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Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy of

gaiac – Research Institute for Ecosystem Analysis and Assessment e.V.

(Status: June 2021)

Thank you for your interest in our website www.gaiac-eco.de and in our company and services. At GAIAC, we are aware of the importance of protecting your privacy when using our website. Therefore, compliance with the legal regulations on data protection is a matter of course for us. Furthermore, it is important to us that you, as a visitor to our website, always know when and how we collect and store your data and how we use it.

Below we inform you about the collection and other processing (e.g. storage, retrieval, modification, disclosure) of personal data when using our website. Personal data is all data that can be related to you, e.g. name, address, e-mail address, user behavior.

If we process personal data in the context of the use of our website or if we use service providers for individual functions, offers or services of our website with reference to data processing or if we want to use your data for advertising purposes, we will inform you in detail below about the respective processes, in particular which data is processed.

Thereby, we also state the intended storage period or, in any case, the defined criteria for the storage period as well as the relevant legal basis for the respective processing.

1. Name address of the controller

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), other national data protection legislation of the Member States and other data protection provisions is:

gaiac – Research Institute for Ecosystem Analysis and Assessment e.V.
Kackertstraße 10
52072 Aachen
Deutschland
Phone: +49 241 80 27601
E-Mail: info@gaiac-eco.de
Website: https://www.gaiac-eco.de/

2. Contact details of the Data Protection Officer

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), other national data protection legislation of the Member States and other data protection provisions is:

gaiac – Research Institute for Ecosystem Analysis and Assessment e.V.
– Data Protection Officer –
Kackertstraße 10
52072 Aachen
Deutschland
E-Mail: datenschutz@gaiac-eco.de

3. General information on data processing

a) What are personal data?

Personal data within the meaning of the GDPR include all information relating to the personal or material circumstances of an identified or identifiable natural person (see Art. 4 (1) GDPR). Such information will regularly include not only a person’s name and (e-mail) address, for example, but also the IP address and any other information that could permit identification of that person.

b) Scope of the processing of personal data

We process the personal data of our users only insofar as this is required to maintain a functional website and present our content and services. We regularly process personal data of our users only with their consent. An exception may be made in cases in which it is not possible to obtain such consent for concrete reasons and the processing of the data is legally allowed.

c) Legal basis for processing personal data

Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR provides the legal basis for any request we may make for consent to process the personal data of data subjects.

Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR provides the legal basis for processing personal data for the performance of any contract to which a data subject is party. This will also apply to processing required prior to entering such a contract.

Art. 6 (1) (c) GDPR provides the legal basis for processing required to comply with any legal obligations to which our Company is subject.

Art. 6 (1) (d) GDPR provides the legal basis for processing personal data to protect the vital interests of a data subject or other natural person.

Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR provides the legal basis for processing personal data to safeguard the legitimate interests of our Company or any third party and the interests, fundamental rights or freedoms of a data subject do not override the interests of the former.

d) Erasure and duration of storage of data

The personal data of data subjects will be erased or blocked as soon as the purpose for which they were initially stored no longer applies. Personal data may be stored for longer periods if provision for such storage has been made by European or national legislatures in Union regulations, laws or other regulatory requirements to which the controller is subject. Personal data will also be blocked or erased if a corresponding period of retention prescribed by such regulations, laws or legal requirements expires unless such data are required for the entry into or performance of a contract.

4. Availability of the website and creation of log files

a) Description and scope of data processing

Our system automatically records data and information from the computer system of every visitor to our Internet site.

This involves recording the following data:

  • Date and time of access
  • Browser type, version and language
  • City/region/country
  • IP address of the user
  • System used by the user

These data are stored in the log files of our system.

b) Legal basis for processing of data

Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR provides the legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files.

c) Purpose of processing data

Temporary storage of IP addresses by the system is required to deliver the website to the computer of the user. As a result, the IP addresses of users must be stored for the duration of the respective session.

The purpose of storage in log files is to ensure the functionality of the website and support technical administration of the network infrastructure. In addition, such data enable us to enhance our website and maintain the security of our information technology systems. We also use these data to prepare and evaluate internal statistics. This involves no evaluation of data for marketing purposes.

