AGP Executive Report

Water Security in the Andes: In Peru’s high Andes, a new conservation push in Huancavelica’s Chincha watershed is using wetland protection and native forest regeneration to slow glacier loss impacts and protect water supplies for the arid coast. Climate Risk for Latin America: The UN warns that a very strong El Niño could cut regional GDP by more than 2% over the next three years, urging earlier action like cross-border energy sharing and climate-resilient infrastructure. El Niño and Health Threats: Scientists project “Super El Niño” could lead to about 451,000 deaths, with the most severe impacts expected in the global south. Indigenous Adaptation: A new report argues Indigenous governance is already delivering effective climate adaptation, but legal recognition and financing are still far too limited. Pollution Watch: A global review finds cigarette butts make up about 12% of aquatic litter in surveyed sites, including hotspots reported in Peru. Biodiversity Spotlight: Peru-linked research highlights new species discoveries and the importance of correct identification for conservation planning.

Climate Disinformation: A new report warns that climate misinformation rarely denies warming outright; it downplays impacts, distorts science, and delays action—often driven by fossil fuel and mining interests—making it harder for the public to respond to heat, floods, and wildfires. UN Voices: At the UN General Assembly, leaders highlighted climate and governance priorities, including Peru’s focus on crime-fighting and broader calls for stronger global coordination on climate and security. El Niño Watch: Scientists say a “super” El Niño is strengthening and could intensify global weather impacts, with officials urging countries to treat it as an urgent climate warning. Peru Data Centers: Peru voters will decide in November on a proposed 180-day moratorium on new data center development and permitting, citing concerns over local water use, grid capacity, noise, and environmental resources. Aquatic Pollution: A global review finds cigarette butts make up about 12% of aquatic litter, with some coastal sites in Chile, Brazil, and Peru seeing cigarette waste dominate. Biodiversity: Researchers identified a new wild cat species in South America (Leopardus tilcayo), underscoring how DNA and museum work can reveal hidden biodiversity. Copper & Wildlands: A major copper boom tied to renewables and AI data centers is raising alarms about expanding mining into wildlands, with risks to water stress and biodiversity.

El Niño Watch: Scientists say the developing El Niño is now the strongest on record, with sea temperatures about 3.05°C above average—raising alarms for major rainfall and heat swings that can hit Peru’s weather, food systems, and health planning. Amazon Health Crisis: A Mongabay report warns drought and state neglect are worsening a severe health emergency for the Indigenous Matsés in Peru’s Amazon, as malaria and hepatitis B outbreaks compound shrinking river access to care. Community Restoration in the Amazon: Delfin Amazon Cruises marked one year of BioRest, planting 1,760 native useful plants across a 172-hectare corridor along the Marañón River with 18 families—an example of community-led reforestation tied to local livelihoods. Peru’s Green Gold Exports: MIDAGRI data shows Hass avocado exports reached 505,377 metric tons in the first half of 2026, with Peru expanding market access to boost small producers. Peru–Poland Cooperation: Peru and Poland signed an extradition agreement in New York, with ministers also flagging environment ministry talks and broader cooperation.

El Niño Food Shock: A “supersized” El Niño could push up to 8 million children into acute hunger, with IFSPC forecasts raising crisis hunger numbers from 12.6 million to 16.4 million by March 2027, as Save the Children warns floods and drought will hit hardest in East and Southern Africa. Climate Extremes Watch: NOAA says the event is likely to be “very strong,” with ocean temperatures already breaking records months ahead of peak—raising risks of floods, landslides, and power outages. Peru Policy & Resilience: Peru’s government is moving to reorganize its environment ministry, while separate coverage flags the need for coordinated action to protect Machu Picchu amid rising climate pressures. Biodiversity & Conservation: Bolivia’s cloud forests yielded Leopardus tilcayo, the first newly named wild cat species in over a century, underscoring how much biodiversity still remains to be found and protected. Environmental Crime Focus: Brazil is pushing for a new UN protocol to tackle environmental crimes tied to transnational organized crime, including illegal wildlife, timber, mining products, and waste. Peru Tech for Connectivity: ZTE says it deployed a 110km backbone microwave network in Peru using CoMP SD to support upgrades in challenging Amazon conditions.

