Risk Management

At Drishti Foundation Trust, we believe that risk management is not just a compliance requirement it is an essential part of our strategy to protect our mission, people, resources, and reputation. With more than a decade of service in India, and with the privilege of holding Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2017 and accreditation from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), we operate with the highest levels of accountability, foresight, and responsibility.

Our organization is engaged in a wide spectrum of activities, including research & development, higher education, river rejuvenation, ocean cleaning, water conservation, pond cleaning, tree plantation & maintenance, wildlife protection, disaster management, and ecosystem & biodiversity restoration. These activities often take us into challenging environments and involve collaboration with multiple stakeholders, making risk identification and mitigation critical to our success.

Purpose of Our Risk Management Policy

The primary goal of our Risk Management Policy is to ensure that risks are identified early, assessed objectively, mitigated effectively, and monitored continuously. This approach safeguards our operations and helps us achieve sustainable outcomes for the communities and ecosystems we serve.

We recognize that risk is an inherent part of any impactful work—especially in environmental conservation, disaster relief, and large-scale community projects. By proactively managing risks, we:

• Protect the health and safety of our team members, volunteers, and beneficiaries.
• Safeguard the funds entrusted to us by donors and funding agencies.
• Maintain our compliance with national and international regulations.
• Preserve our credibility and reputation.
• Ensure long-term operational stability and project success.

Scope of the Risk Management Policy

This policy applies to all aspects of our work, including:

• Operational Risks – Risks to our day-to-day operations, including staffing, facilities, and resource availability.
• Financial Risks – Risks related to funding, budgeting, and donor compliance.
• Project Risks – Risks inherent in the planning, execution, and delivery of our field projects.
• Environmental Risks – Risks associated with the natural environment, climate change impacts, and ecological degradation.
• Compliance Risks – Risks of failing to adhere to legal, ethical, or donor requirements.
• Reputation Risks – Risks to our public image, trust, and credibility.

Risk Management Principles

Our approach to risk management is based on the following guiding principles:

1. Proactivity – We identify and address risks before they escalate into crises.
2. Transparency – All stakeholders are kept informed of significant risks and our strategies to address them.
3. Accountability – Each team member understands their role in managing risks.
4. Evidence-Based Decisions – Risk assessment is supported by data, research, and expert consultation.
5. Sustainability – Our mitigation measures are environmentally responsible and socially ethical.

The Risk Management Process

We follow a structured five-step process to manage risks effectively:

1. Risk Identification

We conduct regular reviews of our projects, operations, and partnerships to identify potential threats. Examples include:

• Equipment failure during river cleaning.
• Extreme weather affecting tree plantation drives.
• Fund disbursement delays affecting project timelines.
• Regulatory changes impacting operations.

2. Risk Assessment

Once identified, risks are analyzed for their likelihood and impact. We categorize them as:

• Low, Medium, High, or Critical.
  This helps us prioritize which risks require immediate attention.

3. Risk Mitigation

We develop strategies to reduce, transfer, or eliminate the risk. Mitigation examples:

• Safety training and protective gear for volunteers.
• Backup suppliers for project materials.
• Emergency response protocols for disaster-relief missions.

4. Risk Monitoring

Risks are not static—they evolve over time. We track them regularly through project updates, audits, and feedback from field teams.

5. Risk Reporting

Significant risks are documented and reported to the Board of Trustees and relevant funding partners. This ensures decision-makers have the information they need for corrective action.

Types of Risks We Manage

1. Operational Risks

• Staff turnover or absence during critical project phases.
• Shortages of necessary materials or tools.
• Logistical challenges in remote locations.

Mitigation: We cross-train staff, maintain contingency stock, and establish strong relationships with local suppliers.

2. Financial Risks

• Funding gaps due to delayed grants or reduced donations.
• Exchange rate fluctuations for international funding.
• Misallocation or misuse of funds.

Mitigation: We maintain a reserve fund, diversify funding sources, and conduct regular financial audits.

