Galápagos Wildlife & Tourism: A new report highlights how tightly regulated Galápagos cruises keep visitor numbers low while still letting travelers get close to rare species like marine iguanas and giant tortoises. Wildlife Crime: Ecuadorian authorities are also battling Galápagos black marine iguana trafficking, with cases involving animals smuggled via airports in suitcases and containers. Amazon Forest Governance: An Ecuador Amazon study finds Indigenous territories can maintain forest health comparable to state-protected areas, challenging the idea that only top-down protection works. El Niño Watch: NOAA and other agencies warn the 2026 El Niño is strengthening fast, raising risks of drought, extreme rains, and major impacts across the region’s weather and ecosystems. Regional Fisheries: Chile, Ecuador, and Peru set an initial roadmap for managing the giant squid fishery, aiming for stronger science and coordinated governance. Cocoa Climate Risk: A study points to heavy rainfall—not just heat or drought—as a key driver of cocoa yield losses, with implications for Ecuador-linked supply chains. Shrimp Industry: Ecuador’s shrimp sector continues expanding, with industry leaders pointing to collaboration and supply-chain integration as growth drivers.