Celebrating Malta’s National Species: Nature’s Masterpieces Song

The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee is pleased to announce that its popular educational song celebrating Malta’s national species will soon be released in English. Titled Nature’s Masterpieces (The Song of the Maltese National Species), the new version will broaden the reach of this important environmental message, making it accessible to an even wider audience in Malta and beyond.

Written and composed by Michael Piscopo, the song forms part of the Foundation’s ongoing initiative to promote environmental education through music and storytelling. The English adaptation retains the original’s vibrant melody, engaging rhythm and strong educational focus, while presenting the lyrics in a way that is clear and accessible for English-speaking children.

The song is performed by Claire Marie Busuttil, whose warm and expressive voice brings the lyrics to life. The English version has been developed with pedagogical guidance from Professor Suzanne Piscopo to ensure the content is age-appropriate and engaging, supporting vocabulary development, comprehension, and environmental awareness for children aged 5 to 8.

Celebrating Malta’s Six National Species

At the heart of the song is a joyful celebration of Malta’s six officially recognised national species:

The Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri)
The Mediterranean Killifish (Aphanius fasciatus)
The Blue Rock-Thrush (Monticola solitarius)
The Maltese Rock-Centaury (Cheirolophus crassifolius)
The Maltese Freshwater Crab (Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi)
The Sandarac Gum Tree (Tetraclinis articulata)

Through vivid imagery and memorable refrains, children are introduced to these unique plants and animals, discovering where they live and why they are so important to Malta’s biodiversity. The beloved character Katerina, the Maltese Honey Bee, once again serves as a friendly guide, helping young listeners explore the countryside and appreciate the natural treasures found across the Maltese Islands.

Learning Through Music

Designed primarily for children aged between 5 and 8, the song blends creativity with scientific accuracy. It encourages respect for the environment, responsible behaviour in the countryside, and pride in Malta’s natural heritage. Simple yet meaningful lines promote messages such as not littering, protecting trees and plants, and safeguarding habitats for birds and other wildlife.

Music remains one of the most effective tools for early learning. Through repetition, rhythm and rhyme, the English version supports vocabulary development, memory retention and pronunciation skills, while reinforcing key environmental values.

Expanding the Educational Reach

The release of the English version represents an important step in expanding the project’s educational impact. It will serve as a valuable resource in bilingual classrooms and will also enable Malta’s national species to be introduced to international audiences.

By presenting these plants and animals as “nature’s masterpieces”, the song fosters a sense of wonder, responsibility and national pride. As the Foundation continues its mission to promote conservation through creative initiatives, this English release ensures that the message of protecting Malta’s natural heritage resonates with even more children and families.

Further details regarding the official release date will be announced shortly.

NATURE’S MASTERPIECES
(THE SONG OF THE MALTESE NATIONAL SPECIES)

Spoken Intro:
Did you know that the Maltese Honey Bee is our national insect?

The lovely Katerina
And other masterpieces
Are Malta’s hidden treasures:
Our six National Species.
In the Maltese Islands
There are some plants and creatures
That are very important
And have some special features.
We all must learn about them
To love them and protect them
Cause they make Malta nicer
And for this we must respect them.
They are six very special masterpieces
And they are known as our National Species.

The Maltese Rock-Centaury – a purple flowered plant,
Will grow where some other bushes can’t.
And lovely Katerina – the Maltese Honey Bee
Flies over the Sandarac Gum Tree.
The Maltese Freshwater Crab says “Hi!”
The moment that the Killifish swims by.
And the Rock Thrush so blue – a lively little bird,
Who sings the sweetest song you ever heard.

Let’s protect the countryside
And keep it safe and sound.
Don’t throw any litter
On the grass or on the ground.
Let us care for every tree
And every bush beside it.
So that the little birds can build
A nest and sleep inside it.
Take care of our own National Species.
Remember these are nature’s masterpieces.

Hooray for Nature
And every living creature.
Let’s not forget
She is our mother
And she’s our teacher.

The Maltese Freshwater Crab says “Hi!”
The moment that the Killifish swims by.
And the Rock Thrush so blue – a lively little bird,
Who sings the sweetest song you ever heard.
Who sings the sweetest song you ever heard.

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