Terms of Use

Please read these terms carefully before using our website or participating in our programs.

Last updated: December 2024

Agreement to Terms

By accessing and using the Alega Preservation Institute (API) website, participating in our programs, or engaging with our services, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or services.

These terms apply to all visitors, users, donors, volunteers, program participants, and others who access or use our services.

About Alega Preservation Institute

Alega Preservation Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the natural environment and marine life of Alega Bay, Samoan cultural traditions, and promoting sustainable living practices across the Samoan Archipelago.

Our website and services are operated from American Samoa and are subject to the laws of American Samoa and the United States.

Acceptable Use

You may use our website and services for lawful purposes only. You agree not to:

  • Violate any applicable federal, state, local, or international law
  • Transmit or upload any harmful, illegal, or inappropriate content
  • Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation
  • Interfere with or disrupt the website's operation or security
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
  • Use automated systems to scrape or harvest content
  • Engage in any activity that could harm our reputation or mission

Donations and Financial Contributions

When making donations to Alega Preservation Institute:

  • All donations are voluntary and non-refundable unless required by law
  • Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law
  • You will receive a receipt for tax purposes as required by IRS regulations
  • Funds will be used to support our conservation and cultural preservation mission
  • We reserve the right to decline or return donations at our discretion
  • Recurring donations can be cancelled by contacting us directly

Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your donations.

Programs and Activities

Participation in our educational programs, volunteer activities, and conservation efforts:

  • May require completion of application forms and waivers
  • Is subject to age restrictions and parental consent for minors
  • May involve physical activities with inherent risks
  • Requires adherence to safety guidelines and instructions
  • May be cancelled or modified due to weather or safety concerns
  • Includes photography/videography for promotional purposes unless opted out

We reserve the right to dismiss participants who violate safety rules or our code of conduct.

Intellectual Property Rights

The content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, videos, and software, is owned by Alega Preservation Institute or used with permission and is protected by copyright and other laws.

Your Rights:

  • View and download content for personal, non-commercial use
  • Share links to our content for educational or promotional purposes
  • Print content for personal reference

Restrictions:

  • No commercial use without written permission
  • No modification, reproduction, or distribution of content
  • No removal of copyright or trademark notices
  • Respect for traditional Samoan cultural knowledge and practices

User-Generated Content

If you submit content to us (comments, photos, testimonials, etc.):

  • You retain ownership of your content
  • You grant us a non-exclusive license to use, modify, and display your content
  • Your content must be original and not infringe on others' rights
  • We may remove content that violates these terms
  • You are responsible for the accuracy and legality of your content

Disclaimers and Liability

Disclaimer of Warranties: Our website and services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee that our services will be uninterrupted or error-free.

Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, Alega Preservation Institute shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages resulting from your use of our services or participation in our programs.

Assumption of Risk: Participation in our activities may involve risks. Participants assume responsibility for their own safety and well-being.

Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms of Use by reference.

By using our services, you consent to our Privacy Policy and the collection and use of information as described therein.

Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We do not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of third-party sites.

We may use third-party services for:

  • Donation processing and payment handling
  • Email marketing and communications
  • Website analytics and performance monitoring
  • Social media integration

Termination

We reserve the right to:

  • Terminate or suspend your access to our services
  • Remove or disable access to any content
  • Modify or discontinue services without notice

These actions may be taken for violations of these terms, illegal activity, or at our sole discretion.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of American Samoa and the United States. Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of our services will be resolved through:

  1. Informal Resolution: Good faith efforts to resolve disputes directly
  2. Mediation: Non-binding mediation if informal resolution fails
  3. Legal Action: Courts of appropriate jurisdiction in American Samoa

You agree to resolve disputes individually and not as part of a class action.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Use from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or applicable laws. We will:

  • Post updated terms on our website
  • Update the "Last updated" date
  • Notify users of significant changes via email or website notice
  • Provide reasonable time for review before changes take effect

Your continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance of the updated terms.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Use or need to report violations, please contact us:

Email: legal@apias.org

Mail: Alega Preservation Institute

Attention: Legal Department

Alega Village, Tutuila Island

American Samoa 96799

Phone: +684-xxx-xxxx

Website: www.alegapreservation.org

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (SST)

Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Use is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the Terms of Use will otherwise remain in full force and effect.