Super El Niño Watch: El Niño has already smashed the highest temperature record for the phenomenon, with Pacific warming at 3.05°C—months ahead of the expected peak—raising fears of major knock-on impacts for weather, oceans, and health across the Americas. Peru Climate & Food: Peru’s blueberry export outlook for 2026/27 has been cut to about 382,000 metric tons as El Niño weighs on late-season volumes, with declines projected from week 36 onward. Machu Picchu Governance: Peru’s Machu Picchu Management Unit discussed tighter security, heritage conservation, visitor management, and steps to modernize ticketing through virtual channels—aimed at balancing ecosystem protection with responsible public use. Ancient Resilience in Puno: Peru’s waru waru water-management farming system is being revived in Puno to boost native potato harvests at high altitude, improving frost resilience and supporting biodiversity. Environmental Defenders Under Threat: A Global Witness report says 124 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2025, with Latin America responsible for 85%—and Colombia again topping the list.

El Niño Health Warning for the Americas: PAHO says El Niño is strengthening and could reach “very strong” intensity by late 2026/early 2027, with drought, food insecurity, wildfires, flooding and rising health risks already affecting millions across the region. Peru El Niño Pressure on Relief Efforts: Coverage highlights how El Niño impacts are intensifying in Peru as authorities prepare for repression rather than relief, raising concerns for vulnerable communities. Waru Waru Revival in Puno: In Acora, Aymara communities are rebuilding ancient waru waru raised fields to boost native potato harvests at 3,800 m, using water channels to reduce frost damage and protect agricultural biodiversity. Environmental Defenders Under Threat: A Global Witness report says 124 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2025, with Latin America responsible for 85% of deaths, underscoring deadly conflict over land and natural resources. Plastic Pollution Hotspots: A new study warns that plastic waste imports are overwhelming Latin America’s waste systems, leaking into the environment and creating major public health risks. Secure Border Cooperation (Ecuador–U.S.): Ecuador and the U.S. signed a Secure Border implementation letter focused on intelligence sharing and coordinated checks to curb trafficking and illicit economies along the northern frontier.

Peru’s Environment Shake-Up: Peru’s executive order declares a 120-day reorganization of the Ministry of the Environment (MINAM), raising fresh concerns about whether Amazon protection could be weakened by faster industrial “reactivation.” El Niño Pressure on Peru: A Peruvian researcher says Indigenous knowledge can help communities prepare for extreme El Niño impacts as Peru faces heavy, unseasonal rains and rising climate stress. Wildlife and Farms: In Kozhikode, crop damage from wildlife has topped ₹1.35 crore in eight months, with farmers pushing for stronger barriers and tech-backed protection. New Species Spotlight (Bolivia): Scientists formally name Bolivia’s Leopardus tilcayo, the first new living wild cat species described in over a century—highlighting how much biodiversity still hides in plain sight. Plastic Pollution Alarm (Latin America): A study warns “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America are worsening public health risks as imported waste overwhelms weak waste systems. Community Recycling (Peru-relevant theme): Elsewhere, communities are rethinking waste—like reusing natural materials instead of dumping them—showing practical local models for greener habits.

MINAM Reorganization: Peru’s executive branch has declared a 120-day modernization and reorganization of the Ministry of the Environment (MINAM) and its attached environmental agencies, raising fresh concerns about whether Amazon protection could be sidelined amid past “reforms” that weakened enforcement and widened regulatory gaps. El Niño Impacts in Peru: Peru is seeing intensifying effects from a “super” El Niño, with record-breaking coastal heat, widespread red alerts, and major wildlife die-offs tied to disrupted Humboldt Current waters and collapsing marine food chains. Biodiversity Breakthrough (Bolivia, with Peru links): Scientists have formally identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests—Leopardus tilcayo—after genetic work that also included comparisons across South America, including Peru, underscoring how much biodiversity remains hidden. Conservation & Science: The new cat study highlights how cryptic species can evade detection, reinforcing the need for better field research and genetic monitoring across the Andes.

