AGP Executive Report

Coral Reef Climate Warning: A new report argues the climate crisis isn’t just hotter weather—it’s the knock-on collapse of ecosystems, with coral reefs at risk of severe, possibly irreversible damage as global temperatures head toward 1.8°C above preindustrial levels under a strong El Niño. Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica: Award-winning photography from Michiel van Noppen’s “Tales of the Forest Keepers” spotlights Baird’s tapirs and the rare Jícaro Danto tree in Guanacaste, including a midnight rescue scene treating tapirs for screwworms—an urgent reminder that illegal livestock movement can bring back old threats. Local Innovation & Waste Reduction: A UCR student team developed a compact, eco-friendly tablet disinfectant that dissolves in under nine minutes and cuts storage and packaging volume dramatically. Tourism Safety Tech: San José airport added QR codes to help U.S. travelers register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for safety, health, weather, and emergency alerts. Circular Economy in Guanacaste: A Costa Rica case study revisits how orange peel waste from a juice operation helped degraded pasture regrow into forest over decades. Weather Watch: Costa Rica’s meteorology institute warns of a more humid, rainy weekend driven by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, with afternoon precipitation across much of the country.

Wildlife Conservation: A Fritz Pölking Prize-winning Costa Rica rainforest story spotlights Baird’s tapirs as the only seed dispersers for the rare Jícaro Danto tree, showing how one endangered animal can sustain a tiny, local ecosystem. Conservation Medicine: Another tapir moment goes darker: rescuers treat a Baird’s tapir for screwworm infestation after illegal livestock trafficking helped bring the parasite back to Costa Rica. Restoration & Circular Economy: A Princeton-led study revisits a 1998 orange-waste experiment in Área de Conservación Guanacaste—after 16 years, tree diversity and woody biomass surged, turning “waste” into forest recovery. Climate & Weather: Costa Rica’s IMN warns of more humid, rainy conditions this weekend as the ITCZ activates, with afternoon showers across the country. Tourism & Access: San José airport adds QR codes to help U.S. travelers register for safety alerts via the STEP program, while Southwest expands direct routes to Guanacaste in 2027. Research & Planning: UCR approved a new Center for Geographical Research to support flood, forest/coast change, and disaster-risk decision-making.

Tourism Safety Tech: San José’s Juan Santamaría Airport rolled out QR codes for U.S. travelers, routing visitors to the free U.S. State Department STEP enrollment so consular help can reach people faster during emergencies. Wildlife & Conservation Storytelling: A Fritz Pölking Prize-winning Costa Rica photo series, “Tales of the Forest Keepers,” spotlights Baird’s tapirs and the rare Jícaro Danto tree—and includes a dramatic midnight rescue scene showing how screwworms threaten tapirs as rainforest pressure grows. Forest Regrowth From Waste: A Princeton-led study revisits a 1998 orange-peel dumping experiment in Área de Conservación Guanacaste, finding that the waste helped degraded pasture regrow into diverse forest over 16 years. Climate & Rain Outlook: Costa Rica’s meteorology institute warns of more humid, rainy weekend conditions as the Intertropical Convergence Zone activates, with afternoon showers likely nationwide. Nature Learning Tool: “Discover Costa Rica,” a new free interactive map, brings together ocean, biodiversity, protected areas, and cultural info in Spanish and English. Tourism Recognition: National Geographic Traveller (UK) Reader Awards named Costa Rica a top pick for adventure and responsible travel, praising its conservation record and protected-area coverage.

Wildlife & Forest Ecology: A Fritz Pölking Prize-winning photo series, Tales of the Forest Keepers, follows Baird’s tapirs in Costa Rica’s rainforest—showing how the endangered tapir is the only disperser for the rare Jícaro Danto tree, linking survival of both species in the Tapir Valley Nature Reserve. Conservation Under Pressure: Another standout image captures a tapir treated for screwworm infestation deep in the rainforest, highlighting how illegal livestock trafficking is helping bring back a parasite Costa Rica had been free of for decades. Tourism & Access: Breeze Airways announced new flights from Tampa to San José starting Oct. 3, while Guanacaste’s airport (ICT) and the tourism institute tout new Southwest routes from Austin and Nashville for 2027. Restoration & Land Use: A Princeton-led study revisits a 1998 “orange waste” experiment in Área de Conservación Guanacaste—showing how dumping orange pulp and skins helped degraded pasture regrow into forest over 16 years. Weather Watch: Costa Rica’s IMN forecasts more humid, rainy conditions this weekend as the ITCZ activates, with afternoon showers across the country. Tools for Planning: UCR approved a new Center for Geographical Research to support flood risk, forest/coast change analysis, and climate disaster decision-making.

