Elena Mateo is co-director of the Zero Waste Alliance Costa Rica and has 25 years of experience in environmental education, natural resource management, conservation, and sustainability. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) and the National Chamber of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism of Costa Rica (CANAECO). She collaborates with companies and organizations in the implementation of zero waste policies and programs. She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Policy and Urban Planning from Tufts University and another Master's degree in International Education.