Government To Breed Maltese Queen Bees On Comino To Help Local Beekeepers
Comino is set to become a protected area for Malta’s native honeybee, as the government introduces new measures to help protect the species and increase its population.
The Maltese honeybee is a unique type of bee native to Malta, and the new initiative aims to protect it from crossbreeding with foreign bees and the spread of diseases.
As part of the plan, Comino will become a special conservation zone where the breeding and keeping of bees will be carefully controlled.
The government will also use a building on the island to set up a breeding programme, working with a local organisation to produce more Maltese honeybees.
One of the main goals is to breed healthy queen bees that can eventually be distributed to local beekeepers, helping them grow their colonies without relying as much on imported bees.
The initiative also comes as Malta continues to tackle the growing problem of Oriental hornets, which pose a threat to local honeybees.
Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo explained that the project will help protect Malta’s native honeybee while supporting local beekeepers.
New regulations will also ensure that only authorised bee colonies can be permanently kept on Comino.
The ultimate goal? To give Malta’s native honeybee a safer place to breed, grow and thrive for future generations.
Photo Source: Terry Caselli
