Arantza Acha, an expert in human development and sustainability, holds a degree in Biology and a Master in Conservation and Rural Development from the University of Kent. He worked seven years in the Office of UNESCO Asia-Pacific, in programs that integrate human development with social, economic and environmental sustainability, especially in initiatives that have promoted ecotourism managed by local communities, tourism in protected areas and good governance in the management of natural resources and landscapes. He has published several articles in scholarly and popular magazines on sustainable development and environmental conservation, including sustainable tourism.
As Director of the Basque Country UNESCO Etxea-Centre, she coordinates the five strategic areas of the organization, including the Sustainability Program, through which assistance is provided to local and regional actors on sustainable development, linking local initiatives to programs of UN and UNESCO.