Bioculture Cares.
Meaningful Action, Real Impact.
At Bioculture Cares, we believe that real progress happens
when people, nature, and animals thrive together.
We lead with compassion.
We invest in change.
We support those making a difference.
Because building stronger communities and a healthier
planet isn’t just our mission – it’s our promise.
Our Mission
Mauritius faces rising social inequality and environmental pressures – challenges we see firsthand in the South of the island, our home. Yet, resilience runs deep here, with individuals and organizations driven by hope and action.
At Bioculture Cares, we believe in the power of coexistence – where humans, animals, and nature thrive together. We lead community programs, support changemakers through our grants, create innovative services like our vet clinic, and support like-minded NGOs- currently partnering with over 50 – to maximize their impact.
Our mission is clear: to care, support, and amplify change, empowering communities, conservationists, and changemakers to build a stronger, healthier South of Mauritius and beyond.
To care, support, and amplify change, empowering communities, conservationists, and caregivers to build a stronger, healthier South of Mauritius and beyond.
Why Care
Bioculture Cares is wholly funded by Bioculture, a privately owned company founded at the intersection of biodiversity and biomedical research.
For over 40 years, Bioculture has contributed to medical breakthroughs and invested in social and environmental initiatives in the South of Mauritius and beyond. To deepen this impact, it founded Bioculture Cares, a non-profit organization dedicated to biodiversity conservation, community development, and animal welfare.
In 1984, Mary-Ann and Owen Griffiths turned a challenge – the impact of introduced monkeys on native ecosystems – into a sustainable breeding program that supports global medical research while aiding the restoration and conservation of Mauritius´ unique biodiversity.
Since its very beginnings, Bioculture has believed in giving back, dedicating part of its profits to biodiversity conservation programmes, supporting NGOs, and participating actively in community development initiatives in the south of Mauritius and beyond. Since 2023, the company has committed to allocate at least 5% of its profits to environmental and social initiatives in Mauritius and the South West Indian Ocean.
Bioculture’s commitment to the environment and society is deeply embedded in the company’s vision of ‘Caring for life’ and its ‘One Welfare’ philosophy that posits the interconnectedness of animal welfare, human welfare, and environmental sustainability. For 40 years, these values have guided the company’s policies on animal welfare, its employee support programmes, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Bioculture Cares is an extension of this way of being.
To deepen its impact,
Bioculture founded Bioculture Cares – a non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare, community development, and biodiversity conservation.
The Care We Take
4 Core Objectives
5 Programs
Protect & Restore Native and Indigenous Biodiversity of the South-West Indian Ocean
Protecting biodiversity through strategic conservation partners
- Program 1: Ebony Forest
A conservation initiative focused on restoring native forests, protecting endangered species, and removing invasive plants in Mauritius. Through reforestation and environmental education, Ebony Forest works to preserve the island’s unique biodiversity for future generations.
- Program 2: Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar
An organization dedicated to protecting high-biodiversity habitats in Madagascar. Managing the Beanka and Sahafina Protected Areas, BCM works with local communities to restore ecosystems, safeguard endangered species, and promote sustainable conservation practices.
Community Development of the South
Supporting grassroots initiatives and community-driven programs in the south of Mauritius to promote economic stability & well-being.
- Program 3: Participatory Community Development Programs
Comprising of the Benares Project & the Ferney Community Garden, programmes in the South of Mauritius where socio-economic indicators have been identified as being below the national average.
- Program 4: Grassroots Grant
A grant for grassroots and community-based organizations working to promote social and economic development in the south of Mauritius.
Invest in organizations improving the well-being of vulnerable Mauritians.
Providing funding and resources to organizations improving the well-being of marginalized groups across Mauritius through health, social support, and economic empowerment.
Grant Facilities:
- Program 4: Project Grant
Supports projects aimed at improving the well-being of Mauritians in situations of vulnerability.
- Program 4: Core Grant
For non-profit and charitable entities working to improve the well-being of Mauritians in situations of vulnerability
Caring for animal welfare while strengthening communities
Expanding access to veterinary care, promoting responsible pet ownership, and implementing humane solutions to reduce stray animal suffering in the south of Mauritius.
- Program 5:
A community veterinary clinic in Rivière des Anguilles providing affordable pet care, spay and neuter campaigns, and animal welfare education to support responsible pet ownership and reduce the suffering of stray animals in the south of Mauritius.
