AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Discovery: Ecuador’s Llanganates-Sangay Corridor researchers found a new spider species, Taczanowskia waska, that mimics a “zombie fungus” parasite—staying motionless on leaf undersides to fool predators. Traditional Craft Under Pressure: In Guangopolo near Quito, horsehair “cedazo” sieve weaving is fading fast, with only nine artisans left as cheaper plastics and synthetic fabrics squeeze demand. Conservation Monitoring: A new bioacoustics push is building acoustic baselines for intact forests, arguing that sound can reveal biodiversity loss that satellites and carbon counts may miss—Ecuador is among pilot sites. Climate Risk Watch: The UN warns El Niño conditions are back, with sea temperatures running far above average and raising odds of a major heat spike this year—an early signal for weather and ecosystem stress in the region. Earthquake (Regional Impact): A 6.1 quake near western Cuba shook buildings in Havana and was felt across Florida, underscoring how seismic events can ripple far beyond the epicenter.

Climate Watch: The UN weather agency says El Niño is back, with Pacific sea temperatures running about 6°C above average and raising the risk of a historic “super El Niño” heat spike between June and November 2026—bad news for food, water, and ecosystems across the Americas and beyond. Biodiversity in Ecuador: Researchers in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest have identified a new spider species, Taczanowskia waska, using a rare form of mimicry that makes it look like a fungus on leaves. Conservation & Water: Ecuador is also in the spotlight through regional sustainability momentum, including Premios Verdes’ 2026 ranking of 500 socio-environmental projects, with Ecuador placing second by country count. Local Environment Tech: A humanoid robot reached the summit of Ecuador’s Chimborazo volcano, part of a push to use mobile robots for monitoring wildlife and environmental change in remote protected areas. Policy & Trade: The U.S. is proposing new Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor import rules, and Ecuador is listed among affected economies.

El Niño Pressure on Food Systems: A “super El Niño” could intensify heat stress and disrupt farming in key supplier countries, putting UK supermarket staples at risk and costing workers hundreds of billions of potential work hours. Climate Watch: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño is forming and could drive major rainfall shifts this summer, with drought and extreme weather impacts expected worldwide. Ecuador Biodiversity Update: In Guayaquil, researchers report 63 amphibian and reptile species identified over a long study, including rare species not seen for decades, underscoring the value of urban green spaces as ecological refuges. New Amazon Species: Ecuador’s Amazon scientists discovered a spider species that mimics a fungus, adding to the region’s still-uncovered biodiversity. Coastal Disaster in Manta: A fire in Manta’s artisanal fishing port burned at least 25 boats and injured two people; authorities say it likely started from an accident during welding.

El Niño Watch: The World Meteorological Organization says a strong El Niño is building fast, with major rainfall swings expected this summer—raising the risk of drought, heat stress, and water and food disruptions across regions that include the Andes and coastal zones. Urban Biodiversity in Ecuador: Guayaquil’s long-running biodiversity work found 63 amphibian and reptile species, including rare animals not recorded for decades, underscoring how urban parks and dry-forest remnants can act as wildlife refuges even as the city expands. Amazon Discovery: Ecuador’s Amazon researchers identified a new spider species, Taczanowskia waska, that mimics fungus growth to deceive predators—another reminder of how much biodiversity still remains undocumented. Coastal Disaster Response: A fire in Manta’s artisanal fishing port burned at least 25 boats and injured two people; authorities say it may have started from welding work. Water Security Project: Caltech students helped replace damaged water infrastructure in Ecuador’s Tandacato after landslides buried a key catchment, aiming to restore clean drinking water for about 500 families. Wildlife Conservation Angle: A fundraiser at Yurak Allpa Zoo in Tarqui is set to support rescued animals, linking community culture with animal care.

