Jorge Spiteri: Our First Guardian of the National Insect

On 24th September 2024, Malta officially declared the endemic Apis mellifera ruttneri—the Maltese Honey Bee—as its National Insect. This landmark decision, championed by the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee, sparked the launch of a nationwide conservation effort: the Custodians of the National Insect initiative. At the forefront of this movement stands Jorge Spiteri, our first Guardian of the National Insect.

Jorge Spiteri has been a leading figure in local apiculture for over a decade. Since 2013, he has practised beekeeping across Malta, including in public spaces and educational institutions. His mission has always been to raise awareness about the importance of honey bees and to connect people of all ages and backgrounds with the world of pollinators. His passion, expertise, and commitment made him the ideal candidate to become the first Guardian in this pioneering initiative.

Jorge was also featured in the Foundation’s 2024 awareness video Unique Insect: The Maltese Honey Bee, which highlighted the importance of the endemic subspecies and the efforts being made to protect it. In addition to his contribution within the main video, Jorge was the subject of a full standalone interview, offering deeper insights into his journey as a beekeeper and his views on the significance of conserving Malta’s native bee population.

As part of his new role, Jorge is hosting three colonies of the Maltese Honey Bee, entrusted to him through a collaborative model that involves sponsors, landowners, and beekeepers. Two of these beehives were sponsored by Rotary Club La Valette and Rotary Club Malta, named “Rotary International” and “PDG Gaetano De Bernardis” respectively. The third hive is one of five sponsored by Apivita through Metropolis Pharma Ltd., as part of the international Billion Bees Programme. This global initiative supports the regeneration of bee populations and the promotion of pollinator awareness.

Jorge recently welcomed representatives from both Rotary and Apivita to view the hives in his care, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that lies at the core of the Custodianship programme. As a Guardian, Jorge is not only responsible for maintaining the health and safety of the bees—he also acts as an ambassador, educator, and advocate for their conservation.

Beyond his national work, Jorge is also recognised on the international stage. He serves as the national representative of the Maltese Young Beekeepers for the International Centre for Young Beekeepers. In December 2024, through the Malta Youth in Agriculture Foundation (MaYA), he mentored a team of three A-Level Biology students from Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School at the 13th International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) in Dubai. The Maltese delegation, aged 11 to 17, excelled in various competitions, securing the top award in the Country Competition and earning individual Gold and Bronze medals in mixed-team theoretical and practical assessments.

The impact of Jorge’s work extends far beyond the apiary. Through education, advocacy, and international collaboration, he is shaping the next generation of environmentally aware citizens and beekeepers. His efforts are a powerful example of what can be achieved through passion, persistence, and teamwork.

Jorge Spiteri’s role as the first Guardian of the National Insect is both symbolic and practical. He embodies the spirit of shared responsibility that underpins the Custodianship model. By caring for these bee colonies, he is helping to preserve a unique aspect of Malta’s natural heritage, while inspiring others to do the same. His contribution marks a significant step forward in national conservation efforts and offers hope for a future where pollinators are protected, celebrated, and allowed to thrive.

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