Bio card |

Bio Card

Advantages for you and for nature here

© Alexandra Jorge
Bio Card

Advantages for you and for nature here

© Denise Nicolau
Bio Card

Advantages for you and for nature here

© Denise Nicolau
Bio Card

Advantages for you and for nature here

© Denise Nicolau
Bio Card

Advantages for you and for nature here

© Ernesto Chaúque
Bio Card

Advantages for you and for nature here

© Denise Nicolau
Bio Card

Advantages for you and for nature here

© Ernesto Chaúque
Bio Card

Advantages for you and for nature here

© Ernesto Chaúque

Updated at 17/03/2026

What is the Bio Card?

Bio card is the first biodegradable bank card in Mozambique. It was launched on 8 December 2017, as the result of a partnership between the Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND). The relevance of this card for the conservation of biodiversity is that a percentage of the annual card fee, as well as a percentage of the value purchased with the card is channelled to an account of BIOFUND to support conservation projects, without any additional cost to the user. The card was developed with polylactic acid material, a substitute for plastic, which is derived from petroleum. PLA is obtained from renewable sources (maize), and it can be recycled, incinerated, or put into landfills without harming the environment.

Advantages of the Bio card

The Bio card is a debit card that allows the client to undertake a range of banking operations (with some added value compared to a common debit card) with full comfort and safety, at any Point of Sale (POS) terminal, or Automated Teller Machine (ATM), or Visa Electron or SIMO networks in Mozambique and abroad, without any cost to the client, allowing all Mozambicans to contribute actively to the conservation of the rich biodiversity of our country.

Who can have a Bio card?

Citizens who are over 21 years old and who meet the requirements for having a bank account. If you have a bank account at the BCI, you can request your card at the nearest BCI branch, or through Internet Banking.

+42378

Number of users of the Bio card

31,605,141.04 MZN

Sum raised since 2017

Pilot projects benefiting from the Bio card

The potential beneficiaries of the Bio card are small scale projects with a capacity to implement projects to conserve biodiversity, including research and innovation aspects.

Projects eligible for bio card financing

Projects eligible for bio Card funding include all conservation initiatives implemented across the country, provided they are relevant, small-scale, impactful, and led by entities with proven capacity to implement biodiversity conservation projects in the fields of research, technology, and innovation.

Total funding equivalent to USD 50,000;
Projects with a maximum duration of 12 months;
Thematic areas: Species Protection, Habitat and Ecosystem Protection, Environmental Awareness and Education, and Livelihoods;
Proper submission of the logical framework with the project’s impact indicators;
Proper submission of the Technical and Financial Proposal.

Funding and Partnership Request Form

Projects Funded by the Bio Card Funds

Sàbié Game Park

Bobole Botanical Reserve

Environmental Protection Area of the First and Second Islands (APAIPS)

Conservation at the University Botanical Garden of UEM

Study and Protection of Banhine National Park

Voices of the Savanna: Elephants Monitored, Communities Heard

Chingonguene Primary School and Community Center Development Initiative

Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release of Pangolins in Chimanimani National Park

Access to the National Market for High-Quality Charcoal

Investing in Communities, Strengthening Coexistence with Elephants in the Macossa–Tambara Conservation Area (C9 + C13, 8,500 km²), Manica Province

Artisan Training Centre and Revitalisation of the Honey Project

Building Resilient Communities to Promote Sustainable Coexistence in the Marromeu Complex

Announcements and Tenders

Announcements

Announcements

No announcements

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are the customers who can subscribe to the Bio card ard product.

A: All current and potential customers of BCI, who directly or indirectly identify with Biofund’s cause, which is the defense of Biodiversity in Mozambique.

2. How is the request for this product processed?

A: Subscription will be made through the BCI branch network, by filling in the membership proposal.

3. Is there any type of annual fee waiver for this product?

A: No. The first and following annuities are charged.

4. What is the validity of this card?

A: The Bio card is valid for 3 years with automatic renewal.

