AGP Executive Report

El Niño Alert: The UN says the Pacific warming event will intensify before its December peak, raising risks of drought and floods. Guatemala is already facing a severe water crisis: wells have fallen to historic lows, while rainfall deficits and years of weak water infrastructure have left communities and farms struggling. Farms Under Pressure: El Niño-driven drought is damaging crops across Central America, threatening rural livelihoods and food supplies. Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation involving Guatemala and eight other countries led to 233 arrests, rescued more than 1,000 animals and identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Guatemalan authorities also seized parrots hidden in boxes. Mangrove Livelihoods: On Guatemala’s Pacific coast, a community honey project offers families an alternative to extractive work while giving them an economic reason to protect mangroves.

Environmental Crime: INTERPOL’s Operation Madre Tierra VIII led to 233 arrests across nine countries, including Guatemala, and identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Guatemalan authorities seized parrots; the operation also recovered more than 1,000 animals. Water Emergency: Guatemala’s Dry Corridor faces deepening shortages as El Niño worsens drought. Wells have fallen to unprecedented lows, while August rainfall was 25% below average across monitored areas. Crop Stress: Prolonged water deficits are damaging crops and threatening rural livelihoods across the Northern Triangle, including Guatemala. Coastal Conservation: On Guatemala’s Pacific coast, a community group is building a livelihood from mangrove-bee honey, giving residents an incentive to protect forests that shelter marine life and buffer storms. Wildlife: A camera in Guatemala captured a rare jaguar sighting, described as a once-in-a-decade snapshot.

Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries, including Guatemala, led to 233 arrests for suspected illegal mining, logging and wildlife trafficking. Investigators also traced links between Amazon deforestation and companies across several continents. Water Emergency: Guatemala’s worst water year in decades has left wells unusually low and crops failing, as El Niño drought compounds years of infrastructure neglect and the lack of a national water-governance framework. Climate and Fisheries: El Niño-driven ocean warming is pushing fish away from shore, leaving Pacific coast fishers—including in Guatemala—with smaller catches. Across Central America, drought is also threatening crops and rural livelihoods. Wildlife Corridor: Rare camera-trap images captured a jaguar moving through the bi-national corridor linking Guatemala and Honduras, underscoring the value of protecting habitat connectivity. Mangrove Livelihoods: On Guatemala’s Pacific coast, a community honey project offers an alternative to extractive work and an incentive to conserve mangroves, though access to land remains a hurdle.

