Building Green Futures: Pollinatives for School Gardens with HSBC Malta Foundation

The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee (KNM), in collaboration with the HSBC Malta Foundation, recently organised an event titled “Pollinatives for School Gardens.” The aim of the initiative was to plant flora that are not only indigenous but also of local stock, ensuring that no genetic contamination occurs from imported varieties. The selected plants are melliferous, providing valuable resources for pollinators, including Malta’s National Insect, the Maltese Honey Bee. These saplings were planted in the gardens of Sacred Heart College (Saint Julian’s) and St. Michael’s School (Pembroke), with the saplings being generously sponsored by the HSBC Malta Foundation.

The activity was carried out with the assistance of Johann Gatt, the National Coordinator of the LEAF (Learning about Ecosystems and Forests) international programme, locally managed by Nature Trust FEE Malta. In the weeks leading up to the event, the first phase involved preparing the ground in some cases also with the assistance from the Local Councils. Johann Gatt engaged the students in selecting suitable shrubs for the area, with a dual purpose: to involve them in the planning process and to educate them about the plants they would eventually plant. Students were provided with a list of indigenous shrubs, from which they could choose based on their respective habitats and flowering periods. A variety of indigenous species were selected, including Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Maltese Stocks (Matthiola incana melitensis), and Mediterranean Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus).

The second phase of the activity, the actual planting of the shrubs, took place on 18th February 2025 at Sacred Heart College under the coordination of Assistant Head Ms. Maria Darmanin, and the following day at St Michael’s School, coordinated by Assistant Head Ms. Janice De Giovanni. The event was a fun and educational experience for the students. All the shrubs were planted directly into the ground rather than in planters to ensure lower maintenance. This sustainable approach is particularly beneficial as the shrubs will require far less water, especially during the hot, dry Maltese summers. The inclusion of locally adapted plants ensures they are well-suited to the island’s climate.

A small group of Slovenian beekeepers also took part in the activity. Slovenia is home to the indigenous Apis mellifera carnica, a honey bee that, unlike the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri), benefits from effective protection against hybridisation with imported honey bee strains. The Slovenian beekeepers in attendance strongly support the conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee, recognising its vital role in Malta’s ecosystem and biodiversity. They emphasised the importance of native bee species, which are well-adapted to their environment and essential for pollination and ecological balance.

Tomaž Samec, one of the Slovenian beekeepers, stated: “As the leader of a project dedicated to planting nectar-rich plants in Slovenia, we understand how crucial it is to educate young people about the importance of such vegetation for the survival of bees. Raising awareness and actively engaging the community in planting nectar-rich flora contribute to sustainable development and the long-term conservation of pollinators.”

Glenn Bugeja, representing the HSBC Malta Foundation, stated: “Educating the younger generation about our environment is an investment in our future. The youth are tomorrow’s leaders, and instilling a love for nature at an early age is crucial. This activity aligns perfectly with that goal, fostering awareness, engagement, and responsibility. By inspiring young minds, we ensure a future where conservation and sustainability remain at the heart of our society.”

Abner Joe Buttigieg, Administrator of the KNM Foundation, remarked: “In addition to protecting the Maltese Honey Bee and other pollinators, we must also safeguard their habitats, especially from urbanisation. Healthy habitats are vital not only for pollinators but for our own well-being. This initiative enhances school grounds with patches of flora that are not only visually appealing but crucial for the survival of pollinators, particularly in urban environments.”

At the conclusion of the event, all students were presented with limited-edition postcards, created in collaboration with the HSBC Malta Foundation. The first postcard features the Maltese Honey Bee on the endemic Maltese Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis urvilleana), a rare orchid that blooms from early March to mid-April. The second postcard showcases the Maltese Honey Bee on the vibrant flowers of Sulla (Hedysarum coronarium), a valuable forage plant for pollinators.

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