CSIR environmental scientist Abulele Adams has been appointed as a Director of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) Board, the leading global network for impact assessment professionals. Here she will oversee matters that will advance environmental stewardship and sustainability in impact assessment.

Bringing her diverse skill sets and multifaceted talents in the field of environmental impact assessment, Abulele has previously served as the President of the IAIA South Africa chapter (2020), including the IAIA Students and Young Professionals Section where she served as the co-chair. In addition, she was the chair for the IAIA Climate Change Symposium which took place in Cape Town, South Africa in September 2022. “I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Association to ensure there is continued visibility through targeted content, a stronger social media presence and to ensure the voices of impact assessors in Africa are amplified globally.”

During the three-year contract, she will be representing South Africa, serving along with eight board members from Canada, Denmark, South Africa, Portugal, Japan, Guatemala, Canada and Switzerland. Abulele’s first IAIA Board meeting will be held in Dublin on 28 and 29 April, coinciding with the IAIA’s annual conference taking place from 24 to 28 April 2024.

The IAIA is the leading global network on best practices in the use of impact assessment for informed decision-making regarding policies, programmes, plans and projects. The IAIA has affiliates all over the world, with one of the largest being South Africa.

We wish Abulele well in her time as a Director on the IAIA Board.