AGP Executive Report

Nazca Lines Tragedy: A small tourist plane crashed near Peru’s Nazca airport during sightseeing flights over the UNESCO Nazca Lines, killing all 13 aboard (11 passengers and two crew). Authorities say the aircraft lost contact shortly after takeoff from Pisco and the wreckage burned within minutes, leaving no survivors; an investigation is underway. Bird Flu Spillover: Australia reported its first suspected mass bird flu (H5N1) die-off after dozens of seabirds died off South Australia, with sick birds and suspected positives suggesting the virus is spreading from the coast toward inland areas. Animal Welfare Probe: A new investigation into sloth deaths at “Sloth World” in the U.S. is reigniting debate over animal protections and conservation claims. El Niño Watch: Climate coverage highlights how intensifying El Niño can reshape weather and marine life, with knock-on effects for ecosystems and fisheries. Peru Policy & Environment: Peru’s incoming Fujimori administration is seeking delegated legislative powers, with critics warning the request may broaden beyond urgent El Niño and public safety needs.

Peru–U.S. Security & Disaster Ties: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called President Keiko Fujimori, signaling Washington’s push to deepen cooperation on transnational crime, trade, investment, and disaster preparedness. Defense & Local Industry: Peru’s Technical and Operational Analysis Committee picked South Korea’s K2 Black Panther for 150-tank procurement, with 46 built in Korea and the rest assembled in Peru under Hyundai Rotem’s plan. Climate & Food Supply: A report on Strait of Hormuz disruptions highlights how fertilizer flows can be as geopolitically fragile as oil—raising food-price risks and recalling Peru’s role in the earlier guano “Green Revolution.” Amazon Resilience: Amazon Watch and the Chapra Nation expanded solar, freezers, and internet to 12 communities, aiming to protect livelihoods as El Niño and extractive pressures intensify. Biodiversity & Heritage: New research links seabird guano to Chincha farmland productivity, showing how marine nutrients helped shape Peru’s pre-Inca power.

Peru’s El Niño pressure on fisheries: A new report links Peru’s abnormal weather to disrupted anchovy supply chains, helping explain why supermarket quality and availability vary so sharply. Defense procurement with local industry links: Peru’s Technical and Operational Analysis Committee picked South Korea’s K2 Black Panther tank over rivals, with 150 units planned to replace aging T-55/AMX-13; the first 46 are to be built in South Korea and the rest assembled in Peru using a Hyundai Rotem plan with 30% local components. HIV prevention access fight: Activists at an international conference protested pricing barriers for lenacapavir-based HIV prevention; Peru is among countries with serious epidemics but faces higher costs that keep it out of the lowest-price licensing tier. Climate risk planning: Peru is among countries preparing emergency measures for a “Super El Niño,” with warnings of extreme heat, flooding, drought, and knock-on impacts for agriculture and fishing. Amazon resilience and Indigenous-led monitoring: A Chapra Nation initiative in Peru’s Amazon expanded solar, freezers, and internet to 12 communities, aiming to strengthen reporting and adaptation as fires and drought intensify. Ocean science for Peru’s coastal future: A new interactive map of the seafloor highlights how much of the ocean remains unmapped, underscoring the knowledge gap behind managing marine ecosystems.

HIV Access Crisis: A “miracle” HIV prevention drug, lenacapavir-based PrEP, is nearly 100% effective in trials, but Latin American countries—including Peru—are being priced out, sparking protests at the International AIDS Society conference in Rio. Oceans & Fishing Governance: A new anti-illegal-fishing declaration was signed by Peru and other nations, calling for more transparency on vessel ownership and better data sharing—while China stays out. Amazon Archaeology: New lidar-based research suggests a much larger ancient Amazon civilization, with nearly 400 geoglyphs and millions of people potentially shaping the rainforest long ago. Peru Leadership & Environment: Peru’s new president, Keiko Fujimori, takes office amid a security-focused agenda, as the country also faces climate and environmental pressures. Mining & Responsible Production: Anglo American’s Peru and Chile operations were recognized by The Copper Mark for responsible practices as the region’s critical minerals push continues.

