Press Release | SIS Project Comes to a Conclusion with Ceremony to Honour Supporters of Maltese Honey Bee Initiative

Last Saturday, 14th December 2024, the Foundation, in collaboration with the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), hosted a ceremony to mark the conclusion of the project “Declaring the Maltese Honey Bee as the National Insect of Malta – Outreach Initiative.” The event celebrated the success of the initiative, which aimed to raise awareness about the importance of the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) and its designation as Malta’s national insect. The project, which has garnered significant support, received backing from various sectors, including volunteers, local councils, and governmental bodies.

In his opening speech at the event, Dylan Farrugia, co-founder and current president of the Foundation, underscored the critical need to move beyond symbolic declarations and take meaningful action to holistically conserve our country’s rich biodiversity. He highlighted the importance of protecting endemic flora and fauna like the Maltese Honey Bee, and called for collective efforts to safeguard the environment for the benefit of our country’s Republic and future generations.

Minister Julia Farrugia highlighted the importance of the work carried out by voluntary organisations such as the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives. “This project demonstrates how voluntary efforts can make a tangible impact on protecting Malta’s natural heritage while educating our communities,” she remarked. The Minister also underscored the ongoing collaboration between the Government, volunteers, and local councils to ensure that the Maltese Honey Bee continues to be a national symbol and a testament to sustainable environmental protection efforts. Voluntary associations hold a significant place in Malta, contributing not only by sharing valuable knowledge but also by actively promoting a more inclusive and sustainable society. This sentiment was echoed by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia, during her remarks on a project centered on the Maltese Honey Bee.

During the event, Neil Cutajar read the poem Tingiż Impotenti (Impotent Stinging) voicing the outcry of many against the environmental destruction we see around us, authored by Dylan Farrugia, both administrators of the Foundation. This was followed by a viewing of the educational video which was the hallmark of this project, released last May on World Bee Day by those present. Finally, all the individuals who contributed to the success of this project were recognised with a €2 Commemorative Coin featuring Malta’s National Insect, a coin released as part of an initiative by the Foundation. This commemorative coin served as a symbol of the collective effort to preserve and promote the unique Maltese Honey Bee. In addition to the coin, each supporter was presented with a certificate of appreciation, acknowledging their invaluable role in the project.

As the Maltese Honey Bee holds the status of Malta’s national insect, its conservation and the raising of public awareness about its importance have gained increasing recognition. The project, supported by an investment of €4,000, aims to highlight the significance of bee conservation. The funding comes from the Small Initiative Support Scheme (SIS), administered by the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector. Dylan Farrugia, an administrator of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee (KNM Foundation), stressed the vital role of funding in making the project a reality. “We created an educational video about the Maltese bee and hosted a series of public meetings to raise awareness further. Today’s meeting also gave us the opportunity to acknowledge and reward those who contributed to the success of this initiative,” he stated.

Mauro Pace Parascandalo, Chief Executive of the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector, expressed his satisfaction in supporting projects like this, emphasizing the positive effects of voluntary initiatives on both local communities and the environment. He also noted that this initiative exemplifies the breadth and diversity of the work carried out by associations across Malta. Parascandalo praised the dedication of organizations like the KNM Foundation, which not only play an active role in their respective fields but also enhance the richness and impact of the voluntary sector as a whole.

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