Today, 24th September 2025, marks the first anniversary since the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) was officially declared the National Insect of Malta. This landmark recognition, announced through Legal Notice 233 of 2024, represented a proud moment in Malta’s natural history and a major achievement for our Foundation, which initiated and championed this national cause.
The Journey Towards Recognition
The official process began on 20th May 2023 (World Bee Day), when the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee submitted a formal request to the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA). The request highlighted the urgent need to protect Malta’s endemic honey bee, which faces the serious threat of extinction due to the uncontrolled importation of foreign subspecies. These imported bees interbreed with the Maltese Honey Bee, leading to hybridisation and the loss of its distinctive traits, carefully shaped over thousands of years of evolution on the Maltese Islands.
The proposal to declare the Maltese Honey Bee as Malta’s National Insect was met with strong interest and underwent a public consultation process, giving citizens and stakeholders the opportunity to express their views. The consultation confirmed widespread support for safeguarding Apis mellifera ruttneri, recognising its agricultural, ecological, cultural, and historical importance.
A Historic Declaration
On 24th September 2024, the Government of Malta issued the legal notice declaring the Maltese Honey Bee as the National Insect. This announcement, made public the following day, gave the subspecies enhanced legal protection and drew national attention to its critical role in pollination, honey production, and biodiversity. It also recognised the bee as a living symbol of Malta’s natural heritage, intrinsically tied to the very name of the islands, derived from the ancient Greek word melite, meaning “honey.”
Looking Ahead: A National Day for the Maltese Honey Bee
Building on this milestone, the Foundation is now proposing that 24th September be formally declared the National Day for the Maltese Honey Bee. This date carries strong symbolic value, marking the historic declaration of the National Insect, while also aligning with the start of Malta’s apicultural year, which begins with the first autumn rains.
Such a National Day would:
- Raise annual awareness about the unique Maltese Honey Bee and the threats it faces.
- Provide a national platform for education on sustainable beekeeping and conservation.
- Highlight the cultural and historical links between Malta and honey, including heritage sites such as the Punico-Roman Apiary in Xemxija.
- Celebrate local apicultural products and encourage the use of the Maltese Honey Bee in beekeeping.
- Inspire a long-term cultural shift towards valuing and protecting this unique subspecies.
A Commemorative Song
To mark this first anniversary, the Foundation is also releasing a new song dedicated to celebrating Malta’s National Insect. This creative initiative follows our wider efforts to use education, music, and storytelling to inspire the next generation to value and protect the Maltese Honey Bee.
A Proud Step in Malta’s Apicultural History
The declaration of the Maltese Honey Bee as Malta’s National Insect on 24th September 2024 will long be remembered as a defining moment in the apicultural history of Malta. One year on, the Foundation remains committed to ensuring that this recognition translates into lasting action. Through conservation, education, and national engagement, we will continue working to preserve Apis mellifera ruttneri for future generations.
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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