Peru’s New Presidency: Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru’s president, setting out seven government objectives amid deep social polarization and protests that marked the transition. UAE–Peru Diplomacy: UAE Minister of State Reem Al Hashimy attended Fujimori’s inauguration and extended an official invitation for a UAE visit, underscoring renewed ties as both countries mark 40 years of diplomatic relations. Critical Minerals Push: India says it has expanded partnerships for critical minerals with Peru and other countries, aiming to secure supply chains for clean energy, semiconductors, and defense. Mining & Environment Watch: Peru-based Cementos Pacasmayo is cited in Holcim’s upgraded 2026 outlook, while tailings management and dam safety remain a major global focus as dry-stacking adoption and stricter standards spread. Climate & Oceans: El Niño forecasts point to major marine impacts across regions, including shifts in animal movement and ecosystem stress that can ripple into fisheries and coastal communities.

El Niño Watch for Peru: A Reuters report quotes UN FAO economist Maximo Torero warning Latin America faces a “double blow” from an intense El Niño (81% chance of very strong) plus reduced fertilizer and hybrid seed supplies tied to Strait of Hormuz disruptions—flagging Peru’s northern coast flooding and highlands water scarcity as a likely repeat pattern. Marine Life & Heat Risks: A US forecast says a sharky summer off California could bring unusual tropical marine visitors northward, with El Niño-linked ecosystem shifts that studies have linked to changes in Peru’s sea lions. Peru’s New Political Chapter: Keiko Fujimori took office as Peru’s president, with coverage noting her security crackdown focus—an important backdrop as climate stress and water shocks loom. Biodiversity Conservation Funding: Canada-backed CEPF support (CA$20M) backed community-led conservation in the Tropical Andes hotspot, including Peru, targeting Key Biodiversity Areas. Mining & Environment: Glencore reported a Peru output jump at Antamina, while Peru-focused reporting also highlights ongoing tensions around mining towns and water access in the Andes.

Peru’s New President and Security Push: Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru’s president, promising a military-led crackdown on crime, drug trafficking, and illegal mining—an approach likely to shape how environmental enforcement plays out in high-risk regions. Amazon Power and Indigenous-Led Climate Action: A new push under Amazon Watch’s “Power to the Protectors” highlights community solar projects across the Amazon, pairing clean energy with satellite internet to strengthen local autonomy and help deter illegal activity. Water Infrastructure Upgrade in Cajamarca: Aqualia won a PPP contract to design and run a wastewater treatment plant in Cajamarca, aiming to stop untreated discharges into the Mashcón and Cajamarquino rivers and improve sanitation for 365,000+ residents. Amazon Archaeology Meets Conservation: Researchers using remote sensing detected hundreds of new Amazon earthworks, including large geoglyphs, underscoring how much remains hidden—and how careful land stewardship matters. Climate Extremes in the Region: A record-leaning El Niño outlook and ongoing heatwave impacts are driving drought and wildfire pressure, with knock-on effects for agriculture and ecosystems.

Peru’s new security push: Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru’s president, promising a military-led crackdown on crime, drug trafficking, and illegal mining through states of emergency—an approach critics say repeats past hardline patterns. Water and rivers: Aqualia won a PPP contract to design, finance, build, operate, and maintain the Cajamarca wastewater treatment plant, aiming to stop untreated discharges into the Mashcón and Cajamarquino rivers and improve sanitation for 365,000+ residents. El Niño risk for Peru: With a “super” El Niño probability rising, Peru is bracing for impacts on agriculture and water, while analysts warn that the scale of disruption and government spending responses will shape economic fallout. Biodiversity subsidies scrutiny: A new analysis of nature-harming subsidies under the Kunming-Montreal framework finds only a small share of countries fully reported by the 2025 deadline—Peru is among the few megadiverse nations that identified all harmful subsidies. Responsible mining supply chains: Anglo American says its Peru and Chile operations received or reaffirmed Copper Mark awards and Chain of Custody certifications, targeting better traceability and human-rights safeguards in copper sourcing. Trade and food exports: Peru and Kuwait moved to expand economic cooperation, with Peru pitching more exports—coffee, fisheries, textiles, and processed foods—alongside energy and infrastructure ties.

