AGP Executive Report

Marine Conservation Education: A new push turns Puerto Rico beaches into “open-air classrooms” to protect leatherback turtles, warning visitors about light pollution and guiding hatchlings safely to sea. Panama Diplomacy: Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez heads to India July 19–23 for meetings on trade, ports/shipping, and renewable energy cooperation. Climate Risk for the Region: Across Latin America, governments are ramping up wildfire, drought, heat, and flood readiness as El Niño strengthens—while many worry forecasts don’t always translate into action. Wildlife & Biosecurity: Canada has suspended animal imports from Texas over New World screwworm risk; South Dakota officials say there’s no immediate threat, but monitoring continues. Panama Conservation Spotlight: Panama is set to host Ramsar COP16 in 2028, aiming to bring 170 countries together to protect crucial wetlands. Marine Research Collaboration: Ecuador’s Galápagos Hermandad Marine Reserve is expanding research with partners including Panama to better conserve vast ocean biodiversity.

U.S.-Panama Military Training: The U.S. says it has restarted Army jungle warfare training in Panama, reviving a course at Cristóbal Colón Naval Air Base after 25 years, underscoring renewed focus on tropical readiness. Climate Risk for the Region: Latin American governments are ramping up for El Niño, preparing for drought, extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire impacts—while experts warn forecasts don’t always translate into action. Panama Diplomacy: Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martinez-Acha Vasquez will visit India July 19–23, with meetings on commerce, ports/shipping, and renewable energy cooperation. Conservation & Research: Panama-linked scientists are collaborating on marine conservation in Ecuador’s Hermandad Marine Reserve, aiming to guide cross-country research and protect ocean biodiversity. Wildlife Threats: New World screwworm concerns are driving stricter animal movement rules in North America, with Canada suspending Texas livestock imports.

Climate Preparedness in Latin America: Governments across the region are ramping up for El Niño as drought, extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire risk rise, with concern that past forecasts didn’t always translate into action. Panama Military & Environment Link: The U.S. says it’s restarting Army jungle training in Panama, a move that spotlights tropical operations and could raise questions about land use and local environmental safeguards. Panama Conservation Diplomacy: Panama is set to host Ramsar COP16 in 2028, aiming to bring 170 countries together to protect crucial wetlands. Marine Research Collaboration: Ecuador’s Galápagos Hermandad Marine Reserve is strengthening research with partners including Panama to guide conservation across 47,000 km² of ocean biodiversity. Wildlife & Health Threats: New World screwworm concerns are driving stricter livestock movement rules in North America, with Canada suspending animal imports from Texas to protect herds and ecosystems. Foreign Policy Watch: Panama’s foreign minister is scheduled to visit India, including meetings tied to commerce and ports/shipping—relevant for regional environmental and maritime cooperation.

Ramsar COP16 in Panama (2028): Panama has been selected to host the Ramsar Convention’s COP16 in 2028, bringing together about 170 countries to boost protection for crucial wetlands—home to migratory birds and key mangrove areas that also help capture carbon and buffer storms. El Niño watch: A new forecast points to Pacific warming accelerating toward a major El Niño by late August, raising the odds of high-impact weather swings across Latin America. Wildlife & research in Galápagos: Ecuador’s Hermandad Marine Reserve is strengthening its research agenda with partners including Panama, aiming to better guide conservation across 47,000 km² of ocean biodiversity. Panama-linked environment policy: Panama is also moving to reinforce garbage-can requirements, targeting cleaner public spaces and waste handling. Health & biodiversity in Panama: Scientists studying Panama’s native flora report extracts that can inhibit growth of several cancer cell types, adding momentum to conservation-linked biomedical research. Livestock disease risk: New World screwworm concerns are driving stricter animal import rules in North America, a reminder that climate and trade pressures can amplify wildlife and farm health threats.

