jewel of tourism in Lebanon and the preservation of the site translates to immense wealth to the government and the citizens at large. The site is an attraction to the whole family irrespective of individual age groups (Kuntz, 2000). It is also necessary to students from all over the world who are taking courses related to geological and environmental studies. The authority should maximize its significance and importance through the adoption and implementation of effective regulations and norms. The site acts as a source of revenues to the authority thus facilitating the development through integration of resources to the sectors of society (Salam, 2004).
References
Salam, N. (2004). Options for Lebanon. London [u.a.: Centre for Lebanese Studies.
Kuntz, B. (2000). Lebanon: An insider’s guide. Beirut, Lebanon: Prana Publishers.
Daher, R. (2007). Tourism in the Middle East: Continuity, change, and transformation. Clevedon [u.a.: Channel View Publ.
Barthel-Bouchier, D. L. (2013). Cultural heritage and the challenge of sustainability. Walnut Creek, Calif: Left Coast Press.
Licciardi, G., Amirtahmasebi, R., & World Bank. (2012). The economics of uniqueness: Investing in historic city cores and cultural heritage assets for sustainable development. Washington, DC: The World Bank.