Tourism Watch: Experts say Costa Rica’s tourism future hinges on sustainability and authenticity, with UN Tourism noting 70% of travelers want more responsible options and calls to avoid harmful mass models. Wildlife & Pollution: In Nosara, rescuers freed a raccoon whose head was stuck in a tin can, a reminder that litter can quickly turn deadly for wildlife. Weather & Risk: Costa Rica’s IMN forecasts more humid, rainy conditions this weekend as the Intertropical Convergence Zone activates, with afternoon showers across the country and no tropical waves expected. Conservation Recognition: Costa Rica topped UK National Geographic Traveller awards for responsible travel and placed high for wildlife, citing protection of about a quarter of the country and strong SINAC conservation efforts. Research for Resilience: UCR approved a new Center for Geographical Research (CIGeo) to turn territory data into tools for flood vulnerability, forest/coast change, and climate disaster risk planning. Community Learning: A new interactive “Discover Costa Rica” map launches in Spanish and English, spotlighting parks, ecosystems, biodiversity data, and the country’s marine territory.

UN Climate Risk for Kids: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face very high El Niño-linked risks from rainfall deficits or excess, with drought and floods threatening food, safe water, health care, education, and child protection. Costa Rica Conservation Spotlight: Costa Rica earned top UK National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards for adventure and responsible travel, praised for protecting about a quarter of the country and for conservation-led tourism around Corcovado National Park. Research for Safer Land Use: UCR approved a new Center for Geographical Research (CIGeo) to turn Earth observation and data into tools for planning around floods, forest and coastal change, and climate disaster risk. Marine Conservation Signal: Reports highlight the first recorded olive ridley sea turtle nesting on the U.S. West Coast, with scientists linking the unusual nesting to warmer El Niño conditions. Local Climate-Linked Wildlife: A Costa Rica family coffee farm story spotlights high-elevation, cloud-mist growing and sustainability practices—an example of how farming systems adapt as climates shift.

Wildlife & Conservation Spotlight: The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards’ latest finalists (from 112 countries) are backing the Born Tree Foundation, aiming to protect threatened species and habitats through conservation-focused storytelling. Tourism & Nature Demand: Skyscanner data shows a 50% year-over-year jump in Canadian searches for Liberia, Costa Rica (Guanacaste) for October, with travelers drawn to wildlife, beaches, and parks like Rincón de la Vieja. Climate Risk for Kids: UNICEF warns 25.8 million children across Latin America and the Caribbean face very high El Niño-linked rainfall risks, threatening food, safe water, health care, and schooling. Forest Recovery Experiment (Costa Rica): A Costa Rica study finds coffee pulp dumped on degraded pasture can suppress grasses and help naturally dispersed trees establish, with canopy cover surging after two years. Marine Conservation: First-ever recorded olive ridley sea turtle nesting on America’s West Coast (Southern California) highlights how El Niño may be reshaping nesting range. UN Leadership Watch: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan leads a UN Security Council straw poll for the next secretary-general, but consensus remains elusive.

El Niño Impacts on Central America: UNICEF warns that El Niño could expose 1 in 7 Latin American children to drought and flood risks, with millions needing humanitarian help as food and water systems buckle. Costa Rica’s UN Push: Costa Rica used its UN General Assembly address to back Rebeca Grynspan for UN Secretary-General and flag human-rights and political concerns in Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela. UN Secretary-General Race: In a fourth secret Security Council straw poll, Grynspan kept the lead but without a clear consensus, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi close behind. Forest Recovery Experiment in Costa Rica: A Costa Rica study revisits how spreading coffee pulp on degraded pasture helped suppress grass and accelerate early tropical forest regrowth—promising, but calling for broader testing. Ocean Monitoring for IUU Fishing: OceanMind launched Syndra in Southeast Asia to help governments track and enforce against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Banana Supply Under Strain: Banana producers across the region face mounting weather, disease, and water pressures, with El Niño adding uncertainty to supply and costs.