Water Crisis: Guatemala’s worst water emergency in decades is unfolding as El Niño conditions and long-running infrastructure neglect push shallow wells in the Dry Corridor to record lows, with INSIVUMEH warning of major rainfall deficits and families in eastern departments reporting wells dropping to unseen depths. Climate Threat: A developing “super El Niño” is forecast to be among the strongest on record, raising risks of hunger, heat deaths, and cascading impacts across Latin America and the Caribbean, including millions of children facing El Niño-related threats. Wildlife & Habitat: New camera-trap photos captured a once-in-a-decade snapshot of jaguars using a bi-national wildlife corridor linking Guatemala and Honduras, offering hope that connectivity still holds despite human pressure. Governance & Justice: Guatemala’s September anti-money-laundering overhaul shifts focus toward tracing assets and strengthening verification capacity, aiming to disrupt the financial structures behind transnational organized crime. Policy & Accountability: A Guatemalan-led teach-in highlights how investor protections can limit climate and environmental justice, with speakers calling for an ISDS-free world.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Camera-trap photos in Guatemala captured a once-in-a-decade snapshot of a male jaguar, suggesting the Bi-National Corridor linking Guatemala and Honduras is still functioning despite habitat pressure. Climate & Agriculture: Bananas in Guatemala and across Latin America face mounting strain from extreme weather, disease pressure, and water challenges as El Niño develops and could intensify drought in some areas and flooding in others. Water & Food Systems: The National Mango Board highlights applied research aimed at boosting productivity, cutting post-harvest losses, and improving fruit quality and safety—efforts meant to help growers adapt to climate-related shocks. Forests & Livelihoods: At FAO’s Committee on Forestry meeting in Rome, forest advocates stress “forests for food, resilience and prosperity,” pointing to long-running conservation benefits for communities. Housing Pressure: A Habitat for Humanity report says 75% of people in Latin America and the Caribbean cut other expenses to afford housing, with impacts reaching food, healthcare, and savings. Guatemala Policy & Trade: Guatemala’s phytosanitary push with the U.S. continues, while El Niño-related drought reduced avocado shipments to Europe and the country seeks access to new markets like Chile and South Korea.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Camera traps in Guatemala captured a rare, once-in-a-decade snapshot of a male jaguar, highlighting that the Bi-National Corridor linking Guatemala and Honduras is still functioning despite habitat pressure. Climate & Food Security: UNICEF warns El Niño’s drought and flooding are putting 25.8 million children across Latin America at growing risk, with Central America facing harvest losses that can worsen malnutrition and unsafe water access. Water & Pollution Tech: The Ocean Cleanup is expanding plastic-eating “interceptors” to remove debris from rivers and waterways, aiming to cut the flow of plastic into oceans and reduce harm to marine life. Agriculture & Trade: Guatemala’s phytosanitary push with the U.S. continues, with producers reporting El Niño-related weather stress and forecasting fewer avocado shipments to Europe while seeking new market access. Housing & Social Resilience: A Habitat for Humanity report finds housing costs are forcing 75% of people in Latin America and the Caribbean to cut essentials like food and delay medical care, deepening vulnerability. Local Environment Economy: A regenerative farming model led by a Guatemalan-born agronomist in Minnesota is gaining attention for reducing chemical inputs while improving land diversity and resilience.

Housing Pressure: A Habitat for Humanity report says 75% of people in 22 countries cut back on essentials to afford housing, including 33% spending less on food and 13% delaying medical care. Wildlife Connectivity: Guatemala camera-trap photos captured a once-in-a-decade jaguar snapshot, suggesting jaguars still use a bi-national corridor linking Guatemala and Honduras despite habitat pressure. El Niño Fallout: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children across Latin America face rising drought and flooding risks, with Guatemala among the Central American countries where harvest losses could worsen malnutrition. Energy Subsidies Strain: A UNDP study says governments are running out of room to cushion higher energy prices, with fuel subsidies potentially topping $1 trillion this year as El Niño and borrowing costs squeeze budgets. Guatemala Trade & Climate: Guatemala’s avocado exports face El Niño-linked drought impacts, while producers push forward on U.S. phytosanitary accreditation to keep market access. Local Environment & Industry: A Guatemala-based textile expansion aims for “eco-friendly” production for the U.S., while a separate analysis highlights Guatemala’s shift toward tracing criminal finances as organized crime adapts through front firms and informal channels.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Camera traps in Guatemala captured a once-in-a-decade jaguar snapshot, showing the big cat using a bi-national corridor linking Guatemala and Honduras—good news for connectivity despite habitat pressure. Climate & Food Security: UNICEF warns El Niño is already putting 25.8 million children across Latin America at growing risk, with drought hitting harvests in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua and raising malnutrition dangers. Energy & Cost of Living: A UN study says governments are running out of room to shield people from higher energy prices, with fuel subsidies potentially topping US$1 trillion this year—bad timing for already strained budgets. Guatemala Economy & Trade: Guatemala’s phytosanitary push with the U.S. continues, while El Niño drought is shrinking avocado sizes and shipments to Europe. Governance & Crime Finances: Guatemala’s new anti–money laundering and terrorist-financing law shifts focus toward tracing assets and disrupting the financial networks behind organized crime.

