Malta’s natural habitats face a growing threat from invasive alien species—plants that outcompete native flora, disrupt local ecosystems, and reduce biodiversity. These species can drastically alter the landscape, negatively impacting the plants and animals that have evolved to thrive here. At Beescape@UM, our Foundation is tackling this challenge in an innovative way: reclaiming wood removed from invasive alien species and reusing it to build bee hotels for pollinators.

This initiative achieves two critical outcomes. First, it helps to remove harmful invasive species from Malta’s natural habitats, supporting the recovery of native plants and the ecosystems that depend on them. Second, it creates safe and functional homes for pollinators, including the endemic Maltese honey bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) and other wild pollinators such as solitary bees. By doing so, the project directly supports biodiversity and strengthens the ecological balance of local habitats.

Bee hotels serve as essential nesting sites for wild pollinators, many of which are under threat due to habitat loss and environmental pressures. By reusing wood that would otherwise be discarded, Beescape@UM demonstrates a practical example of the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle, turning a challenge into an opportunity for conservation. This approach not only conserves resources but also highlights how sustainable practices can generate tangible ecological benefits.

Beyond the construction of bee hotels, Beescape@UM is also a community-driven and research-oriented project. The completed structures will be placed in the field, forming part of ongoing studies by the Department of Biology at the University of Malta. Researchers will monitor pollinator activity, interactions with the hotels, and contributions to local biodiversity. These insights will provide valuable data on pollinator behaviour and habitat use, while also demonstrating how communities can actively participate in scientific research and conservation.

Beescape@UM is coordinated by our Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Biology at the University of Malta, with material support from Project Green and financial backing from BOV through the Rebbiegħa 2024 fund. By combining habitat restoration, innovative reuse of materials, scientific research, and community engagement, the project provides a lasting positive impact on Malta’s environment and inspires sustainable practices that can be replicated in other contexts.

Through this project, our Foundation not only addresses ecological threats posed by invasive alien species but also fosters awareness, education, and stewardship for the next generation of pollinator advocates.