AGP Executive Report

El Niño and Peru’s wildlife at risk: A new NOAA outlook points to a very strong El Niño, and Peru’s Humboldt penguins are already showing collapse signals at Punta San Juan, where avian flu and warming have cut colonies from about 3,000 (2012) to fewer than 500 (2025), with only a handful seen in July. Amazon pollution and health: Wake Forest and CINCIA researchers briefed Pope Leo XIV on mercury pollution from gold mining, warning it spreads through ecosystems and reaches Indigenous communities. Peru climate policy and governance: Peru’s Constitution Commission approved temporary legislative powers for citizen security and measures to address the El Niño phenomenon, including faster infrastructure, housing, water and sanitation, and support for rural and Indigenous farmers. Election security: Peru plans to deploy over 57,000 police for the Oct. 4, 2026 regional and municipal elections, with thousands stationed at polling sites and others moving electoral materials. Conservation and rights: A legal-rights discussion highlights how courts and law can be used to defend ecosystems and communities facing extractive damage.

Amazon mercury pollution: Wake Forest University and CINCIA researchers briefed Pope Leo XIV with findings that mercury from gold mining spreads through ecosystems and reaches wildlife and Indigenous communities across the Amazon. Climate risk for Peru: Coverage highlights how El Niño is driving both drought and flooding, with Peru facing potentially extraordinary intensity that could hit rainfall, rivers, and marine resources. Peru’s biodiversity and tourism: In Tambopata Reserve, “Wired Amazon” is turning visitors into wildlife researchers through biologist-led citizen science, including DNA barcoding work. Agriculture under El Niño: Peru’s grape harvest is starting earlier in Piura, with El Niño pushing timing forward by 10–15 days and raising the risk of above-normal rainfall. Policy and environment governance: Peru’s Constitution Commission approved legislative powers for citizen security and El Niño response, including faster infrastructure, housing, water and sanitation projects and support for rural and Indigenous farmers. Conservation pressure: A South Atlantic whale sanctuary bid failed again at the IWC, underscoring ongoing biodiversity protection challenges.

El Niño and Peru’s heritage at risk: A “super El Niño” could bring extraordinary coastal rainfall and flooding through 2027, threatening Peru’s adobe archaeological sites along the coast and raising alarms about weak preparedness. Child climate exposure: UNICEF says 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean live in municipalities facing very high El Niño-related rainfall risks, putting food, safe water, health care, and education in jeopardy. Amazon mercury from gold mining: Scientists brief Pope Leo XIV with evidence that mercury from gold mining spreads through Amazon ecosystems and reaches vulnerable Indigenous communities across Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Colombia. Peru biodiversity and tourism: In Peru’s Tambopata Reserve, travelers are joining lodge-led citizen science wildlife research, helping document species while learning conservation risks. Food and pesticide policy: SENASA suspended glyphosate and other pesticides in plant foods, signaling tighter controls on agricultural inputs. Wildlife conservation spotlight: A second baby vicuna was born at Highland Wildlife Park, with Peru’s national animal drawing renewed attention to Andean species protection.

El Niño Threat to Peru’s Heritage: A potentially record-breaking “super El Niño” is ramping up along Peru’s coast, with experts warning it could batter thousands of archaeological sites built with vulnerable adobe as torrential rains and flooding intensify. Child Climate Risk: UNICEF estimates 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean live in municipalities facing very high El Niño-related rainfall risks, threatening food, safe water, health care, and schooling. Pesticide Crackdown: Peru’s SENASA temporarily suspended glyphosate and four other pesticides in plant-based foods for domestic consumption after a constitutional court ruling, with lifting tied to new technical reviews and traceability controls. Amazon Mercury Push: Researchers briefed Pope Leo XIV on mercury pollution linked to gold mining across Peru and the wider Amazon, stressing contamination moves through ecosystems to reach people, including Indigenous communities. Energy & Environment Funding: A new report says USAID’s abrupt closure left conservation and environment work in places like Peru more fragmented and weakened, with projects collapsing or stalling.

