Code of Ethics
Purpose
IsoGentiX operates at the intersection of biodiversity science, commercial data licensing, and international compliance. This Code of Ethics sets out the principles that govern how every person associated with IsoGentiX — directors, employees, contractors, and field partners — must conduct themselves in all aspects of their work.
This Code is not aspirational. It describes required behaviour. Deviation from it is grounds for disciplinary action, termination of engagement, or referral to relevant authorities.
Core Principles
1. Integrity in all dealings
We act with honesty and transparency in all professional dealings — with national authorities, community partners, commercial licensees, investors, and the public. We do not misrepresent our capabilities, the status of our data, our compliance position, or the nature of our commercial relationships.
2. Respect for national sovereignty over biological resources
We recognise Madagascar's sovereign rights over its biological resources as established under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol. We do not access, collect, or use biological resources without proper Prior Informed Consent and Mutually Agreed Terms. We honour benefit-sharing obligations in full and on time.
3. Respect for communities
We engage with local communities as partners, not as obstacles or data sources. Community Free, Prior, and Informed Consent is a genuine requirement — not a formality. We do not proceed with collection activities in any community zone without FPIC being genuinely obtained, understood, and documented.
4. Scientific integrity
We do not fabricate, falsify, or selectively report data. We apply the same quality standards to all datasets regardless of commercial pressure to deliver. We disclose known limitations in our data to commercial partners. We do not claim quality standards we have not met.
5. Confidentiality
We protect commercially sensitive information belonging to partners, licensees, and counterparties. We do not use confidential information for personal benefit or share it outside authorised channels.
6. Conflicts of interest
We avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts promptly. We do not allow personal financial interests to influence business decisions. See the Conflict of Interest Policy for detailed requirements.
7. No bribery or corruption
We do not offer, pay, accept, or facilitate bribes or improper payments of any kind — including facilitation payments — regardless of local practice or commercial pressure. See the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy for detailed requirements.
8. Environmental responsibility
We minimise our environmental footprint in all field operations. We do not collect more material than necessary for scientific purposes. We report and respond to any unintended environmental harm caused by our activities.
9. Dignity and respect
We treat every person — colleagues, community members, national authority officials, contractors — with dignity and respect. Harassment, discrimination, and exploitation in any form are prohibited. See specific policies for detailed requirements.
Raising concerns
Any person who believes this Code is being violated has the right — and the responsibility — to raise the concern. Concerns may be raised with any director or through the Grievance Policy process. Retaliation against anyone raising a genuine concern in good faith is a serious disciplinary matter.
Review
This Code is reviewed annually by the IsoGentiX board. Material amendments require board approval and are communicated to all personnel.