5. Where can I find more information about this and other BCI cards?

A: In the area SUPPORT FOR SALE the INTRANET contains all the information you need about the cards, however any other information you may need, you can contact the DCE/Payment Means Office, through SERVICE DESK or through mailbox cartoes@bci.co.mz.

6. In case of loss or misplacement of the card, how should the customer proceed?

A: The customer should immediately contact BCI Directo, available 24 hours a day to report the loss/theft of Bio card, using the following contacts:

Fixed Line: +258 1224
Mobile Line+258 84 092 1224 /+258 82 999 1224/ 82 1224 / 84 1224
Mobile Line: +258 84 092 1224 /+258 82 999 1224 (International)

If abroad, the BIO Card puts at your disposal the Global VISA Assistance, through the numbers identified below (call paid on the recipient, depending on the country where the holder is located). This assistance service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and has multilingual service.

South Africa	0800‐990‐475
Portugal	800 844 034
United Kingdom	0800 169 5189
United States	1 866 765 9644
Austrália	1 800 450 346
Brazil	0800-891-3680
Other countries	+1 303 967 1090

Find the geographic distribution of the project implementation here

News

Three New Projects Financed by Bio Card Funds Strengthen Conservation and Community Development

By bioadmin 17/03/2026

The partnership between the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI) is driving the implementation of three new biodiversity conservation and community development projects across different regions of Mozambique, financed through the Bio Card Funds. The initiatives, taking place in the provinces of Manica, Niassa and Sofala, focus on solutions that promote coexistence between communities and wildlife while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.

BIOFUND and BCI sign addendum to the Bio Card partnership agreement, strengthening their partnership for biodiversity conservation

By bioadmin 10/03/2026

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI) have signed an addendum to the Bio Card partnership agreement, renewing a collaboration that began in 2017 and reaffirming their shared commitment to biodiversity conservation in Mozambique.

Chingonguene now has clean energy and safe water with an OffGridBox system supported by the Cartão bio

By bioadmin 26/01/2026

At the end of 2025, the Santuário Bravio de Vilanculos (SBV) hosted the inauguration of the OffGridBox system installed at the Chingongoene Primary School and Community Centre, an initiative financed by the Cartão bio, a partnership between the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI).

Bio Card concludes elephant monitoring cycle and supports conflict mitigation solutions in Incomati – a BIOFUND and BCI initiative

By bioadmin 02/09/2025

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI) have taken another significant step in their partnership for the protection of wildlife. On August 11, at the Incomati Conservancy, Moamba district, the sixth and final monitoring collar was placed on a male elephant, under the project Voices of the Savanna: Elephants Monitored, Communities Heard.

Inauguration of the Pangolin Rehabilitation Center and Recognition of Rangers Mark International Rangers’ Day Celebrations in Chimanimani

By bioadmin 05/08/2025

As part of the celebrations of International Rangers’ Day, the inauguration ceremony of the Pangolin Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Center was held on July 31, 2025, at Chimanimani National Park (CNP). This facility is dedicated to strengthening the conservation of one of the most threatened species in the world.

UEM and IIAM Strengthen Partnership in the Conservation of Mozambique’s Native Plants

By bioadmin 28/07/2025

A student from Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) and five from Pedagogical University recently took part in a hands-on training in propagation techniques at the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique (IIAM). The seven-day course, which also included a technician, focused primarily on the conservation of species from Mozambique’s Red List that are difficult to propagate.

Chimanimani National Park Strengthens Pangolin Protection with a Rehabilitation Center

By bioadmin 09/07/2025

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) carried out a monitoring visit to Chimanimani National Park in June, with the aim of assessing the progress of the Pangolin Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Project.

Bio Card Funds Fence to Mitigate Conflicts Between Elephants and Communities in Moamba District

By bioadmin 21/03/2025

In March 2025, the installation of a 3.7 km fence was completed at the Incomati Conservancy, in Moamba District, with the aim of reducing conflicts between local communities and elephants.

