AGP Executive Report

Amazon “Flying Rivers” Conservation: A CNN report highlights how protecting the Amazon’s connectivity—especially Indigenous-led territory management—helps preserve the moisture flows that fuel rains across South America. Yasuní Civic Space Crackdown: Amnesty International urges Ecuador to drop legal and financial penalties against activists tied to the 2023 Yasuní Referendum, warning fines are part of a broader squeeze on environmental dissent. Biodiversity Discovery in the Amazon: Ecuador’s Inabio says researchers documented the terrestrial micromollusk genus Habeastrum for the first time in Ecuador and described three new species in Amazon provinces. El Niño Heat Warning: Multiple outlets report the UK Met Office expects an El Niño that could be the strongest on record, raising the odds of hotter years and more extreme weather—an urgent backdrop for Ecuador’s climate risk. Ecuador-Singapore Cooperation: Ecuador President Daniel Noboa’s state visit to Singapore includes a development cooperation deal covering sustainability and public health, with Ecuador’s Environment and Energy minister in the delegation. Local Trash Action: A Los Angeles cleanup nonprofit story spotlights how residents are tackling street waste—an inspiration for community-led recycling and litter control.

Climate Watch: The UK Met Office warns a “super” El Niño could become the strongest in living memory, with Pacific sea temperatures possibly more than 3°C above normal and 2027 on track to be the hottest year ever—raising risks for heat waves, droughts, and heavier rainfall across the globe. Biodiversity & Science: Ecuador’s Inabio says German-led researchers documented the terrestrial micromollusk genus Habeastrum in the country for the first time and described three new species in Amazon provinces, extending the known range by over 3,000 km. Civic Space & Environment: Amnesty International urges Ecuador to drop legal and financial penalties against activists tied to the 2023 Yasuní Referendum, arguing fines are part of a broader crackdown on environmental dissent. Local Water Resilience: Quito’s Isla Tortuga Park is set to host “Yaku,” a modular urban runoff system designed to capture rainwater, store it, and boost infiltration while supporting biodiversity. Governance & Trade: President Daniel Noboa begins a two-day state visit to Singapore, with a development cooperation deal covering sustainability and public health alongside agri-trade and digitalisation. Regional Economy: ECLAC forecasts Latin America’s growth at 2.2% in 2026 and 2.5% in 2027, warning the pace is too weak to lift living standards.

Ecuador–China Green Deal: President Daniel Noboa wrapped up a China visit with agreements spanning healthcare, education, trade, the digital economy, and “green development,” including new energy and solar-focused cooperation—promising jobs and higher-value exports if Ecuador can deliver on implementation. El Niño Alarm for Ecuador: The UK Met Office warns this year’s “super” El Niño could be the strongest in over a century, with Pacific waters peaking more than 3°C above normal—raising the odds of hotter conditions and shifting rainfall patterns that can hit South America and Ecuador’s weather and agriculture. Reef Damage Linked to Ecuador: A new report highlights blast fishing—documented in at least 34 countries including Ecuador—using explosives to devastate coral reefs, turning habitats into “rubble.” Quito Water-Smart Design: In Quito, the Yaku modular urban runoff project in Isla Tortuga Park aims to capture rainwater, store it, and boost infiltration while supporting biodiversity. Amazon Resistance in Ecuador: Amazon basin communities, including in Ecuador’s Puyo, are uniting against oil and mining expansion, pushing for extraction-free territories and stronger rights to consultation.

Climate Watch (El Niño): The UK Met Office warns this year’s El Niño could be the strongest in over a century, with Pacific waters peaking more than 3°C above normal—raising fears of a hotter 2027 and stronger weather swings, including drought risks in parts of South America and wetter, stormier conditions elsewhere. Marine Protection: A new report links blast fishing to reef collapse, documenting bomb fishing in at least 34 countries, including Ecuador—turning coral habitats into “rubble.” Amazon & Rights: Nine Amazon basin countries, including Ecuador, unite in Puyo to push back against oil and mining and support extraction-free territories, echoing Indigenous calls to protect rivers and livelihoods. Urban Water Resilience (Quito): Quito’s Isla Tortuga Park is set to host “Yaku,” a modular rainwater and biodiversity management prototype designed to capture, store, and infiltrate stormwater. Biodiversity & Research: A study on blue Morpho butterflies finds hotter development can dull wing color—another sign climate stress can reshape wildlife signals.

