AGP Executive Report

Flood Response: Costa Rica declared a national emergency in nine flood-hit areas (Guatuso, Turrialba, Sarapiquí, Limón, Pococí, Siquirres, Talamanca, Matina and Guácimo), with hundreds in shelters and roads/bridges disrupted, including major route impacts. Climate & Weather Watch: The National Meteorological Institute warns instability is building again after a brief break, with Saturday shaping up as the wettest day and storms most likely in the afternoon. Forest Restoration with Coffee Waste: In Coto Brus, researchers found coffee pulp can jump-start regeneration—treated plots reached far higher canopy cover and taller young forest, boosted soil nutrients, and helped suppress invasive grasses. Urban Nature in Curridabat: Bosque Tacaco is planting 1,540 native plants in a tiny 515-square-meter pocket forest using the Miyawaki method to create habitat for birds and insects. Marine Conservation Spotlight: A new Costa Rica documentary, “Costa Rica, Cradle of Whales,” highlights how Golfo Dulce serves as a rare overlap zone for whale populations from both hemispheres. Biodiversity Tech for Wildlife: WildQuest aims to blend a nature game with wildlife photo collection to help researchers track species. Regional Tech for Conservation Tools: A Central American 5G Innovation Hackathon will use Costa Rica’s 5G testbed to prototype digital tools—potentially useful for monitoring nature and disasters.

Flood Response: Costa Rica declared a national emergency in nine flood-hit areas after heavy rain damaged roads and cut off communities, with hundreds still in shelters and some areas only reachable by helicopter. Weather Watch: The National Meteorological Institute says instability is building again after Tropical Wave No. 34 shifted offshore, with Saturday expected to be the wettest day and storms most likely in the afternoon. Coastal Protection: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court ordered the Municipality of Osa to remove unapproved businesses and makeshift structures from protected public beachfront land at Playa Dominical. Urban Nature: Curridabat is planting Bosque Tacaco, a pocket forest using native species and the Miyawaki method to create habitat for birds and insects in a small urban space. Marine Conservation: A new Costa Rican documentary, “Costa Rica, Cradle of Whales,” spotlights how Golfo Dulce is a rare overlap zone for humpback whale mothers from both hemispheres. Climate-Smart Farming: Poás Bioenergy is turning coffee pulp and pineapple crowns into syngas and biochar, aiming to cut methane from farm waste while replacing fossil fuel heat. Wildlife Tech: A new nature game, WildQuest, pushes people to photograph wildlife and turn sightings into data that could help researchers track species.

Flood Response: Costa Rica declared a national emergency in nine flood-hit areas (Guatuso, Turrialba, Sarapiquí, Limón, Pococí, Siquirres, Talamanca, Matina and Guácimo), with hundreds still in shelters and some communities reached only by helicopter as rivers overflowed and roads were damaged. Coastal Protection: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court ordered the Municipality of Osa to remove unapproved businesses and makeshift structures from public beachfront land at Playa Dominical, warning officials could face prosecutors if they don’t comply. Urban Biodiversity: Curridabat is planting Bosque Tacaco, a pocket forest using the Miyawaki method with 1,540 native plants across 515 square meters to create habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. Wildlife Tech: A new nature game, WildQuest, aims to get people outdoors to photograph wildlife and turn sightings into digital “battle cards” that could help researchers track species. Climate-Smart Coffee Waste: Poás Bioenergy is using coffee pulp and pineapple crowns to cut methane from farm waste, producing syngas for cleaner thermal power and other outputs for Costa Rican coffee farms. Marine Conservation Spotlight: A Costa Rican documentary, “Costa Rica, Cradle of Whales,” highlights how Golfo Dulce is a rare overlap zone for humpback whale mothers from both hemispheres.

