Cynthia Barzuna is the Director of Ocean Action 2030, a voluntary coalition dedicated to supporting countries in their aim of building a sustainable ocean economy through the development and implementation of Sustainable Ocean Plans. Members of Ocean Action 2030 are leading institutions that can provide the technical and financial assistance that countries may need to develop and implement their Sustainable Ocean Plans, where there is a match between country demand and member capacity. Currently, this coalition works with the countries that are part of The High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel), a unique global initiative by serving world leaders that is working to build momentum towards a sustainable ocean economy in which effective protection, sustainable production and equitable prosperity go together.

Prior to joining WRI, Cynthia was the Deputy Minister of Water and Ocean Affairs from Costa Rica. She was appointed by the president of Costa Rica to lead the expansion of the Cocos Island National Park and its marine protected area. This expansion led Costa Rica to reach the ambitious goal of protecting 31% of its exclusive economic zone by 2021.

Cynthia has worked as Director of the Environmental Impact Assessment Agency and various sustainable city programs in Costa Rica.

She is a lawyer, with a master's degree from the Carlos III University of Madrid in International Law and Trade and a diploma from the same university in Globalization, economic liberalization, and administrative intervention.