Climate & Weather Watch: The UK Met Office warns this El Niño could be the strongest in over a century, with Pacific waters heating more than 3°C above normal and raising odds of record-hot 2027 conditions—plus knock-on risks for rainfall and agriculture, including in South America and Ecuador. Biodiversity Under Pressure: Research highlights how warming can dull the iridescent blue of Ecuadorian Amazon blue Morpho butterflies, potentially affecting predator-prey and mating signals. Water-Smart Urban Design (Quito): Quito’s Isla Tortuga Park is testing “Yaku,” a modular rainwater capture and infiltration prototype meant to manage runoff while boosting biodiversity in public space. Amazon Resistance to Extractivism: Indigenous and community voices from across the Amazon basin unite in Puyo, Ecuador, pushing for extraction-free territories and stronger protection of rivers and rights amid oil and mining expansion. Illegal Fishing Damage: A report on blast fishing shows how bomb fishing—documented in places including Ecuador—can rapidly turn reefs into rubble.

Amazon Resistance: Nine Amazonian countries united in Puyo, Ecuador, to push back against extractivism and draft plans for extraction-free territories, with communities warning that oil and mining are damaging rivers, biodiversity, and human rights. Indigenous Land Rights: Ecuador’s Amazon communities also renewed calls to halt extractive projects, echoing UN warnings that civic space is shrinking for defenders. El Niño Alarm for Ecuador: The UK Met Office says the coming El Niño could be the strongest in over a century, raising the odds of hotter conditions and shifting rainfall—forecasters warn this can mean drought risk for parts of South America including Peru and Ecuador. Wildlife Under Heat: Research on blue Morpho butterflies suggests warming can dull wing color during development, a sign that climate stress may reshape Ecuador’s Amazon wildlife signals. Local Conservation Spotlight: A newly reopened wildlife rehab in Ecuador received its first patient—an endangered tortoise—highlighting ongoing efforts to protect native fauna.

El Niño Alarm for Food Security: UN warnings say the 2026-27 El Niño could push at least 49 million more people into acute food insecurity, with past events bringing floods, droughts, wildfires and crop failures across the Americas and beyond. Ecuador Amazon vs Extractivism: Amazonian communities and Indigenous groups in Ecuador are calling to halt extractivism to protect rivers, biodiversity and human rights, warning that mining and deforestation are destabilizing the region’s water system. Yasuní Crackdown: Three years after Ecuador’s Yasuní referendum, oil extraction still continues and YASunidos defenders face steep fines, with Amnesty calling it harassment of civil society. Kenya Helicopter Crash Links Back to Ecuador: Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi, his wife and five Americans died in a tourist helicopter crash near Mount Ololokwe; investigators are looking at weather, people and equipment. Refillable Bottles Push: Coca‑Cola expands refillable glass and PET bottles, including a Guayaquil investment by Arca Continental to boost returnable packaging and cut waste. UNICEF Funding for Resilience: The EU approved about US$19.9M for disaster preparedness and child protection across Latin America and Ecuador, including Amazon basin resilience support. Regional Economy Watch: ECLAC cut Latin America’s 2026 growth forecast to 2.2%, warning the pace isn’t enough to sustainably raise income per capita.

