General Disclaimer

Information presented by the IODE website is for information purpose only. I

The information, data, statements, geographical boundaries, maps and declarations expressed in national reports and statements available here do not imply the official endorsement or acceptance by UNESCO. Members of the IOC and their associated partners are solely responsible for the contents of their statements, the inclusion of which on the site does not mean the Organization’s approval or acceptance.

IODE does not provide any warranties or in no event should be held responsible for any direct or indirect loss or damage occurring through the use of the information contained in this website.

We make every effort to keep the IODE website available online and working smoothly, but IODE should not be held responsible for any temporary downtime or unavailability or technical issues (force majeure) beyond its control.

Privacy Notice

UNESCO is committed to protecting personal data in line with its Principles on Personal Data Protection and Privacy . This privacy notice provides information regarding processing by UNESCO of personal data of individuals (“you”) who register for a UNESCO organized (or co-organized) event. For purposes of this privacy notice, “event” includes any conference, webinar, forum, seminar, training or workshop, whether taking place virtually or in-person.

Personal Data Protection and Privacy Notice

What data do we collect?

The IODE (UNESCO IOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic Data and information Exchange programme), OceanExpert website, collects and shows the following data:

  • Personal identification data you directly provide [Name, email address, phone number, postal address, organization you work for, etc.]
  • Data generated by your activity [Log information such as Internet protocol (IP) address, navigation behaviour through the website, device and software used, the time/date/duration of your visit, and other similar information]

How do we collect your data?

We collect data and process data when you:

  • Create/consult/update your profile.
  • Create/consult an organizational profile.
  • Consult another profile.
  • Create/search/consult/upload a document.
  • Create/search/consult an event – register for an event.
  • Subscribe to a group/mailing list.

How will we use your data?

IODE collects your data for:

  • Providing the services you have requested, including processing of your registration, and managing your account.
  • Email you on events and information you might be interested in.
  • Statistical purposes and website traffic analysis.
  • List your name on participants list of IOC events, meetings, trainings.

In some circumstances we make your data available outside OceanExpert, such as for:

  • Analytics: We use third-party services Google Analytics, USA
  • Email communications: We use third party services Mailchimp, USA
  • Single Sign On: some of the IOC sites (e.g. OBIS, ODISCat, OTGA) use OceanExpert as a single sign on (SSO). Personal information, like name or email address, can be exchanged with those sites when you log in on that site.

How do we store your data?

IODE securely stores your data on a server at the Flemish Marine Institute (VLIZ) in Oostende, Belgium. Your data will not be sold to third parties. IODE however, assumes no responsibility for the security of this information.

Data you provide directly is typically kept as long as it is relevant to the OceanExpert community. In the unlikely case you do no longer wish to have your data in OceanExpert you can contact info@oceanexpert.org. Deactivating your profile in OE does not mean you data has been removed from the database as it can still be valid information concerning event participation or country representation.

What are cookies?

Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard Internet log information and visitor behavior information. When you visit our websites, we may collect information from you automatically through cookies or similar technology. For further information, visit allaboutcookies.org.

How do we use cookies?

IODE uses cookies in a range of ways to improve your experience on our website , including:

  • Keeping you signed in
  • Understanding how you use our website

What types of cookies do we use?

There are a number of different types of cookies, however, our website uses:
Functionality – IODE uses these cookies so that we recognize you on our website and remember your previously selected preferences. These could include what language you prefer and location you are in.

How to manage cookies

You can set your browser not to accept cookies, and the above website tells you how to remove cookies from your browser. However, in a few cases, some of our website features may not function as a result.

Links to other websites

Our website contains links to other websites. Our Privacy Notice applies only to our website. We are not responsible for the privacy policies or content on third-party websites and encourage you to read the privacy notices of other websites you visit.

Events Privacy Notice

How will we use your data?

By registering for a specific event, you agree to UNESCO’s processing of the personal data you submit as part of registration for the following purposes:

  • to communicate with you regarding the specific event for which you registered;
  • for our internal reporting purposes;
  • as reasonably necessary for the management and organization of the specific event for which you registered; and,
  • for any other purpose to which you consent in connection with the specific event.

By registering for a specific event, you agree that UNESCO may disclose the personal data you submit as part of registration to:

  • co-organizers of the event as reasonably necessary for the management and organization of the specific event for which you registered;
  • third-party service providers assisting UNESCO with the specific event, subject to contractually agreed conditions of confidentiality and security; or
  • other third-parties for which you consent to disclosure in connection with the specific event.

Audio-Visual Recording and Live Streaming

Photographs and/or audio-visual footage may be taken and/or live-streamed during (part of) a UNESCO event. Photos and videos can be published on UNESCO websites and social media pages as well as on the co-organizer’s online platforms. Photos and videos may also be recorded and can be reproduced in various media including UNESCO publications, social networks and press, in connection with a specific event, or for further institutional purposes as well as for promotional activities of UNESCO. By attending a UNESCO organized (or co-organized) event, you agree you may appear in published photos and/or videos as stated above.

Changes to our Privacy Notice

We will revise or update this privacy notice if our practices change, or as we develop better ways to keep you informed about them. Please refer back to this page for the latest information and the effective date of any changes. If we decide to change this privacy notice, we will post a new version on our website and change the date at the bottom. Changes to the privacy notice shall not apply retroactively.

How to contact us

You may request access to your personal data in order to verify its accuracy and may request correction. To do so in connection with your event registration, please contact info@oceanexpert.org.

For any other questions regarding the processing of your personal data, contact the Data Protection and Privacy Officer at privacy@unesco.org.

Updates to this Privacy Notice