♣ The activities of the seventh Arab Youth Forum for Environmental Tourism and Preservation of Ancient Cities, organised by the Arab Federation for Youth and Environment (AFYE), in collaboration with the ISESCO and under the auspices of the ministries of tourism and state for environmental affairs, closed last week. Minister of Environment Laila Eskandar, environmental expert Magdi Allam, ISESCO representative and antiquities expert Abdel-Aziz Salem participated in the forum. The Secretary-General of the AFYE Mamdouh Rashwan disclosed that all activities of the gathering were held at the historical building of Beit Al-Senari in Sayeda Zeinab, Cairo; and it tackled encouraging environmental tourism and sustainable tourism and the role this plays in the green economy, as well as the environmental development of tourist sites and preserving the natural heritage. He also indicated that all participants toured Al-Refaai and Al-Sultan Hassan mosques in Cairo. Eskandar has launched a cleaning campaign in the area surrounding Beit Al-Senari which was implemented by the youth participating in the forum who represent a number of youth organisations from 20 Arab and African countries.
