HSBC employees head to far flung corners of the world to invest in nature.
Three HSBC employees from Sheffield are setting off for two weeks of wildlife conservation in far flung corners of the world. Their expeditions are part of Investing in Nature, an £11 million, five-year eco-partnership between HSBC and environmental NGO, Earthwatch Institute (Europe).
Gary Alcock, an HSBC IT Technical Trainer, will be leaving his desk and joining Earthwatch scientists in the Czech Republic who are working hard to conserve the mountain waters and habitats of Bohemia, badly damaged by acid rain. Gary will help to collect water samples, catch and examine fish, and evaluate tree vitality as part of a long term conservation and research programme.
Georgina Allen, an HSBC Associate Systems Analyst, is heading to the Bahamas where she will join the effort to preserve the tropical coast lines of South Andros and Great Exuma Islands which are under continual threat from ongoing development, over fishing and sea based pollution. Georgina and her team will measure shore profiles, conduct snorkel surveys of marine diversity, transplant native plants and place artificial reefs in near shore waters. All of Georgina's efforts will help towards the coastal protection of these beautiful islands.
Meanwhile, John Haydon, an HSBC Associate Programmer, is looking forward to his expedition; he will be helping to conserve the forest birds of Western Ecuador, including the endangered Woodstar hummingbird and the Andean cocks-of-the-rock.
John says, 'I am very excited about the opportunity to improve my knowledge of global communities and eco systems, while also learning how to preserve them. Working with new people from all over the world in such a stunning location will also be a fabulous experience.'
Gary, Georgina and John, are just three of 500 HSBC Environmental Fellows who will work on Earthwatch conservation projects in 2004, ranging from Spanish dolphins to zebras in Kenya. By 2006, 2,000 HSBC employees will have contributed the equivalent of a century of environmental research and 200 talented scientists will have received valuable training. The HSBC fellows will also be eligible for a grant of up to £400 to initiate a local environmental project on their return home.
The five-year Investing in Nature partnership also involves Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), and WWF, and is the largest-ever single donation to the environmental charities. In addition to Earthwatch's contribution, Investing in Nature will clean up three of the world's major rivers, benefiting 50 million people who depend upon them, and help save 20,000 rare plant species from extinction.
Irene Dorner, HSBC General Manager, Northern Division says: 'Investing in Nature is well on the way to meeting its five year goals, and the partnership has really raised the level of environmental awareness amongst all levels of staff. With Earthwatch, HSBC employees not only contribute to vital conservation work around the world, but share their new-found knowledge with colleagues, family and friends on their return through the local environmental projects they create.'
Frank Vorhies, CEO of Earthwatch, said, 'Investing in Nature is a great example of how businesses and NGOs can work successfully together. We are able to link the network of HSBC employees worldwide with the environmental knowledge available from Earthwatch scientists to raise awareness and understanding of environmental issues on a global and local level.'
'Our work with HSBC, allows us to fulfil our mission by engaging their employees in scientific research projects and at the same time we are all able to further support the efforts of HSBC in promoting a sustainable environment.'
To date, 650 HSBC employees from over 40 countries have contributed 25 years of vital environmental research in projects around the world through the Earthwatch programme.
Media enquiries:
Zoe Gamble, Press Officer, Earthwatch: Tel: +44 (0)1865 318806 or email: zgamble@earthwatch.org.uk
Ann-Marie Evans, Media Relations Manager, HSBC Holdings plc, Tel: +44 (0) 207 991 0846 or email: ann-marieevans@hsbc.com
Photo credit: ©Maureen O'Neill/EWE