BirdLife Malta's head of Research Dr Benjamin Metzger holds a young Yelkouan Shearwater (Garnija), as HSBC Malta Corporate Sustainability head Josef Camilleri (left) looks on. HSBC Malta was one of the main contributing partners to the EU Life Malta Yelkouan Shearwater Project (Progett Garnija), the largest conservation initiative of its kind in Malta at the time, and continues to support the conservation of these vulnerable birds. Malta serves as an important habitat for Yelkouan Shearwaters. An estimated 1,900 pairs are known to breed here, which equals approximately 10% of the world's Yelkouan Shearwater population. 

On the occasion, HSBC Malta donated €1,600 to step up efforts in eradicating frequent rat infestations from the Yelkouan Shearwater's largest breeding site in Rdum tal-Madonna. The area is a popular picnic spot and often becomes a dumping ground, attracting packs of rodents. BirdLife Malta Communications manager Caroline Rance was also present and extended her organisation's appreciation of HSBC Malta's support.