AGP Executive Report

Biodiversity Breakthrough (Peru-Amazon): SIU researchers helped name three new poison dart frog species from the Amazon, including the Yaminawá, Inti, and Taboca poison frogs, underscoring how much Peru’s wildlife is still undiscovered. Wildlife Monitoring (Tambopata): Peru’s SERNANP is using AI to speed up jaguar camera-trap analysis in the Tambopata National Reserve, producing updated density estimates and broader mammal and bird counts. Climate Watch (El Niño signals): New satellite readings show a warm Kelvin wave building off South America, with scientists warning this could feed into a “Super El Niño” and bring major swings in rain and heat that affect water, food, and ecosystems. Food & Farming Risk (Peru avocados): Reports point to climate pressure on Peruvian avocado supply, with the season potentially ending earlier and affecting market timing. Conservation Culture (World Environment Day): Coverage highlights the push to recognize rivers as legal entities, tying environmental protection to stronger local governance and rights. Mining & Resources (Peru uranium/lithium): Peru’s national interest decree for uranium and lithium is drawing attention from emerging investors and industry plans.

Climate Watch (El Niño): The UN weather agency says there’s an 80% chance El Niño will develop from June to August, with rising sea temperatures off Peru expected to bring hotter conditions, heavier rains, and more extreme weather—raising risks for heat health, vector-borne diseases, and food-and-water stress. Disaster Outlook (Super El Niño): Separate reporting warns a “Super El Niño” could form, with Pacific warmth potentially amplified by climate change, meaning stronger, longer droughts, floods, cyclones, and record heat. Peru Energy & Minerals: American Lithium says Peru has issued a Supreme Decree declaring uranium and lithium nationally strategic, alongside an international forum in July—framing the move as supporting a lower-impact energy transition. Mining Governance (Peru): Peru extends emergency measures in rain-hit regions, while environmental concerns grow over alleged tourist overflights in protected areas of Cusco. Biodiversity & Wildlife (Peru): A new species of salamander was reported from Panguana, reinforcing calls to protect Peru’s rainforest.

Climate Watch (El Niño): The UN’s weather agency says there’s an 80% chance El Niño will develop from June to August, raising risks of hotter temperatures, heavier rains, more heat-related illness, and pressure on food and water systems—an urgent warning for a warming world. Peru Politics (Runoff): Peru’s presidential runoff is set for June 7, with Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez facing off after a fragmented first round; debates highlight deep divides over “order,” economic direction, and the role of political elites. Peru Environment (Protected areas): Peru is also dealing with environmental pressure as reports raise concerns about tourist overflights in Cusco’s protected areas. Biodiversity (Peru rainforest): New research from Amazon treks in Peru and Brazil describes three new species of poison dart frogs, underscoring the need to protect rainforest habitats. Mining & Environment (Peru minerals): Peru continues pushing cooperation on critical minerals and sustainable mining, as the country positions itself for energy and resource security.

Climate Watch: The UN warns El Niño is likely to intensify this summer, with forecasts pointing to near-certain odds and “record” global temperatures—fueling more extreme weather worldwide. Fisheries Under Stress: Peru extended its anchovy fishing pause as El Niño-linked warming and a high presence of juveniles keep the North-Central catch uncertain, with a sharply lower total allowable catch set for 2026. Protected Nature & Tourism Pressure: Peru faces growing environmental concern over alleged tourist overflights in Cusco’s protected areas, raising alarms about impacts on wildlife and habitats. Critical Minerals Push: Peru’s government issued a decree naming uranium and lithium as nationally strategic and calling for an international forum, while companies like American Lithium point to a low-environment-impact policy direction. Biodiversity Science: New research from Peru’s Amazon highlights the discovery of new poison dart frog species, underscoring the need to protect rainforest ecosystems. Mining & Environment Governance: Switzerland and Peru signed an MoU to support more responsible artisanal and small-scale gold mining, aiming for formalization, traceability, and improved environmental and social standards.

