Privacy Policy

Who we are

OrquIDea is a citizen-science platform operated by OrchidArc for documenting wild orchids, supporting conservation, and discouraging illegal collection or trade. The public website is available at orquidea.orchidarc.org.

Information we collect

Depending on which features you use, OrquIDea may collect:

• Account information, such as your email address or profile name, if you sign in.
• Observation information, including photographs, species notes, dates, and approximate locality.
• Device-provided location data, only when you choose to submit an observation with location.
• Technical information needed to keep the app secure and functional.

Sensitive species locations

Orchid locations can be conservation-sensitive. OrquIDea is designed to avoid exposing precise locations of vulnerable wild plants to the public. Exact coordinates, when collected, may be restricted, generalized, or withheld from public display.

How we use information

We use information to:

• Display, manage, and review orchid observations.
• Support identification, education, research, and conservation planning.
• Protect sensitive species and prevent misuse of location data.
• Maintain account security and app reliability.

Sharing

We do not sell personal information. Observation data may be shared with conservation partners, researchers, or orchid societies when this supports conservation and does not expose sensitive locations inappropriately.

Your choices

You may choose not to submit observations or location data. To request access, correction, or deletion of your account or submitted data, contact us through the support page.

Children

OrquIDea is intended for general education and citizen science. Children should use the platform with guidance from a parent, guardian, teacher, or responsible adult.