AGP Executive Report

Costa Rica Earthquake Monitoring: Costa Rican lawmakers challenged proposed 2027 cuts to the Red Sismológica Nacional and Ovsicori observatory, just as a magnitude 5.5 quake off Uvita triggered dozens of aftershocks—raising alarms about whether monitoring capacity will keep up with risk. El Niño Climate Pressure: A new forecast says El Niño is strengthening into a strong event, with above-normal temperatures and shifting rainfall across the Americas—boosting drought, extreme heat, wildfire, and food-supply risks, including in Central America. Mangrove Comeback (Global + Local): New research finds global mangrove losses are slowing while gains rise, though pollution and biodiversity loss remain threats; in Costa Rica, reporting highlights mangrove restoration as a direct act of care for coastal protection and wildlife. Wildlife & Tourism Safety: Florida proposed tougher rules for sloth imports after a major investigation linked captive sloth deaths to poor conditions—another reminder that wildlife tourism needs real safeguards. Biodiversity Spotlight: A Costa Rica fisherman’s unusual nurse shark sighting near Tortuguero led to scientific interest in rare pigmentation patterns, underscoring how local observations can feed conservation knowledge.

Wildlife & Coasts: A Costa Rica sea turtle biologist shared footage of “olive ridley rush hour,” with the busiest arribada-style mass nesting typically ramping up in September–December on a few key beaches. Marine Life Discovery: Off Tortuguero National Park, fishermen photographed a tangerine-colored nurse shark with an unusual pigmentation pattern—released back to sea—giving scientists a rare look at rare coloration. Disaster Preparedness & Science Funding: Costa Rican lawmakers questioned proposed 2027 cuts to earthquake/volcano/weather monitoring hours and funding for the Red Sismológica Nacional (UCR) and Ovsicori, just as a magnitude 5.5 quake struck near Uvita. Climate Risk: El Niño is pushing above-normal temperatures in Costa Rica, raising concerns about drought, wildfire risk, and faster food spoilage that could hit food security. Ecosystem Restoration: Reporting highlights how mangroves are rebounding globally, while Costa Rica-focused coverage also spotlights restoring mangrove forests as a community-driven act of love. Indigenous Rights: Boruca community voices criticize how Integral Development Associations are being used in ways that weaken self-determination and protection of Indigenous territories.

Seismic Watch: Costa Rica lawmakers are questioning proposed 2027 cuts to earthquake, volcano, and weather monitoring hours, just as a magnitude 5.5 quake struck off Uvita and triggered dozens of aftershocks—raising alarms about how well the country can track hazards. Climate Risk: El Niño is pushing temperatures higher across Costa Rica, with experts warning heat can speed food spoilage and worsen drought-linked agricultural losses, threatening food security. Wildlife Spotlight: A Costa Rican sea turtle biologist shared footage of “olive ridley rush hour,” with massive arribada-style nesting activity ramping up on Caribbean beaches. Coastal Restoration: New reporting highlights how mangrove forests are rebounding in Costa Rica—showing both community dependence on these ecosystems and the conservation wins that come from restoring them. Travel & Conservation Culture: A new Jaco Beach travel guide and a Visa duty-free discount expansion reflect growing visitor activity—useful context as tourism pressure and wildlife protection needs rise.

Seismic Watch: A magnitude 5.0 earthquake hit Costa Rica early Thursday, and lawmakers are now pushing back on proposed cuts to quake and volcano monitoring hours after a separate 5.5 quake off Uvita triggered aftershocks—raising alarms about whether science and emergency response funding will keep up. Climate & Food Security: El Niño is driving above-normal heat and shifting rainfall, with Costa Rica facing higher risks of drought, extreme heat, and faster food spoilage that could strain agriculture and household food supplies. Wildlife Protection: Two people were detained for allegedly stealing 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs from Ostional during one of the year’s biggest arribadas, spotlighting enforcement challenges during peak nesting. Coastal Conservation: Mangrove restoration is getting fresh momentum, with new reporting on how forests are rebounding in places—while reminding that pollution and biodiversity loss still threaten recovery. Community & Governance: Coverage also highlights Costa Rica’s Indigenous self-determination debate, including how local governance structures affect protection of community land and ecologically grounded livelihoods.

