Beekeeping Meets Conservation: Foundation’s Inaugural Course Reaches Its Conclusion

Last weekend marked a milestone for the Foundation. The inaugural cohort attending its pioneering ‘Introduction to Beekeeping and Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee‘ course has now completed its training. The 10-session, 20-hours programme launched earlier in the autumn wrapped up after its final session on 6 December 2025.

This course, the first of its kind in Malta, was designed not only to teach hive-keeping, honey harvesting, and colony management, but also to instil a deep sense of ecological stewardship. Throughout the course, participants learned about the biology and unique traits of the endemic Apis mellifera ruttneri, the native Maltese Honey Bee and Malta’s National Insect and the broader environmental challenges it faces: hybridisation risks, pesticide exposure and climate change. The goal was to equip future beekeepers not just as producers of honey, but as Custodians of the National Insect

A central highlight came with the practical apiary visit: participants gained hands-on experience inspecting live hives, identifying brood and stores, recognising disease symptoms, and responsibly harvesting honey under expert supervision. This real-world training reinforces both technical skills and respect for the delicate ecological balance bees require.

Upon completion each participant received a Certificate of Completion. More importantly, they were also made aware of the Foundation’s work, and how they can begin to contribute towards the active conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee. In a short time, these participants will become eligible to join the Foundation’s ‘Custodians of the National Insect‘ initiative, positioning them to actively contribute to the conservation and sustainable practice of beekeeping in Malta.

This successful first course signals promising momentum in Maltese apiculture. For a nation whose native honey bee is its officially recognised National Insect, having a new generation of informed, conservation-minded beekeepers will make the difference!

The Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their trust, enthusiasm, and commitment showed. Their dedication has not only enriched the inaugural course but also strengthened the collective effort to safeguard Malta’s iconic native bee. Beyond the skills and knowledge gained, the course has fostered lasting friendships, built on a spirit of respect, collaboration, and shared passion for conservation!

The course was incredibly knowledgeable and gave me a much deeper appreciation for the Maltese bee, its history, and its importance. It also clearly explained the skills and processes needed to start my journey as a beekeeper. Highly recommended.

– C. Aquilina

I recently attended this beekeeping course and found it to be an excellent and enriching experience. The course was well structured, practical and delivered with great passion and expertise. Jorge and Dylan were outstanding instructors who shared their knowledge in a clear, engaging and approachable way. I gained valuable hands on experience and a much deeper appreciation for the world of bees. Highly recommended for anyone interested in beekeeping, whether as a hobby or professionally.

– K. Mizzi

The course was very comprehensive and covered a wide array of topics related to the Maltese honey bee, its importance within our ecosystem, and, most importantly, it provided excellent insight for anyone with an interest in beekeeping. There was also a hands-on practical session, which was a real eye-opener. This experience also helped in laying the foundation for a new network among all the participants, which will prove vital in our future beekeeping pursuits.

– Y. Gialanze’

As part of our ongoing effort to enhance the course’s relevance and incorporate feedback, the next course which will be delivered in English, will also be offered in a hybrid learning modality and include additional practical components.

Are you interested in joining future beekeeping courses organised by the Foundation? Join our waiting list by filling out your details in the form found in this link! We’ll keep you updated about the next course dates and registration openings.

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.