BCI and BIOFUND reveal the impact of their environmental partnership

Bank and foundation present results of initiative that combines financial innovation with biodiversity conservation.

The Commercial and Investment Bank (BCI) and the Foundation for Biodiversity Conservation (BIOFUND) presented, on Thursday (15), in Maputo, the concrete results of a partnership that combines financial innovation with biodiversity conservation and the promotion of sustainable development of Mozambican communities.

Held in the Auditorium at BCI Headquarters, under the motto "From Contribution to Impact: Getting to Know the Local Initiatives That Make a Difference," the Seminar for the Presentation of Bio Card Initiatives brought together representatives from public institutions, conservation organizations, cooperation partners, and beneficiary communities in a meeting dedicated to sharing experiences and demonstrating results.

Since its launch in December 2017, the Bio Card has already mobilized 47 million meticais, of which approximately 33 million were allocated to conservation and community development projects. With around 47,000 users, the initiative has supported 12 projects, covering eight provinces of the country.

At the opening of the meeting, the President of the Executive Committee of BCI, José Furtado, highlighted the added value of this cooperation: "For BCI, adding value is not just about making financial products and services available. It's about ensuring that these products and services contribute to transforming realities."

The results presented include the monitoring of rhinoceroses and sea turtles, the preservation of rare plant species, and the protection of the African pangolin. Also noteworthy are initiatives promoting coexistence between communities and elephants, which combine monitoring technologies, conflict mitigation, and income-generating activities such as beekeeping.

The seminar included presentations from the Mozambique Wildlife Alliance, the NATURA Association, and the Chimanimani National Park, as well as testimonials from beneficiary communities and a demonstration of a digital platform for monitoring results.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of BIOFUND, Carlos dos Santos, emphasized that "the financial sector can play an important role in responding to environmental challenges, bringing citizens, businesses and institutions closer to a cause of collective interest."

In his speech, the Central Director of Sustainability at BCI, José Gamito, highlighted the economic value of biodiversity, whose preservation contributes to reducing vulnerabilities, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening the resilience of communities.

Recently renewed, the partnership reaffirms the commitment of both institutions to resource mobilization, transparency, and the expansion of conservation initiatives.

In the year it celebrates 30 years of activity, BCI reinforces its position as a partner in sustainable development, demonstrating that trust, innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand in building the future.