Food safety diplomacy: APFRAS, with Peru among members, held its Seoul summit to push Pacific Rim food safety cooperation toward broader regulatory harmonisation amid trade tensions. Climate ecosystem focus: World Peatland Day (June 2) spotlighted how peatlands store massive carbon, while new findings from Africa’s Congo Basin raise questions about whether some emissions are natural or climate-linked. Peru fisheries under El Niño: Peru extended a pause on anchovy fishing after high juvenile presence, as warming coastal conditions tied to El Niño keep shifting pelagic behavior and cut the 2026 TAC to 1.9 million MT. Amazon biodiversity under pressure: Scientists described a new lungless salamander species from Peru’s Panguana area, underscoring rainforest value even as illegal mining threatens habitats. Wildlife crime: A regional report links wildlife trafficking across Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia to transnational organized crime, including hunting of jaguars and pumas for skins and fangs. Indigenous media support: Cultural Survival highlighted 2026 Indigenous Community Media Fund grants, including projects in Peru aimed at strengthening local voices and knowledge.

El Niño & Fisheries: Peru extended a pause in its anchovy fishery as a Coastal El Niño alert keeps warming waters and shifts in pelagic behavior in play, cutting the 2026 total allowable catch to 1.9 million metric tons and citing high juvenile presence. Biodiversity in the Amazon: Scientists identified a new lungless salamander species, Bolitoglossa chrysothyma, in Panguana, underscoring how much Peru’s rainforest still holds—and how illegal mining pressure can threaten discoveries and habitats. Protected Areas & Tourism Safety: Peru’s Cusco region will temporarily close Huayna Picchu in June for conservation and maintenance, including stabilizing terraces, drainage work, and vegetation control to protect archaeological structures. Wildlife Crime: A regional look at transnational wildlife trafficking highlights networks operating across Peru and neighbors, including illegal hunting and trade of protected species like jaguars, pumas, and marine wildlife. Agri-Food Resilience: FAO and GEF spotlight agrifood solutions that can cut emissions and restore land, with an example tied to biodiversity recovery in Peru’s Amazon. Conservation & Climate Data: NASA reports the largest wave ever measured from space (19.7 meters) in the Pacific, improving extreme wave predictions relevant to coastal risk planning.

Amazon biodiversity & culture: A new look at the green anaconda frames the world’s largest snake as a sacred cosmological force for Indigenous communities across the Amazon, tied to the river’s shape and seasonal life. El Niño watch for Peru: NASA-linked satellite readings point to developing El Niño conditions later this year, with Peru’s coastal sea levels running more than 15 cm above average—raising stakes for floods, droughts, and fisheries. Climate risk to cloud forests: A study warns climate change could wipe out up to 91% of South America’s cloud forests by 2070, threatening water for millions and biodiversity hotspots. Peru disaster response: Peru extended emergency measures for 60 more days in 41 rain-hit districts across 11 regions, focusing on river and ravine clearing and temporary shelters. Cusco tourism overflights: Cusco authorities opened an investigation into alleged tourist helicopter flights over protected archaeological and natural areas, including potential permit breaches and environmental impacts. Environmental defenders in Lima: Latin American defenders gathered in Lima to push back against pollution and the criminalization of people protecting water, territories, and biodiversity. Mining & pollution accountability: A major U.S. court case could reshape cross-border pollution liability tied to Peru’s La Oroya metallurgical complex.

Climate & Disaster Response in Peru: Peru extended a state of emergency for another 60 days across 41 rain-hit districts in 11 regions, with authorities still clearing rivers and ravines and setting up temporary shelters, funded through existing institutional budgets. El Niño Watch: A NASA-led satellite detected a warm-water swell in the Pacific near South America, with sea levels around Peru reported more than 15 cm above averages—an early sign that El Niño conditions could develop later this year. Biodiversity Under Pressure (Cusco): Cusco authorities opened an investigation into alleged tourist helicopter overflights near protected archaeological and natural areas, including Rainbow Mountain, to check permits and assess potential environmental impacts. Water & Rights in the Spotlight (Lima): Latin American environmental defenders gathered in Lima to push back against pollution and the criminalization of people protecting water, territories, and community rights, citing high risks across the region. Mining & Water Risks: New reporting flags concerns around Peru’s Quellaveco mine and water scarcity/contamination, adding to scrutiny of extractive projects’ environmental performance.

