Watch: Turning Trash Into Treasure – Malta Resident Transforms Dumped Plot Into Green Oasis In Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq
In a heartwarming initiative to revitalise her Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq neighbourhood, local resident Renae Neumann is breathing new life into a 1,200-square-metre plot that had long been misused as a dumping ground.
Teaming up with community-focused gardener Daniel Grech of D Greener Gardens, Renae has taken on the mission to convert this neglected land into a lush community green space.
Like many vacant plots in Malta, this area had suffered from illegal dumping, an issue all too familiar in disputed or undeveloped private lands across the island.
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Initially, Renae planned to fund the cleanup through her company, Homega, with hopes of inspiring other businesses to back similar efforts. However, after completing the first phase of the project—removing accumulated garbage—she decided to take a different approach.
Now, Renae intends to finance the transformation privately, focusing on community involvement and individual contributions rather than corporate sponsorships.
The project, simple yet impactful, has two phases.
With the trash now cleared, the plot is set for its next transformation: planting native flora and landscaping, curated by Daniel and his team. While weather delays have postponed the green makeover, phase two remains a top priority as soon as conditions improve.
Renae envisions a model of community-led transformation, saying, “I hope to involve the community in a way that is both respectful and sustainable. I believe this model, where everyone is invited to contribute, big or small, is much more time-efficient than relying on third-party financing. Entire villages could be transformed overnight.”
Daniel, passionate about creating positive change through green spaces, sees this project as a perfect alignment with his values of environmental stewardship and community pride. For him, it’s an opportunity to inspire others to look at Malta’s vacant plots as potential community assets.
Renae and Daniel hope their project will set a new example, encouraging residents to see Malta’s neglected lands not as dumping sites but as opportunities for community-driven green spaces. It’s more than just a cleanup—it’s a step towards a cleaner, greener, and more united Malta.
What do you make of this project?
Photos/video by @petterpictures