AGP Executive Report

El Niño Alarm in Ecuador: Ecuador has raised its El Niño alert to red as Pacific warming intensifies, with officials warning of stronger drought-flood swings and knock-on risks for communities and infrastructure. Amazon Turtle Recovery: In Ecuador’s Amazon, Siekopai “Turtle Women” are patrolling the Aguarico River to protect vulnerable charapa turtle nests, collecting and raising eggs and releasing hatchlings—while also tackling threats like pollution and rising waters. River Dolphins Under Pressure: New research flags critically endangered pink and gray river dolphins in the Ecuadorian Amazon, with low counts suggesting heightened local threats. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown: Ecuadorian authorities intercepted 32 protected Galápagos marine iguanas at Quito airport, seized a trafficking case aimed at shipping them to Iceland, and moved the animals to a conservation center as the investigation continues. Circular Housing in Quito: A Quito home project turns six discarded refrigerated shipping containers into a circular-economy structure, showing how reuse can scale to everyday living. Banana Exports Update: Ecuador exported 247.09 million banana boxes in Jan–Jul 2026, up 8.32% year-on-year, though July demand slowed in parts of Europe.

Wildlife Rescue in the Amazon: Indigenous Siekopai “turtle women” in Ecuador’s Aguarico River are helping threatened charapa turtles recover by patrolling nests, collecting eggs, and cleaning riverbanks as hunting, egg harvesting, pollution, boat traffic, and climate-driven flooding threaten populations. Anti-Trafficking Crackdown (Galápagos): Ecuadorian authorities intercepted 32 protected marine iguanas at Quito airport, allegedly bound for Iceland, and moved them to a conservation center while an investigation continues and prosecutors authorize any return to the islands. Community Clean Energy (Intag Valley): Nineteen families in Imbabura are building a 300-kilowatt run-of-river micro-hydropower project, with half of electricity revenue earmarked for cloud-forest conservation, aiming to reduce reliance on extractive industries. Climate Risk Watch (El Niño): Ecuador has raised El Niño alerts to “Red” as Pacific warming intensifies, while other regions prepare for heavier rains and flooding impacts. Biodiversity Science: Ecuadorian researchers formally described a “new” frog species, Pristimantis milpe, after revisiting specimens long misidentified, highlighting how much biodiversity still hides in plain sight. Conservation Education (Galápagos): Teachers from Indiana joined an environmental education collaboration in the Galápagos, partnering with Ecuadorian schools to boost hands-on learning around biodiversity and conservation.

Wildlife Crime in Ecuador: Ecuadorian authorities intercepted 32 illegal Galápagos marine iguanas at Quito airport, reportedly bound for Iceland, and transferred the dehydrated animals to a conservation center in Pichincha while an investigation continues. Community Climate Solutions: In Intag Valley, 19 families are building a 300-kilowatt run-of-river micro-hydropower plant on the Aguagrún River, aiming to cut reliance on extractive industries while channeling half the electricity revenue into cloud-forest conservation. El Niño Watch for Ecuador: Ecuador has raised its El Niño alert to Red as Pacific warming intensifies, with forecasts pointing to stronger impacts on weather and marine conditions. Biodiversity Research: Ecuadorian scientists formally described a “new” frog species after resolving a century-old taxonomic mix-up, highlighting how much biodiversity still remains to be properly documented.

Wildlife Crime in Ecuador: Ecuadorian authorities intercepted 32 Galápagos marine iguanas at Quito airport, allegedly bound for Iceland; the animals were dehydrated and weak, and the Ministry of Environment says the case is under investigation while prosecutors authorize their return to the islands. El Niño Risk Escalation: Ecuador raised its El Niño alert to nationwide red after Pacific warming intensified, triggering emergency committees and preventive evacuations where needed. Community Climate Solutions: In Intag Valley, 19 families are building a 300-kilowatt run-of-river micro-hydropower plant, with revenue earmarked for cloud-forest conservation. Biodiversity Update: Ecuador’s cloud forests in Carchi yielded four newly described Pristimantis frog species, with several proposed for Critically Endangered status. Marine Life Under Pressure: A Panamanian study warns that vessel noise can cut whale song detection by up to 45%, affecting communication and migration. Conservation Science: Researchers formally described Ecuador’s Milpe Robber Frog as a distinct species after a century of taxonomic confusion.