We have a legitimate interest in processing data for such purposes pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

d) Duration of storage

Data are erased as soon as they are no longer needed to achieve the purposes for which they were initially collected. In the case of data collected to permit delivery of our website, this occurs when the respective session is ended. Exception: If there is a legal obligation to retain the data for a longer period.

5. Contact by e-mail

a) Description and scope of data processing

It is possible to contact us via the e-mail address info@gaiac-eco.de and the e-mail addresses of our employees. In this case, the user’s personal data transferred via e-mail will be stored.

If the user’s contact request serves the purpose of obtaining information about our services, the user’s data will be forwarded to the employee responsible for his request. No further transfer of the data to third parties will take place. The data will be used exclusively for the processing of the user’s request and its response.

b) Legal basis for processing of data

The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted via e-mail is Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR. If the e-mail contact has the purpose of concluding a contract, Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR provides a further legal basis for processing.

c) Duration of storage

Data are erased as soon as they are no longer needed to achieve the purposes for which they were initially collected. In the case of personal data transmitted via e-mail, this occurs when the respective conversation with the user is terminated. A conversation is considered to be terminated when circumstances make it possible to assume that the respective issue has been conclusively clarified.

d) Possibility of objection and elimination

The user has the right to object to the processing of personal data at any time. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued. The objection can be explained to us by sending an e-mail to datenschutz@gaiac-eco.de.

All personal data stored in connection with contact requests will be erased in this case.

6. Use of cookies

a) Description and scope of data processing

Our website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored in the Internet browser or by the Internet browser on the user’s computer system. When a user visits a website, a cookie can be placed on the user’s device. Cookies contain a unique string of random letters that clearly identify the users’ browser when they revisit the website.

We place cookies to make our website user-friendlier. A few elements of our website make it necessary to be able to recognize visiting browsers after page changes.

We only use the so-called session cookies from WordPress. These ensure correct functionality of our website and are not intended for tracking. These cookies expire immediately after the session has expired. The only exception are the cookies “wp-settings-[UID] & wp-settings-{time}-[UID]”.

We use cookies to determine the visitor’s current language, the last visited language and the language of visitors who have logged in.

All cookies used are described in the table below:

Name of the cookie Function Storage duration Type
wordpress_[hash] When you log in, WordPress uses this cookie to store your authentication data. The usage is limited to the administration screen area, /wp-admin/. Session First-Party-Cookie
wordpress_logged_in_[hash] After login, WordPress sets the WordPress_logged_in_[hash] cookie, which indicates that the user is logged in – and who the user is. The latter information is relevant for some interface applications. Session First-Party-Cookie
wordpress_test_cookie This cookie is used when navigating to the login page. This makes it possible to check whether the browser is set to allow cookies. Session First-Party-Cookie
wp-settings-[UID] & wp-settings-{time}-[UID] This cookie adjusts the view of the admin interface and, if necessary, the main page interface. 1 year First-Party-Cookie
wp-wpml_current_language This cookie stores the current language. By default, this cookie is set only for logged-in users. 1 day First-Party-Cookie
_icl_visitor_lang_js This cookie saves the redirected language. 1 day First-Party-Cookie
wpml_browser_redirect_test This cookie tests whether cookies have been activated. 1 day First-Party-Cookie

The following data are stored and transmitted in the cookies:

  • Language settings
  • Login information (username, password, browsertyp and IP-address, so that we can recognize the user on future visits).

Technical means are used to pseudonymize the data of users collected in this manner. That makes it impossible to use the data to identify visiting users. Such data are not stored together with user’s other personal data.

b) Legal basis for processing of data

Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR provides the legal basis for the use of cookies in connection with the processing of personal data.

c) Purpose of processing data

The purpose of using of cookies is to simplify the use of websites for users. Some of the functions of our website cannot be used without the use of cookies. In the case of these functions, it is necessary to be able to recognize the browser again when changing to a new page. This permits temporary storage of technical data or information required for proper operation of certain features on the computer.

d) Duration of storage, possibility of objection and elimination

Cookies are stored on the device of the user and sent to our website. The user therefore is in complete control of the use of cookies. By changing the settings of the Internet browser, the transmission of cookies can be deactivated or restricted. Cookies that have already been placed can be disabled at any time. This process can also be automated. If the user chooses to disable cookies, he may not be able to use all the features of our website.