Flood Emergency: Costa Rica declared a national emergency in nine flood-hit areas (Guatuso, Turrialba, Sarapiquí, Limón, Pococí, Siquirres, Talamanca, Matina and Guácimo), with hundreds still in shelters and roads/communities cut off, including major route disruptions and widespread school closures. Weather Watch: The National Meteorological Institute warns instability will build again over the weekend after Tropical Wave #34 shifts conditions—expect the wettest period Saturday, with storms most likely in the afternoon. Urban Nature: Curridabat’s Bosque Tacaco is planting a “pocket forest” of 1,540 native plants in a tiny 515-square-meter site, aiming to boost habitat for birds and insects in built-up areas. Coastal Protection: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court ordered the Municipality of Osa to remove unapproved businesses and makeshift structures from public beachfront land at Playa Dominical. Wildlife & Oceans: A new Costa Rica documentary spotlights Golfo Dulce as a rare overlap zone for humpback whale mothers from both hemispheres. Conservation Tech: A new nature-based app, WildQuest, blends outdoor play with wildlife photo collection to help researchers track species.

Coastal Conservation & Governance: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court ordered the Municipality of Osa to remove unapproved businesses and makeshift structures from public beachfront land at Playa Dominical, warning officials could face prosecutors if they don’t fully comply. Flood Preparedness & Public Health: Health authorities stepped up drinking-water monitoring and epidemiological surveillance as tropical wave conditions raise flood risks, with teams checking shelters and vector control to prevent waterborne disease. Climate Policy Watch: A new look at the Paris Agreement’s second decade highlights how geopolitical strain and insufficient climate action threaten progress—an issue Costa Rica conservationists will feel as warming intensifies. Marine Life Spotlight: A Costa Rica documentary, “Costa Rica, Cradle of Whales,” follows humpback whales in Golfo Dulce, calling the gulf a rare overlap zone for mothers from both hemispheres. Circular Economy for Coffee Waste: Poás Bioenergy is turning coffee pulp and pineapple crowns into syngas for cleaner farm power, aiming to cut methane from uncontrolled waste decomposition. Wildlife Tech for Citizen Science: WildQuest blends nature play with wildlife logging to help researchers track species through user photos. Tourism & Nature Pressure: A new certification for dental clinics targeting foreign patients signals growing medical tourism demand—more visitors, more strain, and more reasons to protect water and ecosystems.

Coastal & Climate Risk: Costa Rica’s IMN issued a fresh warning for Tropical Wave #34, with possible downpours, thunderstorms, and flooding risk even as dry conditions limit rain intensity—authorities stress precautions in flood-prone areas. Flood Aftermath: The Caribbean and Northern Zone are still reeling after Tropical Wave #33, with 473 schools closed and 1,300 people in shelters as saturated ground keeps landslide and river-backflow risks high. Wildlife & Habitat Protection: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court ordered the Municipality of Osa to remove unapproved businesses and makeshift structures from public beachfront land at Playa Dominical, warning of possible prosecution if it doesn’t comply. Marine Conservation Spotlight: A new Costa Rican documentary, “Costa Rica, Cradle of Whales,” explores why humpback whales from two hemispheres converge in Golfo Dulce. Circular Economy & Farming: Poás Bioenergy is already turning coffee pulp and pineapple crowns into syngas and other products, aiming to cut methane from farm waste. Community Conservation: Axis Mundi Costa Rica is fundraising to launch an initial no-kill animal rescue facility in San Buenaventura, paired with education and stewardship.

