The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee
What they do
The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee centers its work around three fundamental pillars to ensure the long-term survival of Malta's endemic national insect (Apis mellifera ruttneri):
Genetic Protection & Species Conservation: Safeguarding the unique genetic purity of the endemic Maltese Honey Bee by establishing protected breeding zones, supporting pure local queen rearing, and combating hybridization from imported bee species.
Education & Community Engagement: Raising environmental awareness across schools and communities using interactive storytelling, early-years learning resources (such as the Katerina mascot series), music, and hands-on apiary sessions.
Policy Advocacy & Sector Sustainability: Partnering with authorities, beekeepers, and researchers to advocate for holistic legal protections, promote local honey production, and build a sustainable, resilient apicultural sector.
Get involved
The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee welcomes individuals and organizations who wish to support the protection and conservation of Malta’s endemic Honey Bee.
Support can be provided through membership, donations, volunteering, and by contributing knowledge or experience related to beekeeping and conservation.
The Custodians of the National Insect initiative is a collaborative conservation project which unites beekeepers (Guardians), sponsors, and landowners (Proprietors).
Donations helpt th Foundation cover operational costs and continue its work towards protecting the Maltese Honey Bee and promoting awareness.
The Foundation offers volunteering opportunities for individuals to contribute in many ways including coordinating activities, developing projects, and general assistance
Consider becoming a members through an annual or lifetime contribution and help the organisation continue its work in conserving the Maltese Honey Bee.
The 20-hour Introduction to Beekeeping & Conservation Course combines theory and practical apiary visits to teach sustainable hive management.
The Apicul-Tour is a 1-to-1.5-hour guided experience led by expert beekeepers that offers a close look at Malta's bee, insightsand an exclusive honey tasting.
Education
The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee actively engages schools, students, and young learners to raise awareness about Malta’s endemic honey bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) and its vital role in local biodiversity.
The Katerina Activity Plan is a free educational guide provided by the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee to help educators and parents introduce children (ages 4–8) to Malta’s national insect.
​The "Katerina" Activity Session is a 60-minute interactive workshop designed for Kindergarten and Primary school students which introduces young learners to the endemic Maltese Honey Bee through fun activities.
The School Talk is a 1-hour interactive presentation designed for Primary, Middle, and Secondary schools (up to 25 students) which teaches students about Malta’s native Honey Bee and its vital role in local biodiversity.
The Student Apiary Tour is a 1-hour interactive educational experience designed for student groups under 18 years of age (10–25 students) which teaches pollinator conservation, and offers participation in hands-on activities.
