Preserving our natural resources for future survival

HSBC and Brandix have launched a program to help improve the livelihoods of two villages in Kilinochchi by providing its residents with access to water, infrastructure and education. The launch coincides with the United Nations ‘World Water Day’ to raise awareness on the issues of water scarcity.  

Water has become a priority focus of HSBC’s Corporate Sustainability agenda. In 2012, HSBC committed to a five-year partnership with WWW, Water Aid and Earthwatch to address the growing water issues in the world. The US$ 100 million program will see many projects and research carried out around the world to tackle water risks in river basins; bring safe water and improved sanitation to over a million people; and raise awareness about the global water challenge.

The joint project with Brandix will be conducted in two stages, in April and August 2013. In the first phase a series of wells will be built to provide access to water year round for the villagers for agricultural, household and environment needs of the two communities. The second phase will see the development of livelihood programs, empowerment, education and the provision of infrastructure facilities.  

The project is an ideal example of how partnerships can influence change through co-operation. This was further demonstrated through a joint humanitarian project carried out by HSBC and Brandix in 2012, to assist more than 600 families in 10 villages in Vavuniya and Anamaduwa faced with severe drought conditions.  

“Brandix has acquired a wealth of experience in identifying the water-related needs of communities and working with local authorities and corporate partners to provide the most effective solutions,” said Anusha Alles, the Group’s Head of CSR. “Water is the central theme of all our community projects, and we are delighted to work with HSBC to help these two villages in Kilinochchi with water supply infrastructure that will greatly relieve the burden on the community.”

Now in its 21st year the objective of World Water Day is to raise awareness of the challenges faced, in increasing demand for water. The UN has declared 2013 the International Year of Water Co-operation and HSBC’s water program is a great example of such cooperation.

Nick Nicolaou, CEO for HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives, stated: “HSBC places great importance on the preservation and sustenance of water that is an essential natural resource for daily survival. Each year, we use about 50 percent more resources than the planet can replace naturally. The HSBC Group is working through co-operations to tackle water related issues which will help benefit over 100 million people globally. In Sri Lanka we are committed to working with corporates who share a common goal in our efforts and as such, are happy to once again partner with Brandix. We hope our endeavour will help these communities gain access to safe water consumption and provide them with sustainable livelihood development for the future.”

HSBC believes that for economies to grow and communities to prosper, countries, companies and individuals will have to change the way they use resources in the future.

Thus, HSBC Sri Lanka has also pledged to support Earth Hour, by switching off all non-essential lights at HSBC’s main building in Fort and all branches island-wide, for one hour on 22 and 23 March 2013 respectively. Globally, HSBC has supported Earth Hour for the past five years; in 2012 a record 63 countries participated by switching off their lights for one hour, in a symbolic gesture of support.

HSBC staff will also join over 250,000 colleagues around the globe, to help raise awareness on the over consumption of the world’s resources by acting responsibly and turning off non-essential lights and electrical appliances at their homes from 8.30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on both days.