MINAM Reorganization: Peru’s Executive Branch issued Supreme Decree No. 012-2026-MINAM to reorganize the Ministry of the Environment and its attached agencies for 120 days, reviving public fears that environmental oversight could be weakened after past “reforms” that reduced enforcement and expanded loopholes for land-use change. El Niño Impacts in Peru: SENAMHI reports intensifying “super” El Niño conditions, with Lima hitting 29°C and 21 regions placed on red alert; the coastal heat and Humboldt Current disruption are linked to mass seabird and marine mammal deaths, with the worst still expected. Biodiversity Watch: Scientists confirmed Bolivia’s Leopardus tilcayo, the first newly described living wild cat species in over a century, using DNA work; the study also highlights how Peru’s Yungas region may share related lineages. Conservation & Safety: The week also surfaced renewed attention to environmental defenders’ risks across the region, alongside broader calls for stronger protection of nature and people.

El Niño and food security: A new warning says a powerful El Niño could disrupt fruit and vegetable harvests, with Peru’s avocado season already shortened by higher temperatures—raising the odds of tighter supplies and higher prices far beyond South America. Biodiversity breakthrough: Bolivia’s cloud forests yielded Leopardus tilcayo, the first newly described living wild cat species in over a century, discovered after years of genetic work and highlighting how much remains unknown in the Yungas. Peru regional climate impacts: Coverage points to severe El Niño effects across Peru and Ecuador, with health risks and marine disruptions expected as ocean conditions shift. Peru governance and environment: Peru’s president guaranteed joint State efforts against El Niño, while lawmakers debate broader delegated legislative powers—both likely to shape how quickly climate and environmental responses move. Conservation and safety: Peru-linked reporting also flags the wider toll on land and environmental defenders in Latin America, where killings continue to threaten conservation work.

Southern Vanguard 2026 (Peru): Warfighters from Argentina, Chile, Peru and the U.S. Army moved from instruction into a three-day field training exercise in Sauce, Peru, running jungle patrols, water crossings and simulated casualty/ambush scenarios. Biodiversity Watch: Scientists formally named Bolivia’s cloud-forest “Tilcayo” wild cat as Leopardus tilcayo, using genetic work after years of confusion with similar tiger cats—an important new baseline for conservation in the Yungas. Energy & Environment: Nevada regulators approved two methane gas power plants aimed at powering data centers, with conditions tied to environmental and local permits. Climate Pressure on Food: Coverage highlights how a potentially “super” El Niño could disrupt marine life and weather patterns, with Peru and Ecuador flagged for severe impacts that can ripple into agriculture and tourism. Peru Business & Industry: Heidelberg Materials agreed to buy a 70% stake in Peru’s Cementos Inka, expanding cement and concrete capacity near Lima and Pisco.

El Niño Marine Shifts: Southern California researchers warn a strengthening El Niño could push tropical species north, with sightings already including hammerhead sharks, a whale shark near Malibu, and mahi-mahi—plus a rare yellow-bellied sea snake reported on an Orange County beach. Biodiversity Breakthrough: Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forests yielded a first-in-a-century discovery: Leopardus tilcayo (tilcayo), a newly described wild cat confirmed by genetic work, raising fresh conservation questions for little-studied habitats. Peru Policy Watch: Peru’s government is seeking 120 days of delegated legislative powers covering mining, energy, infrastructure, compliance, customs, and labor—an update environmental stakeholders will want to track for how fast rules could change. Climate Risk Planning: Across Latin America, officials are updating contingency plans as forecasts point to a very strong El Niño, but impacts vary widely by country, from flooding risks to drought and power stress. Land Defender Safety: A new report flags Latin America as the deadliest region for land and environmental defenders, with killings concentrated in 2025 and linked to conflicts over resources.

El Niño Impacts Peru’s Seas and Food Supply: Peru and Chile are driving a global drop in fishmeal and fish oil output as El Niño disrupts catches; IFFO reports fishmeal down 49% and fish oil down 30% in 2026’s first seven months, with Peru’s North-Central anchovy season canceled after juveniles were hit, leaving quota uncaught. Climate Risk for Peru’s Heritage: Forecasts warn El Niño could bring major weather swings that threaten coastal and marine ecosystems, with Peru’s world heritage sites facing added risk as conditions intensify. Protected Areas Under Pressure: Peruvian environmental lawyers warn the Executive’s request for legislative powers could loosen rules protecting parks, sanctuaries, and Indigenous territories, potentially enabling more mining and hydrocarbon activity. Biodiversity and Wildlife Crime: A new report highlights trafficking routes across Central America, where legal loopholes and weak enforcement fuel illegal wildlife trade, including birds and timber. Environmental Defenders Under Threat: Global Witness says 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America accounting for most cases and Peru among the affected.