Coastal Disaster in Manta: A major fire in Manta’s artisanal fishing port has burned at least 25 boats (authorities cite up to 35 vessels affected) and left two people with severe burns. Risk Management Response: Ecuador’s National Secretariat for Risk Management says the blaze is under control while teams assess damage and investigate the cause. Likely Accident, Not Crime: Manabí’s governor denied links to gangs, saying videos suggest the fire started on a vessel; police initial findings point to an accident during welding, with heat spreading after mooring lines failed. El Niño Watch for Ecuador: Multiple reports highlight El Niño’s growing likelihood and its potential for extreme heat, drought, and water stress across the region, with NASA and meteorological agencies warning conditions may intensify later this year. Cool-Climate Tourism Pressure: A 2026 “coolcation” ranking lists Quito among top destinations, reflecting rising demand for cooler, nature-based travel as heat and climate impacts reshape tourism choices.

Climate Watch: NASA and other experts say El Niño is likely to emerge later this year, with a warm-water “swell” already detected in the Pacific—raising fears of extreme heat, drought, and flooding risks across the Americas and beyond. Disaster Readiness: Colombia is bracing for an El Niño event (80% likelihood), warning of heat waves, water shortages, bush fires, and pressure on food and energy. Local Climate & Tourism: Travel And Tour World’s 2026 “coolcation” ranking puts Quito among the top cooler escapes in the Americas, reflecting how extreme heat is reshaping travel choices toward nature and lower temperatures. Community Water in Ecuador: Caltech Engineers Without Borders helped install a new protected water catchment and replaced 2.5 km of pipeline in Ecuador’s Tandacato village after landslides buried key infrastructure. Blue Economy & Jobs: A World Bank-linked story highlights how women are sustaining Ecuador’s coastal “blue economy,” organizing across fishing value chains while supporting ocean health. Wildlife & Nature Travel: A Galápagos expedition cruise spotlight points to wildlife-rich, low-impact tourism as a draw for nature-focused travelers.

El Niño Watch: NASA says a broad swell of warm Pacific water has appeared off South America, a common precursor to a potentially strong “Super El Niño,” raising alarms for extreme heat and disrupted rainfall worldwide. Climate Preparedness: Experts urge planning for extreme-weather impacts “El Niño or not,” as communities weigh how fast to adapt. Water Security in Ecuador: Caltech Engineers Without Borders students helped Tandacato (near Cotopaxi) replace buried catchments and 2.5 km of pipeline after 2021 landslides, aiming to restore clean drinking water for about 500 families. Ocean Livelihoods: A World Bank report highlights how women sustain Ecuador’s blue economy—organizing, processing, marketing, and caring across artisanal fisheries value chains. Toxic Mining Crime: A report links the Jalisco New Generation Cartel to large-scale illegal mercury trafficking used for gold extraction, including flows tied to protected areas in Mexico. Policy & Trade Pressure: The U.S. is moving toward Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor enforcement, with Ecuador named among markets facing scrutiny.

Non-regression in environmental law: A new legal principle argues countries can’t roll back environmental protections, framing it as a safeguard for future generations. Climate action delivery gap: A report says the bottleneck isn’t tech or money—it’s education and the ability of societies to learn, adapt, and implement climate change policies at scale. El Niño watch: NASA and the WMO point to a strengthening El Niño signal, with warm Pacific water swells raising fears of extreme heat and disrupted rainfall. Extreme-weather planning: Experts urge preparedness for climate impacts “El Niño or not,” pushing for better readiness systems. Nature-based solutions: A World Economic Forum risk framing highlights climate and biodiversity threats, arguing ecosystems can deliver major mitigation through protection and restoration. Ecuador angle: A study tracking ocean-wave journeys includes researchers from Ecuador, linking local science to global climate monitoring. Funding gap: Blended finance is promoted as a way to unlock environmental investment where public money falls short.