Wetlands Spotlight: Panama has been selected to host Ramsar COP16 in 2028, bringing together about 170 countries to protect crucial wetlands—key for migratory birds, coastal protection, and carbon storage. Wildlife & Livestock Health: New World screwworm remains a live threat in the region: Canada has suspended animal imports from Texas, while South Dakota officials say there’s no immediate threat yet, stressing inspections and movement controls. Marine Conservation Science: In the Galápagos, researchers are strengthening the Hermandad Marine Reserve’s conservation agenda across Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama, aiming to guide decisions with coordinated science for a vast ocean biodiversity area. Local Waste Rules: The village of Panama is reminding residents to keep all garbage and recycling in provided bins as Casella Waste upgrades trucks and pickup procedures. Climate & Air Quality Impacts: Hazardous smoke from wildfires pushed Chicago-area closures, including beaches, pools, and outdoor events, showing how air pollution can quickly disrupt daily life. Health Research in Panama: Scientists in Panama have identified native plant extracts that can inhibit growth of cancer cells, pointing to new research paths drawn from the country’s biodiversity.

Wetlands Spotlight: Panama has been selected to host Ramsar COP16 in 2028, a major global meeting focused on protecting wetlands that shelter migratory birds, buffer coasts, and support fisheries—bringing together 170+ countries and about 1,500 delegates. Biodiversity & Health Research: A Panama-based study at the University of Panama’s Ciflorpan identified seven native plant extracts that can inhibit breast, lung, and central nervous system cancer cells, pointing to new drug research rooted in local biodiversity. Climate Watch: Panama’s weather agency (Sinaproc) extended warnings for more intense rain and storms, with conditions tied to El Niño concerns that could disrupt food and energy systems across the region. Conservation-Adjacent Policy: Panama is also moving to reinforce garbage can requirements, pushing residents to keep trash and recycling contained—an everyday step that helps protect local ecosystems from litter and runoff. Regional Health Collaboration: Panama joined PAHO’s meeting of national program managers to accelerate trachoma elimination, emphasizing water, sanitation, hygiene, and eye health alongside medical action.

Panama Conservation & Health: Panama researchers say native plants are showing promise against cancer cells, with a study from the University of Panama’s Ciflorpan identifying seven species whose extracts inhibited breast, lung and brain cancer cell growth. Wildlife & Biosecurity: A new wave of concern is building around New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that has spread in the U.S.; while South Dakota reports no immediate cases, officials are watching closely as Texas and nearby areas report infections in livestock and pets. Public Health Cooperation: PAHO reports progress toward eliminating trachoma across the Americas, with Panama among ministries meeting in El Salvador to push stronger primary care plus water, sanitation and hygiene actions. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Panama’s weather service has extended warnings for rain and storms, urging preparedness for more intense conditions in the coming days. Marine & Trade Monitoring: Panama is also linked to maritime oversight efforts, including port and shipping training and reports of inspections tied to Panama-flagged vessels. Local Waste Management: A Panama village is reinforcing garbage rules, telling residents to keep trash and recycling in provided bins to improve pickup efficiency and reduce environmental mess.

Waste & Recycling Enforcement in Panama: The village of Panama is reminding residents to keep all garbage and recycling inside provided bins as Casella Waste upgrades collection trucks that now require tighter compliance, after issues like cardboard left out made pickups harder. El Niño Climate Pressure for the Region: UBS warns a potentially strong El Niño could disrupt Latin America through flooding in some areas and drought in others, hitting crops, fisheries, hydropower and infrastructure; it flags Colombia as most exposed and notes Panama could face lower water levels that disrupt canal traffic. Animal Health Watch: New World Screwworm: U.S. officials say the New World screwworm threat remains contained for now in South Dakota, but cases in Texas and New Mexico are driving heightened veterinary screening and export restrictions, with Canada suspending animal exports from Texas to reduce introduction risk. Maritime & Port Capacity Building: Panama-linked port professionals joined a UNCTAD TrainForTrade course on modern port management in Valencia, aiming to strengthen skills and networks across the region’s port sector.

El Niño Watch for Panama and neighbors: UBS warns a potentially strong El Niño could disrupt rainfall and heat across Latin America, raising risks for food, hydropower and transport; Panama is flagged for lower water levels that could affect canal traffic. Weather Alerts: Panama’s Sinaproc extended rain-and-storm prevention guidance through July 15, citing Tropical Wave No. 24 and warning of flooding, river overflows, landslides and electrical activity—especially in Bocas del Toro, parts of Ngäbe Buglé, Veraguas, Colón and Chiriquí. Marine Monitoring for Conservation: A new push to use satellite “eyes at sea” and shared vessel tracking is helping countries in the Eastern Tropical Pacific—linking Costa Rica, Panama and others—spot risks and support ocean protection around places like Coiba and Malpelo. New World Screwworm Risk: USDA confirmed additional New World screwworm cases in Texas cattle, prompting Canada to suspend animal exports from Texas as a precaution; the parasite’s spread is also raising concern for pets and livestock health. Wildlife Discovery: Costa Rica researchers identified a separate tree frog species using underwater courtship calls, helping untangle decades of mislabeling in high-elevation streams.