Tropical Wave Watch: Costa Rica’s IMN warns Tropical Wave #34 could bring downpours, thunderstorms, and flooding risk even as dry conditions limit cloudiness—officials stress saturated ground and urge caution in flood-prone areas. Flood Aftermath & Health: With 473 schools still closed and 1,300 people in shelters after Tropical Wave #33, health authorities are ramping up drinking-water monitoring, epidemiological surveillance, sanitation checks, and vector control to prevent outbreaks. Coastal Land Enforcement: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court orders the Municipality of Osa to remove unapproved businesses and makeshift structures from public beachfront land at Playa Dominical, warning of possible prosecution if officials don’t comply. Waste-to-Value Climate Tech: Poás Bioenergy is using coffee pulp and pineapple crowns to produce syngas and biochar on Costa Rican farms, aiming to cut methane from waste decomposition while replacing fossil fuel heat. Wildlife & Tech: Researchers tested an AI touchscreen reward system with wild capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica’s Taboga Forest Reserve, showing they can learn to associate screen interaction with food rewards. Energy Transition: Coopeguanacaste moves forward with the Abangares Solar Park to strengthen clean power supply and energy security in Guanacaste. Conservation Context: Antarctic krill fishing is under renewed scrutiny after the Southern Ocean fishery’s catch rules expired and conservation groups warn pressure is rising in key predator-feeding areas.

Flood & Water Safety: Costa Rica’s health authorities have stepped up drinking-water monitoring and epidemiological surveillance after heavy rains, with sanitary inspections in temporary shelters and tighter coordination with municipal emergency committees and the CNE. Heat Stress at Work: A new focus on occupational heat stress highlights risks for both outdoor labor and hot indoor workplaces, pointing to Costa Rica’s heat-stress prevention framework and employer duties. El Niño Watch: The IMN says meteorological drought is expanding across the Pacific slope, Central Valley and parts of the Northwest Zone, while El Niño is expected to intensify from September into a “very strong” phase. Disaster Response on the Ground: Tropical Wave #33 continues to disrupt life: 473 schools remain closed and over 1,300 people are still in 23 shelters, as saturated soils keep landslide and river-flood risks high. Wildlife & Habitat Concerns: Questions are raised about Costa Rica highway work and the removal of wildlife routes, while Corcovado faces a red alert tied to sewage and crumbling infrastructure. Conservation Tech & Wildlife: Researchers tested AI touchscreen rewards with wild capuchin monkeys in Taboga Forest Reserve, bringing automated cognitive testing into natural habitat. Energy Transition: Costa Rica advances clean power with the Abangares Solar Park, aiming to strengthen energy security alongside hydro. Tourism & Nature: The “Wellness Pura Vida” strategy is promoted as a nature-linked, biodiversity-aware approach to holistic tourism. Global Context: Canada’s wildfire crisis remains severe, with 582 active fires and international firefighting support that includes Costa Rica.

Wildfire Pressure in Canada: Canada reports 4,793 wildfires and 4.1 million hectares burned this season, with 582 still active and 31 out of control—officials warn above-average temperatures and drought could keep risks high into September. Costa Rica’s Climate Split: Costa Rica is facing two extremes at once: meteorological drought now covers the Pacific slope, Central Valley and parts of the Northwest, while the Caribbean side is hit by heavy rain and flooding impacts. El Niño Intensifies Ahead: Costa Rica’s meteorological institute says El Niño is strong through August and may reach “very strong” between September and November, with major rainfall deficits expected—especially in the North Pacific. Energy Transition in Guanacaste: Coopeguanacaste is moving forward with the Abangares Solar Photovoltaic Park to strengthen clean power and energy security during the dry season. Conservation Tech for Wildlife: Researchers tested an AI touchscreen reward device with wild capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica’s Taboga Forest Reserve, showing they can learn to use the system to get food. Plastic-to-Housing Innovation: A Costa Rican family home was built using interlocking blocks made largely from recycled plastic waste, turning thousands of kilograms of trash into durable shelter.

Energy Transition: Costa Rica is moving ahead with the Abangares Solar Photovoltaic Park, aiming to boost clean power and strengthen energy security for more than 85,000 cooperative members. Tourism & Conservation: The country is also rolling out the “Wellness Pura Vida” strategy, pitching nature-based mental health and longevity experiences as a way to tie tourism demand to biodiversity and sustainability. Wildlife Research: Capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica’s Taboga Forest Reserve are learning to use an AI touchscreen for banana rewards, bringing automated cognitive testing into the wild. Climate & Disaster Risk: El Niño is deepening Costa Rica’s split between drought on the Pacific side and heavy rain on the Caribbean, while tropical waves have triggered flooding and sheltering on the Caribbean coast. Public Health & Heat: A University of Costa Rica study finds water-resistant sunscreen may slightly raise internal body temperature during prolonged exercise in hot conditions—without undermining sun protection. Plastic & Housing: A Costa Rican family home built with about 7 tons of recycled plastic blocks shows how waste can be turned into durable housing.