El Niño Watch for Ecuador: NASA’s Sentinel-6 satellite detected a warm Kelvin wave moving toward the South American coast, with sea levels off Colombia, Ecuador and Peru already running more than 15cm above averages—an early sign an El Niño event could follow, raising the odds of major weather swings. Climate Risk Preparedness: Cambodia launched a multi-hazard early warning project (2026–2030) for storms, floods, droughts and lightning, and the UN is pushing similar protection worldwide by 2027—relevant as Ecuador braces for extreme heat and shifting rainfall. Nature-Based Climate Solutions: A World Economic Forum risk report flags climate-driven extreme weather, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse among top global threats, while corporate-backed nature projects argue restoring forests and wetlands can cut emissions and strengthen resilience. Ecuador Environment & Mining: Ecuador is cracking down on lucrative illegal gold mines, targeting a key driver of land and water damage. Health & Water Link: PAHO reported progress toward eliminating trachoma across the Americas, emphasizing WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and environmental improvements—areas that directly affect communities in Ecuador. Indigenous Climate Storytelling: Cultural Survival launched a 2026 Indigenous Journalism Fellowship and Arts Residency to support reporting on climate change, natural disasters and transition minerals, including in the Americas. World Cup, but with a small environmental angle: FIFA banned refillable plastic water bottles from stadiums, a reminder that event rules can affect waste and sustainability choices.

Climate Watch for Ecuador: NASA’s Sentinel-6 satellite data shows a warm Kelvin wave moving toward the South American coast, with sea levels off Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru running above long-term averages—an early sign that El Niño is likely to follow. Power & Water Risks: Ecuador may soon lose electricity transfers from Colombia as El Niño strengthens and reduces hydro generation, raising blackout fears in both countries. Early Warnings, Global Lesson: Cambodia launched a multi-hazard early warning project (storms, floods, droughts, lightning) and Ecuador is listed among participating countries—another reminder that preparedness systems matter before extreme weather hits. Wildlife & Biodiversity: A new study reports daddy longlegs (harvestmen) preying on live frogs in South America, highlighting how much animal interactions still go undocumented. Local Environment & Community Design: Natura Futura’s river-based housing work in Babahoyo points to climate-ready, relationship-first building that uses local materials and knowledge.

El Niño Watch for Ecuador: New satellite readings show a warm Kelvin wave building off Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru—an early sign El Niño may intensify, with higher seas and shifting ocean heat that can drive droughts and floods. Power Supply Risk: Colombia’s electricity sales to Ecuador may be cut soon as El Niño threatens hydro reservoirs and could tighten generation across the Andes. Biodiversity in Ecuador: A rare field sighting from Ecuador’s cloud forest adds to what scientists know about wildlife interactions—an Ecuador harvestman-like arachnid was photographed eating a live frog. Climate Preparedness Beyond Ecuador: Cambodia launched a multi-hazard early warning project (storms, floods, drought, lightning) with UN support—Ecuador is listed among participating countries. Trade Pressure With Environmental Links: The U.S. proposed new forced-labor tariffs that include Ecuador, while the EU rejects the U.S. forced-labor claims—raising new compliance pressure for supply chains tied to environmental and labor standards.

El Niño Watch: The UN weather agency says El Niño is likely to continue until November, with above-average temperatures and a higher risk of drought, heavy rain, heatwaves, and even hurricane formation—an early warning for Ecuador’s climate-sensitive communities. Ecuador Crackdown on Mining: Ecuador’s military launched a major operation against illegal gold mines near the Colombian border, targeting toxic, unregulated extraction that authorities say is harming the environment and fueling security threats. Wildlife in Ecuador’s Cloud Forest: A rare sighting in Ecuador’s Mashpi-Tayra Reserve found a daddy longlegs-like harvestman eating a live frog, adding to what scientists know about biodiversity in the cloud forest. Trade Pressure with Ecuador in the Mix: The EU rejected US forced-labour tariff accusations, while US proposals flagged Ecuador among economies accused of weak enforcement—raising new pressure on regional trade rules. Local Climate Prep: Ecuador’s neighbors and partners are also bracing for extreme weather, as governments worldwide plan for heat and flooding impacts tied to El Niño.

