Another 12 HSBC Bank Malta employees have been selected to participate in Earthwatch environmental research projects around the world during 2006. The Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research to assist with environmental projects. The names of the successful Maltese candidates will be announced towards the end of the year.

Every year, 500 HSBC Group employees are selected for an Employee Environmental Fellowship as part of the Group’s US$50 million Investing in Nature initiative which helps Earthwatch support environmental projects. Thirty-six HSBC Bank Malta employees have been selected for this programme since its launch in 2002.

“This is a great opportunity, not only to benefit the environment, but to enhance the personal development of our colleagues,” said HSBC Cares for The Environment Fund chairman Shaun Wallis. “When you consider that Employee Environmental Fellowships are open to the 260,000 employees working for HSBC around the world, the fact that Maltese applicants are so successful is a clear indication not only of the high calibre of our colleagues but also of the local interest in the environment,” he continued.

“Interest in the programme has continued to grow in Malta, and Earthwatch has been impressed by the enthusiasm demonstrated and the increasing quality of applications from Maltese applicants,” said Earthwatch environmental engagement programme manager Tom Burstow.