Methodology, Data Architecture and Knowledge Sharing Policy
In collaborations, coalitions, consultations, and exploratory discussions, NutGraph / Land Conflict Watch (“LCW”) distinguishes between the sharing of datasets and the sharing of the systems through which such data is produced.
LCW data may be shared, licensed, or made available in accordance with the LCW/Nutgraph Data Access and Licensing Policy. However, LCW’s methodology and data architecture constitute distinct intellectual property assets. These include, but are not limited to, LCW’s data structure, indicators, parameters, classification systems, research design, field protocols, verification processes, backend architecture, and analytical frameworks.
These systems have been developed and refined through LCW’s long-term work and form a core part of its institutional expertise, public value, and sustainability model.
Accordingly, these can be shared in the following manner:
1. Engagements in Non-Overlapping Areas
NutGraph / LCW is open to providing consultancy, advisory support, and structured knowledge-sharing on its methodology and data architecture to organisations operating in geographies, sectors, or thematic areas where there is no direct conflict of interest or risk of replication in LCW’s core areas of work.
Such engagements may include:
- methodological advisory
- data architecture design
- research framework development
- capacity building and training
In line with the LCW Data Access and Licensing Policy:
- For funded, commercial, or for-profit engagements, such support shall ordinarily be provided on a fee basis.
- For non-funded public interest work, including work undertaken by NGOs, independent researchers, journalists, or academic institutions, NutGraph / LCW may, at its discretion, provide such support at a reduced fee or on a pro bono basis.
- For student-led or academic projects, NutGraph / LCW may extend methodological guidance as a goodwill measure, subject to scope and capacity.
All such engagements shall be subject to prior written agreement, including terms governing scope, attribution, confidentiality, and permitted use.
2. Engagements in Overlapping Areas (Conflict of Interest)
In engagements with organisations operating in the same or substantially overlapping geography, sector, thematic area, or institutional space as NutGraph / LCW, and in view of conflict of interest considerations, NutGraph / LCW does not provide access to or share its methodology, data architecture, backend systems, field protocols, verification processes, or internal data parameters.
However, in the spirit of collaboration, NutGraph / LCW remains open to supporting such organisations through direct engagement. This may include:
- data collection and verification
- dataset development and structuring
- analytical and research outputs
- advisory or implementation support
Such engagements may be undertaken:
- on a fee basis for funded or commercial engagements; or
- at a reduced fee or on a pro bono basis, at the discretion of NutGraph / LCW, for non-funded public interest work, NGOs, or academic or student-led projects.
3. Distinction from Data Access
Access to LCW data, whether paid or non-paid, shall not be construed as access to, or permission to use, LCW’s methodology, data architecture, or internal systems.
4. Conditions for Methodology Sharing
Where methodology or data architecture is shared under permitted circumstances, such sharing shall be governed by prior written agreement, including:
- defined scope of use
- attribution requirements
- confidentiality obligations
- restrictions on replication, adaptation, or commercial use
- prohibition on transfer to third parties without prior consent
5. No Implied Rights through Participation
Participation in a coalition, consultation, workshop, meeting, or exploratory discussion shall not be construed as granting any right to use, reproduce, adapt, or build upon LCW’s methodology, data architecture, or internal systems
For collaborations and partnerships, contact us here.
