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Photos: HSBC Helps Clean Up Cooper’s Island HSBC Bermuda partnered with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Keep Bermuda Beautiful [KBB] to help enhance Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve. A spokesperson said, “Over 100 HSBC employees teamed up with staff from the DENR and ASU BIOS to enhance the natural environment and beauty of Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve. “In celebration of Bermuda’s 400th Anniversary in 2009, HSBC ‘adopted’ part of the nature reserve, and since then has held several community action days to restore the area to a place of tranquility and serenity for wildlife. This involved demolishing old buildings, removing invasive plants, planting endemics, and installing bird nesting sites. “In 2011, the restored area of Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve was then open to the public for the first time. Demonstrating HSBC’s continued partnership with the DENR and commitment to the environment and wider community, HSBC today once again headed down to Cooper’s Island to make a positive impact. “Employees engaged in clearing the beaches of harmful plastics both at Cooper’s Island and Non-Such Island, the removal of invasive plants and the planting of over 100 native plants with the restoration of a palmetto forest. Two new picnic areas have been created to provide greater accessibility for the public to enjoy the reserve with friends and family. Additionally, in the area maintained by ASU BIOS, volunteers laid down wood chippings to create a new nature trail through a cedar forest. Bank employees also walked the trails and beaches to pick up and log litter to support KBB’s “Sea of Change” initiative. “HSBC’s overall aim is to not only preserve the nature reserve but to enhance it as an educational venue, community destination and wildlife sanctuary.” Greg Garnier, HSBC CEO, said: “HSBC is really proud of what has been achieved over the years at the Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve, through employee volunteering efforts. We want to continue to contribute to Bermuda and its communities. We will continue to do it not only through charitable monetary contributions but also through volunteers’ hours, where our employees are both happy and engaged as they contribute to what matters to all of us, i.e. preserving our island home. “In addition, through partnerships with other like-minded, environmentally conscience organizations such as DENR, ASU BIOS and KBB, we have been able to expand our efforts this year to include several new and exciting projects.” A spokesperson added, “The bank firmly believes that this initiative goes beyond simply preserving a national park or safeguarding the environment. It is about providing greater accessibility to nature for the wider community both now and in the future. Furthermore, this Community Action Day shows the value and importance of collaboration and serves as a great example of the community working together to effect positive change.” The Minister of Public Works and Environment Jache Adams commented: “The Government of Bermuda welcomes the continued partnership with HSBC Bermuda in supporting the care and restoration of Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve. This initiative demonstrates how the corporate community, NGOs, and Government can work together to protect our environment, enhance public spaces, and promote sustainability. I commend HSBC’s staff for their commitment to volunteering and contributing to the long-term stewardship of one of Bermuda’s most treasured natural areas.” A spokesperson added, “HSBC wishes to thank DENR, ASU BIOS and KBB for their ongoing support in unique projects such as this one and look forward to further similar collaborations in the future.”
