HSBC Kita on Environment

HSBC believes that sound business management should take account of the effects that business has on the environment, with a view to minimizing detrimental impact. The pursuit of economic growth and a healthy environment are linked; governments, business and individuals all have a role to play in achieving sustainable development.

We recognize that we also have a role to play in helping to minimize indirect impacts which might result from our lending, and we seek to engage with our customers to develop good environmental practices in sensitive areas and industries. We support environmental projects in different parts of the world, including local scientific research, conservation, recycling and ecological programmes, and our staff are involved as volunteers in some of these programmes.

We believe companies like ours must share responsibility with governments and citizens for minimizing the damaging effects of human activity - pollution of land, water and air and depletion of resources. The depletion of the planet's resources on which life depends can only lead to human conflict. Dependant as it is on political stability, the financial services industry has a vested interest in helping to provide solutions to these major challenges.

Being one of the world's biggest banks means we can sometimes make a big difference. With that comes great responsibility to ensure our activities are a force for good. We aim to lend and invest responsibly, avoiding projects where the potential for environmental damage outweighs the economic benefits. Initiatives that are good for the environment often make good financial sense too.

Getting Up Close to Nature

HSBC Kita has been involved in some extremely exciting and far-sighted projects. In 2004, we teamed up with Conservation International on a US$ 19,800 environmental project called HSBC Kita Nature Rangers. The project involves monthly research activities at Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park in West Java. As many as 48 HSBC staff are involved in the project, working hand in hand with nature, assisted by the University of Indonesia and Conservation International. The project also includes the construction of a hanging bridge that serves as an observation deck to allow keen adventurers and research fellows to learn more about animal behaviour and endemic plants.

HSBC Investing in Nature

HSBC Kita's Investing in Nature program is another example of our ongoing commitment to the environment. We have signed a five-year partnership agreement worth US$ 50 million with international environmental organisations Earthwatch, WWF and the Botanical Garden Conservation. Under the agreement, we give our people the opportunity to participate annually in ecological projects worldwide under the HSBC Kita Environmental Fellowship Program. Over the past two years we've sent people to places from Africa to New Zealand to conduct research on topics ranging from flying squirrels and turtles to Roman forts and tropical streams.

“Because of you (HSBC and Earthwatch .red) we have been able to witness the beautiful things that God has created here on Earth for us to see, feel, experience, share and care for,” enthused HSBC employee Yuliana Setyagraha, a participant in the Earthwatch program.

Working in partnership with Bogor Botanic Garden, HSBC has established the HSBC Foster Tree program, which donates US$ 2,000 to foster plants including the Giant Water Lily, Victoria mazonica and Lychee Tree. Also the HSBC Green Day where every year volunteers from HSBC staff gather to clean up areas of the botanic garden.

"These projects will help Bogor Botanic Garden to continue our long-term environmental program. We are delighted that HSBC is making this environmental contribution," acknowledged Dr Irawati, Head of Bogor Botanic Garden.

In corporation with the Crescent Foundation and with support from The Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries, HSBC contributed to the Mangrove conservation and rehabilitation program at Kapuk areas, North Jakarta. The project worth IDR 175 million provides for the planting of 10.000 Mangroves in the protection area.

Also, in corporation with Jakarta's Ragunan Zoo and their Orangutan Rescue Centre, HSBC adopted 30 orangutans in an attempt to conserve this endangered species. In this program, HSBC staff make regular weekend visits to the zoo, assisting the Orangutan Rescue Centre staff, while at the same time learning more about the species. With IDR 65 million worth of support, HSBC hopes to help improve the health condition of these endangered species.

Bring Back My City!

Last but not least, HSBC Kita is passionate about revitalizing, restoring and preserving the Indonesian capital. In 2004, we supported the Jakarta Old Town Kotaku foundation through a donation worth IDR 100 million to clean up Kali Besar river.