The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee is pleased to announce the start of a structured process to develop an Action Plan for the Conservation of the National Insect. This initiative aims to protect and preserve one of Malta’s most valuable and threatened native subspecies: Apis mellifera ruttneri, our National Insect. In line with its statute, the Foundation is required to develop an Action Plan that will serve as a strategic framework for its work, consolidating past efforts, guiding future actions, and ensuring that all initiatives are coherent, accountable, and aligned with its mission. The Plan will be developed through a phased, transparent process that involves consultation with the community and key stakeholders, ensuring it reflects a shared vision for the conservation of Malta’s endemic honey bee. This is an independent initiative led solely by the Foundation, with no external institutional involvement. It is rooted in the belief that effective conservation must be both scientifically informed and community-driven, respecting Malta’s unique environmental identity and the role of its people in safeguarding it.
A Structured, Multi-Phase Approach
The creation of the Action Plan will take place over three distinct phases, each designed to include the public, stakeholders, and experts at every stage of the process. Phase 1 will be launched soon.
Phase 1 – Statement of Intent
The first phase will involve the publication of a statement of intent, outlining the Foundation’s mission and objectives. It will also launch a community consultation, inviting individuals and organisations to contribute feedback and ideas that will help shape the direction of the Action Plan.
This will ensure that the final plan is not simply the work of a few individuals, but rather the outcome of a broad, inclusive process. Transparency, participation, and accountability will be key pillars of this approach.
Phase 2 – Drafting the Action Plan
Following the initial consultation, the Foundation will begin preparing a draft of the Action Plan. This document will include:
- Clear aims, objectives, goals, targets, and outcomes
- An action timeline, divided into short-term (under 1 year), medium-term (1–4 years), and long-term (5+ years)
- Defined milestones to monitor progress
- A summary of past and ongoing efforts, such as the designation of the national insect and rural flora initiatives
A second round of consultation will then take place, allowing for further refinement of the draft based on public feedback.
Phase 3 – Finalisation and Publication
In the final phase, the Foundation will release a draft version of the final Action Plan for public review and feedback. Following this consultation, the Foundation will incorporate any final comments and publish the completed Action Plan. This will be followed by the release of an official version of the plan designed to be accessible and engaging for a wider audience. The final documents will guide conservation activities for years to come and will be reviewed periodically to remain up to date and effective.
Why the Maltese Honey Bee Needs Protection
The Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) is a distinct subspecies found only in the Maltese Islands, the result of thousands of years of adaptation to the local environment. Its presence supports biodiversity, pollination, agriculture, and Malta’s natural heritage.
However, the subspecies is under threat from hybridisation with imported bee breeds, which endangers its genetic purity and long-term survival. As climate change intensifies, the importance of preserving locally adapted species becomes even more critical. Losing Apis mellifera ruttneri would mean losing a vital ecological and cultural asset unique to Malta.
About the Foundation
The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee is dedicated to the protection, promotion, and study of Apis mellifera ruttneri. Although still in its infancy, the Foundation has already undertaken important salient work. As it enters its second term of operation next year with each term spanning a three-year cycle, the Foundation is now well-positioned to consolidate past efforts and outline future ones in a coordinated conservation strategy by launching the process to develop the Action Plan. After a period of groundwork and consolidation during its initial term, the Foundation is ready to take another leap forward with this vital initiative, building on the solid foundation it has established nation-wide.
Community Engagement
The Foundation is committed to a transparent and inclusive approach. At every stage of the process, the community will be invited to provide input, share expertise, and contribute to the protection of this unique subspecies. Details of upcoming consultation phases will be announced in due course.
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.
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