HSBC volunteers unite for mangrove conservation

In honor of the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem, celebrated annually on the 26th of July, HSBC Volunteers joined forces with the Global Environment Center (GEC) and Sahabat Hutan Bakau Kampung Dato Hormat (SHBKDH) for their 2nd tree planting event of the year 2023.

The event took place Wednesday, 2nd August at Tebuk Mendeleng, Kampung Dato Hormat. A total of 106 volunteers participated in the noble cause, including 90 from HSBC, 6 from GEC, and 10 from SHBKDH.

The day commenced with a comprehensive briefing at 9am conducted by experts from the Global Environment Center, covering tree planting methods and safety guidelines. After gaining the necessary knowledge, the volunteers were divided into 10 groups, all eager to start their tree planting activity. The GEC staff and members of SHBKDH provided invaluable assistance during the tree planting process, demonstrating the essence of community collaboration in the restoration and conservation of the vital mangrove ecosystems.

Promoting sustainable use and biodiversity awareness

Mangrove forests are invaluable resources that play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance and safeguarding coastlines from erosion. The primary objective of the tree planting activity was not only to rejuvenate degraded mangrove areas but also to raise awareness among HSBC volunteers about the significance of mangrove conservation and biodiversity issues. By getting their hands dirty and actively participating in tree planting, the volunteers experienced firsthand the importance of preserving mangroves for future generations.

Furthermore, the tree planting event aligns with the Greening Malaysia Programme and contributes to the National 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign. By partaking in this initiative, HSBC volunteers demonstrate their commitment to supporting the country’s efforts in enhancing mangrove restoration awareness and contributing to the national tree planting target.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Global Environment Center expressed their appreciation and commended the dedication of all the volunteers, “GEC would like to say kudos and well done to all the volunteers who have participated and made this event a success.”

The event was not only an opportunity for environmental conservation but also a chance to foster camaraderie among the participants. The day concluded with a delightful lunch at Dewan Komuniti Kampung Dato Hormat, where the volunteers celebrated their collective contribution to preserving the mangrove ecosystem.

The collaborative effort of HSBC Volunteers, Global Environment Center, and Sahabat Hutan Bakau Kampung Dato Hormat showcased the power of community involvement in tackling environmental challenges.