Super El Niño Watch: New research warns the “super” El Niño could intensify into 2027, bringing uneven impacts across Latin America—drought in some areas and heavier flooding risks in key parts of Peru, Ecuador and Brazil. Climate Risk to Trade: A Verisk Maplecroft report flags growing threats to supply chains, commodity output and infrastructure, with Peru singled out for rising flood-related disruption. Amazon Biodiversity Tech: Acaté Amazon Conservation launched SentaAI, a tool that blends Indigenous ecological knowledge with camera traps and bioacoustics for continuous biodiversity monitoring in Peru’s Matsés rainforest. Indigenous Health Crisis: Peru reported a measles death in the Amazon after a 16-year-old girl couldn’t afford costly evacuation to reach care in Iquitos. Water Pollution Fix: Mumbai’s Powai Lake stopped receiving direct sewage after new sewer diversions—an example of what Peru’s own water-quality fights can learn from. Peru Food Exports: US imports of Peruvian blueberries jumped 80% in early 2026 despite El Niño heat, reinforcing Peru’s export momentum. Conservation vs. Deforestation Lobbying: A watchdog alleges Mondelēz lobbied to weaken EU deforestation rules tied to cocoa—relevant to Peru’s broader forest-protection agenda. Biodiversity Discovery: Scientists identified a new high-altitude lizard species in Arequipa, adding to Peru’s Andean biodiversity record.

El Niño and Peru’s seas: A new look at the “super El Niño” warns it could bring extraordinary intensity to Peru’s coast through 2027, reshaping rainfall, rivers, and marine resources—raising stakes for fisheries and coastal communities. Climate risk for children: UNICEF estimates about one in seven Latin American children face risks tied to El Niño-driven droughts and floods, with millions needing humanitarian help. Peru avocado trade under El Niño pressure: ProHass says Peru’s Hass avocado exports may fall 1.9% versus last season as warmer conditions delayed fruit reaching dry-matter targets; Europe remains the main destination. Amazon roads vs deforestation in Acre: Calls to extend road links through the Amazon clash with deforestation commitments, with warnings the move could accelerate forest loss and threaten carbon-credit revenue. Circular electronics push: The Philippines launches a circular electronics initiative under the GEM program, highlighting a broader regional push to reduce e-waste impacts. Mining and ports watch: Chancay Port’s expansion continues to reshape Peru’s logistics, while Peru-linked mining developments draw attention to environmental and social priorities.

El Niño Watch for Peru: Peru’s ENFEN raised the El Niño alert to 88%, warning Coastal El Niño could stay unusually intense until January 2027, with heavier rains starting in November and peaking in Jan–Mar, plus impacts to river flows and marine resources. Carbon Offsets, Poverty Reality: Swissinfo reports that nearly six years after Switzerland launched a carbon offset program in the Peruvian Andes, families like Juana Briceño’s are healthier but still struggle with extreme poverty after losses tied to illegal mining. Climate Death Toll Warning: A global analysis says this year’s El Niño could drive about 451,000 excess deaths worldwide from June 2026 to Feb 2027, framing Peru’s climate swings as part of a wider, high-stakes pattern. Peru’s Investment Push: Peru’s Congress chairman reiterated the need for political stability and legal certainty to attract sustainable investment in energy, mining, housing, infrastructure, and security—key sectors for climate and environmental outcomes.

Coastal El Niño Watch: Peru’s ENFEN raised its alert to 88%, warning Coastal El Niño could stay at extraordinary intensity into January 2027, with heavier rains starting in November and major impacts on precipitation, river flows, and marine resources. Illegal Mining in the Amazon: Reporting highlights ongoing gold mining damage in Peru’s Tambopata National Reserve, with satellite mapping cited for large-scale rainforest loss and continued incursions into a major tourist area. Cold-Chain & Produce Trade: Peru-linked logistics news points to new refrigerated shipping routes, including a direct ocean service from Peru to Philadelphia for seasonal produce, underscoring how climate and supply reliability shape food systems. Peru’s Climate-Health Angle: A separate climate-health initiative notes how pharmacists are being trained to respond to climate-related health risks—relevant to Peru as extreme weather strains public health. Food Supply Pressure: A banana supply-chain update flags how extreme weather, disease, and rising costs are hitting producers across Latin America, including Peru, as El Niño adds uncertainty.

