Custodians of the National Insect: A United Effort to Save the Maltese Honey Bee

On 24th September 2024, a historic milestone was achieved when the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) was officially declared the National Insect of Malta. This legal recognition came as a result of tireless efforts by the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee, which has worked closely with researchers from the University of Malta to safeguard this unique endemic subspecies. The declaration followed a formal request submitted to the Environment and Resources Authority on World Bee Day 2023, highlighting the urgent need to protect the Maltese Honey Bee from extinction due to genetic dilution from imported bees.

To commemorate this landmark achievement, and following the suggestion of the Foundation, the Central Bank of Malta issued a €2 commemorative coin depicting the Maltese Honey Bee. This symbolic gesture celebrates the formal recognition of Apis mellifera ruttneri as Malta’s National Insect and serves to raise public awareness of its ecological and cultural value. To ensure long-term protection for Malta’s National Insect, the Foundation has launched a new initiative: Custodians of the National Insect. This forward-thinking project brings together beekeepers, landowners, and sponsors—three key stakeholder groups—to support the conservation and propagation of Apis mellifera ruttneri across the Maltese Islands.

A Collective Effort for Conservation

The Custodianship model is a community-based approach rooted in collaboration and shared responsibility. Under this framework, sponsors provide the funding required to purchase beehives and nuclei of the Maltese Honey Bee, proprietors (landowners) offer suitable land for apiary placement, and beekeepers take on the vital task of caring for the bees. This tripartite system is designed to encourage sustainable apiculture and to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.

By strategically placing these beehives throughout Malta and Gozo, the initiative aims to improve the chances of local bee mating, thus limiting introgression from foreign bees. This is critical to maintaining the genetic purity and resilience of Malta’s native bee population.

To further safeguard the subspecies, the Foundation is advocating for the establishment of Conservation Zones – designated areas where only the Maltese Honey Bee can be kept. These zones would act as a temporary buffer against the threat of genetic dilution while stronger regulatory measures, such as a complete ban on imported honey bees, are pursued.

A Growing Network of Custodians

Two significant partnerships have already been forged under the Custodianship initiative, marking a strong start to the programme. Together, these sponsors are supporting a total of seven beehives dedicated to the conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee.

Rotary Clubs Take the Lead

On 25th November 2024, the Rotary Club La Valette and Rotary Club Malta became the first official sponsors of the initiative. Their generous contribution includes the donation of two colonies of Maltese Honey Bees and the associated beehives, which proudly bear the names “Rotary International” and “PDG Gaetano De Bernardis”. The agreement was signed in the presence of Rotarians Godfrey Swain, Patricia Salomone, and Jelle Houtsma-Grech, alongside Dylan Farrugia, President of the Foundation.

This partnership reflects Rotary’s global mission of promoting goodwill, peace, and sustainable development. As Rotarian leaders noted during the signing ceremony, safeguarding Malta’s National Insect is not only a matter of biodiversity but also a cultural responsibility—an opportunity to protect a living emblem of Maltese heritage for future generations.

APIVITA Joins as a Global Custodian

A second major partnership was recently established with APIVITA, through its local distributor Metropolis Pharma Ltd., as part of the internationally recognised Billion Bees Programme. This initiative—run in collaboration with 1% for the Planet—aims to regenerate bee populations globally while raising awareness of their importance for life and biodiversity.

APIVITA’s support includes funding beehives and bee colonies of the endemic subspecies, which will be placed in carefully selected locations around Malta. In addition, APIVITA will support the Foundation’s educational outreach campaigns, further amplifying the message of pollinator conservation.

“APIVITA is honoured to join the Custodianship Initiative,” said 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.”

A Vision for Sustainability and Pride

The elevation of the Maltese Honey Bee to National Insect status serves as more than just symbolic recognition—it is a clarion call to protect an irreplaceable part of Malta’s biodiversity. As a flagship species, Apis mellifera ruttneri now plays a key role in driving awareness and action around conservation issues, both locally and globally.

The Custodians of the National Insect initiative is already creating a ripple effect, shifting mindsets and fostering greater appreciation for the role of native bees. By encouraging the use of local bees and discouraging foreign imports, the initiative also reduces the risk of introducing new diseases or pests, a concern that has long plagued the beekeeping industry.

The benefits extend to apiarists too: bees that are better adapted to local conditions are likely to live longer, be more productive, and require fewer resources. As a result, beekeeping in Malta becomes not only more sustainable but also more rewarding—economically, environmentally, and culturally.

Looking Ahead

As the Custodianship network grows, so too does the opportunity to position Malta as a model for other nations to follow in pollinator conservation. By empowering local communities and engaging global partners, the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee is leading the way in demonstrating how grassroots action can safeguard biodiversity.

In an exciting new collaboration, Is-Suq tal-Belt is joining forces with the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee to launch a Premium Maltese Honey product. This partnership aligns perfectly with the Custodians of the National Insect initiative by providing a sustainable market for honey produced exclusively by the Maltese Honey Bee. By offering a premium, locally sourced product, this collaboration incentivises beekeepers to focus on rearing the endemic subspecies, ensuring its preservation and promoting biodiversity. The Premium Maltese Honey will not only highlight the unique heritage of Malta’s National Insect but also directly support the Foundation’s efforts to protect and propagate Apis mellifera ruttneri across the Islands.

In the months ahead, more partnerships will be announced, more hives will be placed, and more citizens will be invited to take pride in a tiny insect that holds enormous value. Together, as Custodians of the National Insect, we are building a future where the Maltese Honey Bee can thrive.

If you or your organisation would like to join this growing network of Custodians and contribute to the survival of Malta’s National Insect, we warmly invite you to get in touch by emailing us at nahlamaltija@gmail.com.

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.