Mastercard, Conservation International Introduce Wildlife Impact Card Program

Mastercard and Conservation International have debuted the Wildlife Impact Card program, an initiative that lets individuals safeguard wildlife habitats, with the inclusion of those where a number of critically endangered species reside, according to a press release emailed to PYMNTS.

A dollar will be contributed to Conservation International to help safeguard and restore wildlife habitats for every card purchased, the release stated.

“As a company committed to fostering a sustainable future for all, we believe an important aspect of that is to protect critically endangered species and the habitats in which they live,” said Mastercard Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Raja Rajamannar in the release. “Through our strong partnership with Conservation International, one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, we’ve created a way to connect consumers to their passion for wildlife and the natural world, enabling them to contribute and make an impact.”

Issuers around the world can access the Wildlife Impact Card program, the release stated. The inaugural card offerings roll out in the U.S. in collaboration with Usio, with prepaid cards available in the coming week that have the ability to be added to all mobile wallets. Tangible cards, which will be made from completely recycled materials, will roll out in the summer.

Moreover, individuals can further help the cause by donating to Conservation International via the Mastercard Donate platform, the release stated.

Beyond the Wildlife Impact Card initiative, Mastercard is teaming with Conservation International and World Resources Institute on the Priceless Planet Coalition, according to the release.

In addition, Mastercard has pledged to attain net zero emissions by 2050, “building on existing commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions aligned with a 1.5-degrees Celsius climate trajectory,” the release stated.

As PYMNTS previously reported, Mastercard and Doconomy, a Swedish FinTech, have teamed to build out a tool that allows individuals to determine the carbon footprint of their shopping habits. The Mastercard Carbon Calculator is now part of the firm’s global network and can be tailored to suit the needs of eco-conscious bank customers.