Amazon wildfire prevention in Peru: In Osherato (Asháninka territory), the Paamari programme trains community brigadistas using satellite imagery, drones and radio to spot smoke early; reported wildfires fell from 25 (2023) to nine (2024), and 2025 saw none in the area. Biodiversity under threat in Peru’s Amazon: A Nature Communications study finds Peru’s forest canopy chemistry (measured from aircraft) predicts which bird communities face the highest extinction risk, warning that “protected” forests may still be losing irreplaceable species. El Niño pressure on Peru’s environment: Coverage highlights a strengthening “super El Niño” with record-warm Pacific waters and knock-on risks for flooding, drought and heat—raising concerns for Peru’s weather impacts and food prices. Illegal mining damage in Madre de Dios: A report describes ongoing gold mining inside the Tambopata National Reserve, with satellite mapping cited for major rainforest loss and aggressive enforcement actions. Climate-smart food and farming: A Peru-linked sustainability push spotlights research and initiatives on Indigenous foods and more resilient, locally adapted systems as extreme weather reshapes agriculture.

Wildlife Trade Watch (Peru): Mongabay Latam reports Peru kept issuing export permits for dried shark fins even as a criminal case followed a major 2025 Callao seizure—highlighting weak safeguards for threatened species. Biodiversity & Climate Science (Peru): New research using aircraft mapping of Amazon forest canopies links canopy chemistry and structure to where vulnerable bird communities live, pointing to new conservation risk areas. El Niño Pressure (Peru): Coverage notes an intensifying “super El Niño” with major knock-on effects for rainfall and food systems, with Peru’s Piura region bracing for impacts. Protected Wildlife (Peru): A report on Punta San Juan describes how avian flu and El Niño-driven food shifts have pushed Humboldt penguins to near collapse. Sustainable Tourism (Peru): Peru’s planning agency says tourism recovery and demand for sustainable stays are growing, with domestic visitors driving lodging gains. Mining & Environment (Peru): Camino Minerals gets MINEM approval to expand the Costa de Cobre project’s environmental assessment scope, boosting exploration area and drilling capacity.

Biodiversity banking in Peru: The Frozen Zoo model is expanding with partners in Peru to preserve wildlife DNA for future species recovery and research, highlighting how cryopreserved genetic samples can help protect biodiversity as habitats change. El Niño and Peru’s food risk: A “super El Niño” is intensifying and expected to last into early 2027, raising alarms for agriculture as hotter conditions amplify rainfall swings that can mean both drought and flooding. Solar push for Peru’s grid: Proparco and Santander financed Grupo Enhol’s 467MW solar PV project, framed as a major step toward Peru’s energy diversification and a growing share of renewables. Peru security and cross-border crime: President Keiko Fujimori said Peru is moving ahead against organized crime while awaiting Congress’ legislative powers, stressing international cooperation after joining the “Shield of the Americas.” Amazon value beyond extraction: New analysis puts a potential $215B drug value on the Amazon, warning that deforestation could erase undiscovered medicinal species before science can study them.

Peru Security & Crime Cooperation: President Keiko Fujimori urged stronger international coordination after Peru’s accession to the Shield of the Americas, citing joint operations with the FBI to tackle transnational organized crime that “does not respect borders.” UN Leadership Race: As António Guterres nears the end of his decade as UN chief, the scramble to replace him intensifies during UNGA’s high-level week, with straw polling suggesting Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett among the front-runners. Super El Niño Watch: A new explainer highlights why this year’s “Godzilla El Niño” is breaking records and what that could mean for extreme weather risk ahead. Peru Search & Rescue Concern: Authorities and family members are increasingly worried about Australian hiker Jordan Yap, missing after a 120km Huayhuash trek and missed flights, with last contact reported Sept. 14. Heat & Water Access: MSSRF opened a “water ATM” at its Perungudi heat-stress study site to help residents access drinking water during heat impacts. Biodiversity & Climate Finance: Forest finance roadmap talks in New York renewed calls for more investment in forests, linking them to climate stability, biodiversity, and water security.