El Niño and child risk in Central America: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face growing risks from El Niño-linked droughts and flooding, with Guatemala among the countries where rainfall deficits threaten harvests and raise malnutrition dangers. Guatemala anti-money laundering overhaul: A new September law updates Guatemala’s anti-money-laundering and terrorist-financing framework, shifting focus toward tracing assets and strengthening verification and coordination to better match FATF/GAFILAT standards. Agriculture under climate stress: Guatemala’s Hass avocado crop is being hit by El Niño conditions, with fruit smaller than usual, while drought impacts broader food security. Trade and climate resilience in farming exports: Guatemala’s phytosanitary push with the U.S. continues, even as El Niño drought reduces volumes; the country still targets Europe and looks to open new markets like Chile. Energy and affordability pressure: A UNDP report warns governments worldwide are running out of room to cushion higher energy prices, with fuel subsidies potentially topping $1 trillion this year—an issue that can spill into food and climate-vulnerable communities. Regional cooperation: Taiwan’s foreign minister wrapped up a Guatemala visit highlighting deeper trade and investment ties, including support for tech, health, and training linked to sustainable tourism.

El Niño and child risk in Central America: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face very high risks from droughts and flooding tied to what’s expected to be the strongest El Niño on record, with Guatemala among the Central American countries where rainfall deficits threaten harvests and raise malnutrition and safe-water concerns. Energy prices and fuel subsidies squeeze budgets: A UNDP report warns governments are running out of room to shield people from higher energy costs, with fuel subsidies potentially topping $1 trillion this year as oil nears $100 a barrel and El Niño adds pressure. Guatemala anti–money laundering overhaul: Guatemala’s new September anti-money-laundering and terrorist-financing law shifts focus toward tracing assets and strengthening verification capacity, aiming to better disrupt the financial networks behind transnational organized crime. Agriculture under climate stress: Guatemala’s avocado sector reports El Niño is shrinking Hass fruit sizes and that drought conditions are affecting the 2026 shipping outlook, even as producers work through tougher U.S. phytosanitary accreditation steps. Local green industry move: A South Korean textile group says it’s expanding nearshoring with a fully integrated fabric and apparel facility in Guatemala, pitching faster, traceable, and “eco-friendly” production for the U.S. market.

Anti-Crime Finance Overhaul: Guatemala’s new September anti-money-laundering and terrorist-financing law shifts focus from catching “kingpins” to tracing and dismantling the financial networks behind mining, trafficking, smuggling, and front firms, aligning more closely with FATF/GAFILAT. Climate Stress on Food: UNICEF warns El Niño-linked drought in Central America, including Guatemala, is shrinking harvests and raising malnutrition risks for children, while heavier rains elsewhere raise flooding threats. Energy Subsidy Pressure: A UNDP study says governments worldwide are running out of room to cushion higher energy prices, with fuel subsidies potentially topping $1 trillion this year—bad news for budgets already strained by El Niño and conflict impacts. Forests for People: At FAO’s forestry meeting in Rome, forest advocates stress that protecting forests supports “food, resilience and prosperity,” highlighting long-running co-benefits for biodiversity and communities. Trade & Agriculture: Guatemala continues working through U.S. phytosanitary accreditation, with El Niño drought already affecting Hass avocado sizes and shipments.

El Niño hits Central America’s food security: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face high risks from El Niño-linked droughts and flooding, with Guatemala among the Central American countries where drought is already hurting harvests and raising malnutrition concerns. Energy costs and climate pressure: A UNDP report warns governments are running out of room to cushion higher fuel and food prices, with fuel subsidies potentially topping $1 trillion this year as oil nears $100 and El Niño intensifies. Guatemala avocados under stress: Guatemala’s Hass avocado crop is shrinking due to El Niño, while producers push ahead with U.S. phytosanitary accreditation that remains unresolved a year after a working plan—shipments to Europe are forecast to drop for the 2026 season. Renewables move forward in Guatemala: Cox’s Central Arc announced a new solar project in Chiquimulilla backed by long-term power purchase agreements, aiming to expand renewable generation and support Guatemala’s energy transition. Coffee and land-rights context: Coverage also highlights Guatemala-linked migration pressures tied to El Niño and broader regional struggles over land and livelihoods.

