The Dhofar Centre for Wildlife Research (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share personal data when you interact with us, including via our website, email, forms, or other communications.

By providing your personal information to us, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information we collect

We may collect the following types of personal data:

• Contact information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address.

• Professional information: Organisation, role, or affiliations.

• Communications data: Emails, feedback, or enquiries sent to us via email or forms.

• Usage data: Information about how you use our website (e.g., IP address, browser type, pages visited, analytics).

We do not collect sensitive data (such as health information) unless you voluntarily provide it for research participation.

2. How we use your data

We use your personal information for purposes including:

• Responding to enquiries and providing information about our work.

• Sending newsletters, updates, or other communications that you have opted into.

• Managing applications, registrations, or participation in our programmes or projects.

• Improving our website, services, and communications.

• Complying with legal obligations.

We will never sell your personal data to third parties.

3. Legal basis for processing

We process personal data under the following legal bases:

• Your consent (e.g., subscribing to newsletters or providing data via forms).

• Legitimate interests (e.g., communicating about our ecological programmes or research updates).

• Compliance with legal obligations where required.

4. How we share your data

We may share your personal information with:

• Service providers: Platforms or tools we use, including Squarespace and Microsoft 365, solely for providing services or hosting communications.

• Legal or regulatory authorities: When required by law.

We ensure that all third-party providers comply with data protection laws and do not use your data for their own purposes.

5. Data retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described above, or as required by law.

• Communications data and newsletter subscriptions may be retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.

• Other personal data may be archived securely for research or compliance purposes.

6. Your rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access, correct, or update your information.

• Request deletion of your data.

• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

• Object to processing based on legitimate interests.

• Request a copy of your data in a portable format.

To exercise your rights, please contact us at:

comms@dhofarcwr.com

7. Data security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.

• Data stored on Microsoft 365 and Squarespace is protected by their security protocols.

• Only authorised staff have access to personal information, and access is limited to what is necessary.

8. Cookies and tracking

Our website may use cookies and analytics tools to improve user experience. Cookies do not identify you personally unless you voluntarily provide personal data through forms.

9. Children’s privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect data from children, unless for research purposes and with the consent of their responsible person.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date.

11. Contact us

If you have questions or concerns about your personal data or this Privacy Policy, please contact:

comms@dhofarcwr.com