HSBC Employees Help Restore Cooper’s Island
More than 100 HSBC employees joined staff from ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences [ASU BIOS] and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR] at Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve.
A spokesperson said, “With approximately 140 people on site, the volunteering day brought together colleagues, conservation specialists and community partners to care for Bermuda’s natural environment and improve access to nature.
Craig Carlson, President and CEO of ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, the Governor Andrew Murdoch and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bermuda Greg Garnier
“The activities focused on restoring habitats, supporting biodiversity and creating welcoming spaces where families, communities and individuals can spend time outdoors. They include:
- Removing invasive species at the Turtle Bay and Cooper’s Island entrance to expand the beach area and create more space for people to enjoy nature.
- Creating a cedar nature trail within the ASU BIOS plot, opening new views and installing a new picnic bench for families to enjoy.
- Planting endemic species and seedlings along the sand dunes to maintain the integrity of the coastal habitat. Further planting will take place in the palmetto forest, expanding on the 100 trees planted last year, to help prevent invasive species from taking over while encouraging biodiversity.
- Creating a bay grape canopy to provide a shaded picnic area for families, together with a new access point to the beach and installation of a new picnic bench.
- Working with Keep Bermuda Beautiful to remove litter and microplastics from beaches and trails. This work is helping to protect wildlife and marine life, reduce pollution and support healthier ecosystems.
- Removing cane grass to prevent it from choking out other plant species.
- Supporting Nonsuch Island with litter and invasive-species removal to help protect a critical nature reserve.
Jache Adams, Minister of Public Works and Environment and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bermuda Greg Garnier, with all the volunteers
“The Cooper’s Island volunteering day forms part of HSBC Bermuda’s wider commitment to nature. HSBC donates more than $250,000 annually to nature-based projects and its employees contribute hundreds of hours to environmental activities. Across Bermuda, colleagues support initiatives ranging from planting micro forests and restoring mangroves to building bluebird boxes and removing litter from beaches and trails.
“This work reflects HSBC’s belief that protecting nature is also about supporting people. Volunteering at Cooper’s Island is not only about preserving a national park or safeguarding the environment; it is about ensuring that everyone in Bermuda has access to nature.
Monique Simons, HSBC Corporate and Institutional Banking – Head of Business Performance and Transformation, with COO Kristin Dunkley
“Nature plays an important role in wellbeing and helps communities, families, individuals and children connect, spend time together and enjoy Bermuda’s unique island environment. By improving trails, beaches, habitats and picnic areas, the project is helping make these benefits more accessible to the wider community.”
Greg Garnier, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bermuda, said: “HSBC is committed to supporting nature through both philanthropy and the time our employees give to practical conservation work. We are restoring habitats, supporting wildlife and improving the ways people can experience this special place.
“However, this work is about more than preserving a national park. It is about ensuring everyone in Bermuda has a right to nature. Nature supports our wellbeing, brings families and communities together, and gives our children the opportunity to explore and enjoy the island we call home. I am also proud that HSBC has been associated with Cooper’s Island’s protection since 2006.”
Jache Adams, Minister of Public Works and Environment, said: “Cooper’s Island is an important part of Bermuda’s natural heritage, and protecting it requires consistent effort. The work taking place, removing invasive species and planting endemic vegetation contributes to the ongoing conservation of this reserve.
“What is particularly encouraging is the continued commitment of HSBC and its volunteers, working alongside our Department of Environment and Natural Resources and environmental partners. By combining resources and expertise, we can support the long-term care of these natural spaces while ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for residents and future generations.”
Craig Carlson, President and CEO of ASU Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, said: “The environmental challenges we face are too great for any one organization to address alone. HSBC’s leadership in bringing together partners, volunteers and conservation organizations is a powerful example of how collaboration can create lasting impact.
“We are proud to work alongside HSBC and other community partners to help protect and enhance Cooper’s Island, ensuring this remarkable natural space remains healthy, accessible and inspiring for future generations. We look forward to continuing to partner with HSBC as lead donor of our upcoming Climate Classroom program, which will further extend the impact of today’s efforts at Cooper’s Island by introducing approximately 250 local M2 students to topics such as biodiversity, storm vulnerability and invasive species.”
The spokesperson said, “HSBC is working with DENR, ASU BIOS, Keep Bermuda Beautiful and the Nonsuch Island team to deliver the activities at Cooper’s Island. The collaboration demonstrates how government, businesses, non-governmental organisations and volunteers can work together to care for Bermuda’s natural spaces and ensure they remain healthy, accessible and welcoming for future generations.”
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