El Niño Watch: Central equatorial Pacific sea temperatures have surged to +2.9°C above average, with NOAA odds of a historically strong event at 75% for Oct–Dec—raising fears for Peru and the wider region’s droughts, floods, and heat extremes. Food & Fisheries Pressure: A major El Niño-linked drop is hitting marine ingredients: IFFO reports fishmeal down 49% and fish oil down 30% in Peru and Chile, with Peru’s North-Central anchovy season canceled and 1 million metric tons of quota left uncaught. Water Pollution in the Spotlight: Sembakkam Lake in southern India remains choked by sewage entering through stormwater drains, despite years of complaints—an example of how weak sanitation systems can turn monsoon season into a pollution risk. Defending Nature at Deadly Cost: Global Witness says 124 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2025, with Latin America responsible for about 85% of the deaths; the report warns shrinking foreign aid is leaving Indigenous and smallholder communities with fewer protections. Peru Agriculture Tech: CUO and Peru’s International Potato Center are running a potato seed and protected cultivation program, pushing aeroponics and apical root cutting to strengthen resilient farming.

Environmental Defenders Under Threat: Global Witness reports at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2025, with Latin America the deadliest region (85% of cases) and Colombia the worst-hit country (39), as violence linked to land disputes, illegal logging, mining and organized crime continues. El Niño Pressure on Peru’s Economy and Environment: Peru’s economy kept growing through July 2026, but the MEF flags Coastal El Niño impacts—fishing down sharply and agriculture hit by lower harvests—highlighting how climate swings can stress food systems and livelihoods. Machu Picchu Research Update: Polish-Peruvian archaeologists report more than 2.5 km of previously unknown pre-Columbian roads near Machu Picchu, plus terraces and platforms, underscoring how rainforest cover still hides major heritage features. Mining Activity in Southern Peru: Precore Gold completed a drone-based magnetic survey at its Arikepay Gold Project in Southern Peru, aiming to map buried structures and refine targets ahead of its first drill campaign. Lithium Pilot Plant in Peru: American Lithium says its Falchani pilot plant is fully installed and operating in Lima, with lab testing showing lithium extraction averaging 88.7%, a step toward scaling up the project’s flowsheet. HIV Prevention Access in Peru: Gilead and PAHO agreed to expedite access to twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention across PAHO member states, including Peru, using regional revolving funds to close coverage gaps.

Machu Picchu Research: Polish-Peruvian teams report over 2.5 km of previously unknown pre-Columbian roads, terraces, and circular structures near Machu Picchu—new clues to how the Inca landscape was organized under dense rainforest. Climate Risk for Peru’s Heritage: A new El Niño update warns of intensified weather impacts, including threats to Peru’s world heritage site Chan Chan as warmer conditions raise the odds of disruptive rain and heat. Amazon Governance & Health: Experts warn that malaria resurgence in the Amazon is tied not just to health gaps but to deforestation and land-use failures, calling for tighter links between environmental protection and public health planning. Environmental Defenders Under Pressure: Global Witness documents 124 killings of land and environmental defenders in 2025, with Latin America at 85%—Colombia and Brazil lead, underscoring how mining, logging, and land conflicts keep escalating danger for Indigenous and smallholder communities. El Niño’s Ocean Effects: Reports note El Niño-linked unusually warm waters are disrupting fisheries, including Peru’s anchovy season closure after low catches—raising concerns for marine food webs and ocean carbon storage. Peru Agriculture Watch: Proarándanos cuts its 2026/27 Peruvian blueberry export forecast by 6% to 382,000 tonnes, blaming worsening weather and El Niño impacts on productivity. Peru in the Climate Pipeline: Axo Longevity says it has launched in Peru as part of its preventive health membership model, expanding lab-based biomarker testing through certified partners.