05 June 2003

Cairo: With the slogan "Together we can Protect our Environment", United Nations' staff in Egypt celebrated the UN World Environment Day by assisting residents of Old Cairo in cleaning up the district.  

The event, held in the Mary Guirguis area of the city, included planting of more than 600 trees to "green" Old Cairo. Cairo-based UN agencies have invited UNDP’s Goodwill Ambassador, Hussein Fahmy, hundreds of young volunteers, representatives of international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, media professionals to participate. Volunteers from the Federation of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides also helped.

Old Cairo was selected due to its historical and cultual significance. The event raised awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and preserving cultural heritage sites to maintain the beautiful aspects of our city and protect it from pollution. Another objective of the clean-up was to help people appreciate their surroundings. The UN World Environment Day also marked a day of volunteerism, community participation and collective action by all sectors of society in development.

The activities were sponsored by Mobinil. Pepsi Cola and Schweppes provided drinks for the volunteers throughout the day.

Read more:
The Volunteer spirit in the World EnVironment Day