The world's local bankPotteric Carr Nature Reserve
More than 30 volunteers from HSBC have worked at the Potteric Carr Nature Reserve near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK since 2004, helping to maintain the 200 hectare (500 acre) wetland reserve, which is owned by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT). Each volunteer hour worked saves US$5 for YWT and HSBC also makes a financial contribution for every employee who volunteers. In 2005, 315 hours were worked by HSBC volunteers.
Since 1945, England has seen a severe loss of wetland habitat and species but Potteric Carr is an excellent example of how wetlands can be reclaimed. The Potteric Carr wetland was drained in the mid-nineteenth century and was subject to mining activity up to as recently as the 1950s. In 1968, YWT acquired the land and slowly the wetland and its species began to return. In 2003, WWF and the HSBC Investing in Nature programme agreed a US$3 million project to help restore the wetland. Today, Potteric Carr is home to 95 different species of bird and provides educational opportunities about the importance of wetlands.
Read other HSBC water case studies
Raising awareness of conservation in Taiwan
Guandu Nature Park in Taipei County, Taiwan, consists of a mosaic of freshwater and brackish ponds, mudflats, marsh, rice paddies and woodland.
Care-for-Nature
HSBC has supported environmental conservation and education in Singapore since 1989 under the Care-For-Nature programme.
Cleaning up the Kali Besar river
HSBC is working in partnership with The Jakarta Old Town Kotaku Foundation to help improve, restore and conserve Jakarta old town.
Marine Research
HSBC is supporting marine research in Bermuda as part of its environmental initiatives.
Wetland Link International
Wetland Link International supports best practice, communication and education among global wetland centres.
HSBC Headquarters Bottling Plant
A specific project which has saved HSBC money and environmental resources.
Investing in Nature
Investing in Nature was a five-year, US$50 million eco-partnership between HSBC and environmental groups.
Towards Sustainable Horticulture
HSBC in Australia partnered with the Botanic Gardens Trust to establish the Towards Sustainable Horticulture (TSH) programme in 2003.
HSBC and WWF in China
In China, HSBC is working with WWF and others to breathe new life into the Yangtze river as part of the Investing in Nature programme.