El Niño Alert in Ecuador: Ecuador raised its El Niño risk to a nationwide red alert after Pacific conditions intensified, triggering emergency committees and possible preventive evacuations; sea-surface temperatures off the coast reportedly reached about 4°C anomalies. Biodiversity in the Cloud Forests: Ecuador’s northern cloud forests yielded four newly recognized Pristimantis frog species, with three proposed for Critically Endangered status—highlighting how look-alike amphibians can hide real conservation risk. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown: Ecuadorian authorities arrested a Russian woman at Quito airport for smuggling 32 live marine iguanas from the Galápagos in her luggage; prosecutors will pursue wildlife trafficking charges. Marine Life Under Pressure: A study on Panama’s Pacific coast found boat noise can make humpback whale songs up to 45% less detectable, showing how human activity can disrupt marine communication. Global Climate Signals: Research using Galápagos corals suggests El Niño has become markedly stronger in recent decades, likely supercharged by global warming.

El Niño Alert in Ecuador: Ecuador declared a nationwide red alert over El Niño, warning of intense rains, high temperatures, droughts and wildfire risk—joining other countries already in emergency mode. Coral Science on El Niño: New research using Galápagos corals says El Niño has grown far stronger in recent decades, with global warming “supercharging” the pattern and raising odds of bigger climate extremes. Wildlife Smuggling Crackdown: Ecuadorian authorities arrested a Russian woman at Quito airport for allegedly smuggling 32 live marine iguanas from the Galápagos in plastic containers; the animals were dehydrated and are now in veterinary care. Marine Life Under Pressure: A Panama study finds boat noise can make humpback whale songs up to 45% less detectable, suggesting engines may mask calls or push whales away from busy areas. Conservation & Tourism Moves: Neotropic Expeditions earned B Corp certification (94.3% score), while Pacific leaders met in Palau to push “Blue Pacific” ocean and renewable-energy plans. Climate-Resilient Roads: A new asphalt additive using cellulose fiber aims to make roads more durable under heat and heavy rain.

Wildlife Crime at Quito Airport: Ecuadorian authorities arrested a Russian woman trying to smuggle at least 32 live marine iguanas from the Galápagos in her luggage, with the reptiles weak and dehydrated; prosecutors are set to charge her with wildlife trafficking, a crime that can bring prison time. Climate Emergency in Ecuador: Ecuador declared a nationwide emergency over El Niño, triggering a red alert and emergency committees as officials warn of intense rains, high temperatures, plus drought and wildfire risk in the Amazon. El Niño Intensification Watch: New reporting says a very strong Super El Niño is forming in the Pacific, with sea-surface anomalies possibly exceeding 2°C by late 2026 and raising the odds of extreme weather across South America, including Ecuador. Galápagos Conservation Under Pressure: The iguana case adds to a broader theme of how human activity and illegal trade threaten endemic species already listed as vulnerable. Regional Environment Diplomacy: Pacific leaders gathered for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, spotlighting oceans, renewable energy, and resilient development under a “Blue Pacific” agenda.

El Niño Emergency in Ecuador: Ecuador has declared a nationwide red alert over El Niño, triggering emergency committees for preventive evacuations and other measures as officials warn of drought and wildfires in the Amazon and wider climate disruption. Wildlife Smuggling Crackdown: Ecuadorian authorities seized 32 marine iguanas at Quito’s airport and arrested a Russian woman accused of wildlife trafficking; the endemic, vulnerable animals were moved to a conservation center for care. Galápagos Under Pressure: A separate report highlights how El Niño is already driving extreme heat and stressing coral reefs, with new research suggesting stronger El Niño events as the planet warms. Coastal Security and Environment: Ecuador and Colombia, with U.S. support, planned a coordinated offensive near the border to block drug routes—an effort that could affect coastal and marine areas. Responsible Travel in Ecuador: Neotropic Expeditions earned Certified B Corporation status, citing improvements in social and environmental performance while continuing active travel in Ecuador and the Galápagos.