Peru Mining & Environment: Peru’s government says mining drives about 11% of GDP and nearly 67% of exports, arguing the country has room for “responsible growth” as it competes for critical minerals tied to the energy transition. Climate & Fisheries: A new report warns that Super El Niño can destabilize marine ecosystems and fisheries by disrupting upwelling and plankton productivity—raising risks for coastal food security and livelihoods. Health Emergency (Public Health): Peru declared a 90-day measles health emergency after cases surged from Puno across multiple regions, exposing gaps in protection for vulnerable communities. Mining Pollution Lawsuit: In a U.S. court case, Peruvian plaintiffs seek to hold a Missouri parent company liable for emissions harms linked to La Oroya, with the outcome potentially reshaping how far U.S. law reaches in cross-border pollution claims. Amazon Pressure: Coverage highlights how resource demand and weak oversight are pushing rainforests to breaking point, with organized crime and extraction leaving lasting damage.

Public Health Emergency: Peru declared a 90-day health emergency as a measles outbreak spreads beyond Puno, with 301 confirmed and 1,403 suspected cases reported by early May, including hospitalizations and infections across multiple regions and Lima’s Callao. Mining & Environment: Peru’s mining sector was highlighted as a major economic driver—about 11% of GDP and 67% of exports—while officials urged “responsible growth” and warned that natural resources must be turned into sustainable development. Climate Impacts on Fisheries: A new analysis on Super El Niño warns of warmer seas, disrupted upwelling, lower plankton productivity, and cascading effects on marine ecosystems and fisheries—key concerns for coastal food security. Critical Minerals & Trade Links: Peru discussed closer cooperation with Türkiye on critical minerals and sustainable mining, as the country positions itself for energy-security demand. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Peru’s regional science and conservation work continues to surface, including research and documentation efforts tied to South American ecosystems and species protection.

Critical Minerals Diplomacy: Peru’s environment minister says the country is ready to deepen cooperation with Türkiye on critical minerals and sustainable mining, including a possible memorandum of understanding. Disaster Preparedness: Peru carried out a national multi-hazard drill with siren activations and evacuations to safe areas, testing responses to earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, floods, heavy rain, frost, cold spells, and strong winds. Mining & Water Risks: A report links Peru’s Quellaveco mine to water scarcity and contamination concerns, raising fresh questions about environmental safeguards. Climate & Fisheries: Coverage warns that a potential “Super El Niño” could sharply disrupt marine ecosystems and fisheries, with knock-on effects for coastal food security and livelihoods. Trade & Infrastructure: Peru’s push for faster bioceanic rail links is framed as a way to move goods between the Pacific and Atlantic as climate-driven congestion strains older routes. Biodiversity & Governance: An Amazon-focused analysis argues conservation must go beyond keeping forests standing, stressing enforcement, Indigenous rights, and public support.

Critical Minerals Diplomacy: Peru’s environment minister Nelly Paredes del Castillo said Peru is ready to deepen cooperation with Türkiye on critical minerals and sustainable mining, including a possible memorandum of understanding. Mining & Confidence: The BCR’s governor urged Peru to restore confidence and shift toward more productive public investment as mining-driven growth fades. El Niño & Fisheries Risk: A new analysis warns that “Super El Niño” can disrupt ocean upwelling, cut plankton productivity, and hit fisheries and coastal livelihoods—raising the stakes for climate-adaptive fisheries policy. Amazon Conservation Gaps: A report argues Amazon protection must go beyond keeping forests standing, pointing to failures in governance, enforcement, Indigenous rights, and public narratives. Water & Climate Adaptation: A Kentucky student project studies Peruvian terrace farming to help Eastern Kentucky farmers manage drought, flooding, and erosion. Andes Food Evolution: Research links ancient Andean potato domestication to selection for higher starch-digesting gene copies among Indigenous Peruvians. Mining Operations Watch: Solis Minerals says it will start maiden lithium drilling in Brazil next month while updating copper exploration in Peru.

