(20 May 2015) A lush garden is growing in the Vidigal favela in Rio de Janeiro, creating a space where residents can get a moment of respite from the bustling city life.
A few years ago, the area was a trash site with piles of everything from broken washers to old sofas and dead dogs.
It has been transformed into a leafy sanctuary called Sitie Park where locals stop by to collect vegetables and herbs they can take home.
The garden is headed by longtime resident and a married couple of Harvard graduates.
Pedro Henrique De Cristo, a 31-year-old Brazilian architect with a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University, learned about the rubbish dump at a sustainable development conference in 2012.
He connected with local resident Mauro Quintanilha who had already begun clean up efforts at the favela.
Quintanilha, De Cristo and his wife expanded the garden and used recycled materials to prevent landslides after heavy rains.
Bicycle wheels became railings lining the path along lime-green bushes, while car tyres were recycled into planters and garden seats as well as steps.
They now hope the site can grow into a civic centre with town hall meetings, cultural activities and sports events that can be a model for other favelas.
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