Environment

Globally our environmental support focuses on:

• Climate change
• Freshwater, e.g. rivers
• Biodiversity, e.g. natural habitats

In Georgia this year we have joined "Eco-Awards Programme", which was initiated by BP last year. This project was developed to promote and reward the involvement of local non-governmental organizations in addressing environmental issues in a more practical way. The program is administered by Eurasia Partnership Foundation (EPF).

HSBC is supporting one of the winning project - "Enhancing Sustainability of Tourism Development in Protected Areas of Georgia" which is implemented by the Georgian Tourism Association (GTA). A goal of the project is to engage the local population in environmental conservation in areas where tourism is playing an important role in economic growth. The project aims to:

• Bring solar-powered electricity and water heating to five guest-houses within the Tusheti Protected Area;
• Improve practical knowledge of local producers and other potential tourism partners about possible tourism services (Tusheti and Borjomi-Kharagauli Protected Areas);
• Develop the educational potential of Tusheti Protected Area through informational displays and clearly marked paths;
• Initiate a cooperative program between the rangers in two protected areas and local youth to foster environmental awareness and practical stewardship.

HSBC Bank Georgia staff will be also involved in some of the activities of this project, like helping project implementers to install informational displays, mark paths and/or participate in the Young Rangers Camps to clean certain areas around the Tusheti Protected Area.