A bank has been made a partner into the Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man project.

The Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man project tries to protect the island as a special place to live, work and visit.

There is a focus on taking care of nature, wildlife, infrastructure and the economy and looking at ways of introducing energy saving measures, supporting local produce and minimising waste.

It is also about education, helping people understand what makes the island special and encouraging involvement to keep it that way.

The Isle of Man is the first entire nation in the world to receive the Unesco Biosphere endorsement.

HSBC, which has branches in Ramsey and Douglas, has now been accepted as a partner.

The bank’s global ’Reduce’ programme, launched in 2012, focuses on several areas including paper, energy and water consumption, waste reduction, ethical supply chains and reducing HSBC’s carbon emissions by about 40% per employee by 2020.

Year on year, HSBC in the Isle of Man also dedicates employee time, expertise and funding to help the local community in areas such as education, sport and the environment, and supports both public and private sectors to work towards achieving the island’s sustainability goals.

Staff also collected water samples from natural sources across the isalnd as part of HSBC’s global HSBC Water Programme.

Unesco biospheres are areas across the globe that have been endorsed by Unesco (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) as outstanding places for nature and people and where there is a healthy balance between the two.

There are currently 701 biosphere sites in 124 countries, also known as biosphere reserves.

Biosphere reserves such as the Isle of Man, encourage people to enjoy these special natural places to the full and get involved in helping to keep them special.

Jaime Amoedo, HSBC’s boss in the Isle of Man, said: ’The Isle of Man really is a very special place to live and work, and it’s important we’re in harmony with the natural environment.

’As one of the island’s largest banks, we have a duty to inspire and help customers and employees make a difference.’

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK, who chairs Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man, said: ’I warmly welcome HSBC as a business partner of Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man.

’It is important that we work together to ensure a sustainable future for the Isle of Man and the business community has a significant role to play in this, via the commitment of its management and its workforce to contribute to our Biosphere aims.’