Peru’s New Security-Climate Push: Newly sworn-in President Keiko Fujimori declared a state of emergency, saying the military will temporarily take control in high-crime areas while her government also moves to prepare for El Niño impacts. Mining With a Human-Rights Lens: Anglo American says four Peru/Chile operations received or retained The Copper Mark, including Quellaveco’s first award in Peru and new chain-of-custody steps to improve traceability. Wildlife Research in the Amazon: A Peru-Bolivia camera-trap study using non-invasive methods reports the elusive “ghost dog” (short-eared dog) appearing instead of expected jaguar/ocelot footage, adding to what we know about Amazon biodiversity. El Niño Risk Meets Policy: Fujimori’s agenda ties emergency decrees and legislative powers to both public safety and climate preparedness, putting environmental resilience alongside crime and illegal mining enforcement. Carbon Markets Watch: A new estimate projects the voluntary carbon offset credit market could reach $7.18B by 2035, with aviation flagged as a major driver of future demand.

Peru’s New President Keiko Fujimori Takes Office: Keiko Fujimori was sworn in Tuesday after narrowly winning the June runoff, promising to curb crime by deploying the military in areas hit by drug trafficking and illegal mining, while also pledging fiscal tightening and higher minimum wages. El Niño Risk in Peru: Peru is bracing for a potentially severe El Niño, with scientists and analysts warning of major impacts on weather and agriculture. Aruba and Peru Environmental Cooperation: A roundtable in Lima explored closer collaboration on renewable energy, water management, nature conservation, the circular economy, climate action, sustainable tourism, and waste management. Mining and Water/Regulation Watch: Peru-linked mining developments continue to draw attention, including new exploration and drilling updates and broader moves to reshape mining permits and dry-stack tailings rules. Wildlife and Conservation Notes: A rare pale Amazon river turtle hatchling was reported from Bolivia’s protected reserve, and Peru’s environmental community also highlighted the value of “slow-seeing journalism” for defending the Amazon. Environment in the News Beyond Peru: Florida officials reported no criminal neglect in sloth deaths tied to an attraction importing animals from Peru, while Europe faces wildfire-driven evacuations and smoke.

Climate & Agriculture: Peru’s incoming president-elect Keiko Fujimori vowed to tackle El Niño, with meteorologists warning it could be the most intense since 1998—an issue that could hit crops and food supplies. Energy Transition: Peru faces energy-security pressure as proven natural gas reserves fell 9.5% in 2024, leaving about 13 years at current use; a renewable push via Law 32249 is delayed, while gas plants keep an advantage. Responsible Mining: Anglo American says its Quellaveco copper mine in Peru and Chile operations (Los Bronces, El Soldado, Chagres) earned The Copper Mark for responsible production, including chain-of-custody recognition. Water & Tailings Safety: A new regulatory reality is driving iron ore majors toward dry-stacking instead of wet slurry tailings, reflecting tighter standards after past dam disasters. El Niño Research: An Alabama professor explains why El Niño is hard to predict—scientists can often only forecast it once it’s already starting. Wildlife & Trade: Florida regulators reported no criminal neglect in the deaths of 31 sloths tied to an exotic animal business, including a shipment from Peru. Mining Exploration (Peru): Xali Gold reported assay results from Pico Machay, confirming high-grade gold mineralization in central Peru.

El Niño risk to Peru’s food system: Ecuador’s emergency committee warns a “major El Niño” could trigger flooding and major losses for crops like banana, rice and cocoa, with coastal rains starting late October into early 2027—another reminder for Peru’s agriculture to brace for climate shocks. Peru’s pollution problem in schools: A report flags lead, mercury and arsenic pollution in Peruvian schools, warning it threatens children’s health and raises urgent monitoring and cleanup needs. Illegal mining at regional court: South America’s top court is taking up an unprecedented Peru illegal mining case, putting pressure on enforcement and environmental safeguards in affected areas. Forest monitoring push: Bolivia launched a satellite platform to track forest cover changes every two to three weeks, and Peru is among countries using the tool—useful for spotting deforestation and land transformation faster. Carbon markets debate: A new op-ed argues voluntary carbon credits have repeatedly failed forests and communities in the Global South, calling for credits that actually benefit local protectors.