Making a Meaningful Impact: Turning Care into Action
Guided by four Core Objectives, our work addresses the most pressing needs of our communities, ecosystems, and animals through programmes that actively support grassroots initiatives, lead on-the-ground efforts, and fund impactful organizations.
Our initiatives span from biodiversity conservation and community development to enhancing animal welfare and supporting vulnerable groups, each designed to create sustainable, long-term improvements where it matters most. We believe that real progress isn’t just about what we do, it’s about how we do it: with passion, vision, and a full-time field team supporting our community development programmes.
We believe that real progress isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we do it: with passion, vision, and a full-time team in the field supporting our community development programmes.
Objective 1:
Protecting Endemic Biodiversity
Mauritius is a biodiversity hotspot, with 39% of its plants and 80% of its non-marine birds found nowhere else on Earth. But this unique ecosystem faces serious threats- from human activity and invasive species to climate change. With almost 90% of endemic flora at risk, the stakes are high.
Protecting biodiversity means safeguarding our future. Bioculture Cares invests in two leading conservation organizations committed to restoring native ecosystems, protecting endangered species, and preserving the endemic biodiversity of the South-West Indian Ocean.
Our Strategic Conservation Programs
Bioculture Cares invests in leading conservation organizations
dedicated to restoring native ecosystems, protecting
endangered species, and preserving the endemic biodiversity
of the South West Indian Ocean.
Program 1
Ebony Forest Mauritius
Ebony Forest (Mauritius)
Ebony Forest’s dedication to restoring native forests, protecting endangered species, and promoting environmental awareness aligns with Bioculture Cares’ mission to conserve biodiversity in Mauritius. Through initiatives like removing invasive plants, propagating endemic species, and educating the public, Ebony Forest contributes significantly to preserving the island’s unique ecosystems for future generations.
Program 2
Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar
Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar (BCM) is a driving force in protecting Madagascar’s unique ecosystems, working hand in hand with local communities and authorities to make endangered habitats safer.
By restoring the Beanka, Sahafina and Andriantantely Protected Areas, BCM brings hope and action to some of the island’s most threatened environments. Their community-centered approach, also focusing on sustainable livelihoods, aligns with Bioculture Cares’ mission to preserve biodiversity and empower those on the front lines of conservation. Together, we are leading for a future where nature thrives and communities can prosper.
Objective 2:
Caring for the South.
Home comes First.
Bioculture Cares is rooted in the south of Mauritius. It’s where our work began, where most of our employees live, and where we see firsthand the challenges – and the potential – within local communities. We believe that lasting change doesn’t come from the outside. It comes from empowered people, strong networks, and opportunities that allow communities to thrive on their own terms.
That’s why we invest in grassroots initiatives and long-term community development projects for the socio-economic development of the South, ensuring that resources go directly to those who understand their challenges best.
Program 3
Building Resilient Communities Through Local Action
Beyond funding, we actively invest in community-led projects designed to create safer, more resilient neighborhoods where families can thrive, youth can build a future, and economic opportunities can grow.
Our Projects
BENARES COMMUNITY PROJECT
Focused on building strong families and empowering youth, this initiative is focused on creating creates safe spaces, financial stability, and support networks for local residents.
FERNEY COMMUNITY GARDEN
The Ferney Community Garden program in the South East of the island is an effort in planting independence. It is an organic gardening initiative empowering women to build their self-esteem and develop alternative & sustainable livelihoods.
Through mentorship, training, and investment in local leadership, the ultimate impact is that these projects flourish long after our involvement ends.
Program 4
Grant Facility: The Grassroots Grant
Funding Local Solutions
Strong communities are built from within.
Our Grassroots Grant Facility provides direct funding and technical support to individuals, networks, and non-profit organizations working to improve livelihoods, education, and social well-being in the south of Mauritius.
• What We Fund:
Local projects that create meaningful socio-economic impact.
• Who Can Apply:
NGOs, community associations, cooperatives, and engaged individuals.
• How It Works:
Grants range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 100,000 for projects that strengthen self-sufficiency, economic resilience, and social cohesion.
By strengthening
grassroots action
and long-term development,
Bioculture Cares is
investing in more than
projects – we’re investing in people.
