a. LICENSE TO USE WEBSITE

i. The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (the "ABMI" or the "Institute") grants you a limited, gratuitous and revocable, non-exclusive license to view and access the website located at www.abmi.ca, including every website page that shares the domain name "abmi.ca", and NatureLynx.ca (collectively, the "Website") subject to your unconditional acceptance of and compliance with these Website Terms and Conditions (the "Terms"). By accessing or using the Website you are agreeing to and accepting these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, do not access or use the Website.

b. MODIFICATION OF TERMS

i. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time without prior notice by posting such modifications on the Website. Your continued access or use of the Website after such modifications have been posted indicates your acceptance of and agreement to be bound by these Terms as modified.

c. ABMI INFORMATION PRODUCTS

i. "ABMI Information Products" means all information, products and services collected, obtained and/or produced by the ABMI, including, but not limited to, Raw Data, Compiled Data, Status and Trends Data, Data Collection Protocols, ABMI Reports, It's Our Nature to Know Blog, the ABMI e-Newsletter, ABMI Photographic Images, ABMI Science Letters, ABMI Brochures and Pamphlets and NatureLynx Data. 

d. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

i. Use of ABMI Information Products requires that the ABMI be acknowledged as the source of information. Acknowledgements should be structured to include the Institute’s name, website address, and the type of information used. For example, the ABMI might be acknowledged using the following format:

Raw breeding bird data (2004-2006 inclusive) from the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute was used, in whole or part, to create this product. More information on the ABMI can be found at: www.abmi.ca.

e. DISCLOSURE

i. The ABMI strongly recommends that any use of ABMI Information Products includes the following statements of disclosure:

1. The version and type of ABMI Information Products used;
2. If appropriate, the type and source of additional, non-ABMI data used in analysis;
3. A full description of data analysis; and
4. The person(s) or organization(s) conducting the analysis.

f. LINKED SITES AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 

i. Certain links on this Website lead to other websites ("Linked Sites"). The Linked Sites are maintained by independent parties over which the ABMI has no control. The contents of each Linked Site should be used in compliance with the terms of use stated therein. This includes social networking sites whose content is partially or entirely contributed to by the ABMI, including the ABMI's Facebook Page, Twitter Account, Vimeo Channel, LinkedIn Account and Instagram Account (collectively, the "ABMI Social Media Accounts"). 

ii. While the ABMI Social Media Accounts will be governed by the terms of use of the respective social networking site, the ABMI maintains these Terms, which specifically apply to the use of the ABMI Social Media Accounts. 

iii. The ABMI makes and gives no representations, guarantees, conditions or warranties as to the accuracy or any other aspect of the information contained on the Linked Sites, including the goods or services sold or made available. The ABMI disclaims all liability and responsibility for the content of the Linked Sites. Furthermore, any link to this Website should not be construed as a suggestion, recommendation or encouragement by the ABMI of that third party website, or as an endorsement of the products, services or company described therein. Furthermore, any such link should not be construed as meaning that a special relationship, such as a business partnership, exists between the ABMI and the party running the third party website. Nothing in these Terms or your use of the Website grants you any rights or authorizations with respect to any Linked Sites. Any personal information about you or any other individual collected, used or disclosed by or in connection with the Linked Sites will be subject to the privacy policies of the owners or operators of such Linked Sites, and not the ABMI.

g. NATURELYNX TERMS OF USE 

i. The ABMI reserves the right to manage and control all content on the Website, It's OThe use of NatureLynx Data is governed by the NatureLynx Terms of Use (the "NatureLynx Terms") which can be found at www.NatureLynx.ca and are incorporated herein by reference. Unless otherwise covered in the NatureLynx Terms, these Terms govern the NatureLynx Data.

ii. If there is a conflict or inconsistency between these Terms and the NatureLynx Terms, the NatureLynx Terms will govern to the extent of the conflict. 

