Celebrating Two Years of Impact: The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee

On 12th May 2025, the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee celebrates its second anniversary since enrolling with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (OCVO) under enrolment number VO/2403. While the formal establishment of the Foundation occurred two years ago, its journey began earlier with the formation of a dedicated group on 17th July 2022. The Foundation was officially established by a statute on 15th March 2023, with the registration with the OCVO marking the conclusion of the establishment process.

In just two years, the Foundation has made remarkable strides in advocating for the preservation of the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) and raising awareness about its vital role in Malta’s ecosystem. From legislative initiatives to educational outreach, the Foundation has laid the groundwork for lasting environmental impact — culminating in a top-three placement for the prestigious Golden Bee Award 2025 (Slovenia), with the winner to be announced on World Bee Day.

Here, we highlight the top four achievements that have shaped the Foundation’s journey and continue to drive its success.

1. The Maltese Honey Bee as Malta’s National Insect

One of the Foundation’s most significant achievements is the successful campaign to have the Maltese Honey Bee declared Malta’s National Insect. This milestone was based on a recommendation made in the study Protection of the Endemic Maltese Honey Bee, which involved a collaborative effort between the Foundation, law graduate David Chetcuti Dimech, and Professor Simone Borg of the University of Malta. The formal request was submitted to the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) on 20th May 2023 (World Bee Day), and the legal notice declaring the Maltese Honey Bee as the National Insect was issued on 24th September 2024.

This achievement is a landmark moment in environmental conservation for Malta. The Maltese Honey Bee, a subspecies unique to the island, has long faced threats from hybridisation with non-native bee species. By securing its status as the National Insect, the Foundation has raised public awareness about the importance of protecting the bee and its habitats, furthering the cause of biodiversity conservation in Malta. The success of this campaign has spurred additional conservation efforts, and the Foundation remains committed to protecting the Maltese Honey Bee and its native environment.

2. The €2 Commemorative Coin

A significant achievement for the Foundation was its collaboration with the Central Bank of Malta to issue a €2 Commemorative Coin dedicated to the Maltese Honey Bee. The coin features an elegant design of the Maltese Honey Bee, symbolising the species’ ecological significance. This collaboration not only raised awareness at a national level but also reached international audiences through the coin’s appeal to collectors.

3. Custodians of the National Insect

Following the Maltese Honey Bee’s designation as Malta’s National Insect on 24th September 2024, the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee launched the “Custodians of the National Insect” project. This initiative aims to establish dedicated apiaries across Malta to protect and propagate the endemic Apis mellifera ruttneri. The project involves three key stakeholders: landowners, who provide space for rearing the bees; beekeepers, who tend to the colonies; and sponsors, who financially support the project and play a crucial role by funding the purchase of beehives and nuclei of the endemic bee, making the initiative possible.

4. “Unique Insect” Video

One of the most impactful tools created by the Foundation is the “Unique Insect: The Maltese Honey Bee” video. This educational resource, featuring prominent experts such as Professor David Mifsud, Joseph Calleja, and Simone Cutajar, delves into the challenges facing the Maltese Honey Bee, including hybridisation and habitat loss. The video emphasizes the importance of preserving the bee’s genetic purity and maintaining Malta’s biodiversity. This video serves as a powerful visual campaign and an informative resource that is accessible to various audiences, from students and beekeepers to conservationists and the general public.

Future Projects: Songs, Mascots, and Bye-Laws

Looking forward, the Foundation is preparing for several exciting initiatives. One of the most anticipated projects is the release of three educational songs aimed at raising awareness about the Maltese Honey Bee and other native species. These songs will be geared toward children, helping them learn about the importance of pollinators and the need for environmental conservation. The first of these songs, “In-Naħla Katerina,” will be released on World Bee Day, 20th May 2025, with additional songs to follow in June and September. These songs will combine music, education, and entertainment to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Additionally, the Foundation is developing an official mascot, “In-Naħla Katerina”, which will play a central role in educational outreach. The mascot will serve as a friendly and relatable character for children, helping them better understand the role of the Maltese Honey Bee in their local environment.

Another important initiative is the drafting of bye-laws to preserve wild vegetation along rural pathways. These laws aim to protect critical habitats that bees rely on for nectar and pollen, ensuring the survival of pollinators across Malta and Gozo. By advocating for these bye-laws, the Foundation is helping safeguard the natural environment and promote sustainable practices across the islands.

Conclusion
As the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee celebrates its second anniversary, it reflects on two years of significant achievements. From securing the Maltese Honey Bee’s status as Malta’s National Insect to collaborating with the Central Bank of Malta on a commemorative coin, the Foundation has had a lasting impact on Malta’s environmental landscape. With exciting initiatives such as educational songs, mascots, and bye-laws in the pipeline, the Foundation is well-positioned to continue its crucial mission of protecting Malta’s pollinators for generations to come.

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.