El Niño Humanitarian Alarm: UNICEF warns that El Niño could expose about 1 in 7 Latin American children to severe drought and flood risks, with millions needing aid as rainfall patterns swing and food and water systems strain. UN Secretary-General Race (Costa Rica in the lead): Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan remains the frontrunner in a fourth Security Council straw poll, but the vote still lacks a clear consensus—keeping the spotlight on how the next UN chief will handle a fragmented, climate-stressed world. Biodiversity Watch (Fungi): A new Costa Rica-led study suggests the country may host over 40,000 fungal species, far more than the fewer than 7,000 formally documented—another reminder that “hidden” biodiversity is still being uncovered. Marine Conservation Signal: Reports highlight the first recorded sea turtle nesting on America’s West Coast, with scientists linking the unusual event to El Niño-driven conditions. Coastal Resilience: Mangroves are spotlighted as natural coastal defenses that store carbon and help buffer climate impacts. Ocean Monitoring for IUU Fishing: OceanMind launches Syndra for Southeast Asia to help governments crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing using integrated surveillance. Climate-Linked Food Pressure: Banana producers face mounting weather, disease, and cost challenges as El Niño uncertainty adds pressure to supply chains. Local Environment & Access: Costa Rica’s court freezes access to Playa Blanca Marine Wetland, underscoring ongoing battles over protecting sensitive coastal habitats.

Coastal Wildlife: Olive ridley sea turtles have been recorded nesting on America’s West Coast for the first time, with two nests documented in Southern California—an El Niño-linked surprise that underscores how quickly species ranges can shift. Climate & Disaster Risk: Tropical Wave 47 brought heavy rains and flooding across Costa Rica, with more than 400 homes affected and temporary shelters opened in Guatuso and Liberia as cleanup and inspections continue. Forest Recovery & Waste-to-Nature: A Costa Rica experiment found that spreading coffee pulp on degraded pasture helped suppress grass and enabled natural tree establishment, with canopy cover reaching over 80% after two years—an early signal for restoring old fields. Biodiversity Discovery: A new University of Costa Rica-led study suggests the country could host more than 40,000 fungal species, far above what’s been formally documented so far. Marine Conservation Tech: OceanMind launched Syndra in Southeast Asia to help governments crack down on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing using integrated ocean monitoring. UN Leadership Watch (Local Angle): Costa Rica publicly backed Rebeca Grynspan’s bid for UN Secretary-General while raising concerns about Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela during its UN General Assembly address.

UN Climate & Disaster Watch: A new El Niño surge is raising fears of major deaths and drought worldwide, while parts of Central America are already juggling drought and flooding impacts. Costa Rica Flooding: Tropical Wave 47 triggered flooding across Costa Rica, with 400+ homes affected and temporary shelters opened in Guatuso and Liberia as cleanup and inspections continue. Biodiversity (Fungi): A major Costa Rica study suggests the country may host over 40,000 fungal species, far beyond the fewer than 7,000 formally documented so far. Forest Carbon Finance: Latin American governments backed forest carbon programs at Climate Week NYC, with Costa Rica among countries pushing for more funding for forest protection and restoration. Marine & Coastal Protection: Costa Rica’s court froze access to Playa Blanca’s marine wetland, adding pressure on how coastal ecosystems are managed. Food & Farming Resilience: Coffee pulp waste experiments in Costa Rica show promise for accelerating early tropical forest regrowth, but researchers stress the need for broader testing before scaling. Wildlife Surprise: A Cocos booby was spotted in Vancouver—an unusual range shift linked to strengthening El Niño and warmer Pacific seas.

Tropical Flooding in Costa Rica: Tropical wave 47 triggered heavy rains, flooding more than 400 homes across parts of the country, with the CNE opening two temporary shelters and focusing cleanup and inspections in hardest-hit areas like Fraijanes, Sarapiquí, Pococí, Guatuso, and Liberia. Biodiversity Boost for Fungi: A new study suggests Costa Rica could host over 40,000 fungal species, far above the fewer than 7,000 formally documented so far—another reminder of how much life remains to be discovered in the country’s ecosystems. Climate Finance & Forest Carbon: At Climate Week NYC, Costa Rica and other forest-rich countries pushed forest carbon and related Article 6 options, highlighting results-based payments and public funding to protect and restore forests. Sustainable Packaging in Pineapple Exports: Fertinyc says switching to ventilating pallet wrap improved pallet stability and reduced damage and rejections, while also aligning with its organic, soil-health focus. Tourism & Conservation Context: Costa Rica’s tourism rivals are framed as far beyond the region, while Blue Flag beach standards are explained as a management-and-information benchmark—not a guarantee against every environmental incident. Wildlife Note: A rare Cocos booby sighting in Vancouver is linked to unusual El Niño-driven ocean conditions, underscoring how climate shifts can move wildlife far from home.

