Maltese Rotary clubs Visit the beehives in Safi

On Monday 12^th May, 2025, members from RC La Valette Malta, RC Malta and Rotaract Malta were hosted to a very interesting talk by beekeeper Perit Jorge Spiteri, on behalf of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Maltese Honey Bee at Gnien Sir Alexander Ball, Safi, where the beehives are kept.  This is one of 8 gardens still extant, planted by the British in the early 19^th century.

In an orange grove protected from the winds by high rubble walls, one finds a number of beehives which are tended by Jorge.  Two of these are dedicated to ‘Rotary International’ and to ‘PDG Gaetano De Bernardis’ because Rotary la Valette Malta and Rotary Malta have signed up as custodians of the Foundation for the preservation of the Maltese Honey bee.

This project is a consequence of the Maltese Rotary Clubs belonging to District 2110 Sicily-Malta.  Three years ago, in PDG De Bernardis’ year, the ‘SOS Api’ (SOS Bees) project was launched.  The Maltese clubs, while participating to some of the activities launched in Sicily, have opted to be involved in the protection of the Maltese Honey bee which is in danger off extinction.

We are honoured that recently, through the efforts of the Foundation, this insect has been declared the National Insect of Malta and we have committed to continue supporting this worthy organization.  In fact, our visit to the beehives had the scope of us learning more about beekeeping.  This was very well explained to us by Jorge, whose enthusiasm and dedication shone through his talk.

We learnt that the Maltese Honey Bee is small, mostly black and has particularly powerful aerodynamic wings to help it navigate Malta’s windy climate.  Bees tend to choose a particular flower, ex. Orange blossom, and tend to continue pollinating those particular blooms.  There are three seasons roughly divided into Spring when Mille Fleurs honey is produced because of the variety of flowers around, in Summer it is the garigue vegetation that feeds the insects whilst in Autumn the eucalyptus and Carob tree receive the pollinators’ visits.

An ancient beehive room, in the garden still guards the old pottery hives.  This room is badly in need of repair.  Jorge hopes that this will be done so that he may revive the ancient system of bee husbandry, reusing the Maltese ‘fuhhar’ pots.

For more info visit: https://maltesehoneybee.org/