El Niño Watch: Scientists warn a “super El Niño” is 60–81% likely to develop, raising risks for drought in parts of Asia and heavy rains in South America—bad news for food supplies and prices. Peru Fisheries: Peru has indefinitely paused anchovy fishing after warmer waters boosted juvenile presence, while Chile’s salmon sector braces for toxic algal blooms. Wildfire Crisis (Europe): Spain and France wildfires have forced 267,000 people to flee, with Spain reporting 130,000 hectares burned this year and Madrid under heavy smoke. Food Integrity: A global food-fraud investigation highlights mismatched labels and declining testing for dangerous contaminants, underscoring risks to consumers. Trade & Environment: Ecuador and Canada signed a free trade deal covering environmental issues and duty-free access for 99.6% of exports, excluding or protecting 227 sensitive agricultural products. Peru-Korea Minerals Push: Peru’s ambassador says Korea ties will expand into critical minerals, defense, logistics, green energy, and AI.

Heavy Metals in Peru Schools: A new report warns that lead, mercury, and arsenic pollution in former mining areas is exposing about 2,647 students and staff daily, with risks tied to contaminated soil, air, and food across regions including Huancavelica, Lima, Áncash, Cajamarca, and Junín. Wildfire Crisis in Europe: Wildfires in Spain and France have forced more than 267,000 people to flee, with Madrid blanketed by smoke and ash as authorities deploy extra resources and warn of a difficult fight ahead. Mangrove Conservation Push: On International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, Aruba highlights mangroves as key coastal protection—alongside seagrass and coral reefs—linking restoration to climate resilience. Indigenous Border Protection (Peru-Brazil): Brazil and Peru move to coordinate protection for Indigenous territories, including isolated peoples, after armed incursions and growing pressure from illegal activities. El Niño Climate Watch: Peru is bracing for El Niño impacts that could disrupt agriculture, including the citrus blossom season.

Wildfire Crisis in Europe: Spain and France are battling major wildfires that have killed at least one person and forced more than 250,000 people to flee, with smoke and ash reaching Madrid and prompting national emergency measures. Climate & Water Risks: A new study warns that melting glaciers could create tens of thousands of new lakes worldwide, reshaping landscapes as ice retreats. Peru’s El Niño Pressure on Food: Peru is bracing for El Niño impacts that could disrupt the citrus blossom season, raising concerns for harvest timing and supply. Pollution in Schools: Lead, mercury, and arsenic contamination in Peruvian schools is reported as a health threat to thousands of students. Mangrove Conservation: July 26 marks International Day for the conservation of mangrove ecosystems, highlighting mangroves’ role in coastal protection and climate resilience. Marine Ecosystems Under Strain: A report links fishmeal demand to heavy harvesting of forage fish, raising alarms about knock-on effects for marine food webs and coastal communities. Biodiversity in the Spotlight: A Humboldt penguin chick hatches at a zoo, underscoring conservation efforts for a vulnerable species native to Peru and Chile.

Wildfire Crisis: Spain and France are dealing with fast-moving wildfires that have forced at least 267,000 people to flee, with smoke and ash reaching Madrid and Spanish authorities warning of “complex hours ahead.” Peru Pollution Watch: A new report says heavy metals—lead, mercury, and arsenic—in Peruvian school environments threaten thousands of students, especially in regions tied to former mining areas. Indigenous Border Protection: Brazil and Peru signed a cooperation framework to better protect Indigenous territories along the Amazon border, including isolated communities facing invasions and illegal activity. Mangrove Conservation: July 26 marked the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, highlighting mangroves’ role in coastal protection and climate resilience. Trade & Customs Modernization (Peru): Peru’s Customs (SUNAT) completed the second phase of a trade facilitation program, cutting import and export clearance times through more data-driven systems. El Niño Pressure on Peru: Peru is bracing for El Niño impacts that could disrupt agriculture, including citrus blossom timing.