Momentum Urges National Strategy to Tackle Oriental Hornets and Protect Bees
In brief
- Momentum has called for a national action plan to address the threat posed by Oriental hornets.
- The party warned that the spread of the species is decimating local honeybee colonies.
- Proposed measures include targeted financial support for beekeepers and coordinated pest eradication.
Political party Momentum has called on the authorities to establish an urgent national action plan to confront the growing crisis caused by Oriental hornets across the Maltese islands.
The party warned that the proliferation of the invasive predatory species is placing immense pressure on local biodiversity, with honeybee populations suffering extensive losses.
Beekeepers across Malta and Gozo have raised alarms over the severe destruction of their hives, as the hornets routinely attack honeybee colonies at hive entrances, severely undermining domestic honey yields.
Momentum stressed that the state must step in with coordinated pest control initiatives, including professional nest identification and eradication programmes to halt the spread of the insects.
The party also urged the government to roll out dedicated compensation and financial relief schemes to assist affected beekeepers who have incurred substantial economic damage to their livelihoods.
Agricultural and environmental stakeholders have repeatedly warned that the uncontrolled spread of the pest threatens pollination cycles, making a coordinated national strategy vital for long-term ecological balance.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Both outlets covered the political party's proposals for a national plan against Oriental hornets consistently.