Over the next five years, €27 million will go towards charitable water projects in countries in which HSBC operates. Malta being one of 10 most challenged nations for water scarcity will be bidding for funding under the HSBC programme.

Details of the scheme were revealed by Christopher Goode, HSBC Water Programme coordinator, who visited Malta to present the programme’s criteria, aim and objectives to a diverse range of local stakeholders, includ-ing members of environmental agencies, NGOs and educational institutions.

“Projects must be sustainable, have a measurable impact and address water-related issues for the benefit of the target community,” Mr Goode explained.

“In addition to this, projects may involve multiple NGOs, could deal with educational initiatives related to water and could also operate across national borders.”

Following the successful conclusion of the HSBC Climate Partnership in 2011, the HSBC Water Programme was launched earlier this year. The five-year, €70-million programme – which incorporates the €27 million water projects fund – is a partnership with Earthwatch, Water Aid and WWF.

The global programme will provide the necessary scale to deliver a powerful combination of water provision, protection and education, resulting in the most ground-breaking water programme ever committed to by a financial organisation.

Speaking about the local funding initiative, HSBC Bank Malta CEO Mark Watkinson said: “This is a highly innovative and exciting new global programme by HSBC. The bank in Malta looks forward to partner with its various stakeholders to bid for funding to benefit local communities. Malta has significant water-related challenges and successful HSBC Water Programme projects could bring real benefits to the country.”

Mr Goode’s presentation was followed by an in-depth talk by Manuel Sapiano from the Malta Resources Authority, who explained the various unsustainable demands being placed on Malta’s natural supply of fresh water.

Mr Sapiano stressed that too much dependence is being placed on energy hungry methods of obtaining fresh water, such as reverse osmosis, while Malta’s underground water table is being overexploited.

He then expressed his hope that the HSBC Water Programme projects address such water-related issues to avert potentially serious repercussions.

www.thewaterhub.org

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