Dr Eva Abal is a passionate advocate for the resilience of the world’s rivers, championing integrated basin management and giving rivers a voice for future generations. After serving four years as Chief Executive Officer of the International River Foundation, she transitioned in 2022 to a part-time Strategic Adviser role. In this capacity, she continues to support the Foundation’s vision of people + ideas = impact, including convening the International River symposium and the Thiess International River Prize Independent Panel, as well as providing strategic advice across the Foundation’s programs.
Eva brings more than three decades of experience working at the intersection of science, policy and practice, including senior roles with the Healthy Waterways Partnership, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and the University of Queensland’s Global Change Institute. She is widely recognised for fostering impactful collaborations and strengthening the connection between science and policy.
Reflecting her strong belief in the critical role of regional networks and knowledge sharing in advancing effective river basin management, Eva is currently consulting with the Asian Development Bank on the revitalisation of the Network of Asian River Basin Organizations (NARBO).
Her international development experience spans the Philippines, Mongolia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan and China, with expertise in integrated water resources management, climate resilience, water diplomacy, leadership and GEDSI. Frequently invited to sit on independent advisory panels as well as deliver keynote/plenary presentations and training courses, Eva remains committed to advancing resilience strategies for rivers, communities and economies.