“Ngħarblu x’Qalulna”: Reflecting on Voices for the Maltese Honey Bee

The Foundation is continuing its awareness campaign “Ngħarblu x’Qalulna”, translated as “Let’s Examine What They Told Us”, a project that encourages the public to reflect on expert insights about the Maltese Honey Bee and its importance to the islands’ environment. This campaign builds on the documentary “Unique Insect”, produced by the Foundation in 2024, which brought together a diverse group of academics, researchers, and beekeepers who work closely with Apis mellifera ruttneri, Malta’s endemic honey bee.

As part of the initiative, the Foundation released full interviews with each participant, offering in-depth perspectives on beekeeping, conservation, scientific research, and the challenges facing pollinators in Malta. Over the coming weeks, selected quotes and key statements from these interviews will be shared on the Foundation’s social media platforms, allowing the wider community to engage with expert knowledge in an accessible and thought-provoking way.

Among the featured personalities is Michaelangelo Muscat, a retired teacher and third-generation beekeeper who has been rearing honey bees since the 1970s. His lifelong dedication to apiculture includes completing advanced professional training and winning prestigious awards for Maltese craftsmanship and artisanal food and beverage products. His experience reflects the strong traditions of beekeeping in Malta and the value of passing knowledge from one generation to the next.

Simone Cutajar brings a scientific and conservation-focused perspective to the campaign. As a Citizen Science Ambassador and PhD researcher, she is studying the microorganisms found in the stomachs of Maltese Honey Bees through a joint programme with the University of Malta and the University of Bologna. Her work, supported by national and European funding, has earned her several awards for both scientific excellence and community engagement, highlighting the importance of research in protecting Malta’s unique biodiversity.

Jorge Spiteri represents the younger generation of beekeepers on an international level. Since 2013, he has been actively promoting awareness of honey bees through educational initiatives and public activities across Malta, including in schools and community spaces. His work focuses on inspiring people of all ages to understand the vital role of pollinators in food production and environmental sustainability.

The campaign also features Arnold Grech, a veteran beekeeper who played a central role in the scientific classification of the Maltese Honey Bee as Apis mellifera ruttneri. His contribution to Maltese apiculture has been instrumental in raising awareness of the island’s unique bee subspecies and the need for its protection.

Professor David Mifsud, one of Malta’s leading entomologists, adds further academic depth to the project. With over 200 scientific publications and a long-standing career at the University of Malta, he continues to advocate for the conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee. His contributions were recognised in 2016 with the National Order of Merit.

Adding a cultural dimension to the campaign is world-renowned tenor Joseph Calleja. While best known for his international operatic career, he also shares a personal passion for beekeeping and a deep respect for Malta’s endemic honey bee.

The “Ngħarblu x’Qalulna” campaign originally began as a series of community talks held in collaboration with local and regional councils. These sessions, coordinated by the Foundation’s President, Dylan Farrugia, provided a platform for open discussion and knowledge-sharing. Through this ongoing campaign, the Foundation continues to strengthen public awareness, encouraging people to reflect on expert voices and take an active interest in the conservation of Malta’s natural heritage.

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