Vidigal, a favela of 25,000 inhabitants, a superb view on the city’s posh neighbourhoods… and a mountain of rubbish. Sadly, a common story. But thanks to Mauro Quintanilha, a local musician, and Paulo Cesar, a binman, all that changed for Vidigal. The two men started a neighbourhood clean-up operation in 2005. Today, the place, called a “green oasis”, has taken on the characteristics of a reserve with plentiful birds, butterflies and small monkeys. You’ll even find a vegetable patch.
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