Lighthouse Reef Research Repository (Lr³) Legal Information

Introduction

Welcome to the Lighthouse Reef Research Repository (Lr³) website, www.lighthousereef.bz. By accessing and using this Website, you agree to comply with the terms outlined in this Legal Information page, which encompasses our Privacy Policy, Disclaimers, and all other applicable policies.

Organizational Structure and Compliance

Lighthouse Reef Research Repository operates through two distinct, legally registered entities that collaborate to achieve the mission “to protect Lighthouse Reef.”

  • Lighthouse Reef Research Repository Limited (Belize NGO):
    • Registered as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Belize (TIN: 359845).
    • Operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct research and conservation activities.
    • Crucially: The Belize NGO does not provide, sell, or receive payment for any commercial services, including lodging, meals, guiding, or boat transfers. Its sole purpose is non-profit mission work.
  • Lighthouse Reef Research Repository (U.S. 501(c)(3)):
    • Registered as a public charitable non-profit organization in the United States (EIN: 33-2955124).
    • Solely formed to help raise funds and accept tax-deductible contributions in the U.S. that are granted to the Belize NGO to support the mission.
    • All donations processed via this website are made to the U.S. 501(c)(3) entity.

Third-Party Commercial Services and Facilitation

Lr³ facilitates, but does not directly provide, commercial services for donor expeditions.

  • Commercial Services: Services such as Guiding and Boat Transfers are provided exclusively by separate, licensed, and legally compliant Belizean entities, including guiding companies and dive operators, with whom Lr³ has formal agreements.
  • Payment for Services: When participating in a donor expedition, your total payment is divided. A portion of your payment is remitted directly to these licensed third-party service providers to cover the Fair Market Value (FMV)of the commercial services you receive. Lr³ does not receive or process funds intended for these commercial services.

Donations and Tax Deductibility (U.S. Taxpayers)

Lr³ relies on charitable contributions to fund its mission. By making a payment through this Website, you agree to the following:

  • Quid Pro Quo Contributions: If your payment includes amounts designated for third-party services (non-deductible) or for special privileges (donor-hosted benefits), the tax-deductible contribution is legally limited to the amount of your payment that exceeds the Fair Market Value (FMV) of all goods, services, and privileges received.
  • Donor Expeditions: For donor expeditions, your payment is structured to ensure that only the full charitable contribution amount is made to the U.S. 501(c)(3) entity. The entire amount designated as the charitable contribution is eligible for deduction because all third-party commercial services are covered by a separate payment portion. You must consult your tax advisor for specific advice regarding deductibility.

Private Hosted Guest Status (The Non-Commercial Component)

Lodging and meals provided to donors during field programs are offered gratuitously by the private landowners and hosts (Winnifred Grosenbach and Francisco Martinez) and are not provided, sold, or underwritten by the Belize NGO or the U.S. 501(c)(3) entity. Donors are hosted as private guests to facilitate their participation in the research mission. This arrangement is purely non-commercial.

Acknowledgment of Risk and Liability Waiver

Participation in donor expeditions, research, and field activities involves travel to remote locations and carries inherent risks to personal safety, health, and property.

  • Assumption of Risk: By participating, you acknowledge and accept these inherent risks.
  • Waiver of Liability: Before commencing any field program or activity, all participants are required to sign a separate, detailed Liability Waiver and Release. This document will be provided to you upon registration.
  • View Liability Waiver: A copy of the required liability waiver can be viewed here:  LIABILITY WAIVER

Refund and Cancellation Policy

This policy applies to payments processed by Lr³ through this Website.

  • Charitable Contributions (Donations): All charitable contributions made to the U.S. 501(c)(3) are considered final and non-refundable.
  • Third-Party Commercial Services: The portion of your payment remitted to licensed third-party service providers (Guiding, Boat Transfers) is subject to the cancellation and refund policies of those specific providers. Lr³ is not responsible for issuing refunds for these services.
  • Merchandise: All sales of merchandise are final unless otherwise stated (e.g., for defective goods). Please contact us immediately regarding any issues with products received.

Privacy Policy

Lr³ is committed to protecting your privacy. This section details how we collect, use, and share your personal information.

Information We Collect

We collect personal information when you interact with us, including:

  • Identity and Contact Data: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address (when submitting forms or making a donation).
  • Financial Data: Payment information is processed by secure third-party processors (we do not store your full credit card details).
  • Usage Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and data collected via cookies about how you use our Website.
  • Expedition/Guest Data: Dietary restrictions, medical information, and emergency contact details necessary for trip logistics.

How We Use Your Information

We use your data for the following purposes:

  1. To process and acknowledge your charitable donations and provide tax receipts.
  2. To communicate with you regarding our mission, updates, and expeditions.
  3. To facilitate and manage the logistics of donor expeditions.
  4. To monitor and improve the functionality and security of the Website.

Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties. We will share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

  • Third-Party Service Providers: Information essential for your safety and logistics (Name, Dietary Needs, Emergency Contacts) will be shared with the licensed Belizean third-party service providers (guides, boat operators) and the private hosts (Winnifred Grosenbach and Francisco Martinez) to ensure seamless expedition operation.
  • Legal Compliance: When required by law or to protect our rights or the safety of others.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Website uses cookies to enhance your experience, analyze site usage, and support our mission. By using our Website, you consent to the use of cookies.

Website Terms

Intellectual Property

All content on this Website, including text, images, logos, videos, graphics, and downloadable materials, is the property of Lighthouse Reef Research Repository (Lr³) or its content providers and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of this content is prohibited without prior written consent.

Limitation of Liability and Disclaimers

This Website is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.

  • No Guarantee: Lr³ strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information but does not guarantee its completeness, reliability, or suitability. Use of this Website and reliance on its content are at your own risk.
  • Liability Cap: Lr³ and its affiliates shall not be held liable for any damages, including direct, indirect, or consequential losses, arising from the use or inability to use this Website.

This Website may contain links to third-party websites for additional information or convenience. Lr³ is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of these external sites. Users access third-party links at their own risk.

User Conduct

While using this Website, you agree to: refrain from engaging in any unlawful, harmful, or malicious activities; avoid interfering with the Website’s functionality or security features; and respect the intellectual property rights of Lr³ and others.

Jurisdiction and Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of Belize. Any disputes arising from the use of this Website shall be resolved exclusively in the courts of Belize.

Changes to this Legal Page

Lr³ reserves the right to update this Legal Page at any time. Continued use of the Website following updates indicates your acceptance of the revised terms.

Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns about this Legal Page, please contact us:

Lighthouse Reef Research Repository (Lr³)

  • Website: www.lighthousereef.bz
  • Email: Francisco@lighthousereef.bz
  • Phone (Belize): +502 612-3993
  • Phone (USA/WhatsApp): +1 720 260-8858