Yasuní Under Pressure: Three years after Ecuador’s Yasuní referendum, oil extraction is still ongoing and YASunidos defenders face steep fines, with Amnesty calling it harassment of civil society. El Niño Fallout: The U.S. says it will send the hospital ship USNS Comfort to Peru in early 2027 to help prepare for a potentially severe El Niño across Latin America, as forecasts point to a very strong event. Kenya Crash, Ecuador Loss: Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi, his wife, and five Americans were killed in a tourist helicopter crash near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County; investigators are looking at weather, human factors, and equipment. Trade and Energy Ties: China says trade with Ecuador has surged, making China the country’s second-largest trading partner, with cooperation expanding in infrastructure, energy, mining, and sustainable development.

Aviation Tragedy: A safari helicopter crash in Kenya’s Samburu County near Mount Ololokwe killed all seven aboard, including Ecuador’s national intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife, plus five U.S. citizens. Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority says the Eurocopter EC130 B4 went down around 9:13 a.m. after departing the Loisaba wildlife reserve; the cause is still under investigation. Indigenous Land Defense: In Ecuador’s Amazon, Indigenous groups and social collectives from Napo rallied at the XII Pan-Amazonian Social Forum, calling for territories “free from extractivism” and linking water protection to resisting mining expansion.

Amazon Mining Resistance: Indigenous communities and social movements in Ecuador’s Amazon are uniting against extractivism, using the Pan-Amazonian Social Forum in Napo to demand “One Territory, Free from Extractivism” and defend land and water. Wildlife & Conservation: Ecuador’s environmental footprint also shows up in wildlife care, including a newly reopened wildlife rehab in Ecuador that has taken in its first patient, an endangered tortoise. El Niño Climate Watch: A very strong El Niño is building, with major knock-on effects expected across the region—heavier rain risks for parts of Ecuador and Peru, plus broader drought and heat threats that can stress ecosystems and food systems. International Climate Impacts: Reporting highlights how climate-vulnerable food supply chains are under pressure, with Ecuadorian bananas and other regional crops named among imports exposed to heat stress. Global Governance: Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki has entered the race for UN Secretary-General, with Tonga formally nominating her—an indirect but relevant signal for how sustainable development priorities may be shaped. Tragedy Abroad: Ecuador’s intelligence chief and his wife were among seven killed in a helicopter crash in Kenya, underscoring the risks facing remote tourism and conservation travel.

UN Leadership Race: Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki has officially entered the race to become the next UN Secretary-General after Tonga nominated her, adding a new Latin America–Middle East bridge to a field of eight candidates as the UN prepares for António Guterres’ term ending in 2026. Ecuador–China Green Deal Push: President Daniel Noboa met Xi Jinping in Beijing, agreeing to expand cooperation with a focus on trade, energy, mining and technology, with “green development” among the signed priorities and Ecuador reporting export growth to China. Climate Risk for Crops: Global forecasters warn a strengthening El Niño could become “very strong” in 2026–27, threatening rainfall swings and crop stress—bad news for tropical “soft commodities” like cocoa, coffee and sugar. Disaster Aftershocks in the Region: One week after Colombia’s 7.4 earthquake, losses and missing people figures continue to rise amid ongoing rescue and aid controversies, with the quake also felt in Ecuador and nearby countries.

Ecuador–China Green Deal: President Daniel Noboa met Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides signing cooperation documents that include green industries and “green development,” plus energy and minerals projects. UN Leadership Bid: Ecuador’s Ivonne Baki entered the race for UN Secretary-General, nominated by Tonga, as the selection process heads toward late-2026. Ecuador Wildlife Rehab: A newly reopened wildlife rehab in Ecuador took in its first patient—an endangered yellow-footed tortoise—raising hopes for future reintroduction. Banana Sector Watch: An IMF technical visit toured Ecuador’s banana production and export chain, focusing on competitiveness, sustainability, and security. El Niño Agriculture Risk: Forecasters say a “very strong” El Niño is likely, threatening rainfall swings and crop stress that could hit tropical commodities like cocoa, coffee, and sugar. Critical Minerals Scrutiny: US Democrats warned that Trump-linked critical minerals deals could weaken oversight and raise conflict-of-interest risks, including environmental safeguards concerns.