Objective 3:
Caring for Mauritians – who need it most
A strong society is one where no one is left behind. Across Mauritius, vulnerable communities face barriers to health, stability, and opportunity – whether due to disability, illness, poverty, or social exclusion. Bioculture Cares believes that well-being is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
That’s why we invest in organizations that are already making a difference and contributing to the well-being of Mauritians in situations of vulnerability. We make this happen by providing funding that amplifies their impact and ensures that resources reach Mauritians who need them most, nationwide.
Program 4
Grant Facility: Project Grant
From healthcare access to social empowerment, our Project Grant funds targeted initiatives that improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of Mauritians facing hardship.
Who We Support:
NGOs and individuals working to:
- Provide healthcare, mental health services, or social support
- Improve economic stability and opportunities for marginalized groups
- Address systemic barriers to well-being
What We Fund:
- Projects that make essential services more accessible
- Initiatives that create long-term, sustainable change
- Solutions that empower people to build a better future
By identifying and funding the most impactful organizations, we strengthen entire care networks, rather than duplicating existing efforts.
Program 4
Grant Facility: Core Grant
Our Core Grant provides flexible, long-term funding to NGOs, allowing them to sustain and grow their mission-driven work.
How It Works:
- Grants between Rs 1 million – Rs 4 million for programmes and operational expenses
- Funding for both new and ongoing initiatives that support vulnerable populations
- Open to registered non-profits and charitable organizations with a proven track record
Why It Matters:
- Ensures that trusted organizations can continue their work
- Allows NGOs to plan for the future, rather than just survive
Expands access to critical health and social services across Mauritius
Objective 4:
Caring for our Animals, Strengthening Communities
Every animal deserves proper care—and every human deserves to understand that responsible pet ownership starts with education, accessibility, and compassion.
A community’s well-being is deeply connected to the well-being of its animals. In the southern region of Mauritius, many pet owners struggle to access affordable veterinary care, while stray animals face neglect, illness, and overpopulation.
Recognizing the vital link between community and animal well-being, we are investing in a community veterinary clinic, designed to make high-quality animal care more accessible while promoting humane solutions for managing the stray population. This Vet Clinic will offer accessible, high-quality animal care, spay/neuter campaigns, and animal welfare education. Through this initiative, we’re fostering a culture of care and responsibility within the community.
Program 5
Community Vet Clinic
(Planned to Open This Year)
To bridge the gap in veterinary care, we are building a non-profit Community Vet Clinic in Rivière des Anguilles, which is expected to open this year.
It will provide:
- Affordable veterinary services – subsidized rates or free care, depending on the owner’s ability to pay.
- Spay and neuter campaigns – humane population control for stray animals.
- Animal welfare education – workshops for schools, youth groups, and local organizations.
- Advocacy efforts – raising awareness on stray management and responsible pet care.
Through this initiative, we are not only providing services for animals, we are building a culture of care and responsibility within the community.
How We Care
The Team Behind Bioculture Cares
Leadership is not about deciding for others. On the contrary, it’s about listening, taking responsibility, inspiring change, and working side by side with communities to create a lasting impact.
We are leaders, facilitators, and problem-solvers, united by one belief: when people, animals, and the planet thrive together, we all move forward.
Our Board of Directors, composed of senior leaders from Bioculture Group, provides strategic vision, financial oversight, and unwavering commitment to our mission. They ensure that everything we do stays aligned with our core values: real impact, ethical responsibility, and sustainable progress.
Leadership with Purpose
Our Managing Director—who also leads Policy, Advocacy, and Communications at Bioculture Group—drives our vision forward, overseeing our biodiversity grants and ensuring that our initiatives meet the highest standards of integrity and effectiveness.
Community-Driven Action
Our Social Investment Coordinator leads our community development programs, grassroots grant facility, and annual calls for proposals, ensuring that resources go where they are needed most. Supported by a Program Officer and five dedicated social workers, this team works directly with local communities, empowering them to take charge of their future.
Be Part of the Change.
Care for change? Become a part of it.
Anou zwenn nou lafors ansam pou enn sanzman ki inportan.
Real impact happens when we work together.
Whether you’re a community leader, conservationist, or
someone who believes in creating a better future,
there’s a way to get involved.
• Apply for a Grant – Are you leading a project that supports communities in the South of Mauritius or contributes to the well-being of Mauritians in situations of vulnerability? Learn more and apply below.
• Partner with Us – If you’re an organization looking to collaborate, let’s explore how we can create lasting impact together.
• Have Questions? – Reach out to us to learn more about our work, funding opportunities, or how you can contribute.