HSBC sponsors Pinoy conservationist’s 16-week study in Jersey

A Filipino conservation worker has recently been awarded a study grant in Jersey, Channel Islands to help further wildlife conservation work in the Philippines.

HSBC and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust have enabled Rainier Manalo (31), research head at the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre (PWRCC), to spend 16 weeks studying at Jersey Zoo’s International Training Centre (ITC). Rainier was nominated to participate by WWF-Philippines, an environmental partner of HSBC in the Philippines.

Working towards the highly respected Diploma in Endangered Species Management (DESMAN) accredited by the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology at the University of Kent, Rainier’s study will include biodiversity, animal husbandry and transloction biology and a dissertation on a subject of his own choice.

Rainier’s work in the Philippines has concentrated largely on the Philippine crocodile, the second most threatened species of crocodile in the world. The PWRCC has been involved in the establishment of an in situ conservation program for the Philippine crocodile since 1988. After initial success in the captive breeding of the endangered crocodile, the agency now focuses its efforts to find a natural habitat for restocking and reintroduction.

Rainier’s training in Jersey will allow him to continue the work he has undertaken in this area and train his colleagues when he returns to the Philippines.

Karen Cowan, the Jersey Zoo’s donor relationship manager said: "We are delighted that HSBC have agreed to sponsor Rainier. Often trainees in their home countries are a sole voice, crying out for wildlife conservation to those with little understanding of environmental issues. Rainier, along with the other 12 Filipino students who have previously graduated from the ITC, will make up a strong network of conservationists working towards a more promising future for wildlife in the Philippines."

"HSBC has been working on conservation programs, particularly on marine conservation in the Philippines over the past years. We are delighted that the HSBC Group was able to sponsor a young Filipino scientist and conservation worker who will bring international standards, expertise and practice back to the Philippines to benefit the local community," said HSBC Philippines CEO Warner Manning.

The HSBC Group is one of the world’s largest banks with over 9,500 offices in 80 countries and territories. It has been operating in the Philippines for over 127 years.