Coiba National Park Enforcement: Panama’s MiAMBIENTE intercepted an unauthorized sport fishing yacht inside Coiba’s Special Marine Protection Zone, ordering it to leave and inspecting other vessels during a week of intensified patrols with Senan and EARTHRACE to curb illegal fishing. Weather & Flood Risk: Sinaproc extended its rains and storms prevention notice until July 15, citing Tropical Wave No. 24 and warning of flooding, river overflows, landslides, and electrical activity—especially in Bocas del Toro, Ngäbe Buglé’s Caribbean sector, northern Veraguas, lower Colón coast, and northwest Chiriquí. El Niño Watch for Panama: UBS flagged El Niño as a Latin America stress test, noting Panama could face lower water levels that disrupt canal traffic, while NOAA warns the pattern may rank among the strongest on record. Foreign Investment Pressure: Panama is working to recover and retain foreign investment amid costly arbitration claims tied to major mining project closures, aiming to restore confidence and stabilize public finances. Banana Exports Return: Panama’s government says Bocas del Toro’s revived banana sector is set to export about 11 million boxes this year, with 15 million projected next year. Biodiversity Update: A Costa Rican tree frog species was re-identified using vocal recordings and genetics, resolving a decades-old mix-up—good news for regional wildlife monitoring.

Weather & Water Security: Sinaproc extended Panama’s rain and storm prevention notice until July 15, citing Tropical Wave No. 24 and warning of flooding, river overflows, landslides, and higher risk areas across Bocas del Toro, Ngäbe Buglé, Veraguas, Colón, and Chiriquí. Climate Risk for the Canal: UBS warns El Niño could disrupt Latin America via floods or drought, and specifically flags Panama’s risk of lower water levels that could disrupt canal traffic. Canal Operations Under El Niño: The Panama Canal is preparing for drier conditions by progressively cutting Neopanamax maximum draft restrictions as El Niño develops. Marine Protection Enforcement: MiAMBIENTE intercepted an unauthorized sport fishing yacht inside Coiba National Park and inspected other vessels during intensified patrols aimed at stopping illegal fishing in high-value marine areas. Biodiversity & Monitoring Tech: Global Fishing Watch highlights how satellite “eyes at sea” and shared vessel tracking are helping countries like Panama cooperate to protect the Eastern Tropical Pacific marine corridor. Livestock Biosecurity: New World screwworm continues to spread in North America, with Panama’s role in sterile fly production noted as part of the wider regional response. Banana Sector Recovery: Chiquita plans to export about 11 million boxes of bananas from Panama this year, with Bocas del Toro’s revival tied to renewed operations and jobs.

Coiba Marine Patrol: Panama’s MiAMBIENTE intercepted a sport fishing yacht operating without authorization inside Coiba National Park, ordering it to leave the Special Marine Protection Zone; the agency also inspected three other vessels with permits in order, as part of intensified seven-day patrols with Senan and EARTHRACE across high-value marine areas. El Niño Food Risks: Economists warn a potentially “super” El Niño forming in 2026-27 could drive severe global food price shocks lasting into 2028, stacking extreme weather impacts on top of war-related shipping and fertilizer disruptions. Panama Canal & El Niño: Panama’s Canal Authority announced further Neopanamax draft restriction cuts as El Niño strengthens, signaling near-term operational adjustments tied to changing conditions. Local Energy Policy: Panama Village is considering a battery energy storage system moratorium after a county health letter raised concerns about noise, visual impacts, safety, air quality, and emergency response. Wildlife & Biosecurity: USDA-linked New World screwworm updates highlight livestock risk, while a separate report notes unusual birds appearing in Panama due to El Niño changes.

