1. Introduction

NGO AquaTerra ("we," "us," "our," or "the Organization") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website www.ngoaquaterra.com, engage with our programs, or interact with our services.

Organization Details:

Legal Name: NGO AquaTerra

Registration Number: AAFTT2300ME20251

Address: Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Email: ngo.aquaterra@gmail.com

Founded: 2021

By using our website or services, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

Contact Information:

Name and surname

Email address

Phone number

Postal address

Emergency contact details (for volunteers)

Demographic Information:

Age and date of birth

Gender

Educational background

Professional information

Volunteer-Specific Information:

Skills and interests

Availability and schedule preferences

Previous volunteer experience

Background verification documents (as required by law)

Medical information (if relevant for specific programs)

Donation Information:

Donation amount and frequency

Payment method details (processed through secure third-party gateways)

Tax exemption preferences

Donor recognition preferences

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

IP address and device information

Browser type and version

Pages visited and time spent on site

Referring website information

Location data (general geographic area)

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website. See Section 8 for detailed cookie information.

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Program Operations

Coordinating volunteer activities and assignments

Organizing educational workshops and community programs

Managing tree planting drives and environmental initiatives

Conducting welfare projects and community outreach

3.2 Communication

Sending program updates and newsletters

Providing volunteer training materials

Sharing impact reports and success stories

Responding to inquiries and providing support

3.3 Administrative Purposes

Processing donations and issuing tax receipts

Maintaining volunteer records and certifications

Complying with legal and regulatory requirements

Conducting internal research and analysis

3.4 Website Functionality

Improving website performance and user experience

Providing personalized content and features

Ensuring website security and preventing fraud

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Consent: When you voluntarily provide information or agree to communications

Legitimate Interest: For organizational operations, volunteer coordination, and program delivery

Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

Vital Interest: When necessary for health and safety in emergency situations

5. How We Share Your Information

5.1 Third-Party Service Providers

Payment Processors: For secure donation processing

Email Service Providers: For newsletters and communications

Website Analytics: Google Analytics for website improvement

Cloud Storage Providers: For secure data backup and storage

5.2 Partner Organizations

Collaborative NGOs for joint programs

Educational institutions for workshop partnerships

Government agencies as required by law

5.3 Legal Requirements

Court orders or legal proceedings

Government investigations

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations

Protection of our rights and safety

5.4 What We Don't Share

We never sell your personal information to third parties

We never exchange donor lists with other organizations

We never use your information for commercial marketing by external parties

6. Data Security

Security Measures

SSL encryption for data transmission

Secure servers with restricted access

Regular security audits and updates

Staff training on data protection

Multi-factor authentication for administrative access

Data Breach Response

In the event of a data breach, we will:

Notify affected individuals within 72 hours

Report to relevant authorities as required

Take immediate steps to secure compromised data

Provide support and guidance to affected individuals

7. Your Rights

7.1 Access and Portability

Request a copy of your personal information

Receive your data in a portable format

7.2 Correction and Updates

Update or correct inaccurate information

Add missing information to your profile

7.3 Deletion

Request deletion of your personal information

Right to be forgotten (subject to legal limitations)

7.4 Communication Preferences

Opt-out of marketing communications

Choose frequency and type of updates

Unsubscribe from newsletters at any time

7.5 Restriction and Objection

Restrict processing of your information

Object to certain uses of your data

To exercise your rights, contact us at: ngo.aquaterra@gmail.com

8. Cookies Policy

8.1 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality

Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics for website improvement

Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

8.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

Block all cookies

Delete existing cookies

Set preferences for specific websites

Note: Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Children's Privacy

9.1 Age Restrictions

Our website is not directed at children under 13

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13

Parental consent required for volunteers under 18

9.2 Educational Programs

Parental consent is obtained

Minimal information is collected

Information is used solely for program purposes

Photos/videos require explicit parental permission

9.3 Parental Rights

Review their child's information

Request deletion of their child's data

Withdraw consent at any time

10. Data Retention

Volunteer Information: Duration of volunteering + 3 years

Donor Information: 7 years (for tax and audit purposes)

General Inquiries: 2 years from last contact

Website Analytics: 26 months (Google Analytics default)

Legal Records: As required by applicable laws

11. International Data Transfers

While we primarily operate in India, some data may be transferred internationally:

Cloud storage providers with global infrastructure

International payment processors

Email service providers

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:

Changes in our data practices

New legal requirements

Improvements to our services

Notification of Changes:

Updated policy posted on our website

Email notification for significant changes

Effective date clearly indicated

13. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions, concerns, or requests:

NGO AquaTerra Privacy Team

Email: ngo.aquaterra@gmail.com

Subject Line: "Privacy Policy Inquiry"

Website: www.ngoaquaterra.com/contact

Response Time: Within 7 business days

Founders:

Krish Goenka - Founder and Director

Kanishk Agarwal - Managing Director

14. Applicable Laws

Information Technology Act, 2000 (India)

Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices) Rules, 2011

Personal Data Protection Bill (when enacted)

Other applicable Indian privacy and data protection laws

15. Complaint Process

Internal Complaint: Contact us at ngo.aquaterra@gmail.com

Response Timeline: We will respond within 7 business days

Escalation: If unsatisfied, you may contact relevant regulatory authorities

Documentation: We maintain records of all privacy complaints and resolutions

Effective Date: September 8, 2025

Version: 1.0

This Privacy Policy demonstrates NGO AquaTerra's commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for individual privacy rights while enabling us to fulfill our mission of creating positive environmental and social impact through youth-led initiatives.