AGP Executive Report

Food Security: UN-backed IPC warns El Niño strengthening could push up to 3.2 million people in Guatemala into acute hunger between now and September, with effects lingering into 2027 as harvests and prices stay under pressure. Community Plastic Action: In Jalapa’s El Duraznal, Indigenous Xinca women are organizing periodic cleanups and training through Ecolectivos to cut plastic waste and reduce health risks from burning. Regional Climate Risk: NOAA says there’s a 93% chance El Niño reaches “very strong” strength by Sept–Nov, with Central America among areas likely to feel impacts. Sustainable Bioeconomy: A Horizon Europe-backed SUSTAINCrop project is building a digital tool to measure the environmental footprint of bio-based crops, with Guatemala’s University of San Pablo involved. Wildlife & Health: Researchers are studying the return of New World screwworm after it reappeared in the U.S., raising concerns for wildlife and livestock. Volcano Watch: Aviation advisories report ongoing ash activity from Italy’s Etna, with plumes drifting and ashfall noted locally.

Food Security: UN-backed IPC warns El Niño is intensifying Guatemala’s hunger crisis, with up to 3.2 million people facing acute hunger through September 2026 as high food prices and the lean season collide. Plastic Pollution & Community Action: In Jalapa’s El Duraznal, Indigenous Xinca villagers—led by local promotora Soila Elizabeth Cruz—are organizing regular cleanups and training to cut plastic waste and reduce health risks from burning. Regional Environment Governance: Belize hosted a CCAD meeting under its pro-tempore presidency, with Guatemala and other neighbors discussing shared priorities including biodiversity, solid waste, water resources, and Sargassum. Climate Outlook: Separate reporting notes this year’s El Niño is already strong and could peak between September and December, with effects likely stretching into 2027.

Community Cleanup in Jalapa: In El Duraznal, Xinca villagers are organizing every few months to pull plastic from the ground after workshops on cutting plastic burning and protecting women and children’s health. Regional Environment Coordination: Belize chaired a Central American Commission for Environment and Development meeting, setting priorities on biodiversity, solid waste, water resources and Sargassum with Guatemala and other neighbors at the table. Wildlife & Health Watch: New World screwworm has been detected again in the U.S., raising alarms for livestock and wildlife after spread through the Darién region. Guatemala-linked Immigration Pressure (U.S.): ICE reports detainer disputes involving a Guatemalan man in Colorado and arrests tied to a Guatemalan national in Maryland, while another Guatemalan detainee in Newark died after a medical emergency. Plastic-to-Action Research: Ecolectivos’ work in Guatemala trains rural communities to plan long-term ways to reduce plastic waste and combustion. El Niño Impacts: Early, unusually strong El Niño is already driving drought and crop stress across multiple countries, with scientists debating how climate change may be shifting the odds.

Plastic Cleanup in Jalapa: In El Duraznal, Xinca women are organizing community drives every few months to pull plastic from the ground, after workshops linked plastic burning to health risks for women and children. Regional Environment Governance: Belize hosted the first technical meeting of CCAD’s environment-and-development commission under its pro-tempore presidency, with Guatemala and other neighbors focusing on biodiversity, solid waste, water, and Sargassum. Sustainable Crops for Biomaterials: CONICET researchers joined SUSTAINCrop to build a tool for measuring the environmental footprint of industrial crops used for biomaterials, coordinating with Guatemala’s University of San Pablo. Wildlife Conservation: Belize released 15 scarlet macaws after about 100 days of rehabilitation, using soft-release and biomonitoring to rebuild wild populations. Climate Disruption Watch: El Niño is already driving dry spells and heat impacts across regions, with scientists debating how climate change may be shifting the odds.

Regional Environment Diplomacy: Belize hosted the first technical meeting of the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) under its Pro Tempore Presidency, with Guatemala and other countries discussing shared priorities like biodiversity, solid waste management, water resources, and Sargassum to shape a regional project. Wildlife Recovery: In Belize’s Cayo District, 15 scarlet macaws were released after about 100 days of rehabilitation, part of ongoing efforts to protect the species and monitor them in the Chiquibul ecosystem. Climate Pressure: A new report warns forest fires are burning about twice as much forest as 20 years ago, with 2025 still among the worst years and calls for serious action to reduce risk. El Niño Watch: Scientists say this year’s El Niño is already driving major dry spells and temperature spikes, with knock-on effects for rainfall and crops across multiple regions. Guatemala Link: A Guatemala travel piece highlights wildlife encounters in Petén near Tikal, underscoring how nature tourism depends on healthy ecosystems.

Central America Environment Policy: Belize chaired the first technical meeting of the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) under its Pro Tempore Presidency, with Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and the Dominican Republic in person and Costa Rica online, focusing priorities including biodiversity, solid waste management, water resources, and a regional push on Sargassum. Wildlife Recovery: Belize released 15 scarlet macaws back into the wild in the Cayo District after about 100 days of rehabilitation, part of an ongoing effort with the Forest Department to protect the species and monitor them in the Chiquibul ecosystem. Climate & Fire Risk: A new analysis warns that forest fires are burning about twice as much forest as 20 years ago, with historic fire seasons becoming the “new normal,” and calls for serious local action to reduce risk. One Health Animal Health: Researchers flagged the return of New World screwworm in the U.S. after decades away, with cases in Texas and New Mexico raising concerns for wildlife and livestock and highlighting gaps in veterinarian knowledge across Mexico and Central America.

