Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The National Environment Agency ("NEA", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (nea.gm), use our online services, or interact with us.

By using our website and services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information

• Full name, email address, and phone number when you submit reports or contact forms
• Professional information when you apply for positions through our careers portal
• Location data you voluntarily provide when reporting environmental violations

Automatically Collected Information

• Browser type and version, operating system, and device information
• IP address and general geographic location
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns
• Referring website or link that brought you to our site

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process and respond to environmental violation reports and complaints
• Process EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) licence applications
• Provide laboratory and environmental monitoring services
• Communicate important environmental information and updates
• Improve our website functionality and user experience
• Comply with legal obligations under Gambian law
• Maintain the security and integrity of our systems

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following circumstances:

• Government agencies: When required for environmental enforcement, inter-agency coordination, or legal compliance
• Law enforcement: When required by law, court order, or to protect public safety
• Service providers: With trusted partners who assist in operating our website and services, under strict confidentiality agreements
• International partners: With partner organizations (e.g., UNEP, GEF) for environmental project coordination, with appropriate data protection measures

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include secure server infrastructure, encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS), access controls, and regular security reviews. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Cookies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and collect aggregate usage data. You can configure your browser to reject cookies, though this may affect certain features of our website.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your personal data, where applicable
• Withdraw consent for data processing at any time
• Lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., permits.nea.gm, careers.nea.gm). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us so we can take appropriate action.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.