El Niño Food Risks in Costa Rica: Costa Rica is seeing hotter conditions tied to El Niño, and experts warn that heat and drought can speed up food spoilage and raise food-security risks for farmers and consumers. Mangrove Comeback, With a Caveat: A new global study finds mangrove losses have slowed and gains are rising, but researchers stress threats like pollution and biodiversity loss still persist. Local Power for the Gulf of Nicoya: MarViva released tools arguing that Gulf of Nicoya communities should hold real decision-making power, pairing a governance study with a heritage manual to support participatory marine protection. Sea Turtle Enforcement at Ostional: Two people were detained for allegedly taking 125 olive ridley eggs from Ostional during one of the year’s biggest arribadas, highlighting ongoing pressure on nesting sites. Wildlife Moment on the Beach: A Costa Rican sea turtle biologist shared footage of “olive ridley rush hour,” spotlighting the dramatic mass nesting season that draws global attention. Mangrove Restoration Stories: Reporting highlights how communities are rebuilding mangroves as protection for coasts and livelihoods, showing conservation as both ecology and local survival.

Mangrove restoration in Costa Rica: A new wave of community-led work is bringing mangroves back after decades of cutting, with residents like David Avalos Bonilla linking healthier wetlands to safer coasts and revived wildlife. Global mangrove momentum: A Science study using satellite data finds worldwide mangrove losses have slowed while gains and natural regeneration are rising—though pollution and biodiversity loss remain major threats. Environmental rule of law & just transition: A UNEP report says countries are increasingly turning “just transition” promises into laws and court decisions, urging fair, rights-based governance so climate action doesn’t leave people behind. El Niño pressure on food: Costa Rica’s warming from El Niño is raising food spoilage risks and stressing agriculture, with experts warning of drought-linked losses. Sea turtle protection at Ostional: Two people were detained for allegedly stealing 125 olive ridley eggs during the September arribada, underscoring enforcement during peak nesting. Costa Rica’s forest map: Researchers mapped dominant tree species across Costa Rica to better match forest types to biodiversity protection needs, showing forest cover alone isn’t enough. Tropical weather alert: Tropical wave 41 brings scattered downpours and strong gusts, with localized heavy rain possible across multiple regions.

El Niño & food security: Costa Rica’s El Niño-linked heat is expected to speed up food spoilage and worsen drought stress, raising risks for fresh food and stored products as September rainfall stays low in parts of the Pacific, Central Valley, and Northwest Zone. Wildlife enforcement at Ostional: Two people were detained for allegedly stealing 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs from the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge during the peak arribada period. Community power for marine protection: Fundación MarViva is pushing for Gulf of Nicoya governance led by local fishing communities, publishing a participation-based assessment method and a heritage manual to strengthen local decision-making. Forest ecosystem mapping: Researchers mapped Costa Rica’s forest types by dominant tree species, identifying 10 groups and showing why “forest cover” alone can’t explain biodiversity and conservation value. Storm watch (Tropical Wave 41): Forecasters warn of scattered downpours with thunder and strong gusts across central and northern areas, with localized heavy rain possible. Green alert: Costa Rica’s emergency commission issued a green alert for rain impacts across multiple regions.

Marine Governance: Fundación MarViva is pushing Gulf of Nicoya communities to gain real decision-making power, pairing a governance study with a heritage manual and warning that illegal fishing, rule fragmentation, and climate change are squeezing the gulf from multiple directions. Weather & Risk: Tropical Wave 41 is moving into Costa Rica with scattered afternoon storms and gusts up to 75 km/h, with forecasters noting localized downpours and recent flooding impacts still leaving soils saturated. Forest & Biodiversity Mapping: Researchers mapped nearly 500 dominant tree species across Costa Rica, grouping forests into 10 ecosystem types to show why “forest cover” alone can’t explain biodiversity or conservation value. Protected Areas Policy: UNED and SINAC are moving to establish Chirripó as a UNESCO Global Geopark, while UCR urges lawmakers to reject a bill that would loosen earth-moving rules in national parks during disasters. Coastal Pressure: A UNA report finds Costa Rica’s coastal tourism and real estate boom is driving steep perceived price increases, especially in Guanacaste. Conservation Tech: Emory researchers unveiled CapuchinAI to study wild capuchin cognition in Costa Rica’s Taboga Forest Reserve using AI and touchscreen tasks. Sea Protection Voice: Gulf of Nicoya communities are also calling for greater say in protecting the sea.