Earthquake Response: An Israeli “Alliance of Friends” aid delegation landed in Cali, Colombia, to support rescue after a 7.4 quake left 285 dead, about 4,000 injured, and roughly 400 still missing—Israel is among the few countries offering teams. Animal Health & Biosecurity: U.S. researchers are racing to close knowledge gaps after New World screwworm was detected again in Texas and New Mexico, raising risks for wildlife, livestock, and pets as the parasite spreads north from the Darién region. Regional Environment Cooperation: Belize hosted a technical meeting of the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) under its Pro Tempore Presidency, with Guatemala among the countries pushing priorities like biodiversity, solid waste, water, and Sargassum. Climate Impacts: Reporting warns this year’s El Niño is already driving dry spells and crop stress across multiple regions, with scientists debating how climate change may be shifting the odds. Wildlife Conservation: Belize released 15 scarlet macaws after rehabilitation, part of ongoing efforts to protect the species in the Cayo District.

Climate & Disasters: El Niño is already reshaping weather worldwide, with drought and crop stress reported from Panama to Ethiopia and India, raising fears of record impacts. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Belize released 15 scarlet macaws after rehabilitation, part of ongoing efforts to protect the species in the Chiquibul ecosystem. Regional Environment Governance: Belize chaired the first technical CCAD meeting under its Pro Tempore Presidency, with Guatemala and others pushing priorities including biodiversity, solid waste, water resources, and Sargassum. Food Safety & Water: A major Cyclospora outbreak in the U.S. is linked to sewage contamination risks, highlighting how sanitation failures can spread parasites through produce. Land Rights & Mining: In Congo’s mining regions, Indigenous communities are gaining training and legal tools to demand Free, Prior and Informed Consent as projects damage forests and pollute rivers. Guatemala Link: Guatemala is mentioned in the Cyclospora history and in a travel piece from Petén’s wildlife-rich landscape near Tikal.

El Niño Impacts: This year’s El Nino is already reshaping weather worldwide, with dry spells and crop stress reported from Panama to Ethiopia and India, raising questions about how climate change may be shifting the odds toward stronger events. Regional Environment Governance: Belize hosted the first technical meeting of the Central American Commission for Environment and Development (CCAD) under its Pro Tempore Presidency, with ministers focusing on biodiversity, solid waste, water resources, and Sargassum for a regional project. Wildlife Recovery in the Region: In Belize’s Cayo District, 15 scarlet macaws were released after about 100 days of rehabilitation, part of ongoing efforts to protect the species through rescue, monitoring, and soft release. Forest Fire Risk: A new analysis warns that without serious action on climate change, forest fires are burning far more area than two decades ago, with historic fire seasons becoming the “new normal.” Food Safety and Water Contamination: A major U.S. Cyclospora outbreak is being linked to sewage contamination in the food supply chain, highlighting how sanitation failures can spread illness far beyond the source.

El Niño Watch: This year’s El Niño is already showing “early onset” impacts—dry spells, crop failures, and record warmth—raising fears of worsening hunger and climate stress across regions. Food Safety & Water Pollution: A major U.S. Cyclospora outbreak is increasingly linked to sewage contamination reaching produce and waterways, highlighting how sanitation failures can turn into repeated outbreaks. Central America Biodiversity: Belize is releasing 15 scarlet macaws back into the wild after rehabilitation, part of ongoing efforts to protect the species. Regional Climate Risk: A new analysis warns forest fires are burning about twice as much forest as two decades ago, with “historic fire seasons” becoming the new normal without serious climate action. Wildlife Research Milestone (Honduras): Honduras completed its first modern mammal inventory in nearly 30 years, confirming 227 native species and underscoring remaining gaps. SICA Leadership: Costa Rica’s Lina Ajoy took over as SICA secretary general, aiming to restart high-level political dialogue across Central America. Guatemala in the News (ICE): A Reuters report says a Guatemalan detained by ICE in New Jersey died after a medical emergency, renewing scrutiny of detention conditions.

Climate Action & Forests: A new analysis warns forest fires are burning about twice as much forest as they did 20 years ago, with the last three years among the worst on record—pushing “historic” fire seasons toward the new normal. Food Safety & Water Pollution: Public health researchers say a cyclospora outbreak is very likely linked to sewage contaminating food and irrigation water, creating a cycle where oocysts spread through waterways and crops. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Honduras has completed its first modern mammal inventory in nearly 30 years, confirming 227 native species and highlighting how much still remains uncertain. Regional Governance: Costa Rica’s Lina Ajoy took over as SICA secretary general, aiming to restart high-level political dialogue and rebuild consensus across Central America. Indigenous Rights: PARLACEN called for stronger indigenous inclusion and rights across Central America, urging ethical and responsible technology use. Guatemala Link: Guatemala’s shipments are cited as down in a weather-and-pests-driven melon season report, and Guatemala is also mentioned in the cyclospora history tied to earlier outbreaks.

