Ġużeppi Caruana Żejtun Primary B Becomes Custodian of Malta’s National Insect

A Landmark Agreement for the Protection of the Maltese Honey Bee

The Foundation is proud to announce that Saint Thomas More College, Ġużeppi Caruana Żejtun Primary B has officially become a Custodian of the National Insect as Proprietor, the very first school to be granted this special status.

This important milestone brings together three key stakeholders, beekeepers, sponsors and proprietors, in a united effort to promote and protect Malta’s National Insect, the endemic Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri). Through this collaborative model, education, conservation and community engagement work hand in hand to safeguard a subspecies that forms an integral part of our natural heritage.

An Urgent Need for Conservation

The Maltese Honey Bee is currently at serious risk of extinction due to genetic contamination from imported honey bee subspecies or breeds. A recent scientific study has revealed that only 11% of the population remains genetically pure. This alarming statistic underlines the urgent need for coordinated conservation initiatives rooted in awareness, education and responsible beekeeping practices.

As part of this agreement, beehives will be installed in a secure and carefully designated area on the school’s rooftop. This safe location will allow for the responsible rearing of the Maltese Honey Bee within an educational environment, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn about biodiversity, sustainability and environmental stewardship in a practical and inspiring way.

A Shared Commitment to Heritage and Sustainability

The Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to the Head of School, Mr Edmond Pace, and his dedicated staff for entering into this socio-environmental agreement for the greater benefit of our fragile environment. Their commitment demonstrates how educational institutions can play a leading role in national conservation efforts.

This agreement was facilitated by Wirt iż-Żejtun, a voluntary organisation that fosters interest in and respect for the natural, cultural, environmental, historical, ethnographical and archaeological, both tangible and intangible, heritage passed down by former generations of Żejtun. Its mission is to protect, value and transmit this heritage to future generations at all levels of society, ensuring its sustainable development and preservation in the best possible state. The Foundation would especially like to acknowledge the commitment of Wirt iż-Żejtun’s Executive Committee through its General Secretary, Tracey Ann Vella Cumbo. Their support has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition. This collaboration stands as a wonderful example of how organisations, entities and individuals can unite for a common and meaningful cause.

We would like to extend our gratitude to HE Jesmond Cutajar, Ambassador of Malta to Slovenia who was a key reference in making these contacts, as well as Wirt iż-Żejtun for facilitating this collaboration!

“Let’s Discover the Maltese Honey Bee”

Looking ahead, the Foundation, in collaboration with Wirt iż-Żejtun, will be organising a public meeting on 8 March 2026 entitled “Let’s Discover the Maltese Honey Bee”. The event will explore the ecological and cultural importance of our National Insect, particularly within the context of Żejtun. Participants will learn about historical and contemporary sites connected to beekeeping in the locality, as well as the story behind Katerina, the Foundation’s beloved children’s mascot, who also shares a special connection with Żejtun.

With Saint Thomas More College, Ġużeppi Caruana Żejtun Primary B now serving as Custodian of the National Insect, the rearing of the Maltese Honey Bee in Żejtun will once again become a living and educational reality. Together, we are taking meaningful steps to protect a unique subspecies that symbolises resilience, identity and the richness of Malta’s natural heritage.

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.