AGP Executive Report

El Niño Watch for Peru: Peru’s fisheries and coastal conditions are already feeling the heat. PRODUCE canceled the North-Central anchovy season after monitoring showed persistent warm ocean conditions linked to El Niño, with too many juveniles in catches to restart fishing. Disaster Preparedness: A major 7.2 earthquake in southern Peru has reignited debate over civil defense readiness and how scaled-back protection budgets leave Andean towns exposed. Mining Disruptions: MMG’s Las Bambas in Peru temporarily suspended operations after a workplace accident, with a progressive restart expected from Aug. 21—another risk for South America’s copper supply chain. Tourism Under Pressure: Peru’s Machu Picchu Inca Trail access remains suspended through Aug. 22 due to heavy rains and landslides. Community Voices: In Peru’s wider region, Indigenous groups and youth-led media are pushing back against land loss from development projects, including mining and dams.

El Niño Watch: The UK Met Office says this year’s El Niño could be the strongest on record, with Pacific waters warming more than 3°C and raising the odds of hotter conditions and major weather swings into 2027. Peru Fisheries: Peru’s PRODUCE canceled the North-Central anchovy season after monitoring found too many juvenile anchovies, blaming persistent warm ocean conditions linked to El Niño. Earthquake Aftershocks: Peru’s Geophysical Institute reported aftershocks in Puno and Arequipa following a 7.2 quake near Ayacucho, with injuries and damage to public buildings and widespread power outages. Coastal & Tourism Disruptions: Heavy rains tied to El Niño have disrupted access to Machu Picchu, with the Inca Trail closed through Aug. 22 and the site’s tourism rules under renewed pressure. Marine Life & Coastal Economy: Northern Peru’s humpback whale season overlaps with peak surf months, highlighting how climate-driven ocean changes are shaping wildlife viewing and local travel.

El Niño Watch for Peru and the region: UK Met Office forecasts say this year’s El Niño could be the strongest in over a century, with sea temperatures rising to “unheard-of” levels and higher odds of severe drought in parts of South America and the West Pacific. Disaster preparedness funding: UNICEF reports the EU allocated about US$19.9M for vulnerable children and families across Latin America and the Caribbean, including disaster preparedness and resilience support in Indigenous Amazon communities, with Peru included. Peru’s mining push vs. safeguards: Peru’s new Fujimori government aims for at least US$33bn in mining investment over five years, speeding approvals while saying it will reduce delays and overlapping procedures without weakening environmental and social standards. Earthquake impacts in southern Peru: A 7.2 quake near Coracora (Ayacucho) damaged nearly 30 public facilities and left at least three people injured, with electricity disruptions affecting thousands. Climate action for tourism: Christ the Redeemer in Brazil is signing a climate certification agreement to measure tourism emissions and plan decarbonization steps—an example Peru tourism operators may watch as El Niño intensifies.

El Niño Response: The U.S. will send the hospital ship USNS Comfort to Peru’s Pacific coast in February 2027 to help the country cope as El Niño peaks, with officials already drafting a prevention-focused roadmap. Disaster Risk & Children: The EU approved about US$19.9 million for UNICEF programs across Latin America and the Caribbean, including disaster preparedness and resilience in Indigenous Amazon communities, with Peru among the supported countries. Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 6.7 quake hit southern Peru’s Ayacucho region, felt in multiple areas, with no immediate damage or tsunami threat reported. Fisheries Pressure: El Niño-linked coastal conditions are keeping Peru’s fishmeal and fish oil output well below normal, with anchovy fishing repeatedly interrupted and the North-Central quota largely uncaught. Tourism & Heritage: Archaeologists using LiDAR found at least 2.5 km of hidden pre-Hispanic roads near Machu Picchu, adding detail to how people moved through the wider landscape.

