About IAIA
The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) was organised in 1980 to bring together researchers, practitioners, and users of various types of impact assessment from across the world. IAIA represents a diverse range of professions – including corporate planners and managers, public interest advocates, government planners and administrators, private consultants and policy analysts, university and college lecturers and their students – all of whom are concerned with environmental stewardship and sustainability.
IAIA has over 1700 members from over 120 countries. An additional 3000+ members are represented by IAIA Affiliates, active in Brazil, Cameroon, Germany, Ghana, Iran, Italy, Korea, Mozambique, New Zealand, Nigeria, Ontario (Canada), Portugal, Quebec (Canada), Spain, South Africa, and Zambia.
About IAIAsa
Background
In August 1992, South Africans attending 12th Annual Meeting of the IAIA in Washington, D.C., formed a steering committee to launch the IAIA South African Affiliate (or IAIAsa). IAIAsa was formally recognised by IAIA at its mid-year meeting in Mexico in February 1993, thus making South Africa the sixth country in the world to form a local IAIA Affiliate.
Since its inception three decades ago, IAIAsa has grown to be one of the most prominent affiliates. Presently, IAIAsa consists of approximately 1000 members in South Africa and neighbouring SADC countries, thereby constituting roughly a third of all IAIA Affiliate members.
By Constitution, IAIAsa functions as an independent Voluntary Association that represents the interests of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) professionals, including environmental practitioners, scientists, and allied professionals. As such, IAIAsa is a vibrant and multidisciplinary community of professionals that connects various industries.
Primary Objective
South Africa has received international acclaim for its IEM procedures and for undertaking high-quality Environmental Impact Assessments. The primary objective of IAIAsa is to create a “home” for those who wish to exchange information on, or learn more about, IEM and Impact Assessment.
Annual Highlights
The IAIAsa National Conference attracts up to 350 attendees every year and serves as the primary networking event for members. The conference has been held annually for the past 30+ years (virtually during the Covid 19 period). IAIAsa has hosted two international conferences, as well as an international Climate Change Symposium in 2022 in Cape Town.
The Annual IAIAsa National Conference is highly anticipated by environmental practitioners, scientists, health and social impact assessors, developers, government officials, policy makers, and many more. This year’s conference unleashes the future of IEM and takes place from 27 to 30 August in Rustenburg.
Recognition by Industry Registration Authorities
The Industry Registration Authorities, i.e., Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) and South African Council for Natural & Scientific Professionals (SACNASP), recognise IAIAsa as an accredited Voluntary Association. IAIAsa is also highly regarded by the Natural Scientific Community and is one of the largest and most active voluntary associations for SACNASP.
As a result, IAIAsa membership secures 1 Category 3 CPD point annually with both EAPASA and SACNASP. Click here to read more about the benefits of a Professional, Student, or Young Professional IAIAsa Membership.