h. CONTROL OF CONTENT & REPUBLISHED CONTENT

i. The ABMI reserves the right to manage and control all content on the Website and any social networking sites to which the ABMI contributes, whether the content is posted by the ABMI or a third party.

ii. The ABMI is not responsible for republished content from the Website or any social networking sites to which the ABMI contributes. 

i. POSTED MATERIAL & CONTESTS

i. By posting any information, data or content on the Website, including, but not limited to, submitting an entry in a contest held by ABMI (e.g. a photograph contest) (the "Posted Material"), you are:

1. Granting an irrevocable, perpetual and worldwide license to the ABMI itself or to any third party to reproduce, distribute, display and create derivative works from the Posted Material in any media now or hereafter known, including any copyright or moral rights associate therewith;
2. Consenting to the ABMI utilizing your name and/or picture, where applicable, in connection with the Posted Material;
3. Confirming that the Posted Material is your own original work and that no third party has intellectual property rights in the Posted Material, including any copyright or moral rights, or where such third party rights exist, that you have obtained written releases and consent necessary to allow the ABMI to use the Posted Material in any manner whatsoever; and 
4. Agreeing to indemnify and hold harmless the ABMI from and against any and all claims and expenses, including legal fees, arising out of the Posted Material.

j. PRIVACY

i. We are committed to the protection and security of your privacy and personal information. Please refer to our Website Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein by reference.

k. DISCLAIMERS, LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY & INDEMNIFICATION

i. The ABMI assumes no liability in connection with the ABMI Information Products or any other information or services made available by the Institute. While every effort is made to ensure the information contained in these products and services is correct, the ABMI disclaims any liability in negligence or otherwise for any loss or damage which may occur as a result of reliance on any of this material. All ABMI Information Products and other information and services are subject to change by the ABMI without notice. This policy is subject to fees and other policies as determined by the ABMI Board of Directors and may be revised from time-to-time.

ii. The downloading, reading and review of material from the Website or Linked Sites is done solely at your own risk. The ABMI does not guarantee or warrant that such materials are free of viruses or other destructive code or content of any kind. You are responsible for implementing safeguards to protect your computer system and data and you are solely responsible for the entire cost of any service, repairs or corrections necessary as a result of the use of the Website or any Linked Site. iii. You agree that you will not rely on any opinion or other information set out in the Website or any Linked Site when making business, financial, personal or any other decisions. The ABMI does not endorse the opinions of any third party expressed on the Website or any Linked Site.

iii. You agree that you will not rely on any opinion or other information set out in the Website or any Linked Site when making business, financial, personal or any other decisions. The ABMI does not endorse the opinions of any third party expressed on the Website or any Linked Site. 

iv. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ABMI BE LIABLE FOR ANY: (I) INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, COMPENSATORY, AGGRAVATED, EXEMPLARY OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES; (II) DAMAGES FOR ECONOMIC LOSS, LOSS OF INCOME, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF DATA OR BUSINESS INFORMATION, LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, OR FAILURE TO REALIZE EXPECTED REVENUES, SAVINGS OR OTHER RESULTS OF ANY KIND; (III) CLAIMS OF THIRD PARTIES; OR (IV) OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS, THE WEBSITE OR ANY LINKED SITE. IN NO EVENT WILL THE CUMULATIVE LIABILITY OF THE ABMI ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS EXCEED CDN. $10.00. 

v. You agree to indemnify and hold the ABMI harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, demands, losses or expenses (including all legal fees) that the ABMI may incur or suffer as a result of your use of this Website or arising out of your breach of these Terms.

l. JURISDICTION & GOVERNING LAW

i. The laws of the Province of Alberta and any applicable federal laws of Canada shall govern your use of the Website and the interpretation of these Terms. The courts of the Province of Alberta, without regard to their conflicts of laws provisions, shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising out of your use of this Website. Regardless of your physical location, residence or domicile, you undertake and agree to commence no action nor make any claim of any kind in any jurisdiction other than the courts of the Province of Alberta. 

m. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

i. These Terms, any and all other notices, policies and statements contained on the Website constitute the entire agreement between the ABMI and you. These Terms cannot be modified except as described elsewhere herein. These Terms supersede anything on the Website or any prior communication with you inconsistent with these Terms. 

n. NO WAIVER

i. No waiver of any of these Terms, or any term or condition herein, shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of any such term or condition or any other term or condition. 

