Malta earned international recognition on World Bee Day, 20th May 2025, as the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee was named one of the top three finalists in the prestigious Golden Bee Award.

Held at Ljubljana Castle in Slovenia, the ceremony brought together global leaders committed to pollinator protection.

The Golden Bee Award, the world’s highest honour in pollinator conservation, was awarded to Polish company Osmia Future for its innovative digital system that enhances orchard pollination and reduces pesticide use. Malta shared the runner-up position with Croatia’s Dr Ivana Tlak Gajger, recognised for her Beekeeping Experiential Laboratory.

Representing Malta was Sairita Cassar, a long-time supporter of the Foundation. Malta’s recognition stems from the Foundation’s successful campaign to officially designate the endemic Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) as the National Insect through Legal Notice 233 of 2024. This followed a submission to the Environment and Resources Authority and a supporting legal study with the University of Malta.

The Foundation also produced an educational documentary, Unique Insect: The Maltese Honey Bee, and inspired the Central Bank’s €2 commemorative coin. These initiatives have raised national awareness and strengthened Malta’s role in global conservation efforts.

This accolade affirms Malta’s growing leadership in biodiversity protection and the power of civic-driven environmental advocacy.

Well done, Malta!