In a significant move initiated by our Foundation, Malta has officially recognised the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) as the nation’s National Insect, joining five other species of national importance. This initiative originated from a collaborative study with the University of Malta titled ‘Protection of the Endemic Maltese Honey Bee’. The publication resulted from a partnership between the Foundation, lead author and law graduate David Chetcuti Dimech, and Professor Simone Borg, an academic supervisor and professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Malta.
On World Bee Day, 20th May 2023, the three administrators of the Foundation, namely Abner Joe Buttigieg, Dylan Farrugia, and Neil Cutajar, submitted a formal request to the Environmental and Resources Authority (ERA), accompanied by a letter outlining our proposal. The request received a warm reception and underwent a public consultation process, with the submissions available for public viewing.
The legal notice declaring the Maltese Honey Bee as a National species was issued on 24th September 2024, and this announcement was made public the following day.
The distinctive Maltese Honey Bee, locally known as “in-Naħla Maltija,” has evolved in isolation on the Maltese Islands, making it exceptionally well-suited to the region’s hot, arid summers. Honey bees play a crucial role in agriculture and biodiversity, providing essential services such as pollination, honey production, beeswax, and other valuable products. With this new designation, the Maltese Honey Bee will benefit from enhanced legal protection and increased public awareness regarding its vital contributions to pollination and environmental health.
This year, the Foundation also released an educational video focusing on the Maltese Honey Bee and the National Insect Initiative. Additionally, we proposed that the Central Bank of Malta issue a €2 commemorative coin to celebrate this occasion. The proposal was well received, and the coin is now in circulation.
Minister for the Environment, Miriam Dalli, commented, “This declaration is a moment of pride for Malta. The Maltese Honey Bee represents our natural heritage and plays a vital role in sustaining both our environment and agriculture.”
Anton Refalo, Minister for Agriculture, noted that this initiative marks another milestone in the Government’s efforts to preserve local genetic resources and enhance agricultural products.
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by the Ministries and the ERA to promote biodiversity monitoring and conservation. Projects like the Malta Pollinator Monitoring Scheme, supported by dedicated volunteers and citizen scientists, exemplify this commitment.
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