Fungal Biodiversity Breakthrough: A new University of Costa Rica-led study suggests the country could host over 40,000 fungal species, far above the fewer than 7,000 formally documented so far—another reminder that Costa Rica’s “hidden” biodiversity is still largely unexplored. Flooding After Tropical Wave 47: Tropical wave 47 brought heavy rains that flooded more than 400 homes, with the worst impacts in Fraijanes, Sarapiquí, Pococí, Guatuso and Liberia; the CNE opened temporary shelters and is focusing cleanup and damage inspections. Forest Carbon Push at Climate Week NYC: Latin American governments backed forest carbon programs and Article 6 pathways, with Costa Rica among the countries highlighting finance tools for protecting and restoring forests. Water & Watersheds Partnership: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded “Cargill Currents” to Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica and Türkiye, aiming to improve safe water access, repair systems, and support watershed restoration. Wildlife Moment: A viral clip from Costa Rica shows an American crocodile defending a catch from rivals—predation and cannibalism in action. Green Industry in Cartago: La Lima Free Zone Park in Cartago highlights a US$1.186bn life-sciences and advanced manufacturing push tied to sustainability and jobs.

Electric Mobility Policy: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance has proposed ending key electric vehicle tax breaks, a bill that would repeal parts of the electric transportation law—still only a proposal, but it could raise costs for EV buyers if it survives the Legislative Assembly. Water & Climate Resilience: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded their Cargill Currents partnership into Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Türkiye, aiming to improve safe water access, repair water systems, support efficient farming water use, and restore/monitor watersheds. Forest Finance Push: Guyana’s forest minister Vickram Bharrat called for more investment in forests as countries review the Forest Finance Roadmap, stressing forests’ roles in climate stability, biodiversity, water, and livelihoods—Costa Rica is among the attendees. Wildlife Moment in Costa Rica: A viral clip from Costa Rica shows a massive American crocodile clamping a smaller croc while fending off another predator, highlighting intense natural behavior in the wild. Tourism & Nature Access: For World Tourism Day, Costa Rica’s tourism board organized free guided walks across all seven provinces, including trails in national parks and private reserves, to reconnect residents with environmental and cultural heritage. Ocean Monitoring Funding: The OceanEye International Alliance secured major pledges for global ocean observing, with Canada and the EU leading—supporting data used for weather, climate, maritime safety, and coastal protection.

Water & Farming Resilience: Global Water Challenge and Cargill expanded their Cargill Currents partnership into Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica and Türkiye, aiming to improve safe water access, repair water systems, boost efficient farm water use, and restore/monitor watersheds. Tourism With a Conservation Twist: Costa Rica’s Tourism Board (ICT) marked World Tourism Day with free, guided walks across all seven provinces, including trails in national parks and private reserves, plus an accessibility push under its “Tourism for All” program. Climate Pressure on Key Exports: Costa Rica’s pineapple sector warns El Niño impacts are deepening through mid-2027, with rainfall swings and a strong colón squeezing growers’ cash flow and raising costs. Biodiversity & Coasts: A new international OceanEye alliance secured major funding to strengthen global ocean monitoring—supporting weather forecasts, climate predictions, and coastal protection. Wildlife Spotlight: Costa Rica footage highlighted intense crocodile behavior—predation and cannibalism—capturing how large animals can defend prey from rivals.

Forest Finance Push: Costa Rica-linked ministers at a UN-linked Forest Finance Roadmap meeting urged faster investment to protect forests by 2030, arguing standing forests support climate stability, biodiversity, water, and livelihoods. UN Leadership & Climate Stakes: As António Guterres nears his exit, reporting highlights the race to replace him and renewed pressure to keep climate action on track. Ocean Monitoring Funding: Canada, the EU and partners launched the OceanEye alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, pledging hundreds of millions to strengthen weather, climate, and coastal protection. Costa Rica Tourism, Nature & Access: World Tourism Day brought free guided walks across Costa Rica’s provinces, including nature trails in parks and reserves, while Playa Pelada in Nosara added an accessible, circular-economy beach path. Wildlife Moment in Costa Rica: A viral clip shows an American crocodile defending prey from rivals—predation and cannibalism in action. El Niño on the Farm: Pineapple exporters warn El Niño impacts and rainfall swings could extend into 2027, with costs and currency pressures squeezing growers. Sea Turtle Conservation Abroad: Olive ridley sea turtle eggs were moved from Orange County beaches due to storm-driven surf risk, underscoring how extreme weather can threaten nesting.