João Diniz Abud is an Environmental and Social Lead Officer at IDB Invest in São Paulo, in charge of evaluating environmental and social loan risks, proposing mitigation measures consistent with international best practices, and supervising project performance. He has over 15 years of experience in environmental and social impact studies and assessments for urban developments, infrastructure, mining, wind power, pulp and paper, food production and agribusiness projects in Latin America and Africa. Before joining IDB Invest, he has worked for other multilateral development banks and for some of the major international E&S consultancy companies, where he was responsible for conducting environmental, OHS and social compliance audits across a spectrum of industries. João holds a BSc. (Geography) from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and a M.Sc. in Spatial Planning and Environmental Management from the University of Barcelona, Spain.
Sugar cane cultivation in Brazil has existed since colonial times and was associated for many years with degrading working conditions, low productivity and high pollution, but it's now one of the best examples of sustainable development in the region.