Watch: Protecting Malta’s Endemic Bees
Emily A. Francis from Oh My Malta the privilege of meeting Rebecca Busuttil and her father, Victor, who manage seven thriving apiaries spread across the untouched landscape of Mtarfa. The Busuttil family has deep roots in this land, with the land originally belonging to Rebecca’s grandfather. Over the years, it has transformed into a sanctuary for bees, offering a pure, unpolluted environment that stands as a testament to the family’s dedication to preserving nature’s balance
We recently had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca Busuttil and her father, Victor, in the serene area of Mtarfa, located between Chadwick Lakes and Mtarfa. Here, the Busuttil family manages seven apiaries scattered across this untouched landscape. This land, originally owned and worked by Rebecca’s grandfather, has been passed down through generations. Today, it is a haven for bees, protected from the pollutants of the modern world.
Pure Bees, Pure Honey
The land surrounding their apiaries is pristine, extending for several kilometers without any human interference. This isolation has resulted in their bees being some of the purest in the world. Tested extensively by the University and other global organisations, the bees and honey from RoyalBee.MT have been confirmed to be exceptionally pure. Because a bee typically does not venture beyond a three km radius from its hive, it is crucial for the surrounding area to provide diverse flora throughout the year for successful pollination.
The Busuttil family is dedicated to ensuring the safety of their queen bees and the availability of the right flora within this radius. This commitment to maintaining an environment free from pollution, perfumes, and chemicals is key to the purity of their honey.
RoyalBee offers four distinct types of honey, based on the flora available to their bees: Thyme, Carob, Eucalyptus, Multi-Flora.
Global Challenges for Bees
Bees around the world are facing numerous threats, from toxic insecticides to a lack of understanding about their critical role in ecosystems. In many countries, beekeepers have seen their hives destroyed for no apparent reason. Fortunately, in the European Union, harmful pesticides that endanger bees have been banned.
Bees also struggle to survive rising temperatures and invasions from pests like the varroa mite. While in Italy, bees require human intervention to combat these mites, Malta’s native honeybees, the Apis Mellifera Ruttneri, have shown remarkable resilience. They can defend themselves against the varroa mite without assistance, making them one of the strongest bee species worldwide. This strength not only benefits the bees but also enhances the health benefits of the honey they produce. Recognising their importance, Malta has declared the endemic honeybee a national species, ensuring they are protected and valued.
The Importance of Bees
Bees are essential for the survival of more than 80% of our food supply. They are responsible for pollinating fruits, vegetables, and even the plants that livestock rely on, making them vital to our entire food chain. Without bees, our diets would be reduced to little more than wheat, an unsustainable situation for humanity.
Rebecca Busuttil, a passionate advocate for bees, has dedicated her life to studying the medical benefits of pollen, honey, and other bee products. As Malta’s only certified Api-Therapist, she offers consultations to help individuals understand which bee products—whether pollen, propolis, royal jelly, or honey—can best support their health.
Fascinating Bee Facts
-The queen bee, who lives 3-5 years (30 times longer than an average bee), only eats pure royal jelly.
-Worker bees, all females, live about 45 days and are the ones with stingers.
-Male bees, or drones, live around 30 days and do not have stingers. Their sole purpose is to mate with the queen.
-Worker bees are responsible for feeding the queen and drones, bringing in pollen, making beeswax and honey, scouting the area, and protecting the colony.
-The queen’s role is to lay eggs (1,000-3,000 daily depending on the season) and maintain the hive’s population balance by determining whether to produce worker bees or drones.
Visiting the Apiaries in Mtarfa
For those interested in experiencing the world of bees firsthand, RoyalBee.MT offers guided tours of their apiaries in Mtarfa. Groups of up to 30 people, including children, are welcome. After the tour, visitors can purchase honey and other bee products at their shop, ‘WELL BEING,’ located in Mtarfa Pjazza.
For more information, contact RoyalBee.MT through social media at @royalbee.mt or call on +356 79800366.
