Bangkok--21 Oct--WWF-Thailand
On October 19, 2015, HSBC, in partnership with WWF-Thailand and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), hosted the "River and Wetland Watch Volunteering Programme" in Nakhon Phanom Province in a bid to improve and develop the wetlands in the lower Songkhram River basin. HSBC senior executives and staff joined the local villagers in monitoring the water quality in the area, and donated water tanks and computers to 3 local schools.
HSBC has been providing funds to WWF-Thailand and the AIT to support the conservation of the lower Songkhram River wetlands, a crucial resource for its surrounding communities and an integral part to maintaining the environmental harmony. The lower Songkhram River basin is home to over 170 marine species and the source of nourishment for more than 140,000 villagers. Part of the funds has been used to support the "River and Wetland Watch Volunteering Programme (RWWP)", an educational programme that enhances HSBC volunteers and the local community to participate in water conservation activities, such as upstream forest initiatives, water quality inspection and mangrove forest restoration.
The lower Songkhram River is considered one of the country's major rivers, as it is the last and only river unobstructed by manmade structures. It is home to about 200 marine species and the source of income for more than 140,000 villagers. HSBC joined forces with WWF-Thailand in conserving the wetland in the lower Songkhram River basin as water is seen as playing a vital role in building strong communities, which in turn drives the national economic growth. HSBC's financial aids under the "HSBC Water Programme" not only helps develop wetlands for the benefit of local communities and the country, but also expected to offset the effects of climate change on human, fresh water sources and urban areas. The lower Songkhram River will also be submitted for registration as another Ramsar site in Thailand.
For the RWWP, HSBC's senior executives and staff participated in the water-quality monitoring activity of the Songkhram River, planted mangrove forests, and presented the donation, which will provide water tanks, water filters and computers to 3 local schools - namely Bann Talpaknam, Baanphakyam and Baanhadphaeng Schools. The donation will help better the future of underprivileged students from the Songkhram River communities.
Varanandha Sutthapreeda, Head of Communications, HSBC Thailand, said, "I am delighted that HSBC is part of thisimportant environmental initiative. HSBC's partnership with WWF-Thailand and the AIT highlights our commitment to sustainable and socially responsible business practices, with focus on community development and environmental protection. This project is a good example of partnership between the private sector, NGOs, schools and the local communities in a bid to protect the country's natural resources.
Yanyong Sricharoen, Manager of WWF's Community Management of Wetlands, added, "For the riverside communities, water is part of their daily lives. The abundance of freshwater sources directly affects each and every one of us. The awareness of this issue and the preservation efforts need all our attention. This is not purely an issue for just the local communities residing by the river basins."