Welcome to the website of the Subterranean Ecosystems Conservation Organisation (SUBECO). By accessing and using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please discontinue your use of the website.

Acceptance of Terms

By accessing this website, submitting enquiries, contacting us, subscribing to communications, or otherwise interacting with SUBECO, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

Use of the Website

You agree to use this website only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of others or interfere with their use and enjoyment of the website.

You may not:

• Use the website for unlawful or fraudulent purposes.
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to the website, its servers, or associated systems.
• Introduce malicious software, viruses, or harmful code.
• Interfere with the security, functionality, or operation of the website.
• Copy, reproduce, distribute, or exploit website content without prior written permission.

Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, all content on this website, including text, photographs, graphics, illustrations, logos, videos, research summaries, publications, datasets, maps, branding, and other materials, is the property of SUBECO or its licensors and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws.

No material from this website may be reproduced, distributed, modified, published, or otherwise used without prior written consent, except where permitted by applicable law.

Research and Information

This website provides information relating to cave conservation, subterranean ecology, biodiversity monitoring, scientific research, education, and related activities.

While we make reasonable efforts to ensure that information published on this website is accurate and up to date, SUBECO makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of any information.

Scientific understanding evolves over time, and website content may be updated without notice as new research becomes available.

Enquiries and Communications

Submitting an enquiry or contacting SUBECO through this website does not create any contractual relationship or obligation.

Any collaborations, volunteer opportunities, research partnerships, consultancy services, training, or other activities remain subject to separate agreements where applicable.

Third-Party Websites

This website may contain links to third-party websites or external resources for your convenience.

SUBECO does not control, endorse, or accept responsibility for the content, privacy practices, security, or accuracy of any third-party websites.

Your use of external websites is entirely at your own risk.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, SUBECO shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages arising from:

• Use of or inability to use this website.
• Reliance on information published on this website.
• Technical interruptions or website downtime.
• Loss of data.
• Unauthorised access to information.
• The use of external websites linked from this website.

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where such exclusion is prohibited by applicable law.

Privacy

Your use of this website is also governed by our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, which form part of these Terms and Conditions.

By using this website, you consent to the collection and processing of information as described in those policies.

Electronic Communications

By contacting SUBECO through this website or via email, you consent to receiving electronic communications from us.

Electronic communications satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless SUBECO, its officers, members, employees, contractors, researchers, volunteers, collaborators, affiliates, and partners from any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising from your misuse of this website or your breach of these Terms and Conditions.

Termination

We reserve the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate access to the website at any time, without prior notice, where necessary to protect the website, its users, or the interests of SUBECO.

Force Majeure

SUBECO shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations where such delay or failure results from events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, severe weather, government actions, pandemics, power outages, cyber incidents, civil unrest, or technical failures.

Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time.

Any revisions will be published on this page together with the updated effective date. Continued use of the website following publication of any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of this website shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us using the contact details provided on the SUBECO website.

By using this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.