Bees for Development Journal 124 September 2017
Photo © Per Kryger
which Apis mellifera ruttneri queens will be selected to start this breeding programme. The locations for testing stations will be established to ensure that they are evenly spread across the islands. We are working on our list of supporters for this project both locally and worldwide. Their backing is extremely valuable to our initiative. Up until now renowned organisations including Bees for Development, Bee or Not to be, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity, have expressed their support and joined our cause. Against all odds, with sheer hard work and determination, we will prevail and this project will be a success!
Our Objectives • Providing appropriate training to local beekeepers to improve knowledge on understanding and undertaking and sustainable apiculture. • Encouraging new beekeepers to start with Apis mellifera ruttneri. • Safeguarding existing Apis mellifera ruttneri colonies. • Increasing the number of healthy colonies of the Maltese indigenous bee. • Improving certain traits and characteristics of Apis mellifera ruttneri by selection to enhance its reputation among beekeepers. • Promoting the local bee species among beekeepers. • Having stock of Apis melliferi ruttneri queens to sustain local demand. • Recognising and certifying Apis mellifera ruttneri with scientific evidence. • Developing a policy to control the importation of exotic bee species – to preserve our indigenous species.
Photo © Darryl Grech/Thomas Galea
Close up of Apis mellifera ruttneri
Training in progress arranged by SmartBees
Apis mellifera ruttneri is more than just a bee, it is OUR bee!
Beekeepers of the world invited to Copenhagen The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen is not only home to one of the world’s oldest monarchies and happiest people, the city is also buzzing with bees on rooftops and parks. In Copenhagen bees are not just bees: beekeeping is used for social projects to strengthen local communities, and the importance of bees for the ecosystem is taught in schools. Being a bee city, Copenhagen now invites beekeepers of the world to join the Apimondia International Congress of Beekeeping. The Danish Beekeepers Association, in collaboration with Wonderful Copenhagen Convention Bureau are bidding to host the Apimondia Congress in Denmark in 2021. The Congress is expected to attract over 5,000 international beekeepers and researchers. Apimondia 2021 in Copenhagen would offer delegates an opportunity to participate in many scientific tours and excursions around Denmark. Including visits to queen breeding stations, mead breweries, local apiaries, Jacobsen honey, and the well-known company Swienty. To follow the process and support the work, visit the Danish Beekeepers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Apimondia2021Copenhagen Members of the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations will decide where the 2021 Apimondia Congress will be held during the 2017 Congress in Istanbul this month. 10