El Niño Watch: A NASA–ESA satellite is tracking a growing wall of warm water across the Pacific, strengthening signals for El Niño later this year and raising the odds of unusual weather worldwide. Peru Health Policy: Peru’s government unveiled an intersectoral health roadmap aimed at improving access and quality of care, boosting efficiency and financial sustainability, and strengthening resilience to pandemics. Mining & Water Risks: Peru’s Quellaveco mine is linked to water scarcity and contamination concerns, with an investigation pointing to environmental stress around operations. Mining Permits Move Forward: Xali Gold says baseline studies for its Pico Machay project are complete, setting up an environmental permit submission to Peru’s mining environmental authority by late June. Critical Minerals Push: Peru’s mining leadership highlighted copper and tin as key critical minerals for the energy transition, arguing the country can supply demand while managing environmental impacts. Sustainability Reporting: Fortuna Mining published its 2025 Sustainability Report, emphasizing progress on water and tailings governance and climate action. Renewables Investment: Ardian’s clean energy fund entered Uruguay’s solar market with two PV plants, while noting existing solar and hydropower exposure in Peru.

Mining Policy Shock: Peru’s mining lobby SNMPE warns that the June 7 runoff could spook investment if candidates’ plans aren’t “sustainable,” citing potential impacts on major copper projects worth about $63 billion. El Niño Watch: NASA/ESA satellite data shows a warm-water swell building off South America, a sign El Niño may intensify later this year—raising the stakes for Peru’s weather and coastal impacts. Amazon Under Pressure: A new report says rainforest extraction is pushing the Amazon and similar biomes toward “breaking point,” with critical minerals, biofuels and pulp adding to threats like ranching, monocrops, oil and logging. Biodiversity Tech: Researchers unveiled TropiCam-AI, an AI model designed to spot tree-dwelling species from camera traps, aiming to close a big gap in monitoring canopy wildlife. Wildlife Research in Peru: In the Peruvian Amazon, a study finds some butterflies pause egg production during the dry season, showing how tropical species adapt to rainfall swings. Community & Environment Planning: Peru’s mining and water concerns also echo in local planning debates, as Peru-linked coverage highlights how environment and infrastructure choices shape long-term development.

Mining Policy Shock: Peru’s mining industry leader says the two June 7 runoff candidates’ plans could scare off billions in investment, warning that higher taxes and royalty changes—or community royalty sharing and “fast track” incentives—may not be sustainable long term. Cyber & Data Security: A new report flags Latin American cybercriminal groups increasingly targeting government agencies and contractors, with citizen data being stolen and monetized. Glencore Protests: Activists plan coordinated protests ahead of Glencore’s AGM, citing toxic impacts tied to Antamina in Peru and broader allegations of pollution, deforestation, and human-rights abuses across mining regions. El Niño Pressure on Fisheries: Peru’s fishing sector warns that warmer ocean conditions linked to El Niño could disrupt the anchovy season. Renewables for Remote Peru: A solar expansion project in Peru’s Amazon region is boosting power for a plantain flour facility, aiming to create jobs and income in an off-grid community. Biodiversity Watch: Researchers report that Amazon butterflies can pause egg production during the dry season, showing how tropical wildlife adapts to rainfall swings. Trade & Food Exports: Peru’s dried pineapple exports rose 37% in volume and 6% in value year-on-year, though shipments remain heavily dependent on the US market.

Peru Fishing Under El Niño Pressure: Peru’s anchovy season is at risk as warmer ocean temperatures tied to a potential El Niño add uncertainty to the country’s key fishery, raising economic alarms for the industry. Mining, Water, and Trust in the South: A new investigation renews scrutiny of the Quellaveco copper project, alleging pollution and water scarcity impacts on wildlife, local livelihoods, and community health—an issue that’s been simmering since the mine began operating in 2022. Amazon Under Organized Crime: A fresh report warns that organized crime is expanding across the Amazon, with drug trafficking and illegal gold mining driving violence and deforestation, and Indigenous communities facing the harshest retaliation. Energy Access in Remote Peru: A solar expansion project is boosting power for a remote Amazon community’s plantain flour production, aiming to turn reliable electricity into jobs and income. Copper Spotlight: Peru’s copper reserves were highlighted as a major global share, tying the country’s mining role to the energy-transition push.