Following the launch of its pioneering course Introduction to Beekeeping and Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee, which was met with success and strong demand, the Foundation is proud to once again deliver its second edition of this course to a fully booked group, this time round in English. Recognising the demands of modern lifestyles, the course is being offered in a flexible hybrid format.
This programme is the first in Malta to combine practical beekeeping with a strong focus on conserving the endemic Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) and protecting the local environment through sustainable practices. Designed for aspiring beekeepers, conservationists, educators, and nature enthusiasts, the course goes beyond traditional hive management. While participants learn to establish and maintain bee colonies responsibly, they also gain essential knowledge on how beekeeping can actively support biodiversity and environmental protection. By emphasising the conservation of native pollinators, the programme ensures that rearing bees is carried out in harmony with ecological stewardship.
Led by Dylan Farrugia and Jorge Spiteri, the course has already completed its first four lectures. Participants have explored the biology and behaviour of the Maltese Honey Bee, its unique traits and adaptations, and the ecological value of conserving native pollinators. The sessions also addressed legal and ethical aspects of beekeeping in Malta, preparing learners to act responsibly as Guardians of the National Insect.
A standout feature of the course is its enhanced practical component, expanded to four hours of hands-on training and guided beekeeping observation following feedback from previous participants. Participants will visit a working apiary, gaining hands-on experience with live hives, practising hive inspections, disease recognition, and honey harvesting under expert guidance. This interactive approach allows learners to directly apply the principles of sustainable and ethical beekeeping, reinforcing both their skills and their understanding of the broader environmental impact of their work.
Those completing the programme will gain awareness to opportunities within the Foundation that will enable them to contribute to conservation initiatives, while also promoting a shift from a linear to a circular economy within the Maltese apicultural sector. This approach encourages sustainable resource use, responsible honey production, and long-term support for both the environment and the local beekeeping sector.
The course demonstrates that beekeeping in Malta can be much more than a hobby. By combining scientific knowledge, practical skills and a strong conservation ethos, participants are empowered to safeguard the Maltese Honey Bee and actively support biodiversity on the islands. They also become part of a growing community of dedicated individuals committed to the preservation of Malta’s unique pollinators.
As the second cohort progresses with remarkable enthusiasm, the Foundation is proud to lead the way in sustainable beekeeping, conservation, and environmental stewardship in Malta.
Are you interested in joining future beekeeping courses organised by the Foundation? The next edition begins on 28th March, and places are already filling fast! Secure your spot today to avoid disappointment. Full details are available at the link below!
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