7. Youtube

Our website includes a link to www.youtube.com, a website of YouTube LLC, 901 Cherry Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066, USA. (hereinafter „Youtube“; subsidiary of Google; Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House Barrow Street Dublin 4, D04E5W5, Ireland, is therefore responsible for data protection and, where applicable, personal data is also processed by Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; hereinafter collectively “Google”).

We use the so-called two-click solution. This means that when you visit our site (“first click”), no personal data is initially passed on to Youtube or Google. Only when you click on the link or the video (“second click”) and thereby activate it, you will be redirected to the Youtube website. Youtube or Google is responsible for the data collection and processing that then takes place, including the use of cookies and similar technologies. Assume at least the following: Information on the websites you have visited and your IP address will be transmitted to Youtube or Google, even if you do not have a profile / account with Youtube or are not currently logged in there. If you are logged in as a member of Youtube, the network assigns the information to your personal user account. We do not receive any of this information.

We therefore recommend that you read the privacy policy of Youtube or Google before clicking on the link/video: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en-US

8. Google Maps

Our website includes a link to www.google.de/maps, a website of Google.

We use the so-called two-click solution. This means that when you visit our site (“first click”), no personal data is initially passed on to Google. Only when you click on the link or the map (“second click”) and thereby activate it, you will be redirected to Google website. Google is responsible for the data collection and processing that then takes place, including the use of cookies and similar technologies. Assume at least the following: Information on the websites you have visited and your IP address will be transmitted to Google, even if you do not have a profile / account with Google or are not currently logged in there. If you are logged in as a member of Google, the network assigns the information to your personal user account. We do not receive any of this information.

We therefore recommend that you read the privacy policy of Google before clicking on the link/map: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en-US

9. Rights of data subjects

a) Right of access

You have the right to request that the controller confirm whether personal data that relate to you are processed by us.

If that should be the case, you can request information on the following from the controller:

  • the purposes for which the personal data are processed;
  • the categories of personal data processed;
  • the recipients or categories of recipients to whom your personal data are or have been disclosed;
  • the contemplated duration of storage of your personal data or, if concrete information cannot be provided, the criteria for determination of the duration of storage;
  • the existence of a right to rectification or erasure of your personal data, a right to restriction of processing by the controller or a right to object to such processing;
  • the existence of a right to lodge complaints with a supervisory authority;
  • all available information on the origin of personal data not obtained from the data subject;
  • the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Art. 22 (1) and (4) GDPR and – at least in these cases – meaningful information on the logic involved and the scope and intended effects of such processing for the data subject.

You have the right to receive information on whether your personal data are transferred to a third country or an international organization. In this context, you can require that we notify you of appropriate safeguards pursuant to Art. 46 GDPR in connection with any such transfer.

b) Right to rectification

You have the right to require that the controller rectify and/or complete your personal data if the data that are processed are inaccurate or incomplete. The controller must make such changes without undue delay.

c) Right to erasure

i. Duty to erase

You have the right to require that the controller erase personal data concerning you without undue delay and the controller must then erase such personal data without undue delay if one of the following grounds applies:

    • The personal data are no longer needed for the purposes for which they were originally collected or otherwise processed;
    • You have withdrawn the consent to processing given pursuant to of Art. 6 (1) (a) or Art. 9 (2) (a) GDPR and there is no other legal ground for such processing;
    • You object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for such processing or you object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (2) GDPR;
    • Your personal data were processed unlawfully;
    • Your personal data must be erased to comply with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject;
    • Your personal data were collected in connection with an offer of information society services pursuant to Art. 8 (1) GDPR.

ii. Information provided to third parties

If the controller has disclosed personal data concerning you and is obligated to erase such data pursuant to Art. 17 (1) GDPR, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, must take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers that are processing the personal data that you, as the data subject, have requested erasure by such controllers of any links to or copy or replication of such personal data.

iii. Exceptions

The right to erasure does not apply if processing is necessaryto exercise the right to freedom of expression and information;

    • to comply with a legal obligation that requires processing under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or to exercise official authority vested in the controller;
    • for reasons of public interest in the area of the public health pursuant to Art. 9 (2) (h) and (i) and Art. 9 (3) GDPR;
    • for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Art. 89 (1) GDPR insofar as the right referred to in section a) is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of such processing; or
    • to establish, exercise or defend legal claims.

d) Right to restrict processing

You have the right to require that the controller restrict processing of your personal data under the following conditions:

i. if you contest the accuracy of personal data for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the respective personal data;

ii. if the processing is unlawful and you oppose erasure of the personal data and request restriction of their use instead;

iii. if the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but you need the personal data to establish, exercise or defend legal claims; and

iv. if you have objected to processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR pending verification of whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override your grounds.

