Discovering the Maltese Honey Bee: Full Interviews Revealed

The Foundation is thrilled to release the complete interviews with veteran beekeepers and researchers who have dedicated their efforts to the Maltese Honey Bee. Short clips of these interviews were featured in the educational video titled “Unique Insect: The Maltese Honey Bee,” which the Foundation launched last May to mark World Bee Day. This video explores various aspects of the Maltese honey bee including; its unique biodiversity, its historic connection to the Maltese islands, the challenges it faces, and its future prospects. This project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV).

A retired teacher, Michaelangelo Muscat, is a third-generation beekeeper, who has been rearing honey bees since the 1970s. With a dedication to mastering his craft, Michaelangelo has pursued several courses on beekeeping, including a prestigious 200-hour program which he completed with distinction. His achievements in apicultural products have earned him numerous awards, including the 2013 Award for Maltese Craftsmanship, and more recently, the 2023 Award for Artisanal Food and Beverage.

Simone Cutajar is engaged in multiple conservation projects focused on Malta’s unique environment. Serving also as Malta’s Citizen Science Ambassador for the European Citizen Science Association, she actively bridges public engagement with science. As part of her joint PhD degree between the University of Malta and the University of Bologna, she is conducting groundbreaking work focusing on microorganisms in Maltese honey bee stomachs. Simone’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Creative Initiative Award and the National Best STEM Community Project Award. The work carried out by Simone is part of project PAM (Pathogens and the Apis mellifera ruttneri Microbiome) financed by the IPAS+ – Option C – PRIMA Training and Mobility Award 2023 of the Malta Council for Science and Technology. Simone’s PhD is financed through the Tertiary Education Scholarships Scheme at the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation.

Jorge Spiteri, is the national representative of the Maltese Young Beekeepers for the International Centre for Young Beekeepers. Since 2013, he took up beekeeping activities in various localities around Malta, including public spaces and educational institutions to create more awareness about the importance of the honey bees among people of all ages and backgrounds.

Arnold Grech, a name that is synonymous with the Maltese Honey Bee. A veteran beekeeper who has been rearing honey bees since 1949, Arnold was the principal Maltese investigator who together with international researchers, definitively classified the Maltese Honey bee naming it Apis mellifera ruttneri, paying homage to the esteemed German apidologist Fredreich Ruttner. Throughout his tenure as Agricultural Officer, Arnold played a pivotal role in Maltese apiculture, a commitment he continues to this day by still being a beekeeper.

Professor David Mifsud has distinguished himself as one of Malta’s leading entomologists. After earning his Ph.D. abroad, he has held numerous academic positions at the University of Malta since 2001, contributing to over 200 scientific publications. Through his work, he continues to play a crucial role in Maltese apicultural, tirelessly promoting and advocating for the conservation of the Maltese Honey bee. In recognition of his significant accomplishments, he was awarded the National Order of Merit in 2016.

Tenor Joseph Calleja, Malta’s most celebrated tenor, requires no introduction. Since he started singing at the age of 16, his performances have captivated audiences worldwide, gracing renowned opera houses across the globe. Calleja’s exceptional talent has garnered him numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination and a Doctor of Literature Honoris Causa by the University of Malta in acknowledgment of his achievements. Beyond his musical talent, a lesser-known aspect of Joseph Calleja’s life is his passion for beekeeping, particularly his deep respect for the Maltese Honey bee!

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Disclaimer: This project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). This project/ publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.