AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Alert: A magnitude 7.7 quake in Panama triggered tsunami warnings for Costa Rica and other countries. A powerful aftershock followed, while buildings near the epicenter were damaged and residents evacuated. Fishing Oversight: The U.S. flagged Costa Rica for gaps in monitoring longline vessels, saying required observer coverage was not in place from 2022 to 2024. The finding opens a consultation period, not sanctions. Wildlife Crime: An Interpol operation involving Costa Rica and eight other countries led to 233 arrests, the recovery of more than 1,000 live animals and the discovery of 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared land. Investigators also traced suspected wildlife and timber trafficking networks. Climate and Biodiversity: September was Earth’s second-hottest on record. Researchers also identified a new family of bright yellow, tree-shaped coral on deep Pacific seamounts off Costa Rica.

Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries, including Costa Rica, led to 233 arrests and exposed 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Costa Rican authorities seized cyanide and mercury linked to illegal gold mining, along with protected wildlife and shark fins. Fishing Oversight: The U.S. has again flagged Costa Rica over gaps in monitoring its longline fleet, including missing observer coverage. The finding starts a consultation period, not sanctions. Deep-Sea Discovery: Researchers found a vivid yellow, tree-shaped coral on Pacific seamounts off Costa Rica. Its unusual genetics warranted a new coral family. Conservation on the Ground: Costa Rican birding lodges are helping keep forests standing by making habitat central to their business, while a private reserve has earned a place on the IUCN Green List.**

Marine Discovery: Researchers identified a bright yellow, tree-shaped coral unlike any known coral family on deep seamounts near Isla del Coco and Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries made 233 arrests and exposed 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. In Costa Rica, authorities seized 4.6 tonnes of cyanide and 11 containers of mercury linked to illegal gold mining. Protected Lands: A private Costa Rican reserve has earned a place on the IUCN Green List, while camera traps are tracking jaguars in Tortuguero. Local Conservation: A former cattle ranch now supports 440 bird species, and Sámara residents are pushing to restore a damaged mangrove. Climate and Farming: Heavy rains threaten Caribbean cacao harvests, while El Niño and uneven rainfall are adding pressure to pineapple growers.

Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries, including Costa Rica, led to 233 arrests and the recovery of more than 1,000 animals. Costa Rican authorities seized 4.6 tonnes of cyanide and rescued an iguana. Mangrove Restoration: Playa Sámara residents are pressing to restore the Río Lagarto mangrove. SINAC wants to study two properties to map damage from decades of filling; restoration could take about 10 years. Wildlife Conservation: Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve became the first private reserve in Latin America to join the IUCN Green List. In Tortuguero, camera traps have identified 11 individual jaguars, helping researchers track their movements. Climate Risks: Costa Rica’s weather agency warned of soils reaching 95% saturation and more storms, while heavy rain threatens the Caribbean cacao harvest.**

Environmental Crime: An INTERPOL operation involving Costa Rica and eight other countries led to 233 arrests, recovered more than 1,000 animals and identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Costa Rican authorities seized 4.6 tonnes of cyanide. Protected Areas: Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve has become the first private reserve in Latin America added to the IUCN Green List, recognizing effective and equitable management. Wildlife Monitoring: Camera traps in and around Tortuguero National Park have identified 11 individual jaguars, giving researchers new insight into their movements; that figure is not a total population count. Mangrove Restoration: Playa Sámara residents are pressing to restore the Río Lagarto mangrove. SINAC estimates more than 300,000 cubic meters of fill were deposited there, and restoration could take about a decade. Weather and Farming: Costa Rica’s weather agency warned of soil saturation and weekend storms, while heavy rains threaten the Caribbean’s cacao harvest.

Interpol crackdown: Interpol says a two-month operation across Latin America and the Caribbean led to 233 arrests for illegal mining, logging and wildlife trafficking, uncovering links between large-scale Amazon deforestation and companies across multiple continents. Protected areas: Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve became the country’s first protected area recognized on IUCN’s Green List for effective, equitable management—an international first for a private reserve in Latin America. Marine life under pressure: A Panama-Pacific study using underwater sound recorders finds ship noise can cut the odds of recording humpback whale songs by up to 45%, highlighting how louder seas can disrupt communication. Wildlife corridors: A new partnership in southern Costa Rica is helping farms function as wildlife corridors, with native regrowth and community engagement supporting biodiversity between protected areas. Extreme weather risk: Costa Rica’s IMN warns of unstable conditions as soils hit 95% saturation in parts of the country, raising the risk of landslides and sudden flooding. Conservation tourism access: Costa Rica opened a new accessible pier at Isla San Lucas National Park, replacing a deteriorated dock to make the former prison island easier to reach by boat. Local restoration win: Tapir Valley Nature Reserve near Tenorio Volcano National Park shows how removing cattle and restoring habitat can bring back tapirs, hundreds of bird species, and new amphibian discoveries.

