PRIVACY POLICY FOR ENCODE
Last Updated: January 2026
- Introduction
Established in 2020, the Environment and Community Development Embed (ENCODE) is a research-based, environmentally conscious, and human welfare-oriented development organization. Guided by the philosophy of “community development through a healthy natural environment,” we value the privacy and dignity of those we serve.
In our mission to promote sustainable development through science-driven initiatives, we collect and process data to improve our environmental programs, deliver specialized bio-economy services, and empower local communities. This policy explains how we handle your information with transparency, scientific integrity, and ethical responsibility.
- Scope and Consent
This policy applies to all participants in ENCODE programs, research collaborators, donors, users of our bio-economy products, and visitors to our digital platforms. By engaging with ENCODE’s services, tools, or research offerings, you acknowledge and consent to the practices described herein.
- Information We Collect
ENCODE collects only information necessary for legitimate organizational, research, and development purposes.
- Personal & Transactional Identification
‣ Identity Data: Names, contact details (email/phone), and organizational affiliations for partners and trainees.
‣ Transaction Data: Information related to the purchase of research tools (e.g., Malaise Traps, Rearing Boxes), bio-fertilizers, and certified edibles.
- Research, Technical & Field Data
‣ Agricultural Data: Soil health records, crop yields, and biodiversity assessments collected through our “Plant Clinics” and “IPM Solutions.”
‣ Scientific Data: Insect-plant dynamics and environmental observations required for NPT and SDG alignment.
‣ Usage Data: Basic technical data from digital platforms to improve accessibility to educational content.
- Ethnobotanical & Community Knowledge
‣ Traditional knowledge shared by community members during field research. This data is treated with specific cultural sensitivity and ethical rigor.
- Purpose of Information Use
ENCODE utilizes collected data to:
‣ Program Optimization: Tailoring smart farming and waste management initiatives to local ecological realities.
‣ Scientific Advancement: Publishing anonymized research findings that contribute to global sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
‣ Community Empowerment: Delivering targeted digital education and livelihood support, such as beekeeping or mushroom cultivation training.
‣ Accountability: Ensuring robust monitoring, evaluation, and reporting for donor requirements and national policy alignment.
- Data Protection and Ethics
5.1 The 5R Data Principle
We apply our sustainability philosophy to information management: we Refuse unnecessary data collection and Reduce the storage of sensitive information to the absolute minimum required for scientific accuracy.
5.2 Protection of Indigenous Knowledge
We respect the intellectual property of local communities. Ethnobotanical data is never commercialized without explicit informed consent and a fair-benefit-sharing agreement.
5.3 Security Measures
We implement industry-standard technical measures to safeguard data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. Access is restricted to authorized personnel bound by strict confidentiality agreements.
- Information Sharing and Disclosure
ENCODE does not sell or trade personal data. Information is shared only:
‣ With Government Bodies: To align with the Bangladesh Government’s National Priority Targets (NPTs).
‣ With Research Partners: Academic institutions or NGOs collaborating on environmental science, provided they adhere to our ethical standards.
‣ In Anonymized Form: Aggregated data used for public awareness and scientific publication where individual identification is impossible.
- Data Retention and Your Rights
7.1 Retention
We retain information only as long as necessary to fulfill programmatic objectives or legal reporting requirements. Following this period, data is securely deleted or anonymized.
7.2 Your Rights
Participants and clients have the right to:
‣ Access: Request a copy of the personal or agricultural data ENCODE holds regarding their participation.
‣ Correction: Request the rectification of inaccurate research or contact data.
‣ Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for participation in community engagement or digital education programs at any time.
- Governing Law and Policy Updates
This policy is guided by the laws of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and international best practices in research ethics. ENCODE may update this policy to reflect organizational growth or changes in environmental regulations. Updated versions take effect immediately upon publication.
- Contact Us
For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or our data handling practices in relation to environmental research, please contact the ENCODE Administration Office.
Statement of Intent: By engaging with ENCODE, you entrust us with information that helps build a sustainable future for both people and nature. We are committed to honoring that trust.
Committed to environmental and social development research and services, Dedicated to mitigating the impacts of climate change since 2020.