Engaging the Community: A Series of Informative Talks on the Maltese Honey Bee

The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee is proud to announce a series of free community talks titled “Insett Uniku: Ngħarblu x’Qalulna” aimed at raising awareness about the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri), Malta’s newly recognised National Insect. These informative sessions, supported by the Western Region and the respective Local Councils, will provide valuable insights from experienced beekeepers and academics on the importance of preserving this unique subspecies.

The sessions will be led by Dylan Farrugia, President of the Foundation, who will present insights gathered from beekeepers Arnold Grech, Joseph Calleja, Michaelangelo Muscat, and Jorge Spiteri, as well as academics Professor David Mifsud and Simone Cutajar.

GDPR Consent: Anyone who participates in these meetings, is automatically giving his/her consent to be photographed, and may appear in advertisements on social media related to these meetings.

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First Talk

Date: Friday, 21st February 2025
Time: 18:00 – 19:30
Venue: Primary School Hall, Ħaż-Żebbuġ

The first session in the series will introduce the historical and ecological connection between Malta and the Maltese Honey Bee, highlight the unique characteristics of the Maltese Honey Bee, and address the misconception of the Maltese Honey Bee’s aggressiveness. Topics will include:

• The historical and ecological connection between Malta and the Maltese Honey Bee
• Unique characteristics of the Maltese Honey Bee
• Addressing the misconception of the Maltese Honey Bee’s aggressiveness
• An introduction to the structure of a beehive
• The significance of the Maltese Honey Bee as the National Insect

Registration:
Click here to register for the first talk

Attendees will receive commemorative postcards from the Foundation.

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Second Talk

Date: Friday, 7th March 2025
Time: 16:30 – 18:00
Venue: Local Council Hall, Ħal-Safi

The second session will focus on the urgent need to conserve the Maltese Honey Bee and the threats posed by genetic pollution from imported bees. The discussion will explore:

• The impact of foreign bee imports on the genetic purity of the Maltese Honey Bee
• How local beekeepers play a crucial role in conservation
• The role of scientific research in safeguarding the subspecies
• Steps towards achieving sustainable beekeeping practices

Registration:
Click here to register for the second talk

As with the first talk, attendees will be gifted postcards featuring the Maltese Honey Bee.

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Third Talk

Date: Tuesday, 11th March 2025
Time: 18:00 – 19:30
Venue: Local Council Hall, Ħal-Kirkop

The final session in the series will delve deeper into the role of science in understanding the Maltese Honey Bee and promoting sustainable apiculture. Key discussion points include:

• The scientific approach to studying and protecting the Maltese Honey Bee
• The balance between beekeeping, the environment, and biodiversity
• Essential steps towards sustainable beekeeping practices
• A holistic approach to safeguarding the Maltese Honey Bee

Registration:
Click here to register for the third talk

All those present will receive a commemorative postcard from the Foundation.

To stay up to date with the Foundation’s work, we warmly invite you to join our WhatsApp community. The smooth functioning of our organisation relies on financial resources, and your support is essential. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference in advancing our mission. You can help by joining the Foundation’s cause, become a supporter for just €10 a year or make a donation here: Support the Foundation.