The “Investing in Nature” Partnership

[Moderator]

25 Sep 2008
HSBC, in partnership with WWF Thailand and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, are rolling out an initiative for environmental conservation. The Bank is launching its ‘HSBC Garden’ project on an 80 rai plot of land at the Golden Jubilee Museum of Agriculture, Pathumthani province. The project aims to strengthen the Nature Education and Learning center, which specializes in ecologically friendly agriculture. Special guest "Beam,” Kawee Tanjararak, WWF Thailand’s Ambassador was also invited, to encourage Thai Youth to become more aware of their environment.




Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Thailand, Mr. Willie Tham, stated that, ‘HSBC is firmly committed to environmental conservation activities in Thailand; following HSBC Group policy regarding environmental conservation management, sustainable development and investment in local communities. It is a stated wish of HSBC Thailand to make positive contributions to the communities in which the bank operates.’



He continued … ‘The HSBC Garden project is a good example of HSBC’s strong commitment and determination to ensure that environmental conservation activities are implemented successfully. Through working with the Thai government, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, together with cutting-edge global environmental organizations such as WWF Thailand, the Bank can help ensure such important projects come to fruition. HSBC has committed two million Baht for two years towards the development of this Environmental Education Center. We will help transform the current fields of mixed grassland and groves, into a productive green environment that provides a center for experiential learning for the residents of Metropolitan Bangkok. Additionally, the garden aims to be a comprehensive learning center for ecological agriculture for Thai Youth and the general public alike.’



Mr. Tham highlighted the first phase of the project, which focuses on the development of fertile soil and water irrigation systems necessary to grow standing timbers, crawling plants, and a variety of local plant species numbering 10,000. The initial development will be done in conjunction with a forest restoration plan under the management of WWF Thailand. A walking trail is planned for people to stroll down and experience the joy of nature. Furthermore, there will be a year- round environmental exhibition. Once the initial development phase is over, a complete ecological system of soil, water and an abundance of plants will exist. This, in turn, will attract animals back to newly-balanced habitat.



After its completion, the HSBC Garden will be opened to Thai Youth and the general public so they can acquire knowledge so that people can live in harmony with nature.

Mr. Tham added that, “Besides HSBC’s role in funding this project, the Bank will encourage their employees to actively participate in environmental conservation initiatives. The Bank’s intentions are for the HSBC Garden to provide long term benefit for Youth, the academic groups from government and private sectors - and the public in general, through the provision of experiential learning activities. In summary, this project will raise public awareness and enhance understanding and on the need for ecological conservation.”

WWF Thailand Country Director, Dr. William Schaedla, commended HSBC‘s support to the Garden Project. “Through their engagement, HSBC in Thailand has shown a real commitment to environmental and community stewardship. Their support will help recover Thailand’s currently reduced Central Plain Forests – adding to the biological diversity of the area. It will also help restore degraded soil and improve its water retention. Moreover, the HSBC Garden Project will have an added educational value for school children from the greater Bangkok area. The site is being developed as an outdoor classroom for students and youth groups in the vicinity. WWF is very pleased HSBC has chosen to support this collaborative effort between corporate, governmental, and non-governmental groups.

WWF Thailand’s Ambassador, “Beam” Kawee Tanjararak, recently presided over the Opening Ceremony of the HSBC Garden. He represented younger generations helping to plant trees and was joined by executives from HSBC, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and WWF Thailand.


Media enquiries to:-

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited
Nattanee Kasemrattakul or Savittree Muadmuang
Tel. [phone].

WWF Thailand
Duangduen Eagan or Napaporn Yuberk
Tel. [phone] Ext.111, 0-2524 6128-9 Ext.114



Credit : WWF Thailand