HSBC expands longtime partnership with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper to support restoration across the Buffalo Niagara River

BUFFALO, N.Y. - HSBC is expanding its partnership with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, supported by a $245,000 grant, to advance restoration work across the Buffalo Niagara River.

The year-long partnership will support Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper's ongoing efforts to restore and strengthen freshwater ecosystems in Western New York. Healthy waterways play a critical role in community wellbeing - supporting biodiversity, improving water quality, and helping communities become more resilient to flooding and stormwater impacts.

In addition to the grant, HSBC colleagues will contribute through hands-on volunteering throughout the year. The first volunteer activity took place at Scajaquada Creek at Forest Lawn Cemetery, where nearly a dozen HSBC volunteers stepped into the creek to plant 300 native wetland plants across three species. The planting supports a created upland wetland connected to the creek's floodplain.

Volunteers plant 300 native species to restore Scajaquada Creek

Native wetland plants provide multiple benefits: they support pollinators and local biodiversity, help stabilize shorelines, and can filter stormwater runoff before it enters the water system. This is an important step in addressing pollution and flooding challenges that have affected the creek over time.

"People are our number one resource, but the natural resource to me is water," said Greg Duval, US Head of Transportation & Logistics Sector Coverage at HSBC. "You have to have clean water, clean air, and it's one of our focuses at the bank."

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper notes that restoration is long-term work that requires sustained stewardship and community involvement. HSBC's year-long partnership is designed to support that ongoing effort through both funding and continued employee engagement.

To learn more about Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper or to get involved, visit https://bnwaterkeeper.org/.