Privacy Policy
i. Introduction
This policy outlines how the Observatoire de l’Environnement (ODE) platform operating under the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change collects, processes and manages personal information in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2017. Our commitment is to uphold data protection standards, ensuring the privacy and security of all personal data. Data handling is also aligned with official statistics and existing data sets to support informed decision-making.
ii. Controller
The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change is the controller under the Data Protection Act 2017. As the controller, the Ministry determines the purposes and means of processing personal data, including data sources, identification of users and environmental indicators. Regular reviews are conducted to ensure compliance with evolving data protection requirements.
iii. Data Collection
We collect personal data such as names, contact details, and user interactions, for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes: inter alia, names, contact details, and user interactions primarily to engage with stakeholders and the public to better understand their needs and concerns. This would allow for collaborative decision-making in environmental management, surveys and research studies to assess the impact of environmental policies and initiatives, distribute newsletters and communications related to environmental updates and awareness campaigns, facilitate the reporting of environmental incidents and the submission of public feedback on environmental matters, as well as support the development and refinement of environmental policies and programs.
Data collection is based on your consent or when necessary for tasks carried out in the public interest. Transparency and high-quality environmental data collection are essential for facilitating decision-making.
iv. Data Processing
Personal data collected for ODE is processed securely and confidentially, strictly for the purposes communicated at the time of collection. Data is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill those purposes. We aim for sustainability and accuracy, integrating data from reliable sources to inform environmental policy and create economic value in the Mauritian economy.
v. Data Disclosure
The personal data may be disclosed as permitted under the Data Protection Act 2017. Disclosure to other public sector agencies will occur only when legally permissible and necessary for public functions. The ODE takes care to ensure that disclosed data is accurate, reliable and used only for its intended purposes, following the legal framework of the Republic of Mauritius.
vi. Data Security
We implement robust security measures, including encrypted storage, restricted access and regular security audits to protect personal data from unauthorized access, alteration or loss. All data protection protocols are followed at every stage of data handling.
vii. Data Subject Rights
As per the Data Protection Act 2017, you have the right to:
Access, rectify or erase your personal data
Restrict or object to data processing
Withdraw consent at any time without charge, unless the request is manifestly excessive or unfounded
viii. Links to External Websites
Our website contains links to external sites as part of the Government Online Portal. ODE does not control these external websites and is not responsible for their privacy practices.
ix. Updates to This Policy
This policy is subject to revisions and updates to reflect changes in law or best practices. All personal data processing at ODE complies with the Data Protection Act 2017.
x. Contact us
Data Protection Officer
Head of Information and Education Division
Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (Environment and Climate Change Division)
Ken Lee Tower,
Cnr Barracks & St Georges Street,
Port Louis
Phone number: + (230) 203 6200
Corporate Email address of ODE: ode@govmu.org
