“The Nile is a source of cooperation, not conflict.” This was the slogan under which the Sixth Arab-African Youth Environmental Forum was held in Aswan and Luxor from 18 to 24 December. The event was organised jointly by the Arab Federation for Youths and the Environment (AFYE) and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), the Arab League and the Ministry of Irrigation, and was attended by 300 young people from 30 Arab and African countries. Environment Minister Khaled Fahmi told participants of a national programme to manage agricultural waste all over Egypt. Spearheaded by Ayaady for Investment and Agricultural Development, the project aims to improve the recycling of agricultural refuse. The total cost of the project is estimated at LE500 million ($70 million). The Ministry of the Environment has prepared a study on the technical and financial aspects of the recycling projects, which will provide job opportunities for youth. These projects involve the reuse of agricultural refuse, including rice hay, to produce organic fertilisers, paper, composite wood and biogas. Young people who want to start projects in the field are entitled to soft loans from the government, the minister added, saying that the project needs youth to help raise awareness of the country's environmental needs. Luxor Governor Tareq Saadeddin said that his governorate, acting in cooperation with the Social Development Fund (SDF), intends to create 7,600 jobs in infrastructure as well as in small projects. The SDF had allocated LE99.6 million ($15 million) for projects connected to fish farms, animal breeding, dairy products and the production of cattle feed and organic fertilisers, he said, adding that his governorate will launch a project to reclaim 70,000 feddans of land in three different locations. Former foreign minister Mohammad Al-Orabi also said that steps are underway to create an Egyptian-Ethiopian Friendship Society, in recognition of the fact that water has become a national security issue. AFYE Secretary-general Mamdouh Rashwan said that youth has a role to play in cementing economic cooperation among Arab and African nations. One of the AFYE's main efforts is to engage young people living in the Nile littoral countries to discuss water and the environment, he said. Rashwan noted the need to decrease water consumption. One of the ways to promote Arab-African relations is to stress historical bonds and common interests, the AFYE secretary-general added. He also stressed the need to address climate change and assess its future impact on water resources. During the forum, Arab and African youths discussed water management, took part in workshops on water and sewage problems and attended an art exhibition focused on water issues. They also toured archaeological sites in both Luxor and Aswan.
