A neglected 1,000-square-meter area on the outskirts of San Ġwann was transformed into a public garden focusing on the importance of pollination and the Maltese honeybee.

Spearheaded by the San Ġwann Local Council and Project Green, Ġnien id-Dakkara (Pollinator Garden) is adding another green open space in the community, a short walk from the homes of some 570 families who live in this area.

Minister for the Environment, Energy, and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli, San Ġwann Mayor Trevor Fenech, and Project Green CEO Joseph Cuschieri opened this new garden.

Ġnien id-Dakkara serves a dual purpose. It includes high-pollen trees and shrubs that encourage bee pollination, as well as a sanctuary for bees in honeybee enclosures. At the same time, the garden also offers an environmental education experience for visitors, raising awareness of the importance of the Maltese honeybee.

The garden features a rich variety of flora, with 92 trees and 276 shrubs, including cypress trees, carob trees, chaste trees, fan palms, oak trees, and jacaranda trees, along with aromatic herbs selected to promote pollination.

Pollinators are essential contributors to local biodiversity, fostering the growth of diverse plants, enabling cross-pollination, and serving as educational tools for understanding their pivotal role in ecosystems.

Through this investment, Project Green helped the San Ġwann Local Council transform a neglected field situated alongside an arterial road into a secure and accessible public space. The garden’s layout follows a hexagonal design, integrating wooden platforms to create an organic and easily accessible pathway with benches and other outdoor furniture.

Minister Miriam Dalli emphasized the Government’s commitment to make a positive environmental impact. “By bringing together environmental education, recreation, and the enrichment of our biodiversity, this project demonstrates a high level of creativity in green open spaces. Honeybees are crucial to our ecosystem, pollinating around 80% of crops, enabling diverse plant growth, and supporting our food chain. To continue highlighting the importance of this process, last week we launched a public consultation to declare the Maltese honeybee as Malta’s national insect,” Miriam Dalli said.

Mr. Trevor Fenech, Mayor of San Ġwann, expressed his enthusiasm for the transformation of once derelict land into a green pace within the locality. “The transformation of this derelict land into a new green garden reflects our commitment to create open and sustainable spaces within the neighborhood,” stated Mr. Fenech.

He further highlighted the multifaceted purpose of the newly established garden, emphasizing its role as a learning center for children. “This garden will also serve as a learning center for children to learn about the important role that bees play in our society,” Fenech added, underlining the educational significance of the initiative.

Project Green COO Beverly Costa detailed the works required to create this garden. “We supported the Local Council to bring this garden to life. We will continue working with local councils, NGOs, and other stakeholders to create more new green open spaces for our communities,” Beverly Costa said.

For more information, visit project.green or follow the Project Green and Sostenibilità social media platforms.