El Niño and drought vs. deluge: Costa Rica’s Pacific slope and Central Valley are now under meteorological drought, while the Caribbean is seeing unusually heavy rain—IMN warns El Niño could intensify to “very strong” between September and November, with major rainfall deficits already showing (up to 80% less in the North Pacific). Flooding emergency on the Caribbean coast: Tropical waves have left nearly 500 people in shelters and closed 862 schools, with Limón and nearby areas under orange alert as saturated ground makes even modest rain dangerous. Trash crisis at the river’s mouth: Volunteers say Guacalillo Beach near the Tárcoles River keeps getting hit by household waste and plastics carried from the Greater Metropolitan Area—cleanup efforts run weekly, but the river keeps delivering more. New deep-sea coral discovery: Scientists diving off Costa Rica identified Laurinque elenya, a genetically unique coral so distinct it required a new family for classification. Circular economy push on Route 27: The highway concessionaire is launching an innovation challenge to reuse tires and plastics from road waste, aiming to prototype solutions that cut landfill pressure.

Recycled-plastic housing in Costa Rica: After saving for years, Alajuelita resident Cindy Mora finally built a permanent home with Habitat for Humanity Costa Rica and partners, using about 7 tonnes of recycled plastic blocks—turning waste into durable walls. Circular economy on Route 27: Globalvia is launching an open innovation challenge to reuse highway waste, with tires and plastics as top priorities, aiming to cut landfill pressure by funding prototypes that can be used directly in road operations. Trash crisis at Guacalillo Beach: Volunteers keep finding fresh garbage washing in from the Tárcoles River, showing how Central Valley waste flows to the coast and repeatedly undermines tourism and local cleanup efforts. New deep-sea coral discovery: Scientists diving off Costa Rica identified Laurinque elenya, a bright yellow coral so genetically distinct it required a new family—collected near Isla del Coco and along the Pacific margin. Wildlife refuge for agami herons: Around 1,000 agami herons have settled on a private estate near Caño Negro; UNED researchers are monitoring nests and breeding success to help protect the colony. Weather watch: Costa Rica raised alerts as Tropical Wave No. 32 brings weekend rain and gusty winds, with yellow alerts for the Caribbean and eastern Northern Zone.

UN Leadership Watch: Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan has emerged as the frontrunner to become the UN’s first woman Secretary-General, leading an early Security Council ballot with broad “encouragement” support. Climate & Health: El Niño is forecast to intensify globally, with Central America flagged among regions facing near-term impacts—raising concerns for Costa Rica’s weather-sensitive health risks. Biodiversity Discovery: Deep-sea scientists exploring Costa Rica’s Pacific found a bright yellow coral, Laurinque elenya, so genetically distinct it required a new family for classification—another reminder of how much ocean life remains unknown. Marine & Coastal Waste: Guacalillo Beach near the Tárcoles River is being overwhelmed by trash flowing from the Central Valley, with volunteers cleaning weekly as new debris keeps washing in. Wildlife Research & Tech: At a Guanacaste forest reserve, wild capuchin monkeys are learning touchscreen tasks via “CapuchinAI,” offering a new way to study animal intelligence in place. Conservation in Action: A Guatuso estate near Caño Negro is hosting about 1,000 agami herons, and researchers are monitoring nests and breeding success to help protect the colony. Invasive Species Detection: A DNA-based study using environmental DNA (eDNA) is training early detection for invasive zebra mussels and round gobies—useful lessons for Costa Rica’s biosecurity. Weather Alert: Costa Rica has raised alerts ahead of Tropical Wave No. 32, with yellow conditions in parts of the country and rain expected through the weekend. Circular Economy on Route 27: Costa Rica’s Route 27 is launching an innovation challenge to reuse highway waste—especially tires and plastics—amid landfill pressure.