3. Environmental Risks

• Floods, cyclones, and droughts affecting project sites.
• Water contamination during conservation efforts.
• Forest fires impacting biodiversity restoration.

Mitigation: We incorporate climate adaptation strategies, use early-warning systems, and collaborate with disaster management authorities.

4. Project Risks

• Delays in government approvals.
• Technology failures in research projects.
• Partner organizations failing to meet obligations.

Mitigation: We maintain compliance expertise, backup technical systems, and clear partnership agreements.

5. Compliance Risks

• Changes in NGO regulatory requirements.
• Breaches of environmental laws.
• Data privacy violations.

Mitigation: We ensure continuous legal compliance through expert legal counsel and staff training.

6. Reputation Risks

• Negative media coverage due to misinformation.
• Misunderstandings in community relations.
• Social media backlash.

Mitigation: We maintain clear communication, engage in community dialogue, and monitor media channels actively.

Health and Safety Risk Management

Given our fieldwork often involves physically demanding and sometimes hazardous activities, we prioritize health and safety through:

• Comprehensive safety training for staff and volunteers.
• Mandatory use of protective gear in field operations.
• First-aid kits and medical support at project sites.
• Emergency evacuation plans for high-risk areas.

Risk Management in Disaster Relief Operations

When responding to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, or cyclones, risks can escalate rapidly. We mitigate these by:

• Pre-positioning emergency supplies.
• Coordinating with government and UN relief agencies.
• Deploying trained disaster-response teams.
• Maintaining flexible logistics arrangements.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection Risks

As a modern NGO, we rely on technology for communications, data storage, and financial transactions. We manage digital risks by:

• Using encrypted communication channels.
• Implementing regular data backups.
• Restricting access to sensitive information.
• Training staff in cybersecurity best practices.

Donor and Funding Risk Management

Our donors trust us to use their contributions responsibly. To protect that trust:

• We align every funded project with the donor’s objectives.
• We provide regular, transparent reports.
• We avoid over-dependence on a single funding source.

Partnership Risk Management

We often work with local NGOs, research institutions, and government agencies. Partnership risks are mitigated by:

• Conducting due diligence before collaboration.
• Signing clear Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).
• Regularly evaluating partner performance.

Environmental and Climate Change Risk Preparedness

Given our core mission areas, environmental changes are both a challenge and a focus of our work. We reduce environmental risks by:

• Implementing adaptive project designs.
• Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
• Engaging communities in climate resilience planning.

Continuous Improvement in Risk Management

We understand that risk management is an ongoing process, not a one-time exercise. We continuously improve our practices through:

• Learning from past incidents.
• Participating in global NGO safety and sustainability forums.
• Updating policies in line with emerging threats and technologies.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Board of Trustees: Oversees risk governance and approves major mitigation strategies.
• Executive Leadership: Implements policy and ensures resources for risk management.
• Project Managers: Identify and manage risks within their projects.
• All Staff and Volunteers: Stay vigilant, report risks, and follow safety protocols.

Review and Updates

This Risk Management Policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

• There is a major operational change.
• A new type of significant risk emerges.
• Regulatory requirements change.

Contact for Risk Concerns

If you have identified a risk or have concerns regarding our risk management processes, please contact:

Drishti Foundation Trust
G-502,Merlin Sparsh, Narol-Aslali Highway,Narol,Ahmedabad-382405
Email: info@drishtifoundation.org
Website: www.drishtifoundation.org

Our Commitment to a Safer Future

At Drishti Foundation Trust, risk management is woven into the fabric of our work. Whether we are planting a tree, cleaning a river, protecting endangered species, or responding to a disaster, we do so with careful planning and preparedness. This proactive approach not only protects our people and resources but also ensures that every effort we make contributes to a sustainable, resilient, and thriving future for India and the planet.

“Reach out to explore collaborations, discover our initiatives, and contribute to creating meaningful, lasting change.”

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