Regional Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s Lina Ajoy took over as SICA secretary general, aiming to restart high-level political dialogue and rebuild consensus after a long vacancy and internal tensions. Climate & Forests: A new analysis warns forest fires are burning about twice as much area as two decades ago, with “historic” fire seasons becoming the new normal unless governments take serious climate action. Food Safety & Water: Researchers say the cyclospora outbreak is very likely linked to sewage contaminating the food supply, creating a self-perpetuating cycle from waterways to crops to human illness. Biodiversity in Focus: Honduras released the most comprehensive mammal review in nearly 30 years, confirming 227 native species and highlighting how much still remains uncertain. Indigenous Inclusion: PARLACEN called for stronger indigenous rights and participation across Central America, urging ethical and responsible technology alongside sustainable development. Guatemala Spotlight: Guatemala crowned Miss Universe Guatemala 2026, with the winner also working in pediatrics and pursuing further specialized training.

Climate & Disasters: A new global analysis warns forest fires are burning about twice as much forest as two decades ago, with the worst seasons now becoming the “new normal,” and calls for serious climate action plus local fire management. Food Safety & Water: Researchers say the Cyclospora outbreak is very likely linked to sewage contamination reaching crops and then food, describing a cycle where warm conditions let the parasite mature in the environment. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Honduras has completed its first mammal inventory in nearly 30 years, confirming 227 native species and highlighting how much still remains uncertain. Land & Rights: A report on oil palm expansion in Latin America links the industry to deforestation, land grabbing, and violence against Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Guatemala Link: Guatemala’s apparel sector is showcasing new textile finishing tech at the Apparel Sourcing Show in Guatemala City, aimed at cutting water, energy, and chemical costs.

Volcano Watch (Guatemala): Fuego’s eruption escalated into a dangerous new eruptive phase, forcing evacuations of nearby villages and prompting fresh updates for travelers heading to Antigua. Public Health (Cyclospora): Researchers and health officials say the nationwide Cyclospora outbreak is very likely linked to sewage-contaminated food, describing how oocysts can spread through treated wastewater used for irrigation. Wildlife & Biodiversity (Honduras): An eight-year review has confirmed 227 native mammal species in Honduras, with up to 28 more possibly added later—an important baseline for conservation across Central America. Food Systems & Environment: A new report argues development banks backed industrial animal agriculture far more than diversified small farms, raising concerns about deforestation, pollution, and health impacts. Regional Governance & Indigenous Rights: PARLACEN urged stronger indigenous inclusion and ethical, responsible technology use across Central America. Immigration Enforcement (Guatemala-linked): ICE arrested a Guatemalan man in Maryland after local jail releases allegedly ignored federal detainers.

Volcano Safety in Guatemala: Fuego’s eruption intensified again, forcing evacuations of nearby communities and raising alerts for travelers heading toward Antigua and surrounding areas. El Niño Food Risk: The UN World Food Programme says El Niño is strengthening and could push tens of millions more into acute hunger, with Central America flagged among the hardest hit regions. Water, Sewage, and Cyclospora: Researchers point to sewage contamination as a likely driver of the cyclospora outbreak, describing how human waste can contaminate waterways and irrigated crops. Biodiversity Check in Honduras: A major eight-year review confirms 227 native mammal species in Honduras, including work that pulls together long-scattered records—useful for regional conservation planning. Wildlife Trade: Costa Rica-linked efforts continue to rescue and rehabilitate illegally trafficked wildlife, including spider monkeys finding safer homes. Indigenous Inclusion: PARLACEN called for stronger indigenous rights and ethical, responsible technology use across Central America.

Volcán de Fuego Crisis: Guatemala remains on high alert as Volcán de Fuego keeps erupting, with about 1,700 people in emergency shelters and red alerts in three provinces after heavy ashfall; officials warn the next 72 hours are critical because rainfall could trigger dangerous mudflows, and authorities have suspended classes and closed a major highway. Climate & Food Security: The UN World Food Programme says strengthening El Niño could push about 49 million more people into acute hunger by late 2027, with Central America facing the biggest proportional jump and WFP ramping up early action in multiple countries, including Guatemala. Wildlife & Habitat: Honduras has completed its first mammal inventory in nearly 30 years, confirming 227 native species and highlighting how fragmented habitats and human development affect wildlife. Indigenous Rights & Tech Ethics: Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) urged stronger indigenous inclusion and rights, while calling for ethical, responsible technology use tied to sustainable development. Food Systems Funding: A new policy brief says development banks backed industrial animal agriculture far more than diversified small farms, raising concerns for biodiversity, climate goals, and rural communities. Guatemala in the Spotlight: A U.S. travel alert warned Americans about possible flight disruptions from Fuego ash and intensifying emissions.