TERMS OF USE
1. Introduction
The Observatoire de l'Environnement (hereafter “ODE”) operates under the aegis of the Ministry responsible for the Environment (MoE) of the Republic of Mauritius.
2. Purpose
2.1 The ODE platform enables engagement with stakeholders, including the public, for environmental monitoring, policy development and evaluation, and information sharing.
2.2 Serving as the central hub for environmental data in Mauritius, the ODE facilitates informed decision-making by aggregating and distributing environmental statistics and research. It promotes collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and the public to address environmental challenges and advance sustainable development.
3. Agreement
3.1 The Republic of Mauritius declines any civil or criminal liability for any disruption, loss or damage while using any material from the ODE website.
3.2 The Terms of Use may be amended at any time without prior notice and the Republic of Mauritius assumes no liability toward users and any misuse may result in access being blocked without prior notice.
4. Liability and Disclaimer of Informational Accuracy
4.1 Data providers independently supply information along with metadata that details the source, compilation methods, quality, and limitations, and users must comply with any applicable conditions.
4.2 Using data from the ODE does not imply that the ODE or its data providers endorse any derived reports, analyses, or other materials.
4.3 Maps and images on the ODE are not intended for navigational use.
4.4 The MoE does not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted, or error-free operation of the website.
4.5 All information provided on the ODE website, with the exception of the Science to Policy platform, is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be advisory. While efforts are made to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, the MoE makes no express or implied warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information on the website. Any reliance on this information is strictly at the user's own risk.
5. Modification and Discontinuation of Website Features
5.1 The MoE reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect or feature of the website at any time, without prior notice. Such changes may include, but are not limited to, additions, deletions, or adjustments to content, functionality, and services offered on the website. The MoE shall not be liable for any modifications, suspensions, or discontinuation of the website or any of its parts.
6. Links to Other Websites
6.1 Links on the ODE to external sites are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement of those sites or their content. The ODE is not responsible for the content or reliability of linked sites and cannot guarantee their availability.
6.2 Content from external platforms featured on the ODE remains the responsibility of the entity providing it. The ODE does not review all such contents and assumes no liability for it.
7. Use and Redistribution
7.1 Unauthorized use of the ODE, such as attempting to access other users’ data or accounts, may result in termination of your account or denial of access without notice.
7.2 You are responsible for the security of your password and any activity on your account.
7.3 You must not publish ODE data in its original form without proper citation as specified in the metadata.
8. Registration on ODE Platform
8.1 Certain data and functionalities are accessible without registration, while others require you to sign up.
8.2 Personal data collected includes your email upon registration and further profile details like name, contact information, and organizational details. You are responsible for keeping your personal data accurate and up-to-date. User profiles and communication tools enhance interaction and data usability. Your activity, including access frequency, timing, and duration, is monitored for statistical purposes and service enhancement.
8.3 Your personal data is processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2017 to enable access, identification, communication, security checks, fraud prevention, statistical analysis, service improvement, and for compliance with legal processes.
8.4 To opt-out of feedback requests, you may email ode@govmu.org .
8.5 The ODE uses appropriate security measures to protect your personal data, stored on secure servers. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your login credentials.
8.6 Registering false or unauthorized accounts is prohibited. You are also responsible if you disclose another person’s personal information without consent.
8.7 Under the Data Protection Act 2017, you have the right to access, correct, restrict, or request deletion of your personal data, and to object to automated decision-making.
9. Data Providers
9.1 If you provide data and metadata to the ODE, use the specified metadata template available on the platform.
9.2 Your institution is responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and security of the data and metadata you provide.
9.3 Ensure you own or have rights to all data and metadata you provide, and do not infringe any laws or intellectual property rights.
9.4 The ODE is not liable for any loss or corruption of data; you are responsible for maintaining backups on independent systems.
10. Intellectual Property Rights
10.1 Using materials or registering on this ODE does not give you any intellectual property rights in the content you access.
11. Copyright Infringement
11.1 The ODE is not responsible for any copyright infringement by users. Each user is solely responsible for their own account and its activities.
12. Applicable Law
12.1 The use of the ODE is governed by the laws of the Republic of Mauritius, and any legal action regarding its use shall be brought exclusively before the courts of the Republic of Mauritius.
13. Contact Us
13.1 Your feedback and questions are appreciated. For any inquiries, inaccuracies you notice, or issues encountered while using the ODE, please contact us at ode@govmu.org.