El Niño Response in Peru: U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro says the USNS Comfort hospital ship will arrive off Peru’s northern Pacific coast in February 2027 to help the country prepare for El Niño impacts, with a joint roadmap including equipment, expertise, and overflights to prevent, reduce, and respond to drought, floods, and other extreme weather. Peru Business Push for Climate Readiness: Peru’s National Society of Industries (SNI) met U.S. officials in Miami to strengthen public-private cooperation on El Niño risks, while pitching investment opportunities in infrastructure, energy, critical minerals, mining, and agriculture. Amazon Socioenvironmental Focus: Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s November visit to Peru (including Pucallpa), Amazon bishops highlighted the need to address socioenvironmental challenges affecting Indigenous peoples. Climate Science Signal from Peru’s Andes: A new ice-core study from Peru’s Nevado Huascarán produced a global record of historical tropical methane, supporting the idea that tropical sources like the Amazon dominated pre-industrial methane emissions. Biodiversity & Land Pressure: A community radio report from Minahasa links mining to river contamination, forest loss, and mercury impacts—framing it as a fight for dignity, identity, and survival.

El Niño Response in Peru: The U.S. will send the hospital ship USNS Comfort to Peru’s Pacific coast in February 2027 to help with El Niño impacts, with aid focused on prevention, mitigation, and rapid response. Climate Disruption at Machu Picchu: Heavy El Niño rains have flooded parts of Lima, triggered landslides and road closures, and forced authorities to suspend the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu until Saturday, with the main access route affected by overflowing waterways and debris. Water Stress and Drought Alerts: Honduras has placed 80% of the country on El Niño drought alert, citing reservoir drops, crop losses, and livestock deaths—an early warning for regional food security. Illegal Used Clothing Chain: Peru’s OLCI is pushing customs modernization after a study linked used-clothing smuggling into Peru (via Chile and Bolivia) to pollution and an international criminal chain involving fraud and corruption. Wildlife and Health: Peru’s Amazon gold-mining crackdown continues, while Peru-related El Niño impacts also include reduced fishing and marine ecosystem stress.

Climate & Safety: Peru’s Inca Trail access was temporarily suspended after heavy rains triggered landslides, flooding, and damaged facilities across multiple sectors, with officials rerouting some visitors via evaluated alternative routes while monitoring conditions. Environmental Crime & Waste: A Peru-linked used-clothing smuggling probe says most shipments enter South America via Chile, then move into Peru through land and transport networks—fueling document fraud, corruption, and pollution from unmanaged textile waste. Archaeology & Culture: Archaeologists reported skeletal remains of a man found near Lima’s Huaca Pucllana, interpreted as a ritual offering tied to canal sealing—shedding light on Lima culture practices. Mining & Permitting: PPX Mining secured environmental approval for a 10,315m diamond drilling program at the Igor Project in Portachuelos, aiming to start drilling by late September after contractor selection. El Niño Impacts: Coverage highlights a super El Niño pattern strengthening through 2027, with Peru’s weather risks tied to broader regional food and water pressures.

Tourism Management in Peru: Peru’s tourism ministry (Mincetur) is preparing a scientific “carrying capacity” study for Machu Picchu, aiming to better manage visitor flows while protecting the historic sanctuary—work is set to finish in the first half of 2027. El Niño Climate Impacts: A Reuters report says the Cristo Redentor Andes crossing between Argentina and Chile reopened after 34 days of closure from heavy snowfall and strong winds tied to El Niño, with experts warning of stronger impacts ahead that could bring floods in Peru and more snow in the Andes. Illegal Mining Crackdown (Amazon): Peru is stepping up enforcement against illegal gold mining in the Amazon reserve with a military operation, as the fight spreads into protected areas. Biodiversity & Food Systems: A commentary argues Indigenous food sovereignty is a practical conservation strategy, linking Indigenous land stewardship, biodiversity protection, and resilience for a more sustainable future. Agriculture Exports: Peruvian strawberry exports to the US jumped 35% in the first half of 2026, with ADEX citing strong demand boosting the US share to 52.3%. Mining & Environment (Peru): PPX Mining received environmental approval for a 10,315-metre diamond drilling program at its Igor project in Peru’s Portachuelos area.

