Cynthia Barzuna is the Global Deputy Director of the Ocean Program at the World Resources Institute (WRI) and Director of the Ocean Action 2030 coalition. In her role as Deputy Director, she provides strategic leadership on WRI’s global ocean initiatives, including spearheading the 100% Alliance and overseeing the Ocean Finance workstream. She works closely with international partners and governments to advance sustainable ocean governance, scale marine conservation finance, and drive the implementation of Sustainable Ocean Plans (SOPs).
As Director of Ocean Action 2030, Cynthia leads a coalition of expert institutions dedicated to supporting countries in developing and implementing SOPs, particularly within the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel).
Prior to joining WRI, Cynthia served as Costa Rica’s Deputy Minister of Water and Ocean Affairs, leading the historic expansion of Cocos Island National Park and its marine protected area. She also served as Director of Costa Rica’s Environmental Impact Assessment Agency and led several sustainable urban development programs.
Cynthia holds a law degree and a master’s in International Law and Trade from Carlos III University of Madrid.