Last weekend marked another important milestone for the Foundation. The second cohort attending its flagship ‘Introduction to Beekeeping and Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee’ course has now successfully completed its training. The 10-session, 20-hour programme, which was launched late last year, concluded with its final session last Staurday.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, this course continues to stand out as the only initiative in Malta that integrates practical beekeeping with environmental stewardship. Participants were guided not only through the fundamentals of hive management, honey harvesting and colony care, but also through the wider ecological context in which beekeeping exists; and locally – the conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee.
Throughout the programme, attendees explored the biology and distinctive characteristics of Apis mellifera ruttneri, the endemic Maltese Honey Bee and Malta’s National Insect. Particular emphasis was placed on the environmental pressures facing this unique subspecies, including majorly hybridisation, pesticide exposure, and climate change. The course aims to shape not just beekeepers, but responsible custodians committed to safeguarding this important part of Malta’s natural heritage.
A key highlight of the course was the increased hands-on apiary visits, following feedback from the previous intake. Participants gained practical experience working with live hives, identifying brood and food stores, recognising signs of disease, and observing responsible honey harvesting under expert supervision. This immersive experience strengthens both technical competence and an appreciation for the delicate ecological balance essential to bee health.
Upon completion, each participant received a Certificate of Completion. More importantly, they are now better equipped to put forward the cause of the Maltese Honey Bee. In the coming months, these participants will become eligible to join the Foundation’s ‘Custodians of the National Insect’ initiative, enabling them to actively contribute to the preservation and sustainable management of the Maltese Honey Bee. In the meantime, they are now part of the growing community the Foundation is steadily building; like-minded individuals committed to advancing the conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee, supporting sustainable beekeeping and protecting Malta’s natural environment. As awareness continues to expand, so too does the community of individuals committed to protecting the country’s National Insect.
A very well-organized and engaging course with a great mix of theory and hands-on experience. Highly recommended for anyone interested in beekeeping and Maltese honey bee conservation.
– D. Magro
Highly recommended. I have just completed this course. Anyone interested in the unique Maltese honey bee should partake of this course. Not just for beginners but also seasoned beekeepers.
– R. Bates
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
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’
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