Cloud Forest Water Stress: Monteverde’s cloud forest is drying from within as rising cloud decks and less fog reduce moisture held by canopy plants, even with heavy annual rainfall. Protected-Area Law: UCR is urging lawmakers to reject a bill that would loosen earth-moving and construction limits in national parks during disasters, arguing the wording could undermine safety and protection. Route 32 Landslide Fix Debate: A bill aimed at speeding road-safety work along Route 32 through protected areas is drawing pushback over how exceptions would be written. Geopark Push: UNED and SINAC-MINAE have started applications to make Chirripó a UNESCO Global Geopark, with plans to spread tourism benefits beyond the main peak while limiting impacts. Wildlife & Research Tech: Emory researchers unveiled CapuchinAI to study wild capuchins in Costa Rica’s Taboga Forest Reserve using AI facial recognition and touchscreen tasks. Mining Referendum Call: Costa Rican geologists are calling for a referendum on Crucitas gold mining, citing illegal extraction, pollution, and community harm. Rainy Season Disruption: Tropical Wave No. 41 is expected to hit as Costa Rica sees sudden intense storms, dry spells, and heat, following earlier flooding and power outages. Coastal Housing Pressure: A Costa Rica report finds residents widely perceive steep coastal price hikes, with real estate seen as the biggest driver. Tourism Growth in the South: The Southern Zone is shifting from banana monoculture toward biodiversity-led tourism, with local conservation tied to livelihoods.

Conservation & Climate: Monteverde’s cloud forest is drying from within, even with heavy annual rain, as rising cloud decks and less fog contact reduce the moisture trapped by canopy plants. Wildlife & Tourism Ethics: At Ostional, thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving for one of the year’s largest arribadas, with nesting expected to continue through the weekend—an urgent reminder to keep viewing respectful. Protected Areas & Policy: UNED and SINAC-MINAE have started the process to make Chirripó a UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to spread tourism benefits while protecting geological and ecological features. Biodiversity Discovery: Deep-sea researchers off Costa Rica discovered a striking new golden coral, creating an entirely new coral family to classify it. Land Use & Mining Debate: Costa Rican geologists are pushing for a referendum on Crucitas gold mining, arguing lawmakers haven’t solved illegal extraction and environmental harm. Community & Development: Montes de Oca plans more apartment towers despite ongoing flooding and sewage overflow, raising health and environmental concerns. Restoration Lesson: A Costa Rica forest grew back after 12,000 tons of orange peels were dumped in 1997, with tree biomass later surging—showing how “waste” can restore ecosystems, but only under strict safeguards. Marine Life & Research: Scientists introduced wild capuchin monkeys to an AI touchscreen setup in Costa Rica’s Taboga Forest Reserve, showing fast adaptation and new ways to study cognition in the wild.

Protected Geology & Tourism: UNED and SINAC-MINAE have started the application process to make Chirripó a UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to spread visitor routes beyond the main peak while protecting geological features and supporting local and Indigenous communities. Cloud Forest Water Stress: In Monteverde, scientists warn the cloud forest is drying from within even with heavy annual rain, as warming lifts cloud decks above the canopy and reduces fog contact that normally keeps epiphytes and mosses moist. Mining Showdown: Costa Rican geologists are pushing for a referendum over Crucitas gold mining, arguing long delays have allowed illegal extraction, pollution, and organized crime to persist, and calling for broader limits on open-pit metal mining. Marine Life Milestone: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving for one of the year’s largest arribadas at Ostional, with peak nesting expected through the weekend. Coastal Cost Pressure: A new UNA/PIC report finds most coastal residents perceive sharp price hikes tied to tourism and real estate, with 85% saying coastal property sale prices have risen—especially highlighted in Guanacaste. Rain Forecast: Tropical Wave No. 40 is expected to bring Sunday afternoon rain and thunderstorms, while El Niño-linked dry conditions are still expected to persist into late September and early October.

