Breeds of Origin Conservancy

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Breeds of Origin Conservancy is a non-profit organisation working to protect the indigenous breeds, native species, subspecies, and cultivated varieties of the Maltese islands.

This voluntary organisation was established in 2016, recognizing that conservation of the endemic flora and fauna, indigenous breeds; native species and subspecies; and cultivated varieties of trees and plants is vital to preserve the Maltese biodiversity for economic, social, educational, and cultural purposes. Today, these indigenous breeds, endemic species and subspecies, and cultivated varieties of trees and plants are increasingly threatened through commercial agriculture and consumption habits.
We are convinced that since the protection and conservation of these breeds, species, subspecies, and varieties are of vital importance to Malta and a part of their national heritage, it is their obligation to ensure their survival.

Projects:
• Apis mellifera ruttneri : The NGO supported a joint data-gathering project on the Maltese honeybee between the University of Malta and the Hessen Bee Institute, in Germany. Additionally, Breeds of Origin Conservancy, in collaboration with the University of Malta and the Malta Beekeepers Association , coordinated a breeding programme under the EU supported Smartbees project. The programme involved the study of native bees to better understand their temperament, swarming tendencies, honey production and resistance to the varroa mite. Together with our passionate and driven beekepers, work is continuesly ongoing on the conservation of this unique native subspecies.
Conservation Project Coordinator: Thomas Galea – Contact Number: +356 99872878.
• Indigenous Maltese goat population: The NGO is supporting the conservation of the endangered indigenous Maltese goat population which has drasticly declined along the years. Work is ongoing on the characterization and conservation of this indigenous population.
Conservation Project Coordinator: Darryl Grech – Contact Number: + 356 79308555
• Maltese Black chicken: The NGO is also supporting the ex-situ conservation of the indigenous Maltese Black chicken breed.
Conservation Project Coordinator and National Technical Advisor : Philip Aquilina – Contact Number: +356 79602644

Darryl Grech is the Founder and Administrator of Breeds of Origin Conservancy together with Thomas Galea, Philip Aquilina and Lucas Micallef.

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.