El Niño Humanitarian Warning: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face high risks from droughts and flooding tied to a likely record-strength El Niño, with Central America hit through harvest losses and malnutrition risk in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Energy Subsidies Pressure: A UNDP report warns fuel subsidies could top US$1 trillion this year as oil nears $100 a barrel, while governments struggle to keep price caps and support programs going amid rising borrowing costs and worsening climate shocks. Heat Deaths Risk: A Climate Impact Lab projection links the Super El Niño to an added 1,200 heat-related deaths in South Africa over the next six months, urging early-warning systems and cooling protections. Guatemala Power & Renewables: Cox secured financing for a new 75.2MW solar project in Guatemala under long-term PEG-4 power purchase agreements, aiming to expand renewable capacity. Local Clean Cooking: A Guatemala village in San Luis Palo Grande is set to get electricity and cleaner stoves through a volunteer initiative, targeting smoke-related health risks from open-fire cooking. Coffee Market Data: The International Coffee Organization launched a free interactive platform to track global coffee prices, trade, production and certified stocks.

El Niño Child Risks in Central America: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face growing risks from droughts and flooding tied to a projected “super” El Niño, with Guatemala among the Central American countries where drought threatens harvests and raises malnutrition risk. Climate Shock to Food and Services: UNICEF warns the impacts vary by subregion—drought can cut food and safe water, while heavier rains can damage schools and health infrastructure—turning forecast exposure into deeper vulnerability. Guatemala Energy Push: Cox secured financing for a 75.2MW solar project in Guatemala under the PEG-4 long-term procurement process, which prioritizes renewable capacity and aims to support the country’s energy transition. Coffee Supply Chain Data: The International Coffee Organization launched a free Coffee Market Intelligence Platform, consolidating prices, trade, production, and certified stocks—aimed at helping stakeholders make better decisions amid volatility. Clean Cooking in Guatemala: A North Dakota electric co-op group plans to bring electricity to San Luis Palo Grande and support electric stoves to reduce smoke exposure from open-fire cooking.

Renewable Power for Rural Guatemala: Cox secured financing for a 75.2MW solar project in Guatemala, developed in two phases with 15-year power purchase agreements under the PEG-4 procurement process, which prioritizes renewables (at least 50% of contracted capacity). Clean Cooking & Health: A volunteer electric-coop project is set to bring electricity to San Luis Palo Grande in north-central Guatemala, enabling power for homes, businesses, and a local school—and supporting a clean-cooking push to replace smoky open-fire cooking with electric stoves. El Niño Threat to Children: UNICEF warns that El Niño is putting 25.8 million Latin American children at risk, with drought hitting Guatemala and neighboring countries and raising malnutrition dangers, while flooding risks threaten schools and health infrastructure. Coffee Market Transparency: The International Coffee Organization launched a free interactive Coffee Market Intelligence Platform to consolidate global price, trade, production, and certified stock data—aimed at helping stakeholders make better decisions amid volatility. Maternal Health in Guatemala: PAHO and MSD for Mothers signed a two-year initiative to reduce preventable maternal deaths and adolescent pregnancy in Guatemala, focusing on underserved areas and stronger maternal health services.

El Niño Fallout for Central America: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America face growing risks from drought and floods, with Guatemala among the hardest hit as harvest losses raise malnutrition and safe-water pressures. Coffee and Climate Data: The International Coffee Organization launched a free Coffee Market Intelligence Platform to help stakeholders track prices, trade, production, and certified stocks—aiming to cut uncertainty as El Niño disrupts farming. Guatemala Water Stress Linked to Mining: Communities warn of worsening water deficits tied to high demand from a mining company, raising alarms for local livelihoods and ecosystems. Guatemala–Belize Airspace Tensions: A Guatemalan military aircraft allegedly entered Belizean airspace and disabled its transponder, prompting UN accusations and escalating a dispute headed toward International Court of Justice hearings. Haiti Security Spillover: The UN Security Council extended Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate through March 2027, underscoring the need for resources and conditions for elections—an instability risk for the wider region.