eBioNet - a Transboundary Biodiversity Learning Network (TBLN) Initiative

1. Acceptance of Terms

By registering for an account, accessing, or using the eBioNet platform at ebionet.org (the "Platform"), you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you must not use the Platform.

2. About eBioNet

eBioNet is a biodiversity information and learning network. The Platform is operated and maintained by the Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD) NPC (Registration No. 98/03011/08), a registered non-profit company based in Mpumalanga, South Africa. AWARD serves as the technical host and data custodian on behalf of the eBioNet network partners.

3. User Accounts

3.1. You must provide accurate and complete information when creating an account.

3.2. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.

3.3. You must notify the site administrator immediately if you become aware of any unauthorised use of your account.

3.4. AWARD reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms or that have been inactive for an extended period, with reasonable notice where practicable.

4. Acceptable Use

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes related to biodiversity education, training, and collaboration. You must not:

• Upload, post, or transmit any content that is unlawful, defamatory, obscene, or infringes on the rights of others;
• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of the Platform, other users' accounts, or connected systems;
• Use the Platform to distribute malware, spam, or other harmful content;
• Interfere with or disrupt the Platform's infrastructure or functionality;
• Use automated tools (bots, scrapers) to access the Platform without prior written consent;
• Share your account credentials with third parties;
• Use the Platform for commercial purposes unrelated to eBioNet's mission without prior approval.

5. Intellectual Property

5.1. Course materials, content, and resources made available on the Platform are the intellectual property of eBioNet, AWARD, or the respective content creators, unless otherwise stated.

5.2. You may access and use course materials for personal educational purposes. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from Platform content without the express permission of the rights holder.

5.3. Where you upload content to the Platform (e.g., assignments, forum posts), you retain ownership of your original work but grant eBioNet and AWARD a non-exclusive licence to use, display, and store that content as necessary for the operation of the Platform.

6. Course Participation and Assessment

6.1. Enrolment in courses may be subject to specific requirements or approval by course facilitators.

6.2. Course completion, grades, and certificates are subject to the assessment criteria defined within each course.

6.3. Academic integrity is expected. Plagiarism, cheating, or misrepresentation of work may result in sanctions, including removal from courses and account suspension.

7. Availability and Modifications

7.1. AWARD endeavours to maintain the Platform's availability but does not guarantee uninterrupted access. Scheduled maintenance will be communicated in advance where possible.

7.2. AWARD reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Platform at any time, with reasonable notice to users.

7.3. These Terms of Use may be updated from time to time. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1. The Platform and its content are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied.

8.2. To the fullest extent permitted by South African law, AWARD shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Platform.

8.3. AWARD's total liability for any direct damages shall not exceed the fees paid by you (if any) for access to the Platform.

9. Governing Law

These Terms of Use are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from the use of the Platform shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the South African courts.

10. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding these Terms of Use, please contact:

• Email: dpo@award.org.za
• Website: https://award.org.za
• Postal Address: AWARD, P.O. Box 1919, Hoedspruit, 1380, Mpumalanga, South Africa

These Terms of Use are effective as of February 2026 and replace any prior terms.