Cloud Forest Water Loss: Monteverde’s cloud forest is drying from within, even with heavy rain, as warming lifts cloud decks above the canopy and reduces fog “horizontal rain” that keeps epiphytes and mosses moist. Mining Referendum Push: Costa Rican geologists are calling for a referendum over Crucitas gold mining, saying illegal extraction and pollution have dragged on for 15 years and lawmakers haven’t delivered a lasting fix. Wildlife Protection & Tourism Pressure: Officials report thousands of olive ridley turtles arriving for one of the year’s largest arribadas at Ostional, while another story highlights how tourists can illegally take home wildlife and plants—hurting ecosystems. Conservation-Linked Development: Costa Rica’s Southern Zone is shifting from banana monoculture to biodiversity-led ecotourism, with community-led mangrove and river protection helping local livelihoods. Coastal Climate Watch: A tropical wave is expected to bring Sunday afternoon rain and thunderstorms, but El Niño-linked dry conditions are still forecast to persist into late September. Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists described a new “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, from deep Pacific waters off Costa Rica. Cruise Growth in Puntarenas: Costa Rica expects a major jump in cruise passengers in 2026–2027, boosting short-port spending for local businesses.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists exploring underwater mountains off Costa Rica have identified a new “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, adding a fresh branch to the deep-ocean life map. Marine Biodiversity: A major olive ridley arribada is underway at Ostional in Guanacaste, with thousands of turtles coming ashore to nest as the biggest 2026 events typically peak in September–November. Wildlife Protection & Tourism: Costa Rica is stepping up efforts against wildlife trafficking with a new tourist campaign, while another reminder lands on behavior: officials have confiscated thousands of animal and plant specimens taken home by travelers. Conservation Through Restoration: In southern Costa Rica, coffee pulp waste is helping regenerate degraded pastureland—researchers report rapid tree recovery after applying pulp. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Costa Rica heads into peak hurricane season with no hurricane yet, as forecasts point to El Niño keeping Atlantic conditions hostile. Sustainable Geotourism: UNED and SINAC are renewing the push for Chirripó to become Costa Rica’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to protect geological heritage and spread benefits locally.

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.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists exploring underwater mountains off Costa Rica found a striking new “golden coral” and created a new coral family, Laurinqueidae, to classify it—another reminder that the Pacific’s depths still hold surprises. Wildlife Protection & Tourism: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional for one of the year’s largest arribadas, with nesting expected to continue through the weekend as guards track activity. Marine Life & Conservation Awareness: A new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, was formally described from specimens collected off Costa Rica, underscoring why deep habitats need protection. Restoration in Action: In Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce, a community mangrove recovery effort has planted 12,000 seedlings, with early survival estimates around 75–80%, helping rebuild coastal habitat and storm protection. Land Use & Public Health: Montes de Oca plans more apartment towers even as flooding from sewage overflow continues, raising alarms that growth without drainage and sanitation upgrades could worsen contamination. Conservation Governance: Costa Rica and UNED renewed efforts to make Chirripó its first UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to protect geology while boosting sustainable tourism. Illegal Wildlife Take-Home: Officials report thousands of animal and plant specimens seized from travelers’ luggage since 2024, fueling the #WhatYouCarry campaign to curb wildlife removal. Eco-Scam Warning: UK fraudsters were jailed over a £70m “ethical” tree-planting scheme tied to Costa Rica, where trees were planted but maintenance and harvest funding were missing.

Sea Turtle Conservation: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge in Guanacaste for one of 2026’s biggest arribadas, with more expected through Friday night and into Saturday morning—often peaking in September to November and linked to the last quarter moon. Biodiversity Discovery: A new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, has been described from waters off Costa Rica’s Pacific, underscoring how little we still know about life in the deep. Protected Landscapes & Tourism: Costa Rica is renewing its push to make Chirripó its first UNESCO Global Geopark, with UNED and SINAC working on research, education, and sustainable tourism across 105,000+ hectares. Restoration on the Ground: In Golfo Dulce, community-led mangrove restoration is underway after heavy losses—more than 12,000 seedlings planted, with early survival estimates around 75–80%. Wildlife Protection Enforcement: Costa Rica’s #WhatYouCarry campaign highlights that taking home wildlife or plants is illegal, with thousands of specimens seized from travelers’ luggage since 2024. Green Alert: Costa Rica has issued a green alert as activity increases at Rincón de la Vieja. Ecotourism Watch: A look at how ecotourism is managing visitor pressure at national parks—keeping experiences attractive without wrecking the “wild” part.