If the processing of your personal data has been restricted, such personal data may, except as regards storage, be processed only with your consent or for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of important public interest of the Union or of a Member State.

If processing has been restricted as described above, you will be notified by the controller before such restriction is lifted.

e) Right to information

If you have claimed the right to rectification, erasure or restriction of processing against the controller, the controller is obliged to inform all recipients to whom the personal data relating your person has been disclosed of this rectification or erasure of the data or restriction of processing, unless this information is impossible or requires unreasonable effort.

You have the right against the controller to be informed about these recipients.

f) Right to data portability

You have right to receive the personal data concerning you that you have made available to a controller in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. You also have the right to transmit such data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data were provided

i. if processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR or Art. 9 (2) (a) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR and

ii. processing is carried out by automated means.

I In exercising this right, you also have the right to have personal data concerning you transmitted directly from one controller to another if technically feasible. This may not be allowed to adversely affect the freedoms and rights of others.

The right to data portability does not apply to the processing of personal data required for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

g) Right to object

You have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for reasons related to your particular situation based on Art. 6 (1) (e) or (f) GDPR. This will also apply accordingly as regards profiling based on these provisions.

The controller will then cease to process personal data concerning you unless it is possible to demonstrate compelling legitimate reasons for such processing that outweigh your interests, rights and freedoms or such processing serves to establish, exercise or defend legal claims.

If personal data concerning you are processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object to the processing of your data for such marketing purposes at any time. This will apply accordingly to any profiling related to such direct marketing activities.

If you object to processing for the purposes of direct marketing, personal data concerning you will no longer be processed for such purposes.

In the context of the use of information society services and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, you may exercise your right to object by automated means using technical specifications.

h) Right to withdraw consent under data protection law

You have right to withdraw your consent to having your personal data processed at any time. Withdrawal of consent will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on your consent prior to withdrawal.

i) Automated individual decision-making, including Profiling

You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, that legally affects you or entails effects that are of similar importance. This will not apply in the case of any decision that is

i. necessary for the entry into or performance of a contract between you and the controller,

ii. permissible under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests or

iii. based on your explicit consent.

However, these decisions may not be based on special categories of personal data pursuant to Art. 9 (1) GDPR unless Art. 9 (2) (a) or (g) GDPR applies and suitable measures have been taken to safeguard your rights and freedoms as well as your legitimate interests.

In the cases referred to in (i) and (iii) above, the controller must implement suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms as well as your legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express your point of view and to contest the decision.

j) Right to lodge complaints with a Supervisory Authority

Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement if you are of the opinion that the processing of personal data relating to you infringes the GDPR.

The supervisory authority with which the complaint is lodged will inform the complainant on the progress and the outcome of the complaint including the possibility of a judicial remedy pursuant to Art. 78 GDPR.

10. Data security

We make every effort to store your personal data in such a way that it is not accessible to third parties by taking all technical and organizational measures. When communicating by e-mail, we cannot guarantee complete data security, so we recommend that you send confidential information by post.

For security reasons and to protect the transmission of confidential content, such as requests that you send to us as the site operator, this website uses TLS encryption. You can recognize an encrypted connection by the address line of the browser changing from “http://” to “https://” and by the lock symbol in your browser line. If TLS encryption is activated, the data you transmit to us cannot be read by third parties.

11. Update of the Privacy Policy

If we introduce new products or services, change Internet procedures or if Internet and EDP security technology develops further, our Privacy Policy must be updated. We therefore reserve the right to amend or extend our Privacy Policy. We will publish any changes on this website. You should therefore visit this website regularly to be informed about the current status of our Privacy Policy.