Public Health & Environment: A growing kidney crisis tied to Mesoamerican nephropathy is affecting workers across Central America’s Pacific coast, with experts pointing to agrochemical exposure, heat stress, and poor hydration. Wildlife Protection: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving for one of the year’s biggest arribadas at Ostional, with peak activity expected through the weekend. Marine Science: Deep-sea explorers off Costa Rica discovered a new “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, adding a fresh branch to the deep-ocean family tree. Conservation & Tourism Planning: Costa Rica is renewing its push to make Chirripó a UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to protect geological heritage while boosting sustainable local tourism. Local Governance & Pollution: Montes de Oca plans more apartment towers even as severe sewage-flooding continues, raising alarms about worsening contamination and health risks. Climate & Disaster Outlook: Costa Rica is heading into peak hurricane season with no hurricanes expected in the Atlantic for now, linked to El Niño conditions. Restoration Breakthrough: Coffee pulp is helping regenerate degraded pastureland in southern Costa Rica, turning grassland into dense woodland in just two years. Tourism Growth: Puntarenas expects a major cruise jump in 2026–2027, projecting about 150,000 passengers and big new demand for local nature and culture trips. Biodiversity & Tourism Rules: Officials have confiscated thousands of wildlife and plant specimens taken by travelers, underscoring the “don’t pocket it” message.