Bio Card: A Catalyst for Continuous Transformation in Biodiversity Conservation in Mozambique

By bioadmin 17/12/2024

Since 2017, the bio Card, a pioneering partnership between the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Commercial Investment Bank (BCI), has been driving significant impacts in financing biodiversity conservation initiatives and sustainable development in Mozambique.

BIOFUND and BCI Reward Bio Card User

By bioadmin 01/11/2024

Recently, the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Commercial Investment Bank (BCI) awarded one of the 2023 bio Card users.

For Wildlife and Communities: GPS Collars Reduce Human-Elephant Conflicts in Incomati

By bioadmin 07/10/2024

At the end of September 2024, the Incomati Conservation Area in Moamba District was the stage for an important wildlife conservation and protection activity, with the fitting of GPS collars on three male elephants, named Saseka (“beautiful” or “graceful,” reflecting the elephants’ beauty and majesty in the wild), Tintswalo (“compassion,” aiming to encourage compassionate attitudes toward wildlife), and Vutomi (“life,” highlighting the importance of preserving elephant lives).

Bio Card Boosts Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development in Mozambique

By bioadmin 03/10/2024

In another innovative action for biodiversity conservation, the bio Card, a joint initiative between the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Commercial Investment Bank (BCI), is funding three new projects aimed at strengthening the protection of national fauna and flora and improving the living conditions of local communities.

Celebrating 6 Years of the Bio Card: A Journey of Innovation and Conservation in Mozambique

By bioadmin 12/12/2023

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and Commercial Investment Bank (BCI) celebrated the 6th anniversary of the bio Card in a landmark event held at the BCI Headquarters Auditorium in Maputo on December 8, 2023.

The winner of the second phase of the Bio Card campaign visits Maputo National Park

By Biofund Editors 08/08/2022

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) in partnership with Banco Comercial de Investimentos (BCI) offered a tour to the winner of the second phase of the Bio Card campaign, to Maputo National Park (PNAM) on 29th July, 2022.

BIOFUND and WWF Sign Partnership Agreement for the Conservation of Sea Turtles in the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago Environmental Protection Area

By bioadmin 17/06/2022

The Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and WWF Mozambique signed a grant agreement in early June 2022 for a new project to monitor sea turtles in the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago Environmental Protection Area (APAIPS) through the use of satellite tags on the turtles.

1st winner of the Bio card campaign visits the Maputo Special Reserve

By bioadmin 19/11/2021

In the Bio card incentive campaign, the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), in partnership with the Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI), offered a guided visit to the Maputo Special Reserve to the client who made most transactions with the Bio card.

BCI and BIOFUND encourage use of Bio card

By bioadmin 14/06/2021

The Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI) and the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) have just launched a campaign to encourage the use of the Bio card, the first means of payment in Mozambique, produced on the basis of biodegradable material (maize), which contributes to the conservation of biodiversity here.

BIOFUND and BCI visit first conservation project supported with funds from the Bio card

By bioadmin 11/05/2021

With the aim of seeing up close the activities that are being undertaken with the funds from the Bio card, a project resulting from a partnership between the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) and the Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI), teams from BIOFUND and the BCI recently visited the Sábiè Game Park, the Conservation Area where the first pilot project financed with funds from this card has been implemented, for the conservation of white and black rhinoceros, which are species threatened with extinction in Mozambique. This project, designed by MozParks Initiative INC., supported the placing of satellite tags in order to better follow and protect these species.

Conclusion of the First project financed by the BCI Bio card

By bioadmin 21/01/2021

This is a project supported by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), through the Bio card, a partnership between BIOFUND and the Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI), which seeks to contribute to the preservation of the rhinoceros, an endangered species, in the Sabie Game Park, in Moamba district.

Bio card

By bioadmin 10/09/2018

BCI and BIOFUND launch the bio card

By bioadmin 12/12/2017

The Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI), in partnership with the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND), on 8 December launched Mozambique’s first biodegradable debit card- the bio card.