Privacy Policy

Introduction

At Unique Plants, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services related to botanical research, conservation, and educational programs.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Register for workshops or educational programs
• Submit contact forms or research inquiries
• Subscribe to our newsletter or updates
• Participate in community forums or discussions
• Apply for career opportunities or research positions

This personal information may include:

• Full name and contact details (email, phone, address)
• Professional background and research interests
• Educational qualifications and experience
• Payment information for workshop registrations
• Communications and correspondence with us

Automatic Information Collection

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behavior, including:

• IP address and geographical location
• Browser type and version
• Operating system and device information
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website and search terms used

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for various purposes, including:

• Service Provision: To provide and maintain our botanical research services, workshops, and educational programs
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries, send updates about our research, and provide customer support
• Program Management: To manage workshop registrations, research collaborations, and community participation
• Research Enhancement: To improve our research methodologies and develop new conservation initiatives
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Marketing: To send you information about new programs, research findings, and conservation efforts (with your consent)

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Research Partners: With academic institutions and research organizations for collaborative botanical studies
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and conducting our business
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others
• Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data during transmission
• Secure server infrastructure and regular security updates
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Regular security assessments and monitoring
• Employee training on data protection practices

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website usage. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and user behavior
• Provide personalized content and recommendations
• Improve website functionality and performance

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect certain website functionalities.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information for certain purposes
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing under certain circumstances

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. The retention period depends on the type of information and the purpose for which it was collected:

• Contact form inquiries: 2 years from last contact
• Workshop registrations: 5 years for educational records
• Newsletter subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe
• Research collaborations: Duration of project plus 7 years

International Data Transfers

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including research databases, conservation organizations, and educational institutions. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 16 without parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated Privacy Policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about our privacy practices.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. Any disputes arising from this Privacy Policy will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria, Australia.