Custodians of the National Insect: APIVITA Partners with the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee in the Context of the Billion Bees Programme

In a groundbreaking collaboration dedicated to biodiversity conservation, apicultural sustainability, and pollinator protection, APIVITA (local distributor Metropolis Pharma Ltd.) has joined forces with the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee to become a Custodian of Malta’s National Insect. This partnership aims to retain the unique Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) while promoting awareness of its critical ecological and cultural significance.

The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee

The Foundation, a nonprofit organisation, has been at the forefront of efforts to safeguard Malta’s endemic honey bee subspecies. With key milestones such as securing National Insect status for the Maltese Honey Bee and advocating for the establishment of Conservation Zones, the Foundation is working tirelessly to ensure the survival of this subspecies, which faces threats from genetic dilution due to foreign bee imports.

Through the newly launched project Custodians of the National Insect, the Foundation is fostering meaningful collaborations between landowners, sponsors, and beekeepers to promote sustainable apiculture in Malta while highlighting the importance of biodiversity. This initiative will facilitate research partnerships, awareness campaigns, and the establishment of protected apiaries to enhance the population and health of the Maltese Honey Bee.

The Billion Bees Programme

The Billion Bees Programme is a project within APIVITA’s collaboration with 1% for the Planet, dedicated to regenerating honey bee populations worldwide and educating the public on the importance of bees for life and biodiversity. The programme is currently active in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Belgium, Serbia, and Malta through partnerships with nonprofit members of 1% for the Planet.

APIVITA & the Custodianship Initiative

As part of the Custodians of the National Insect project, APIVITA has committed to supporting the conservation and rearing of the Maltese Honey Bee. This collaboration will involve sponsoring beehives and nuclei of the endemic bee while ensuring their placement in strategically selected locations across the Maltese Islands.

The aim is to facilitate mating between local honey bees, reducing the risk of genetic introgression and enhancing the resilience of the Maltese Honey Bee. The establishment of Conservation Zones is also being advocated as a critical measure to safeguard this unique subspecies, while calling for a complete ban on foreign bee imports to ensure holistic protection for both the endemic bee and Malta’s apicultural sector.

Additionally, APIVITA’s involvement will support the Foundation’s educational campaigns, empowering stakeholders and the wider public to understand the significance of this initiative.

“APIVITA is honoured to join the Custodianship Initiative,” stated Anagnosti J. Choukalas, Derma Head of Sustainability. “This partnership aligns with our core values of sustainability and environmental stewardship and fully supports the Billion Bees Programme in the context of our mutual participation in the 1% for the Planet organisation. We are proud to contribute to the conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee, an essential subspecies that embodies biodiversity and resilience.”

A Shared Vision for the Future

This partnership marks an important step in transforming the Maltese Honey Bee into a flagship insect for conservation. By leveraging APIVITA’s resources and the Foundation’s expertise, the collaboration aims to set a benchmark for sustainable beekeeping practices in Europe and beyond.

Through this initiative, the Maltese Honey Bee will thrive in its natural habitat, boosting pollination, supporting local ecosystems, and enhancing the prestige of Maltese honey. Together, APIVITA and the Foundation are committed to ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for Malta’s National Insect, inspiring global conservation efforts.

Learn more about the Billion Bees Programme.

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.