Author Bio
Luiz Gabriel Azevedo
Luiz Gabriel Todt de Azevedo (Gabriel Azevedo) is the Chief Strategy Officer (a.i) of IDB Invest. During his 35+ year career in international development, the private sector, academia, and civil society, he has developed a unique perspective on strategic leadership, political economy, partnerships, and collective action. He has held various leadership positions, including seven years as Managing Director of the Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) Division at IDB Invest. He has worked in development projects in more than forty-five countries, focusing on areas such as energy, water supply and sanitation, natural resource management, agribusiness, social innovation, and environmental management. He has worked in renowned institutions such as the World Bank, the World Wildlife Fund for Conservation (WWF), and Construtora Norberto Odebrecht.Gabriel served as Board Member and Member of the Financing and Audit Committee of the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO). He was Vice Presidente and President of Brazilian Water Resources Association (ABRHidro) and seats on its Consultative Board. He is also an observer to the Board of the International Hydropower Association (IHA). He has received numerous awards in recognition of his professional achievements. Additionally, he has published numerous articles, short papers, blogs, and book chapters in his field of expertise.
Gabriel is a civil engineering from the Federal University of Bahia in Brazil and holds a M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering - Hydrology and Water Resources Management from Colorado State University.
Posts by Luiz Gabriel Azevedo
Six Proven Steps to Harness the Value of Public Consultations
When dealing with policy making and project risk management, public consultations provide insightful tools to better improve lives within communities and societies. We assigned our best talent to provide solutions in this field, and now we'd like to share how we’re making things happen.
What can businesses learn from crisis management in the digital age?
Crisis management goes beyond communications. Recent events highlight how digital technology can both strengthen and hinder any recuperation efforts.
4 ways to invest responsibly in hydropower
Hydropower presents many advantages as a source of energy, even though it is often complex from the environmental and social perspective. It is based on relatively simple and robust technology, easy to adapt to different conditions. Hydropower projects have a long-term life span, often benefiting several generations. Due to its long operational life and low operation and maintenance cost, hydropower generation continues to be highly competitive. Experiences around the world provide ample evidence that proactively addressing the potential impacts of projects early in the pre-feasibility phase is a sound investment decision by developers and contractors alike. The anticipation of potential risks and the identification of opportunities to benefit communities and ecosystems beyond the mitigation of impacts can significantly reduce implementation and operation and maintenance costs. A recent study by Harvard University on the cost of social conflicts in the extractive industry shows that companies usually do not understand and capture the full range of costs of conflicts with local communities. Costs arising from lost productivity due to temporary shutdowns or delays can escalate to millions of dollars. This is not different from what takes place with large infrastructure projects such as hydropower. Responsible development can benefit companies in at least four dimensions: 1. Social acceptance Projects that are developed considering the concerns and expectations of communities and that obtain a “social license to operate” are less prone to face social unrests, protests, or labor related challenges, such as strikes, invasions and vandalism to job sites and equipment. This, in turn, translates into lower costs and opportunities to build win-win alternatives in which both the private sector and communities benefit from the implementation of projects. 2. Reduction of administrative and legal processes Adequate treatment of social and environmental issues significantly reduces administrative and judicial processes that often hinder the implementation of projects and account for significant cost increases. Disputes over compensation, land expropriation, involuntary resettlement, or general mitigation of social impacts can drag on for years, generating direct costs as well as reputational impacts to companies and projects. 3. Financing alternatives Adequate identification of management of environmental and social risks can be directly linked to a wider range of alternatives, incentives, and better terms for financing projects. This can bring substantial upsides, like lower cost of capital to support the implementation of hydropower projects. 4. Reputational gains Positive image and corporate credibility resulting from responsible implementation of a project goes far beyond regional or sector specific benefits. Companies that are recognized as sustainability leaders are able to attract and retain talent, establish long term partnerships with privates, communities and NGOs, and expand involvement in different sectors, amongst others. The current scenario with increasing pressure for water, energy and food supplies, and the uncertainties associated with climate change, make the tangible benefits of hydropower greater than ever before. This represents challenges as well as opportunities for the development of sustainable hydropower projects. Accessing the full range of benefits that can be derived from hydropower requires responsible development of projects. At IDB Invest (formerly known as Inter-American Investment Corporation) we are supporting the implementation of hydropower projects such as Chaglla in Peru and Reventazon in Costa Rica that have been listed in a recent study as examples of best international practices. We will continue to partner with institutions and support projects that provide lessons and contribute to the sustainable development of countries in Latin America. [gallery type="slideshow" size="large" link="none" ids="8082,8083,8084,8085,8087,8088,8089,8090,8091,8092,8093,8095,8096,8098"] Subscribe to receive more content like this! [mc4wp_form]
Sahara Dust Storms in the Caribbean, a Hazard For Both Humans and Coral Reefs
Saharan dust plumes are ramping up over the Caribbean region, creating health hazards that are particularly dangerous for those with their health compromised by COVID-19 or other problems. This is clear evidence that the region is not isolated from the effects of climate change elsewhere.
Transparency is good for business
One out of three Latin Americans acknowledges having paid at least one bribe in exchange for some type of benefit related to public services. In tandem with this, major corruption scandals have come to light in recent years, affecting both governments and private companies. Small and large-scale corruption and lack of transparency are present at the individual, government, and business level and adversely impact countries’ productivity and economic growth.
Sustainable Finance: What can the financial sector do to better manage environmental and social risks?
In January 2018, Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock published an open letter to the CEOs of publicly traded companies. His message was clear, companies have a responsibility to deliver profit, and make “a positive contribution to society.” Failure to do the latter comes at the risk of losing its license to operate. Consumers can influence through decisions to purchase products from companies that value broader corporate goals of environmental impact, workforce diversity, and community engagement. What may come as a surprise statement from a private equity fund with $6 trillion under management is increasingly the de facto market standard.