Our Enterprise Risk Management Framework

Effective risk management is essential to how NParks operates, given the breadth and complexity of our responsibilities, from managing biodiversity and public green spaces to wildlife, animal health, and infrastructure. NParks’ Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework provides a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks and opportunities across the organisation, supporting sound decision-making and the achievement of our strategic objectives.

The framework is anchored by four core components that work together to ensure risks are consistently identified, governed, assessed, and monitored. NParks Management defines the overall risk strategy and objectives, which are approved by the Board to ensure alignment with NParks’ strategic direction. Clear roles and responsibilities are established across the organisation to sustain effective risk governance, with the framework regularly reviewed to remain relevant to NParks’ evolving operating environment. Risks are assessed objectively against established parameters, with risk owners assigned and existing controls evaluated for adequacy and effectiveness. Risk monitoring and reporting are conducted on a regular basis, with key trends analysed and material risk information escalated to Management and the Board to inform timely decision-making.

To ensure the robustness of this framework, NParks engages external consultants every five years for a comprehensive risk review, covering the risk manual, risk register, and operational activities through consultations with Senior Management. Within the organisation, three Board committees provide risk governance oversight, with annual risk reviews conducted by respective risk focus groups and findings reported to the relevant supervising board committees.

Sustainability Risk Management as part of the ERM Process

Sustainability-related risks are integrated into NParks’ ERM process, spanning ESG considerations aligned with our strategic work areas. Sustainability risks are reported as part of regular enterprise risk reporting to Management and the Board.

Key risks monitored include the health and management of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, tree management, infrastructure and slope management, and animal and wildlife health. On the social front, risks relating to stakeholder management and workplace health and safety are closely tracked. Governance risks, including financial management, fraud and corruption, and IT security, are also actively managed as part of this process.

Climate-related risks are addressed through the adoption of nature-based solutions, including the planting of trees and vegetation to mitigate the urban heat island effect, the restoration of natural habitats to promote biodiversity, and the enhancement of green infrastructure to improve urban water management and reduce flood risk.

For further details on our approach to climate resilience, please refer to the Climate Resilience section.