Marine Protection Enforcement: MiAMBIENTE intercepted a sport fishing yacht operating without authorization inside Coiba National Park, ordering it to leave the Special Marine Protection Zone; the agency also inspected three other vessels with permits in order, as part of intensified patrols with Senan and EARTHRACE across high-ecological-value sectors. Climate & Wildlife Signals: Panama’s Audubon Society reports El Niño-driven ocean warming is shifting seabird distribution, with uncommon species appearing along the Pacific coast and Amador Causeway as Humboldt Current productivity drops and birds travel farther for food. Weather Risk for Panama: Sinaproc warned of more intense conditions between July 10 and 11, with rain and storms expected to affect Panama. Food & Waterway Resilience: Panama Canal authorities announced further Neopanamax draft restrictions as El Niño develops, signaling operational adjustments that can ripple into regional logistics. Local Conservation Culture: A Panama Now Online update highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen local environmental coverage and public engagement. Sustainable Livelihoods: Women coffee growers in Capira (Capira Panama) are expanding into new markets with sustainable production support, linking biodiversity-friendly agriculture to household income.

El Niño & seabirds in Panama: Panama’s Audubon Society says El Niño warming is shifting seabird distribution, with uncommon species showing up along the Pacific coast as the Humboldt Current’s nutrient upwelling weakens and food chains get disrupted. Climate risk in Panama weather: Sinaproc warns of more intense conditions between July 10–11, with rain and storms that could affect communities and ecosystems. Sustainable livelihoods in Panama: Women in Capira are expanding traditional coffee into new markets with support tied to sustainable business networks, showing how conservation-friendly agriculture can translate into income. Panama Canal adaptation: The Canal Authority is cutting Neopanamax draft restrictions further as El Niño develops, a reminder that climate swings can reshape regional shipping and coastal pressures. AI policy debate with regional relevance: An opinion piece argues the “trusted technology” approach is the only way to keep AI democratic—either value concentrates in a few platforms or countries build isolated stacks. Local conservation spotlight: A photo feature highlights Panama’s wildlife and landscapes, aiming to bring more attention to the country’s natural heritage.

El Niño & seabirds in Panama: Panama’s Audubon Society says El Niño-driven ocean warming is shifting seabird ranges, with uncommon species (like Peruvian and Nazca boobies) showing up along the Pacific coast and Amador Causeway as the Humboldt Current’s nutrient upwelling weakens. Climate risk & food production: Panama’s government is preparing for El Niño impacts, warning it could affect national food production, while Sinaproc flags more intense rain and storm conditions for July 10–11. Wildlife & biodiversity reporting: The El Niño sightings push a clear conservation message: keep recording unusual wildlife arrivals so researchers can track how Panama’s ecosystems are responding. Sustainable livelihoods in Capira: Women coffee growers in Capira are expanding into new markets with traditional, chemical-free production supported by Mides networks—an example of conservation-linked rural resilience. Local environment storytelling: A new photo feature spotlights Panama’s wildlife and landscapes, helping build public interest in protecting biodiversity.

El Niño & food security in Panama: President José Raúl Mulino warned that El Niño could cut rainfall and reduce national food production, urging all government bodies to prepare for July–December 2026 impacts, as Panama’s meteorology agency forecasts rainfall deficits, higher temperatures, and added pressure on water supplies. Storm risk alert: Sinaproc issued a prevention notice for heavier rains and storms through July 12, with the most intense conditions expected July 10–11 as low-pressure systems and tropical waves move across the country; officials urged people to avoid flooded areas, keep emergency plans and supplies ready, and follow official updates. Wildlife signals from warming seas: Panama’s Audubon Society says El Niño is shifting seabird distribution, with uncommon species increasingly spotted along the Pacific coast and on the Amador Causeway, reflecting changes to the Humboldt Current and the food chain. Local conservation-linked livelihoods: In Chiriquí, the province is pushing sustainable growth through infrastructure plus eco-tourism and agribusiness, aiming to create jobs while protecting natural wealth. Coffee from Capira to new markets: Women coffee growers in Capira are expanding beyond local sales with traditional, chemical-free coffee, supported by training and market access programs. Plastic pollution pushback (global context): A separate report highlights how big oil helped block a plastic pollution treaty, underscoring the wider fight over pollution rules that affect ecosystems far beyond Panama.