Celebrating ‘In-Naħla Katerina’ and Local Biodiversity: Three New Songs for Children

The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee is proud to update about our new project entitled Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes, aimed at educating children about the importance of Malta’s biodiversity through music. This initiative, supported by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV), will feature three original songs, each with an engaging melody, captivating visuals, and a strong environmental message. These songs will be released throughout 2025, coinciding with key environmental awareness dates. The team behind these songs will be revealed in an upcoming announcement, so stay tuned!

Song 1: In-Naħla Katerina – Celebrating the Maltese Honey Bee

Releasing on 20th May 2025 in honour of World Bee Day, the first song, In-Naħla Katerina, introduces children to the Maltese Honey Bee in a fun and engaging way. The name Katerina, derived from Greek meaning “pure,” not only reflects the purity of the Maltese honey produced by this bee but also aligns with the Foundation’s goal of preserving and attaining pure specimens through back breeding of this unique subspecies.

The lyrics bring to life the story of Katerina, a hardworking native honey bee, buzzing from flower to flower, tirelessly collecting nectar to produce delicious Maltese honey. Through playful sounds like “Biżż Biżż Biżż,” young listeners can enjoy an interactive experience, mimicking the buzzing of bees while learning about their essential role in nature.

The Maltese Honey Bee is not just any insect, it is a keystone species that contributes significantly to Malta’s ecosystem. Sadly, due to habitat loss and the introduction of foreign bee species, our native bee is under threat. By fostering an early appreciation for this incredible pollinator, In-Naħla Katerina aims to inspire children and families to take an active role in its conservation. Through this song, we hope to instil a love for bees and an understanding of their vital work in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Song 2: Pollinators – Nature’s Hardworking Helpers

Our second song about Pollinators, will be released on 16th June 2025, to mark the start of Pollinator Week. This song highlights the importance of all pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects, in maintaining Malta’s natural landscapes. Without these tiny workers, many of the plants we rely on for food and rural beauty would struggle to survive. The Maltese Honey Bee plays a particularly crucial role in local pollination, ensuring the reproduction of numerous native plants and crops.

Through this song, children will learn how different pollinators contribute to biodiversity and why we must protect their habitats. Whether it’s a bee collecting nectar, a butterfly landing gracefully on a flower, or a beetle unknowingly carrying pollen, each pollinator has a part to play. With its lively rhythm and educational lyrics, Pollinators will encourage young minds to appreciate and support these vital creatures.

Song 3: National Species – Celebrating Malta’s Natural Heritage

The final song in this series will be about our National Species, and shall be released on 24th September 2025, a date of special significance. It marks the first anniversary of the Maltese Honey Bee’s official recognition as the National Insect of Malta, an initiative led by our Foundation. This song will go beyond the Maltese Honey bee, introducing children to the other five national species of Malta: the Mediterranean Killifish, Blue Rock-Thrush, Maltese Rock-Centaury, Maltese Freshwater Crab, and the Sandarac Gum Tree.

Each of these species plays a vital role in our country’s ecosystem and represents the unique biodiversity of our islands. This song will educate young audiences about these remarkable creatures and plants, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility for Malta’s natural heritage. Through engaging melodies and creative storytelling, the song aims to instil a lasting appreciation for conservation efforts.

A Musical Journey for a Greener Future

These three songs are more than just musical pieces; they celebrate the Maltese Honey Bee and our local biodiversity, while also helping to develop the Maltese language through singing. They are educational tools designed to engage young minds, inspire curiosity, and encourage action. By using catchy melodies, child-friendly storytelling, and the Maltese language, we aim to make learning about biodiversity both fun and impactful.

We can’t wait to share these songs with you and to see children across Malta and Gozo singing along, learning, and becoming champions for our environment. Stay tuned for our next announcement, where we will reveal the talented team behind this project!

Let’s make 2025 a year of music, learning, and conservation. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for the Maltese Honey Bee and all of Malta’s wonderful wildlife!

This project is being coordinated by the founders, Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg.

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.

Disclaimer: This project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). This project/ publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.