Yesterday, 8th of August 2026, the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee celebrated the successful completion of the fifth edition of its flagship ‘Introduction to Beekeeping and Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee‘ course.
Over ten sessions, participants completed 20 hours of training that combined practical beekeeping with the conservation of Apis mellifera ruttneri, the endemic Maltese Honey Bee and Malta’s National Insect. As the only course in Malta to integrate beekeeping with biodiversity conservation, it equips participants not only with the skills required to manage healthy colonies, but also with a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges facing this unique subspecies, including hybridisation, pesticide exposure and climate change.
A major focus of the programme was hands-on learning. Through practical apiary sessions, participants gained valuable experience in hive management, identifying brood and food stores, recognising signs of disease, and applying best practices for sustainable beekeeping. These practical sessions continue to be one of the course’s most valued aspects.
Upon successful completion, participants received their certificates and are now eligible to join the Foundation‘s Custodians of the National Insect initiative, where they can actively contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of the Maltese Honey Bee. They also become part of a growing community dedicated to promoting responsible beekeeping and protecting Malta’s natural heritage.
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