Irene Burgués Arrea

Conservation Strategy Fund

Irene Burgués Arrea, a Costa Rican citizen, has worked extensively on the environmental, social, and economic impacts and design of large infrastructure projects in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, in concert with the Conservation Strategy Fund. She coordinated various studies that aided in the avoidance of poorly conceived projects, including Sao Luis de Tapajos Dam in Brazil, Tenosique Dam in México, and road networks within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda and the Maya Forest in México and Guatemala. She also led studies in Panamá and Uganda that showcased how pipelines and electric power-lines can incorporate geographical information to limit biodiversity loss. Trained in Economics and Environmental Science at the University of York, UK, her technical expertise focuses on cost-benefit analysis and economic valuation of environmental services, estimating greenhouse gas-emissions, and payments for ecosystem services. Since 2016 has she focused on promoting organic farming and sustainable-energy systems in Latin America.