Interview with Dylan Farrugia and Christabelle Scerri on Ta’ Kuljum

On Friday 11th July 2025, Dylan Farrugia, President of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee, and Christabelle Scerri, singer of the educational song Festin Għad-Dakkara, were special guests on Ta’ Kuljum, the summer programme airing live from ONE studios. Hosted by Julie Pomorski and Renato Vella. The programme airs every weekday from 4pm to 6:30pm and has quickly become a favourite companion for viewers during the late afternoon hours.

During the engaging segment, Farrugia and Scerri spoke passionately about the vital role of the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri), which was officially recognised as Malta’s National Insect in 2024. Emphasising its uniqueness and ecological importance, Farrugia highlighted how this endemic subspecies is not only a key pollinator but also a symbol of Malta’s environmental heritage.

Dylan Farrugia and Christabelle Scerri seated in a bright studio, discussing the Maltese Honey Bee and the educational song 'Festin Għad-Dakkara' on the show 'Ta' Kuljum'.

Two individuals seated on a couch during a live television program, surrounded by greenery and flowers in the background.

The 2025 Educational Song Trilogy

The interview also showcased the Foundation’s flagship educational project for 2025, Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes, a trilogy of children’s songs designed to promote environmental awareness and foster appreciation for native species. Supported by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) and backed by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, the project aims to reach young audiences through music, language, and storytelling.

Christabelle Scerri, the featured singer in Festin Għad-Dakkara, the second song in the trilogy, described her joy at being part of an initiative that combines music with environmental education. Scerri’s performance, composed by Augusto Cardinali with lyrics by Rita Pace, portrays pollination as a lively wedding feast between flowers and pollinators, including bees, wasps, and even flies, all led by the beloved character Naħla Katerina.

The trio of songs began with In-Naħla Katerina, released on World Bee Day (20th May 2025), which introduces young children to the Maltese Honey Bee. The final instalment, In-Naħla u Sħabha, set for release on 24th September, expands the focus to include Malta’s six national species. This upcoming song promises to further nurture children’s understanding of local biodiversity and conservation through cheerful melodies and vivid visuals.

A New Conservation Action Plan

Farrugia also used the interview to announce the launch of a significant new initiative: the drafting of an Action Plan for the Conservation of the National Insect. This structured, multi-phase process will provide a long-term strategy to protect Apis mellifera ruttneri, ensuring its survival amid growing threats from hybridisation and habitat loss. “This is an independent, community-driven effort,” Farrugia explained. “It will reflect a shared vision for safeguarding our unique bee species, with full transparency and public consultation at every step.”

Launching Maltese Spring Honey

Another exciting reveal during the programme was the release of the Foundation’s newest product: In-Naħla Katerina Maltese Spring Honey. This limited-edition, artisanal honey, harvested between May and June, is produced solely by the Maltese Honey Bee and features nectar from native springtime flora such as red clover, citrus trees, and boar thistle. Presented in a collector’s box inspired by the In-Naħla Katerina song, each jar includes a QR code that links to the full music trilogy, offering an immersive and educational experience for families.

A jar of artisanal Maltese honey next to a themed box featuring a cartoon bee and a QR code, accompanied by colorful informational cards about bee conservation.

Proceeds from the honey’s sale will go towards funding conservation projects, research, and educational campaigns run by the Foundation. “It’s more than just honey, it’s a way for the public to support the conservation of our national insect in a tangible and meaningful way,” Farrugia noted.

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