It is one month to go until World Bee Day 2025! Since its inception, the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee has marked World Bee Day – 20th May – as an opportunity both to celebrate and to advocate for the protection of Apis mellifera ruttneri, Malta’s own endemic honey bee. Each year has brought a meaningful milestone, ranging from formal advocacy to creative educational initiatives. The following is a look back at how the Foundation has commemorated this important international day over the past two years – and how it plans to celebrate in 2025.
2023: The Call for Recognition
World Bee Day 2023 was marked by a bold and purposeful step: the Foundation sent an official letter to the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) on 20th May, formally requesting that the Maltese Honey Bee be declared the National Insect of Malta. This request was backed by extensive research and a growing public awareness of the ecological importance and cultural heritage of the Maltese Honey Bee.
The campaign gained momentum throughout the year, supported by collaborations with scientists, educators, and beekeepers who shared the Foundation’s vision for stronger recognition and protection of this vital pollinator.
2024: A Unique Insect and a National Milestone
By World Bee Day 2024, the Foundation’s efforts bore fruit with a celebration that was both grand and symbolic. The day also marked the first anniversary of the formal request to ERA, adding to the sense of progress and continuity.
The highlight of the 2024 celebration was the launch of an educational video titled “A Unique Insect: The Maltese Honey Bee,” released as part of the National Insect Initiative. This professionally produced video, aired across social media and local television stations, explored the Maltese Honey Bee’s unique biodiversity, its historical significance in the archipelago, the challenges it faces, and its future prospects.
The video featured local beekeepers Arnold Grech, Michaelangelo Muscat, and Jorge Spiteri, as well as academic voices like Professor David Mifsud and researcher Simone Cutajar. It even included an appearance by world-renowned tenor Joseph Calleja, underlining the national importance of the project. Saviour Bonnici, producer and wildlife cameraman known for Natura Maltija, served as videographer and editor, while Professor Michael Spagnol lent his voice as narrator.
Then, on 24th September 2024, history was made: the Maltese Honey Bee was officially declared the National Insect of Malta, establishing a lasting legacy of conservation and pride.
2025: In-Naħla Katerina Takes Flight
For World Bee Day 2025, the Foundation is turning to music and storytelling to educate the youngest citizens about the importance of the Maltese Honey Bee. The song In-Naħla Katerina (Katerina the Bee) will be officially launched on 20th May, the first in a trilogy of songs created to raise environmental awareness and foster Maltese language learning through music.
Written and composed by Michael Piscopo and performed by Phyllisienne Brincat – the team behind the popular children’s song Fonzu l-Fenek – the song introduces children to the life and role of the Maltese Honey Bee in a fun and accessible way. Professor Suzanne Piscopo ensured the content was developmentally appropriate and educationally sound, making it suitable for early years learning.
The project, titled Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes, is supported by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). The accompanying slideshow video, also produced by Michael Piscopo, uses animated illustrations to bring Katerina the Bee to life as she flits from flower to flower, teaching children about nature, biodiversity, and the joy of language through sound, rhythm, and movement.
As part of the build-up to this special release, the Foundation is delighted to unveil three short teaser videos from the upcoming song. These previews offer a playful glimpse into Katerina’s colourful world, combining cheerful music, bright visuals, and movement-based elements to spark curiosity and joy in young viewers. Each short clip introduces core themes such as pollination, teamwork, and our connection to the natural world—offering educators and families an exciting taste of what’s to come.
The Foundation invites the public to enjoy and share these videos in anticipation of the full launch on World Bee Day. In-Naħla Katerina promises to be a joyful and impactful resource for both education and entertainment.
Looking Ahead
From a formal letter in 2023 to the national declaration in 2024, and an engaging musical resource in 2025, the Foundation’s celebration of World Bee Day has evolved into a multi-faceted, nationwide movement. By combining scientific advocacy, educational outreach, and creative storytelling, the Foundation continues to highlight the vital importance of the Maltese Honey Bee — not only as a pollinator, but as a symbol of Malta’s natural heritage. As we look to future World Bee Days, the message remains clear: protecting our honey bee means protecting our future.
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.
Small Initiatives Support Scheme 2025
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