El Niño Emergency in Ecuador: Ecuador has declared a nationwide red alert and emergency measures as El Niño is expected to peak by year-end, bringing record global heat and raising risks of drought and wildfires—especially in the Amazon—while disrupting fishing and bird migrations. Wildlife Crime at Quito Airport: Authorities seized 32 marine iguanas from the Galápagos and arrested a Russian woman accused of wildlife trafficking; the endemic, vulnerable animals were found in containers and moved to a conservation center. Border Security Meets the Environment: Ecuador, Colombia and the U.S. met in Esmeraldas to plan a coordinated offensive against drug trafficking routes across the Ecuador-Colombia border, with a new joint base near the frontier. Climate Signals from Galápagos Corals: A new 1,000-year coral study says El Niño events are intensifying as the planet warms, with major implications for future heat and extreme weather. Coastal Incident Raises Questions: Manta fishermen allege U.S. Navy forces abused crew before sinking the Ecuadorian vessel Tres Hermanos, while SOUTHCOM says it was a drug interdiction operation.

Maritime Security Clash Off Manta: Fishermen from Ecuador’s Tres Hermanos say U.S. Navy forces from the USS San Antonio boarded, allegedly abused crew, and then sank the vessel about 40 nautical miles off Manta on Aug. 28, while SOUTHCOM says it was a coordinated drug interdiction tied to a floating refueling operation and that all crew were safely returned. Regional Anti-Drug Cooperation: Ecuador, Colombia, and the U.S. met near Esmeraldas to plan a joint offensive to block trafficking routes and dismantle cartel logistics, with a shared base of operations near the border. El Niño Intensifies Climate Risks: A new Science study using 1,000-year coral records from the Galápagos finds El Niño events are getting stronger as the planet warms, with major knock-on impacts already seen from drought-hit Central America to wildfire-fueling Indonesia. Galápagos Wildlife Research: A study reports “yellow-morph” green sea turtles in the Galápagos show unusual foraging patterns and don’t leave the Galápagos Marine Reserve as expected.

El Niño Intensifies: Coral records from the Galápagos stretching back 1,000 years suggest El Niño events are getting stronger as the planet warms, with a new Science study warning this could mean record global heat in 2027 and harsher swings from drought to extreme rainfall. Ecuador Climate Lens: The research points to the eastern Pacific—off Ecuador—as a key hotspot, with already-visible impacts from Central America to Indonesia. Local Weather Stakes: A separate report on El Niño’s build-up highlights higher odds of warmer, wetter conditions and major flood and erosion risks in places like California—an echo of what Ecuador’s coastal communities may face as sea levels and storms respond to the same ocean drivers. Wildlife Notes (Galápagos): A new study on yellow-morph green sea turtles finds they don’t behave like expected long-distance migrants, staying within the Galápagos Marine Reserve—useful context as warming reshapes marine habitats. Biodiversity Discovery: Ecuador researchers report a new frog species discovered after more than a century of taxonomic confusion, adding to the country’s conservation urgency.

El Niño and climate risk: A new Science study using coral records from the Galápagos shows El Niño episodes are intensifying over the past 1,000 years, with the current event projected to be among the strongest on record—raising global heat and shifting rainfall, drought, and wildfire risk. Coastal impacts for Ecuador: A separate report notes rapid sea-level rise tied to El Niño conditions, underscoring mounting pressure on Ecuador’s coastal zones. Ecuador–Colombia–U.S. anti-drug push: Ecuador’s defense ministry says military officials met in Esmeraldas to plan a coordinated offensive to block drug routes and dismantle cartel logistics along the Ecuador–Colombia border, with U.S. support but no direct U.S. control. Galápagos wildlife findings: Research highlights “yellow-morph” green sea turtles in the Galápagos Marine Reserve, showing unexpected foraging behavior and limited movement beyond protected waters. Biodiversity spotlight: Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 released a preview of standout images from a record 65,000 entries, including Arctic and Galápagos-linked natural world stories.

