Erika Harms
Executive Director, Sustainable Development

Erika Harms is the Executive Director of Sustainable Development at the United Nations Foundation, where she oversees World Heritage, coral reef and other biodiversity and environmental conservation projects in developing countries. She joined the UN Foundation in 2001, previously serving as Partnership Development Officer.

Before joining the UN Foundation, Erika was appointed Minister Counselor and Consul General by the Government of Costa Rica. In that capacity she also served as Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, D.C. Previous to her diplomatic career, she had been Marketing Manager for Central America and the Caribbean for Monsanto Corporation. Prior designations with the same company included Country Manager for Panama and Coordinator of the Central American Sustainability Team. Serving as a consultant in environmental law and policies for the Government of Costa Rica, the World Bank and local and international NGOs from 1989 to 1995 played an important role in her increasing interest in environmental issues.

A 1991 graduate of the University of Costa Rica’s Law School, Erika holds a degree of Attorney at Law and Notary Public. In 1995 she obtained a Masters on Natural Resource Management from INCAE, Central American Institute of Business Administration, in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Born in Costa Rica, Erika’s native languages are Spanish and German.