Who Is In-Naħla Katerina? Malta’s Sweetest Environmental Ambassador

In-Naħla Katerina will not just be a charming character from a children’s song – she will be the heart and soul of a nationwide educational initiative celebrating Malta’s natural heritage and promoting environmental stewardship among young learners. Based on the real-life Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) – a subspecies unique to the Maltese Islands and officially recognised as Malta’s National Insect – In-Naħla Katerina will take flight as a vibrant mascot, musical protagonist, and symbol of sustainability.

This initiative is supported by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and backed by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). As part of the project Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes, In-Naħla Katerina’s story will be brought to life through a trio of original Maltese songs designed for children aged 0–10. These songs will form part of an innovative project coordinated by the founders, Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg, blending music, visuals, and movement to inspire the next generation of eco-conscious citizens.

A Bee Like No Other

In-Naħla Katerina will first appear in the song that bears her name – a cheerful and catchy tune set to be released on 20th May 2025, marking World Bee Day. The lyrics will introduce her as a friendly, hardworking bee, easily spotted in gardens and countryside fields, fluttering from flower to flower with a buzzing sound that will delight children and adults alike. She will be small, dark, slightly fluffy, and full of energy – just like the real Apis mellifera ruttneri.

More than just an insect, Katerina will be depicted as a beloved companion to nature and to children, producing delicious honey while helping plants grow through pollination. Her joyful “biżż biżż biżż” refrain will soon become a favourite with young listeners – and it will not just be a song, but a movement. A simple and engaging dance routine, inspired by Katerina’s fluttering wings and buzzing flight, will be developed to accompany the song. This dance will be taught in schools and early years settings, turning music sessions into opportunities for active learning and coordination.

A Guide Through Nature

Katerina’s role will expand in the second song, “Festin Għad-Dakkara,” which will be released during Pollinator Week in June. Here, she will become a host and guide to an enchanting “wedding feast” among the flowers, where pollinators like bees, hoverflies, beetles, butterflies, and birds will gather to celebrate their vital ecological work. The song will explain pollination in a child-friendly narrative, showing how the act of transferring pollen will lead to the growth of fruit and seeds.

Katerina will lead this celebration with flair and purpose, helping young listeners understand that beauty and food are the result of unseen teamwork in nature. She will invite children to appreciate the diversity of pollinators and to respect every small creature’s place in the web of life.

A Champion of Malta’s National Species

The third and final song, “In-Naħla u Sħabha (L-Għanja tal-Ispeċi Nazzjonali),” will be due for release on 24th September 2025, to mark the first anniversary of the Maltese Honey Bee’s designation as Malta’s National Insect. In this anthem of environmental pride, Katerina will introduce her “friends” – Malta’s other National Species – including the Blue Rock Thrush (Il-Merill), Maltese Rock-Centaury (Widnet il-Baħar), Maltese Freshwater Crab (Il-Qabru), Sandarac Gum Tree (Is-Siġra tal-Għargħar), and Mediterranean Killifish (Il-Bużaqq).

Through her flight over cliffs, valleys, and fields, Katerina will show children the beauty and uniqueness of the islands’ biodiversity. She will also teach them how to care for their environment – not littering, planting trees, protecting habitats – always with a positive and empowering message.

More Than a Character – A Living Mascot

In-Naħla Katerina will be more than a figure in a song – she will be a mascot who will visit schools and events, bridging the gap between musical storytelling and real-life education. A costumed character, designed to reflect her bee-like appearance, will interact with children in assemblies, festivals, and educational activities. Whether dancing with young learners, helping them identify flowers, or leading craft sessions about pollinators, she will embody the joy of learning through play.

Through music, movement, and meaningful messages, In-Naħla Katerina will leave a lasting impression – not just in children’s hearts, but in how they will view nature, bees, and the role we all play in preserving our planet.

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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.