El Niño and climate impacts: A new Science study using coral records from the Galápagos shows El Niño episodes are intensifying as the planet warms, with the coming event projected to be the strongest on record and already linked to drought and extreme heat. Coastal risk for Ecuador and beyond: The same El Niño buildup is raising flood and erosion concerns in other regions, including warnings of a wetter winter for Southern California—an echo of how ENSO can amplify hazards worldwide. Wildlife spotlight: The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 competition released a sneak peek from a record 65,000+ entries, with images tied to Arctic sea ice and other threatened habitats. Health and ecosystems: PAHO reports avian influenza A(H5) is still circulating in animals across the Americas even as outbreaks decline, urging stronger surveillance across human, animal, and environmental health. Conservation science in Ecuador: A new frog species was discovered in Ecuador after more than a century of taxonomic confusion, adding to the country’s biodiversity momentum. Cleaner shipping in the region: DP World launched shore power at Peru’s Port of Callao, cutting ship emissions while at berth.

Climate Watch (Ecuador & Galápagos): New coral records from the Galápagos show El Niño episodes intensifying over the past 1,000 years as the planet warms, with researchers warning this could mean stronger climate swings ahead. El Niño Escalation: Multiple reports tie the “super El Niño” outlook to record ocean heat and note that human-caused warming can also supercharge El Niño itself, raising flood, drought, and wildfire risks across the Americas. Biodiversity (Ecuador): Ecuador’s Chocó has a newly identified frog species, Pristimantis milpe, resolving a century-old taxonomic mix-up and adding to the region’s conservation value. Wildlife & Conservation: The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 released a preview of winning images from a record 65,000+ entries, spotlighting animals and habitats worldwide. Public Health (One Health): PAHO reports avian influenza A(H5) continues circulating in animals across the Americas, urging stronger human and animal surveillance. Sustainable Shipping (Peru/region): DP World launched Latin America’s first shore power system at Callao to cut ship emissions while berthed.

Climate & Weather Watch: Ecuador’s El Niño warning is intensifying, with forecasts pointing to stronger rains, river flooding, and hotter-than-normal temperatures in late 2026 into early 2027, as NOAA estimates a 90%+ chance of severe conditions. Coastal vs. Sierra Sunlight: A new look at decades of sunshine data shows Ecuador’s sierra corridor (Quito/Cuenca) stays far sunnier than the coast (Guayaquil), tied to marine cloud cover from the Humboldt Current. New Species in Ecuador: Scientists officially describe Pristimantis milpe (Milpe robber frog) in Ecuador’s Chocó after resolving a century-old mix-up, adding to the region’s biodiversity value. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: The Wildlife Photographer of the Year released a sneak peek of winning images, including striking animal behavior shots that underscore conservation attention worldwide. Indigenous Amazon Alarm: Indigenous leaders warn of Amazon collapse linked to drug trafficking and oil exploitation, calling for stronger protection and an end to extractive concessions. Aquaculture Insight: Ecuador’s shrimp farming success is being pitched as a model for other countries, with lessons on scaling production despite limited land.

El Niño Watch: Ecuador’s weather agencies and NOAA warn the 2026-27 El Niño could become the strongest in living memory, bringing heavier rains, river flooding risk, and higher temperatures—especially along the coast—after already record-setting ocean heat. Biodiversity in Focus: Ecuadorian scientists have described a new frog species in the Chocó after more than a century of taxonomic confusion, adding to the country’s rich amphibian diversity. Wildlife & Conservation Culture: The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition released a sneak peek from its record 65,000+ entries, spotlighting animals and habitats worldwide ahead of October winners. Amazon Under Pressure: Indigenous leaders meeting in Ecuador warn the Amazon is nearing collapse as drug trafficking and oil exploitation expand, calling for stronger territorial protection and an end to extractivism. Child Safety Crisis: Ecuador recorded a historic high of 345 murdered minors in the first seven months of 2026, with firearms driving most cases and violence concentrated in high-risk coastal areas.