
On Thursday, 13th March 2025, Dylan Farrugia, President of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee, delivered an engaging and interactive online talk titled “Exploring the Maltese Honey Bee, Apis mellifera ruttneri“ to approximately 60 HSBC Malta employees. The session aimed to highlight the importance of Malta’s National Insect and the challenges it faces.
The presentation began with an overview of the insects such as bees, wasps and hornets (Hymenoptera order), progressing to the bee family (Apidae), before delving into the unique characteristics of the Maltese Honey Bee. Participants were introduced to agriculturally significant animals, distinguishing between those selectively bred by humans and those shaped by natural evolution. The Maltese Honey Bee belongs to the latter category, having evolved in isolation on the Maltese Islands, making it a unique and invaluable subspecies.
A key highlight of the session was its interactive format, which allowed participants to vote online on a set of thought-provoking questions. The results were displayed in real-time, fostering engaging discussions and deepening participants’ understanding of the topic. This interactive element enriched the learning experience, making the session both informative and dynamic.
Farrugia emphasised the importance of safeguarding this natural heritage and discussed the Foundation’s successful initiative, which led to the Maltese Honey Bee being officially declared Malta’s National Insect in September 2024. This recognition underscores the bee’s ecological significance and its role in the country’s biodiversity.
The Foundation extends its gratitude to Glenn Bugeja, representative of HSBC Malta Foundation, for facilitating this talk and providing an opportunity to connect with HSBC staff, further promoting awareness about the Maltese Honey Bee.
Is your company looking to enhance its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts? Consider hosting a talk on the Maltese Honey Bee for your employees. By supporting our NGO through a donation you can contribute significantly to the conservation of this vital insect while empowering your team with knowledge on biodiversity and environmental sustainability!
Contact us today to learn how you can get involved!
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