WWF & HSBC COMMIT TO CONSERVING MARINE LIFE AND BIODIVERSITY IN EASTERN INDONESIA
Jakarta, October 28, 2015- The remote beauty of Eastern Indonesia offers limitless marine enchantment, tourism and biodiversity, with the potential for a wealth of natural resources for the welfare of local communities, if only they are managed sustainably. Unfortunately, sustainable management faces challenges due to low understanding of this potential, increasing the need for monitoring to realize sustainable living. WWF Indonesia has responded to this challenge by working in the Eastern Indonesia region, Papua in particular, by supporting natural resource monitoring and encouraging responsible fisheries practices, for the past three decades.
HSBC and WWF have worked together since 2002 to address conservation challenges around the world by supporting communities, businesses and nature. This long-standing partnership is an important factor for long-term sustainable change.
Today, on the occasion of Youth Pledge Day, WWF Indonesia and HSBC launched a new collaborative program titled "Marine Conservation for Eastern Indonesia". The program aims to empower the people of Eastern Indonesia for sustainable development in the areas of environmental education, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, responsible marine tourism, whale shark conservation, as well as sanitation and waste management.
HSBC's donation is part of its global investment in communities for HSBC's 150th anniversary. HSBC has committed US$150 million to community programs over three years (2015-2017) around the world.
Sumit Dutta, Country Manager and Chief Executive of HSBC Indonesia said, "As part of our commitment to society, we contribute financially to various community programs around the world. For us, sustainability means building a long-term business by always considering environmental, social and economic aspects in our decision-making. This allows us to drive our business while contributing to the growth and resilience of our communities."
Meanwhile, Dr. Efransjah, CEO of WWF Indonesia said, "WWF Indonesia welcomes this new collaboration with HSBC to enhance our growing efforts in Eastern Indonesia to promote ocean sustainability as a valuable asset for people's lives." The program uses a differentiated approach in engaging diverse stakeholders to address sustainability challenges, especially for local communities," continued Dr. Efransjah.
Through the "Marine Conservation Program for Eastern Indonesia," WWF Indonesia and HSBC aim to support the transformation of fisheries production through sustainable practices, improving the quality of sustainable marine tourism practices, reducing destructive fishing, conserving biodiversity in Cenderawasih Bay using local wisdom, continuing environmental education for children in remote areas of Cenderawasih Bay, using a 23-meter wooden boat, named 'Gurano Bintang'.
Nenden Fathiastuti, Public Relations Manager - WWF Indonesia
E:nfathiastuti@wwf.or.id T: +62-811-1909 148