SynTerra (hereinafter referred to as "SynTerra," "we," "us," or "our") is a non-profit organization dedicated to achieving environmental sustainability through education, conservation, and policy advocacy. We value the privacy of our members, supporters, volunteers, and all users of our digital platforms.

This Privacy Notice outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect the Personal Data you share with us when you interact with our websites, apps, donation forms, event sign-ups, and other services. By providing us with your Personal Data, you agree that SynTerra will use your information in accordance with this Privacy Notice.

SynTerra is the Controller (or data fiduciary) responsible for this Privacy Notice.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this Notice, please contact our Data Protection Team/Data Protection Officer using the details available in Section XV.

I. Terms Used in this Notice:

Controller: The entity that determines the purposes and means of processing Personal Data.

Personal Data: Any information that can be used to identify an individual (e.g., name,

contact information, donation history, volunteer records).

Processing: Any operation performed on Personal Data, including collection, storage, use, sharing, or destruction.

Environmental Data: Non-personal data related to the Trust’s mission, such as conservation project metrics, policy outcomes, or aggregated survey results, which is often publicly shared.

II. The Types of Personal Data We Collect and Process

In line with our sustainability mission, we currently collect and process Personal Data which may include:

35/p, Krishi Nagar, ICRISAT colony-Phase2, Old Bowenpally, Hyderabad – 500011; hello@synterra.in

General Personal Data: Title, full name, phone number, email ID, date of birth (for age-restricted activities), and postal address.

Engagement and Membership Information: Membership status and tier, event attendance history, campaign sign-up details, communication preferences, and specific interests related to environmental topics (e.g., marine conservation, renewable energy).

Financial Information: Donation history, payment data (masked card/bank details), transactional data, and gift aid declaration status.

Volunteer and Expert Data: Application details, skills, certifications (e.g., first aid, specific environmental expertise), training records, and hours volunteered. Location and Device Information: Your device location (if permitted), operating system, IP address, and browser information, used for optimizing our website and understanding the geographic reach of our campaigns.

Queries and Feedback: Data you share when contacting us via email, social media, or through feedback surveys regarding our projects or policies.

Recruitment Data: Information necessary to process job applications, including educational qualifications and professional history.

III. How We Collect/Receive Personal Data and the Use of such Personal Data

We use different methods to collect Personal Data about you:

Direct Interactions: You provide data when you:

Become a member or renew your membership.

Make a donation or sign up for a regular giving scheme.

Register for an event, webinar, or volunteer opportunity.

Sign a petition or engage in a specific advocacy campaign.

Apply for a job or contract role.

Provide feedback or contact us directly.

Indirect Interactions: We may receive data from third parties such as:

35/p, Krishi Nagar, ICRISAT colony-Phase2, Old Bowenpally, Hyderabad – 500011; hello@synterra.in

Online donation platforms (e.g., JustGiving) that process your payment and pass your contact details to us.

Event management platforms where you register for our activities.

Recruitment agencies during a job application process.

Automated Technologies: As you interact with our website, we automatically collect technical data using cookies and server logs to improve site functionality and track the success of our campaigns.

IV. Purpose of Processing and Lawful Basis

We process your Personal Data only within the frameworks of applicable data protection laws for the purposes listed below:

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V. Data Security

We are committed to protecting the environment and your data. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to prevent unauthorized access, accidental loss, alteration, or disclosure of your Personal Data.

Our security practices are aligned with industry best practices, including using secure servers, data encryption, and conducting regular security and privacy training for our staff.

VI. Who We Share your Personal Data With

We share information only when necessary for our operations or mission:

Service Providers: Third parties who perform essential functions on our behalf, such as payment processors, email communication platforms, CRM system administrators, and auditors.

Government & Regulatory Authorities: Official bodies to comply with legal obligations (e.g., HMRC for Gift Aid claims, or law enforcement in case of legal disputes).

35/p, Krishi Nagar, ICRISAT colony-Phase2, Old Bowenpally, Hyderabad – 500011; hello@synterra.in

Environmental Partners: Other accredited conservation organizations, but only where you have explicitly consented or where data is fully anonymized and aggregated for research purposes.

Third Parties in Asset Transfer: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or restructuring of the Trust.

VII. Cross Border Transfer of your Personal Data

As a global environmental body, your Personal Data may be transferred outside the country where you are located to our service providers and partners who operate internationally.

We ensure that all cross-border data transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and are safeguarded by appropriate contractual and technical measures, such as the use of binding contractual obligations (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses).

VIII. Your Data Protection Rights

Depending on the jurisdiction you are in, you have rights regarding your Personal Data, including:

Right to Access: Request copies of the Personal Data we hold about you.

Right to Rectification: Request that your Personal Data be corrected or updated if it is inaccurate or incomplete.

Right to Erase: Request that we delete or remove your Personal Data from our systems (e.g., if you withdraw your membership).

Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent for processing (e.g., unsubscribing from a newsletter).

Right to Object: Object to our processing of your Personal Data where we rely on legitimate interest (e.g., objecting to personalized communications).

To exercise any of these rights or to lodge a complaint, please contact us at the details provided below.

XV. Privacy Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Notice, or if you wish to exercise any of your data protection rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer:

Email: data.protection@SynTerra.org (Specific postal address can be added here)

35/p, Krishi Nagar, ICRISAT colony-Phase2, Old Bowenpally, Hyderabad – 500011; hello@synterra.in

XVI. Changes to this Privacy Statement

We may amend this Privacy Notice periodically. We encourage you to review this Notice frequently to stay informed of how we are protecting your information.