O. SEVERABILITY

i. If in any jurisdiction, any part of these Terms is held to be unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such part of these Terms shall be restricted or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary and the remaining Terms shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

a. ACCESS TO ABMI INFORMATION PRODUCTS

i. ABMI Information Products will be supplied to any person(s) or organization(s) that desire ABMI Information Products regardless of the intended use of the information, as long as the information sought is considered Publically Accessible Information as defined in section 2(b) and none of the exemptions set out in section 2(c) apply. This policy position is designed to ensure that the ABMI maintains transparent operations, achieves the highest scientific credibility, and provides significant value to Albertans. The ABMI claims no ownership of, or responsibility for any information or products generated through the use of ABMI Information Products.

b. "PUBLICALLY ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION" – includes the following:

i. "Raw Data" - The ABMI collects abiotic and biotic data using numerous field and remote sensing protocols. After undergoing quality control by the ABMI, the data is publically available without further modification. Raw Data is publically accessible at the scale of individual points. Precise geographic point location will remain anonymous.

ii. "Compiled Data" - The ABMI summarizes and standardizes many Raw Data variables into forms that better support the business needs of stakeholders. Compiled Data is generated using simple summary algorithms that produce slightly refined versions of Raw Data (e.g., converting raw species count data into estimates of abundance). Compiled Data and methods used to conduct the summaries are publically accessible. Compiled Data is publically accessible at the scale of individual points. Precise geographic point location will remain anonymous. 

iii. "Status and Trends Data" - The ABMI produces value-added products describing the status and trends of Alberta’s biodiversity. Status and Trends Data is generated using advanced algorithms, such as the biodiversity index, that produce a highly refined version of the ABMI’s Raw Data. Status and Trends Data and the methods used to conduct the summaries are publically accessible. Status and Trends Data is publically accessible at the scale of 50 ABMI points or greater.

iv. "Data Collection Protocols" - The ABMI produces and maintains numerous protocols to conduct field and remote sensing data collection. These protocols are publically accessible.

v. "NatureLynx Data" – The ABMI provides information and data on Alberta's biodiversity and habitats that is collected and produced by the ABMI and/or by third parties through the NatureLynx website and the NatureLynx App, which are publically accessible at www.NatureLynx.ca and various app stores, respectively. 

vi. "ABMI Reports" - The ABMI produces annual reports that are relevant to the ABMI’s business needs and outline the yearly activities of the Institute. These ABMI Reports are publically accessible.

vii. "It's Our Nature to Know Blog" / "ABMI e-Newsletter" - The ABMI regularly publishes blog posts on It's Our Nature to Know and a quarterly e-Newsletter for the purpose of sharing information and promoting education on Alberta’s biodiversity, habitats and the activities at the ABMI. The blog and the e-newsletter are publically accessible through blog.abmi.ca and abmi.ca, respectively.

viii. "ABMI Science Letters" – The ABMI regularly produces science letters for the purposes of sharing information and promoting education on Alberta's biodiversity and habitats. The ABMI Science Letters are publically accessible and can be found at abmi.ca. 

ix. "ABMI Brochures and Pamphlets" – The ABMI produces brochures and pamphlets on a variety of topics relating to Alberta's biodiversity, which are publically accessible and can be downloaded from abmi.ca.  

x. "ABMI Photographic Images" - The ABMI collects and maintains photographs that are relevant to the ABMI’s business needs. Photographs to which the ABMI holds copyright are publically accessible provided that appropriate reference and credits are given in any subsequent use of the images. Credit should be structured to include: The photographer’s name and affiliation, and the URL for the ABMI or appropriate agency/organization. For example, “photographer's name, ABMI, www.abmi.ca”.

