Case Studies

Guandu Nature Park in Taipei County, Taiwan, consists of a mosaic of freshwater and brackish ponds, mudflats, marsh, rice paddies and woodland. Stretching over 57 hectares (140 acres), the park is home to a rich variety of inhabitants and is a major stopover site for migrating birds. So far, 229 bird species have been recorded at Guandu, qualifying the wetland as an 'Important Bird Area' recognised by Bird Life International.

The mission of the park is to protect its valuable natural resources. In 2004, HSBC started a four-year partnership with the park to raise the public's awareness and engage them in nature conservation, environmental protection and education projects. The target audiences range from disadvantaged children to business employees, including HSBC staff.

Key elements of the sponsorship include:

• an environmental education programme;
• a kids' wetland camp;
• a wetland seed camp for teachers;
• an outdoor sculpture festival;
• a green adoption scheme to raise funds;
• a programme to build and maintain park facilities.

So far, over 100,000 people have taken part in field trips to Guandu Nature park, organised by HSBC, including hundreds of disadvantaged and aboriginal children. HSBC's support has also trained 3,500 teachers to deliver nature education.

Around one quarter of HSBC's funding is going on building new facilities, including wetland boardwalks, birdwatching hides, an outdoor science classroom and an audience shelter. The remaining three quarters is dedicated to activities and programmes to raise awareness and maintain park facilities. More than 3,500 HSBC staff have volunteered to help with maintenance programmes and to be guides on camp and fieldtrip activities.

The sponsorship is Guandu Nature Park's first long-term partnership with business.

Aerial view of Guandu Nature Park