Peru’s Amazon Indigenous rights in court: Peru is facing a human rights court case over protections for isolated Indigenous peoples in the Amazon, spotlighting how enforcement gaps can put remote communities at risk. Forest finance push: Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat urged faster, bigger investment in forests at UN talks in New York, arguing standing forests support climate stability, biodiversity, water, and livelihoods. El Niño warning for Peru’s glaciers: A new report flags Nepal’s disaster as a warning for Peru’s glacier defenses, raising concerns about how extreme weather could stress fragile mountain water systems. Peruvian Andes search: Rescue teams are scouring the Huayhuash circuit for Melbourne hiker Jordan Yap, missing since Sept. 14 after failing to return and missing flights. Ancient Peru-linked heritage loss: Research on Arizona’s Las Playas geoglyph—damaged by border wall contractors—dates it to at least 6,500 years ago, underscoring the broader stakes of protecting irreplaceable cultural landscapes.

Amazon Rights in Court: Peru is facing a landmark hearing at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights over whether it failed to protect Indigenous peoples living in isolation from logging and other incursions, with organizations warning that deeper forest penetration raises risks of violence and disease. El Niño Watch for Peru: Peru’s Piura region braces for the return of El Niño, as forecasts point to potentially severe impacts across the country. Copper Projects & Permits: DLP Resources says it has temporarily paused drilling at its Esperanza copper-gold-molybdenum project in southern Peru while authorization issues are addressed with authorities, aiming to restart as soon as possible. Youth & Environment Leadership: Peru’s youth data highlights challenges for ages 15–29, while a new cohort is developing projects including environmental and territorial protection and Indigenous rights. Wildlife & Climate Clues: A fossil tooth from a capybara-like relative in the Atacama suggests the region was wetter far longer ago than previously thought, reshaping paleoenvironment views. Search & Safety in the Andes: A Peruvian rescue effort continues for Australian hiker Jordan Yap, missing since a solo trek in the Huayhuash range.

Amazon Indigenous rights in the spotlight: Peru is facing a landmark hearing at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights over alleged failures to protect Indigenous peoples living in isolation from logging and other incursions that raise risks of violence and disease. Forest monitoring for conservation: New research using aircraft-mounted sensors mapped chemical and structural differences in Peru’s tropical forest canopies to better understand bird habitat use and identify conservation risk areas. Disaster preparedness for newsrooms: A new program called Emergency Mode for News is giving local media tools and checklists to keep operating before, during, and after climate disasters, drawing on lessons from major storms. Peru’s El Niño pressure points: Coverage highlights Peru’s growing vulnerability to El Niño impacts, including preparations for conditions expected to return to the country’s regions. Clean-energy and land-use signals: Peru’s Sierra Verde reforestation push and broader climate-policy moves are in focus as the country tries to strengthen resilience while protecting ecosystems.

Amazon Indigenous rights in court: Peru faced a landmark Inter-American Court hearing over alleged failures to protect isolated Indigenous peoples from logging and other encroachment, with concerns that outsiders are pushing deeper into forests and raising disease and violence risks. Peru copper push: Peru’s energy minister says new projects could add about 1 million metric tons of annual copper output in 5–6 years, while the Fujimori administration cuts permitting red tape to revive stalled mines. Mining & environment pressure: A Reuters report highlights how Peru is trying to speed approvals amid social conflicts, as Chinese and US firms line up for critical-mineral investments. Forest mapping for conservation: New research used aircraft sensors to map canopy structure and chemistry across Peru, linking forest types to the ranges of 1,300 bird species to flag conservation risk beyond simple forest cover. Agriculture resilience: Peru’s INIA reported progress on Fusarium-resistant banana work, including gamma-ray mutant lines and greenhouse/climate-chamber support for early warning and biological control efforts. Journalism for the environment: Mongabay Latam marked its 10th anniversary with PUMA FEST, boosting regional environmental reporting networks and safety-focused training.