El Niño Watch: The UN weather agency says El Niño is likely to continue until November, with above-average temperatures and a higher risk of drought, heavy rain, heatwaves, and even hurricanes—an urgent warning for the region’s climate stress. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Ecuador’s military moved to shut down illegal gold mines near the Colombian border, targeting San Lorenzo and El Alfaro and citing toxic, unregulated mining damage plus security risks tied to cross-border criminal networks. Biodiversity in the Amazon: Ecuadorian researchers report 62 key dung beetle species discovered in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, highlighting how these insects recycle nutrients and support forest health—while stressing the need to protect the area from deforestation and climate change. Wildlife Moment in Mashpi: A cloud-forest guide in Ecuador’s Mashpi-Tayra Reserve documented a daddy longlegs-like harvestman eating a live frog, a rare observation that could reshape what scientists think about predator behavior. Local Environment & Governance: Ecuador’s government communications strategy is under scrutiny for limiting journalists’ access and controlling the public narrative—an issue that can affect how environmental problems get covered. Conservation Tourism: Celebrity Cruises announced new 2028 Galápagos sailings, promising wildlife-focused itineraries led by park naturalists.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Ecuador’s military launched a major operation near the Colombian border to shut down illegal gold mines in San Lorenzo and El Alfaro, targeting more than 120 illicit sites and destroying heavy machinery to curb toxic, unregulated pollution. Climate Risk Watch: The UN weather agency warns El Niño is likely to persist until November, with above-average temperatures and higher odds of drought, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves—raising stakes for Ecuador’s weather and disaster preparedness. Biodiversity in Focus: Ecuadorian researchers identified 62 key dung beetle species in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, highlighting how these insects recycle nutrients and support Amazon forest health. Wildlife Crime: A regional report says wildlife trafficking across South America—including Ecuador—has grown into organized crime, linked to extractive networks and illegal markets. Cloud Forest Design: A tiny timber cabin (Casa 6-3) was installed above Mindo in Ecuador’s Chocó cloud forest, using a lightweight, elevated structure to reduce site impact.

Biodiversity in Ecuador’s Amazon: Ecuadorian researchers report 62 dung beetle species discovered in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, highlighting how these insects recycle nutrients and help seed dispersal—while also underscoring the need to protect the area from deforestation and climate change. Climate watch for the region: A NASA-led satellite analysis points to El Niño conditions developing later this year, with warm-water swells off South America that can drive extreme rainfall and drought across the tropics. Ecuador’s environmental policy: Ecuador has banned chlorpyrifos, a pesticide move aimed at reducing harmful impacts on ecosystems and public health. Local conservation and land use: A new tiny timber cabin, Casa 6-3, has been installed above Mindo in Ecuador’s cloud forest, using a lightweight design to limit its footprint and preserve the surrounding landscape. Environmental defenders in Latin America: Activists in Lima met to push back against the pollution they face and the criminalization and threats targeting people who defend water and territories.

Biodiversity Watch: Ecuador’s Sumaco Biosphere Reserve is yielding a major find: researchers with Inabio identified 62 dung beetle species across 300–1,800 meters, highlighting how these insects recycle nutrients, support seed dispersal, and help keep Amazon ecosystems stable—while also underscoring the pressure from deforestation and climate change. Cloud-Forest Design: A tiny elevated timber cabin, Casa 6-3, has been installed above Mindo in Ecuador’s Chocó cloud forest, using a lightweight, off-the-ground structure and semi-transparent cladding to reduce site impact and preserve the surrounding landscape. Wildlife Crime: A regional report warns that wildlife trafficking across South America has become tied to organized crime and extractive networks, naming Ecuador’s role in illegal shark fin exports and pointing to trafficking hubs operating across multiple countries, including Ecuador. El Niño Signals: NASA-led satellite observations detected a warm-water swell in the Pacific near South America, suggesting El Niño conditions may develop later this year and raise the odds of major weather extremes. Amazon Rights Under Pressure: Indigenous groups in Ecuador’s Amazon face threats from new oil bidding rounds that overlap ancestral territories, with advocates calling for a halt to expansion and stronger protection under the Rights of Nature.