In September 2024, the Central Bank of Malta is set to release a special €2 Commemorative Coin showcasing the endemic Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri). This initiative by the Central Bank is receiving widespread acclaim from bee conservationists and enthusiasts alike, as it honors the crucial role played by this important pollinator.
Members of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee expressed their elation at seeing their long-standing proposal come to fruition. The Foundation’s primary objective revolves around safeguarding the Maltese Bee population, recognizing its unique status and significance within Malta’s ecosystem. They actively advocate for the Maltese Bee to be designated as Malta’s national insect.
While the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) is indigenous to Malta, its subspecies (Apis mellifera ruttneri), known as the Maltese Honey Bee, is found exclusively within the Maltese archipelago, making it endemic to the region. This commemorative coin serves to underscore the ecological importance of the Maltese Bee and emphasizes the necessity of preserving and celebrating Malta’s distinctive biodiversity.
A total of 80,000 coins featuring the endemic Maltese Honey Bee will be minted, symbolizing a tangible tribute to the invaluable contribution of this unique pollinator.