Amazon Water Crisis: Peru’s Apostolic Vicariate of Iquitos issued an urgent appeal over a surge in illegal mining in the Nanay River basin, warning that satellite-identified dredging sites have nearly doubled since 2025 and that deforestation along the river is accelerating—threatening drinking water for over half a million people and Indigenous communities. El Niño & Food Risks: NOAA says El Niño has a very high chance of becoming “historic” this fall-winter, with major knock-on effects for agriculture and weather patterns across Latin America. Climate Resilience Funding: New Zealand’s Climate Resilient Communities Fund backed 15 community-led projects in Taitokerau, including solar and water security initiatives, showing how local action can reduce climate impacts. Renewables in Peru: Statkraft Peru selected Vestas for the 72 MW Emma Wind Farm in Piura, aiming to expand Peru’s wind capacity and diversify the energy mix. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Peru continues stepping up enforcement against illegal gold mining in the Amazon, including operations that target protected areas.

Illegal Mining Crackdown (Amazon): Peru’s Apostolic Vicariate of Iquitos issued an urgent appeal against a surge in illegal gold mining in the Nanay River basin, warning that satellite-identified dredging sites have nearly doubled since 2025 and that deforestation along riverbanks is tied to alluvial mining—threatening drinking water for more than half a million people and Indigenous territories. El Niño Impacts (Food & Water): Reports highlight El Niño’s hit to Peru’s agriculture, including mango flowering damage in Piura and broader warnings that El Niño could intensify drought and heat risks across the region. Renewables (Wind): Statkraft Peru selected Vestas to build the 72 MW Emma Wind Farm in Piura, with turbine delivery in 2027 and commissioning in 2028, aiming to diversify Peru’s energy mix. Disaster Preparedness (Rains): Peru’s President Fujimori said ministers will travel to rain-affected areas, with possible state-of-emergency declarations in Lima districts as DANA brings heavy precipitation and activates ravines. Connectivity (Broadband): Gilat Perú signed a $14M fiber-optic broadband deal for Ayacucho under the Works for Taxes program, targeting schools and health facilities across 109 localities.

El Niño Marine Shock (Peru & Chile): Humboldt penguins are abandoning nests and adults are disappearing in colonies across Chile and Peru, with scientists warning the pattern is an early warning sign of ocean stress tied to El Niño’s warming and reduced upwelling. Climate & Fisheries Alert (Pacific): NASA reports a drop in phytoplankton in the eastern Pacific linked to El Niño, threatening the marine food chain and fishing; Peru’s production ministry has already suspended anchovy extraction in parts of the north-central coast. Amazon Restoration (Peru): Reforestation drones are dropping 20,000 seed balls in the Peruvian Amazon to restore mining and fire-damaged areas, aiming to speed up vegetation recovery. Illegal Mining Crackdown (Peru): Peru is stepping up enforcement against illegal gold mining in an Amazon reserve with a military show of force. Biodiversity Monitoring (Peru): A binational conservation effort is tracking Humboldt Current health as seabird and sea-lion impacts mount. Connectivity for Services (Ayacucho, Peru): Gilat Perú secured a $14M fiber broadband deal under Peru’s Works for Taxes program to link schools and healthcare across southern Ayacucho.

Amazon Restoration: Drones developed by a former NASA engineer dropped 20,000 seed balls across 10 hectares in Peru’s Amazon, aiming to restore mining- and fire-damaged land with precise direct seeding. El Niño Marine Impact: NASA flagged a drop in phytoplankton in the eastern Pacific tied to El Niño, warning of knock-on effects for the marine food chain and fisheries; Peru’s production ministry also suspended anchovy extraction in its north-central zone. Illegal Gold Mining Crackdown: Peru’s military launched “Operation Mercury 2,” attacking illegal gold mining camps deep in the Tambopata National Park area, destroying equipment and detaining people for questioning. Climate Risk Outlook: NOAA assessments point to a very strong El Niño later in 2026, raising stakes for rainfall, drought, and food and water systems across Latin America. Biodiversity & Community: A sparrow conservation push plans nest-box workshops in 50 government schools, using hands-on building to help restore urban nesting habitat. Peru Economy Watch: Peru’s economy grew 1.75% in June year-on-year, with El Niño cited as a drag on sectors like fishing.