Coastal Cleanup Pressure: Volunteers say Guacalillo Beach is still getting overwhelmed by trash carried down the Tárcoles River from the Central Valley—plastic, cardboard, glass, and even syringes—prompting weekend cleanups that are constantly undone by the next wave of river-borne debris. Deep-Sea Biodiversity: Scientists diving near Isla del Coco and Costa Rica’s Pacific margin identified Laurinque elenya, a bright yellow deep-water coral so genetically distinct it required a new family in the ocean’s classification tree. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: A private estate near Caño Negro wetlands is now home to about 1,000 agami herons, with UNED researchers monitoring nests and chicks to protect the colony’s breeding success. Weather Watch: Costa Rica issued a yellow alert for the arrival of Tropical Wave No. 32, with rain likely to worsen through the weekend—especially across the Caribbean and Northern Zone. Nature Safety: Search teams are still looking for a missing hiker in Chirripó National Park after he was separated from his group on Aug. 10.

Corcovado Under Red Alert: A coalition of Costa Rican environmental groups says Corcovado National Park is facing a “red alert” over sewage discharges from the Sirena Biological Station, decaying infrastructure, and chronic underfunding—warning it signals a wider protected-area breakdown. Trash Crisis at Guacalillo: Volunteers say Guacalillo Beach near the Tárcoles River keeps getting overwhelmed by household waste flowing from the Central Valley—plastic, cardboard, glass, and even syringes—forcing cleanup efforts every weekend. Deep-Sea Coral Discovery: Scientists diving off Costa Rica identified Laurinque elenya, a bright yellow deep-water coral so genetically distinct it required a new family in the coral tree of life. Wildlife Tech in Guanacaste: Researchers report wild capuchin monkeys at Taboga Forest Reserve learned to use a touchscreen station (CapuchinAI) to trigger food rewards, offering a new way to study animal cognition in the forest. Weather Watch: Costa Rica issued a yellow alert for Tropical Wave No. 32, with rain and gusty trade winds expected to worsen conditions in the Caribbean and Northern Zone, then spread toward the Central and South Pacific. Biodiversity in the Wetlands: UNED researchers are monitoring a private-estate agami heron colony near Caño Negro, tracking nests and chicks to understand breeding success for this elusive species. Surf Returns to Playa Hermosa: The World Surf League’s Garabito Surf City PRO 2026 kicks off at Playa Hermosa, bringing international competition back after nearly eight years.

Corcovado Red Alert: Costa Rican environmental groups have put Corcovado National Park on “red alert,” citing sewage discharges from the Sirena Biological Station, crumbling infrastructure, and chronic underfunding—warning it signals a wider protected-area breakdown. Biodiversity Discovery: Deep-water surveys near Isla del Coco uncovered a distinct bright-yellow coral, Laurinque elenya, so unusual it warranted a new coral family—another reminder how much ocean life remains unknown. Wildlife Research in the Wild: At Reserva Conchal, researchers recorded 79 wildlife species, while separate work at Taboga Forest Reserve shows wild capuchin monkeys learning to use touchscreen tasks for food rewards. Conservation Under Pressure: A Guatuso estate near Caño Negro is now home to about 1,000 agami herons, with UNED monitoring nests and breeding success to protect the colony. Weather Watch: Costa Rica raised a yellow alert for Tropical Wave No. 32, with rain and gusty trade winds expected—especially affecting the Caribbean and Northern Zone. On-the-Ground Safety: Search efforts continue for a missing hiker in Chirripó National Park, with specialized Red Cross teams and dogs working multiple routes.