Detroit neighbors transform vacant lots into urban bee farms, green spaces – ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4

Detroit Hives Initiative: Transforming Urban Blight into Sustainable Ecosystems

Introduction: A Sustainable Vision for Vacant Land

In Detroit, the non-profit organization Detroit Hives, co-founded by Timothy and Nicole Lindsey Jackson, is spearheading an initiative to convert vacant urban lots into productive bee farms and community green spaces. This project directly addresses urban blight by reimagining underutilized parcels as assets for ecological and social development, aligning with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Detroit Hives project serves as a model for local action contributing to global sustainability targets. Its impact can be measured against the following SDGs:

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By transforming derelict lots into safe, inclusive, and accessible green public spaces, the initiative directly contributes to making cities more sustainable and resilient. It converts areas of blight into community assets that enhance residents’ quality of life.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: The core mission of establishing urban bee farms and planting native flora is a direct effort to protect, restore, and promote terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss. The introduction of pollinators is crucial for the health of the local urban ecosystem.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The project supports local food security by enhancing pollination for nearby gardens and urban food crops. As noted by the organizers, the presence of pollinators guarantees an increased yield in fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs, contributing to sustainable urban agriculture.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The initiative exemplifies effective partnerships through its collaboration with organizations like EarthDay.org and its deep engagement with local community members and volunteers to achieve its objectives.

Project Spotlight: East Warren Community Arboretum and Botanical Garden

A significant current project is the development of the East Warren Community Arboretum and Botanical Garden, located at 9336 East Warren. This project is a partnership between Detroit Hives and EarthDay.org.

Key Project Objectives:

1. To establish a diverse selection of Michigan native trees.
2. To plant a mix of seasonal perennials designed to support pollinator populations throughout the year.
3. To create an accessible community space with walking paths for educational and recreational use by children and families.
4. To transform a once-vacant lot into a valuable asset for both people and pollinators.

Community Engagement and Call to Action

Community participation is fundamental to the project’s success. Detroit Hives has issued a call for volunteers to assist in the transformation of the East Warren site.

• Volunteer Role: Open to all ages and skill levels.
• Tasks: Activities include clearing trash, stripping old soil, planting flowers, and installing bee homes.
• Event Details: Volunteers are requested to be present at 9336 East Warren Avenue on Saturday, November 15th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article about Detroit Hives’ initiative to convert vacant lots into urban bee farms and green spaces connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary goals addressed are:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The project supports local food production by enhancing pollination for nearby gardens and food crops.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The core of the initiative is to transform urban blight (vacant lots) into accessible, inclusive, and safe green public spaces for community benefit.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: The project directly promotes biodiversity by creating habitats for pollinators, planting native trees, and restoring small-scale urban ecosystems.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The initiative is a collaborative effort involving a local nonprofit (Detroit Hives), an international organization (EarthDay.org), and community volunteers, highlighting the importance of partnerships.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities described in the article, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 2.4 (under SDG 2): “By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production…” The article supports this target by explaining how the introduction of bee farms helps local food sources. It states, “Whenever you have beehives or pollinators nearby, you’re guaranteed to see an increase in your yield. So, if you’re growing certain crops of vegetation, having those pollinators, they pollinate fruit trees, nut trees, and many vegetables and herbs.”
2. Target 11.7 (under SDG 11): “By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces…” The project’s main goal is to convert “vacant lots or empty parcels that many residents see as blight” into “thriving spaces for people and pollinators,” such as the “East Warren Community Arboretum and Botanical Garden.” The plan to include “walking paths so children and families can enjoy the space” directly aligns with creating accessible green spaces.
3. Target 15.5 (under SDG 15): “Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity…” The initiative addresses this by creating habitats for pollinators, which are crucial for biodiversity. The article mentions planting a “diverse selection of Michigan native trees and a mix of seasonal perennials to support pollinators throughout the year,” which is a direct action to restore a natural habitat and support local species.
4. Target 17.17 (under SDG 17): “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The project is an example of a civil society partnership, as “Detroit Hives is partnering with EarthDay.org to prepare the space.” The call for community members to volunteer further demonstrates a multi-stakeholder approach to achieving a common goal.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article implies several indicators that could be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• For Target 2.4: An implied indicator is the increase in yield of local food crops. The article’s claim that beehives “guarantee an increase in your yield” suggests that measuring the productivity of nearby gardens before and after the installation of the hives would be a way to track progress.
• For Target 11.7: A direct indicator is the number and area of vacant lots converted into green public spaces. The project at “9336 East Warren” is one unit of this measure. Another implied indicator is the level of community use and engagement with the new space, which could be measured by the number of people using the walking paths.
• For Target 15.5: The article suggests several indicators, including the number of bee homes or hives installed, the area of land planted with native and pollinator-friendly species, and potentially the increase in the local pollinator population.
• For Target 17.17: The existence of the partnership between Detroit Hives and EarthDay.org serves as an indicator of a successful civil society partnership. Furthermore, the number of volunteers and volunteer hours contributed to the project can be used to measure community engagement and the strength of the partnership.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: clickondetroit.com