About Joana
Joana is a seasoned environmental consultant with over 20 years of experience helping organisations navigate complex environmental challenges with clarity and purpose. Her experience spans environmental and social impact assessments, circular economy strategies, and regulatory advisory for both public and private sectors across Europe and Southeast Asia. Her work in SEA has contributed to regional policy recommendations and supported long-term investment planning.
Before relocating to Southeast Asia, Joana managed large-scale sustainability upgrades in Europe — including environmental improvement programs across five UK sites for the New York Stock Exchange and across three MVV Umwelt waste and resource sites. She later laid the foundations for Wiser Environment’s presence in Vietnam and now leads its continued growth as Head of Wiser Environment Vietnam. In this role, she oversees consulting services in environmental permitting, compliance auditing, risk management, and operational systems, with deep expertise in ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards.
Known for her structured thinking, calm leadership, and collaborative approach, Joana brings her knowledge and local insight to every project — guided by a genuine passion for environmental progress.
Specialisms
| Environmental Impact Assessments | Due Diligence | ISO Implementation and Auditing |
| Waste Management Strategy | Legal Compliance | Corporate Risk Management |
Languages
| English Native Proficiency |
Portuguese Native Proficiency |
| Spanish Working Proficiency |
Italian Working Proficiency |
Awards & Qualifications
| PGCert Contaminated Land Management | MEng Environmental Engineering | NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety |
Notable Projects
Market Research on the Recycling Industry in Vietnam
Joana led a comprehensive industry assessment to support ADB’s market-entry strategy in Vietnam’s PET recycling sector. By combining market analysis, regulatory review, and stakeholder engagement, Joana identified key investment opportunities and challenges. Her findings informed strategic recommendations to accelerate Vietnam’s shift toward a circular economy.
Accelerating Climate Transitions through Green Finance in Southeast Asia
To support the Government of the Philippines and ADB in shaping a Policy-Based Loan for sustainable Blue Economy reforms, the project involved detailed policy and institutional analyses, stakeholder engagement, and the development of structured subprograms. Joana played a key role in driving these efforts, helping lay the foundation for enhanced marine resource governance, climate resilience, and private sector participation.
Promoting Action on Plastic Pollution from Source to Sea in Asia and the Pacific
As part of Indonesia’s long-term planning toward a circular economy, Joana delivered a sector-wide assessment to inform ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy. Her analysis across five priority sectors uncovered strategic entry points and barriers to progress. The results guided future public and private sector interventions on plastic pollution.