El Niño Watch: Global forecasters say El Niño is strengthening and could become “very strong,” bringing hotter temperatures, disrupted rainfall, and crop stress across tropical farming regions—an extra hit as farmers already face fertilizer and fuel shocks. Ecuador Wildlife: A newly reopened wildlife rehab in Ecuador has taken in its first patient, an endangered yellow-footed tortoise, with care focused on hydration and possible future reintroduction. Galápagos Biodiversity: A personal account highlights snorkeling encounters with Galápagos penguins, sea turtles, sharks, and marine iguanas—spotlighting the islands’ living ecosystems. Teleamazonas Leadership: Ecuador’s Teleamazonas appoints Andrés Badra as CEO, aiming for financial sustainability and faster digital transformation while preserving editorial independence. Critical Minerals Scrutiny (US): US lawmakers warn Trump-linked critical minerals deals could raise conflicts of interest and environmental and labor concerns, with public funds at stake. Peru/Region Climate Pressure: Peru faces El Niño drought risk and rising disaster planning needs, underscoring how climate impacts ripple through the Andes.

El Niño Watch: NOAA says there’s a 93% chance El Niño reaches “very strong” status by Sep–Nov, with a 69% shot it becomes the strongest since 1950—raising alarms for rainfall and farming across Latin America. Seismic Risk: Experts warn the energy buildup along Peru’s coast could eventually trigger a magnitude 8.5–8.8 quake after major Venezuela and Colombia earthquakes renewed South America’s fault-line fears. Colombia Quake Response: After a 7.4 quake, Colombia’s death toll climbed to 294 with 320 missing; thousands of homes and roads were damaged, and access has been hampered in Chocó. Amazon Mining Crackdown: Peru launched “Operation Mercury 2,” with military raids and destruction of illegal gold mining camps inside/near Tambopata National Park. Ecuador Media: Teleamazonas named Andrés Badra CEO, aiming for financial sustainability and faster digital transformation. Biodiversity (Ecuador): Ecuador researchers reported new Ecuadorian frog and new microscopic snail species discoveries, adding to the country’s wildlife knowledge.

Ecuador Biodiversity: Ecuadorian scientists have formally described a long-confused frog, Pristimantis milpe, after re-checking 19th-century specimens in London; the species is common and widely spread across Chocó forests in western Ecuador and southern Colombia. Wildlife Conservation: A wildlife rehabilitator in Ecuador is fundraising for a new truck, saying better transport means faster rescues and more capacity to care for animals across biodiverse, hard-to-reach areas. Climate Risk for the Region: NOAA warns El Niño is rapidly strengthening, with a 95% chance of becoming very strong by late 2026, raising the odds of major rainfall and farming disruptions across Latin America. Ecuador-China Ties: Ecuador’s president is set for a state visit to China to deepen cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, technology, and sustainable-development efforts. Nature Under Pressure: Research highlights that the Amazon can regrow after extreme events, but deforestation and warming could push it toward a tipping point within the next 15 years.

Colombia Earthquake Response: Colombia’s 7.4 quake death toll climbed to at least 289, with 3,935 injured and 320 missing as rescue teams and volunteers keep searching across Chocó and other affected regions. Disaster Diplomacy: Colombia initially limited foreign help to a small set of countries, but Israel later sent an aid delegation to support rescue operations in Cali as the “survival window” narrows. El Niño Climate Threat: NOAA warns El Niño has a 95% chance of becoming very strong by late 2026, raising risks for rainfall, farming, and water supplies across Latin America. Amazon Conservation Watch: New research suggests the Amazon can regrow after extreme events, but deforestation and warming could push a tipping point within 15 years. Ecuador Biodiversity: Ecuadorian scientists described a new frog species, Pristimantis milpe, after resolving a century-old mix-up using historical specimens. Wildlife Rescue Fundraiser: An Ecuadorian wildlife rehabilitator is fundraising for a new truck, promising to be stung by a bullet ant to reach the $2,000 goal.