Wildlife on the rebound in Costa Rica: A former cattle ranch near Tenorio Volcano National Park is now the Tapir Valley Nature Reserve, where cattle removal, tree planting, and lagoon restoration helped bring back Baird’s tapirs, hundreds of bird species, and new amphibian discoveries. Climate and disaster risk: Costa Rica’s meteorology institute warns of unstable weekend weather as soils hit 95% saturation, raising the risk of landslides and sudden flooding across the Northern Zone, Northern Caribbean, and parts of the Central and Southern Pacific mountains. Farms as conservation corridors: A partnership between Rare and Osa Conservation is helping farmers in southern Costa Rica reconnect protected areas by letting forest regrow and planting native fruit trees—turning working land into wildlife habitat. Cacao hit by heavy Caribbean rains: Producers in Talamanca report flower losses of about 50–60% from intense rainfall, threatening harvests months ahead and increasing disease pressure. Tourism access upgrade: Costa Rica opened a new accessible pier at Isla San Lucas National Park, replacing a deteriorated dock to make the former prison island easier to reach by boat. Environmental complaint over resort project: A criminal complaint alleges a Manuel Antonio luxury development may have damaged waterways, protected areas, and forest cover, with sediment runoff reaching the coast.

Tourism & Access: Costa Rica opened a new accessible dock at Isla San Lucas National Park (Gulf of Nicoya), replacing a deteriorated pier to make the former prison island easier to reach by boat. Climate & Disaster Risk: The IMN warned of weekend storms across Costa Rica, with soils at 95%+ saturation in key regions and heightened risk of landslides and sudden flooding. Farming Under Pressure: Heavy Caribbean rains are damaging cacao plantations, with some Talamanca producers reporting 50–60% flower losses and knock-on effects for harvests months ahead. Conservation on Working Lands: A Rare and Osa Conservation partnership is helping farmers create wildlife corridors by letting forest regrow and planting native fruit trees, turning farms into habitat links. Biodiversity Spotlight: A Fritz Pölking Prize-winning photography series, “Tales of the Forest Keepers,” highlights Baird’s tapir and the rare Jícaro Danto tree in Costa Rica’s rainforest. Waste-to-Forest Lesson: A Costa Rica study revisits how orange peel waste helped degraded pasture regrow into forest over 16 years.

Extreme Rain Alert: Costa Rica’s IMN warned of weekend storms with soils saturated above 95%, raising the risk of landslides and sudden flooding across the Northern Zone, Northern Caribbean, and central/southern Pacific mountain areas. Caribbean Climate Impacts: Heavy rains are already damaging cacao in the Caribbean, with some Talamanca producers reporting 50–60% flower losses and knock-on effects for harvests months ahead. Waste Fight in Mora: A Mora landfill plan for Parque Industrial Jateo is back in the spotlight after a new land-use certificate, with residents and lawmakers questioning road impacts, water sources, and nearby ecosystems. Tourism Access in Protected Nature: Costa Rica opened a new accessible pier at Isla San Lucas National Park, replacing a deteriorated dock and making it easier to reach the former prison island now protected since 2020. Conservation Spotlight: A Fritz Pölking Prize-winning photography series, “Tales of the Forest Keepers,” highlights Baird’s tapir and the rare Jícaro Danto tree in Costa Rica’s rainforest, including the tapir’s role as the tree’s key seed disperser.

Extreme Weather Alert: Costa Rica’s meteorology institute (IMN) warns that soils are saturated at 95%+ in the Northern Zone, Northern Caribbean, and Central/Southern Pacific mountains, raising the risk of landslides and sudden flooding as weekend rains intensify. Climate Impacts on Food: Heavy Caribbean rains are already damaging cacao—flowers are being knocked off and disease risk is rising—so some Talamanca producers report 50% to 60% losses and fear reduced harvests for months. Waste & Land-Use Fight: In Mora’s Picagres, residents and lawmakers are challenging a new land-use certificate for a proposed waste industrial park, questioning road capacity and threats to water sources and nearby ecosystems. Conservation Under Pressure: A luxury hotel/residential project in Manuel Antonio faces a criminal environmental complaint alleging damage to waterways, protected areas, forest cover, and sediment runoff toward Playa La Vaca. Biodiversity Spotlight: A Fritz Pölking Prize-winning photo series documents how Baird’s tapirs disperse seeds of the rare Jícaro Danto tree in Costa Rica’s rainforest—showing conservation in action. Tourism Safety Tech: San José airport added QR codes to help U.S. travelers register with the State Department’s STEP program for safety and emergency updates.

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.