Amazon Crackdown: Peru’s military launched “Operation Mercury 2,” storming illegal gold mining camps inside Tambopata National Park, setting equipment and camps ablaze and using dynamite, after earlier efforts briefly cut mining but it surged back. Climate Watch: NOAA says there’s a 95% chance of a very strong El Niño by late 2026, with major knock-on risks for rainfall, farming, and water across Latin America—plus Peru’s own economy data already points to El Niño impacts on sectors like fishing. El Niño Impacts in Peru: Reuters reports Peru’s growth slowed to 1.75% in June, with officials linking activity to El Niño damage, especially to the fishing sector. Biodiversity & Community Action: A conservation push in Peru’s region of interest is echoed by wider sparrow-recovery efforts elsewhere—school workshops to build nest boxes and protect nesting spaces. Plastic Pollution (Guatemala): Rural Indigenous communities in Guatemala are organizing plastic cleanups and training to reduce waste and stop harmful plastic burning.

El Niño Watch: NOAA says there’s a 95% chance of a very strong El Niño by late 2026, with a 69% shot at a historic event—raising alarms for rainfall swings, farming stress, and wider climate impacts across Latin America. Peru Economy: Peru’s growth slowed to 1.75% in June year-on-year, with El Niño blamed for hitting sectors like fishing. Amazon Crackdown: Peru’s military launched “Operation Mercury 2,” burning and detonating illegal gold-mining camps inside the Amazon, including in/near Tambopata National Park, after miners fled. Wildlife & Oceans: Seabirds native to Peru and Chile are showing up in Panama Bay in unusual numbers as warmer waters push key fish farther away, a sign of how fast marine food webs can shift. Peru Spotlight: A new Peruvian coffee harvest guide highlights the specialty sector’s push for wider global visibility. Port Power: Callao gets Latin America’s first shore power system, aiming to cut pollution from ships while modernizing port services.

Amazon Crackdown: Peru launched “Operation Mercury 2,” sending the military into Tambopata National Park to smash illegal gold mining camps, with equipment and sites reportedly set on fire or detonated—an effort aimed at stopping deforestation and pollution in a rainforest area that draws huge tourism. El Niño Wildlife Signals: In Panama Bay, seabirds native to Peru and Chile are showing up in unusual numbers as a very strong El Niño warms waters, pushes fish like anchovies and sardines away, and forces birds to travel for food—an early warning of how fast marine ecosystems can shift. Port Decarbonization: Peru’s Port of Callao became the first in Latin America to offer shore power, letting ships plug into electricity while docked and cutting expected CO2 emissions by more than 6,300 tonnes a year (depending on how the power is generated). Peru Climate Prep: Peru is preparing for El Niño impacts, including heat and rain risks, with officials urging readiness for drought and extreme weather. Biodiversity Tech: An AI tool called SPARROW is helping monitor remote forests using solar-powered recording and automated analysis, supporting conservation work across multiple continents.

El Niño Food Security Alarm: Peru declared a state of emergency in 607 municipalities after warnings that El Niño-linked heat and rain could threaten food security, with a special commission set up to respond. Wildlife & Fisheries: In Panama Bay, seabirds native to Peru and Chile are showing up far from home as a strong El Niño warms waters and shifts fish supplies. Amazon Crackdown: Peru’s military launched “Operation Mercury 2,” attacking illegal gold mining camps in the Tambopata area of the Peruvian Amazon, destroying equipment and escorting women and a child for questioning. Port Decarbonization: Peru’s Port of Callao installed shore power at DP World’s South Pier Container Terminal, aiming to cut over 6,300 tonnes of CO2 annually by letting ships plug in instead of running auxiliary engines. Sustainable Seafood Planning: Peru will host a regional workshop on jumbo flying squid sustainability (Aug. 18–19) to tackle management gaps as El Niño affects catches. Biodiversity Tech: Microsoft’s solar-powered SPARROW AI tool is helping monitor remote forests by continuously collecting biodiversity signals without constant human presence. Illegal Wildlife Trade Case: Tamil Nadu’s forest authorities booked a farm owner over late registration and failure to report the death of Lar gibbons, after an actor’s viral video sparked an investigation.