c. EXEMPTIONS TO PUBLICALLY ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION – Exemptions to this policy are employed in circumstances where providing public access to ABMI Information Products can cause harm to the Institute’s business, including:

i. Survey Site Locations -

1. The precise geographic coordinates of the ABMI’s survey site (point) locations are not publically accessible. Nor are any other ABMI Information Products that can cause to communicate the precise geographic coordinates of the ABMI’s survey site locations.
2. Management activities that occur at the ABMI’s site locations must be unbiased for the ABMI to remain an unbiased measure of biodiversity and human footprint in the Province. Knowledge of the ABMI’s site locations may cause land managers to intentionally (or unintentionally) conduct (or not conduct) specific management activities around these locations. This would seriously compromise the scientific integrity of the ABMI.
3. Public geographic coordinates for each ABMI survey site location are publically accessible. Public coordinates identify the location of each survey site to within 5.5 km of the precise geographic coordinate (or 95 km2; i.e., the ABMI’s precise geographic coordinate is within 5.5 km of the public geographic coordinate).

ii. Private Land Owners - The identity of private land owners that host an ABMI survey site location is not publically accessible. Nor are any other ABMI Information Products that can cause to communicate the identity of private land owners that host an ABMI survey site location.

iii. Rare and Endangered Species in the White Area - The location of rare and endangered species in the White Area will be made publically accessible at a broad scale only (e.g., greater than 1 ABMI point). Private land owners and disposition holders in the White Area have expressed concern that information products about rare and endangered species might be traced back to precise land holding and, therefore, cause material harm to their operations. The decision to release rare and endangered species information at broad scale offers additional anonymity to land owners and dispositions holders in the White Area.

iv. Custody and Release of "Third-party Data" -

1. From time-to-time, the ABMI will accept and host Third-party Data from third-party contributors ("Third Party Contributors"). Third Party Contributors can request that the public release of this data be delayed by up to 6 years from the date that the ABMI accepts the data.
2. ABMI value-added services that incorporate Third-party Data will not be available to Third Party Contributors until the Third-party Data becomes Publically Accessible Information, at which time the Third Party Contributor and the public will have equal access to the data and value added services. Additional terms and conditions that apply to the acceptance and hosting of Third-party Data are described in a separate ABMI policy document.

v. Third-party Custody of Copyrighted Material - From time-to-time, the ABMI will host material to which copyright is held by a third party. The ABMI respects this copyright in perpetuity and will adhere to the wishes of the copyright holder regarding product distribution. In instances where Third-party Data is hosted by the ABMI, and where the copyright holder does not wish the material to be freely distributed, the ABMI will direct inquiries to the copyright holder.

d. ABOUT ACCESSING ABMI INFORMATION PRODUCTS

i. Quality Assurance - The ABMI applies rigorous quality control to all ABMI Information Products before they are made publically accessible. Only products that pass the Institute's quality control are made available to the public.

ii. How to Obtain Data - The ABMI Information Products are made available through a single web portal or via web services. Some ABMI Reports may be available for distribution in hard copy.

iii. Timing of Product Availability - The ABMI makes every effort to release ABMI Information Products in a timely manner while adhering to rigorous quality control. In general, ABMI Information Products are expected to become publically accessible within 9 months of collection or production. ABMI Information Products become available to all stakeholders and the public at the same time.

i. Access to Exempted Information - Requests for ABMI Information Products that are exempted from public accessibility will be evaluated by the ABMI on a case-by-case basis. However, ABMI site locations that occur on private land will not be shared with anyone outside the ABMI. The ABMI takes all reasonable steps to maintain and protect the anonymity of private land owners that partner with the Institute.
 

e. FURTHER INFORMATION

i. For further information with respect to our Website Terms and Conditions, or if you have any questions or concerns regarding the ABMI, feel free to contact the ABMI directly by email at abmiinfo@ualberta.ca or by mail at The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, CW 405 Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E9.