AGP Executive Report

Peru’s new security push: Keiko Fujimori was sworn in as Peru’s president, promising a military-led crackdown on crime, drug trafficking, and illegal mining through states of emergency—an approach critics say repeats past hardline patterns. Water and rivers: Aqualia won a PPP contract to design, finance, build, operate, and maintain the Cajamarca wastewater treatment plant, aiming to stop untreated discharges into the Mashcón and Cajamarquino rivers and improve sanitation for 365,000+ residents. El Niño risk for Peru: With a “super” El Niño probability rising, Peru is bracing for impacts on agriculture and water, while analysts warn that the scale of disruption and government spending responses will shape economic fallout. Biodiversity subsidies scrutiny: A new analysis of nature-harming subsidies under the Kunming-Montreal framework finds only a small share of countries fully reported by the 2025 deadline—Peru is among the few megadiverse nations that identified all harmful subsidies. Responsible mining supply chains: Anglo American says its Peru and Chile operations received or reaffirmed Copper Mark awards and Chain of Custody certifications, targeting better traceability and human-rights safeguards in copper sourcing. Trade and food exports: Peru and Kuwait moved to expand economic cooperation, with Peru pitching more exports—coffee, fisheries, textiles, and processed foods—alongside energy and infrastructure ties.

Peru’s New Security-Climate Push: Newly sworn-in President Keiko Fujimori declared a state of emergency, saying the military will temporarily take control in high-crime areas while her government also moves to prepare for El Niño impacts. Mining With a Human-Rights Lens: Anglo American says four Peru/Chile operations received or retained The Copper Mark, including Quellaveco’s first award in Peru and new chain-of-custody steps to improve traceability. Wildlife Research in the Amazon: A Peru-Bolivia camera-trap study using non-invasive methods reports the elusive “ghost dog” (short-eared dog) appearing instead of expected jaguar/ocelot footage, adding to what we know about Amazon biodiversity. El Niño Risk Meets Policy: Fujimori’s agenda ties emergency decrees and legislative powers to both public safety and climate preparedness, putting environmental resilience alongside crime and illegal mining enforcement. Carbon Markets Watch: A new estimate projects the voluntary carbon offset credit market could reach $7.18B by 2035, with aviation flagged as a major driver of future demand.

Peru’s New President Keiko Fujimori Takes Office: Keiko Fujimori was sworn in Tuesday after narrowly winning the June runoff, promising to curb crime by deploying the military in areas hit by drug trafficking and illegal mining, while also pledging fiscal tightening and higher minimum wages. El Niño Risk in Peru: Peru is bracing for a potentially severe El Niño, with scientists and analysts warning of major impacts on weather and agriculture. Aruba and Peru Environmental Cooperation: A roundtable in Lima explored closer collaboration on renewable energy, water management, nature conservation, the circular economy, climate action, sustainable tourism, and waste management. Mining and Water/Regulation Watch: Peru-linked mining developments continue to draw attention, including new exploration and drilling updates and broader moves to reshape mining permits and dry-stack tailings rules. Wildlife and Conservation Notes: A rare pale Amazon river turtle hatchling was reported from Bolivia’s protected reserve, and Peru’s environmental community also highlighted the value of “slow-seeing journalism” for defending the Amazon. Environment in the News Beyond Peru: Florida officials reported no criminal neglect in sloth deaths tied to an attraction importing animals from Peru, while Europe faces wildfire-driven evacuations and smoke.

Climate & Agriculture: Peru’s incoming president-elect Keiko Fujimori vowed to tackle El Niño, with meteorologists warning it could be the most intense since 1998—an issue that could hit crops and food supplies. Energy Transition: Peru faces energy-security pressure as proven natural gas reserves fell 9.5% in 2024, leaving about 13 years at current use; a renewable push via Law 32249 is delayed, while gas plants keep an advantage. Responsible Mining: Anglo American says its Quellaveco copper mine in Peru and Chile operations (Los Bronces, El Soldado, Chagres) earned The Copper Mark for responsible production, including chain-of-custody recognition. Water & Tailings Safety: A new regulatory reality is driving iron ore majors toward dry-stacking instead of wet slurry tailings, reflecting tighter standards after past dam disasters. El Niño Research: An Alabama professor explains why El Niño is hard to predict—scientists can often only forecast it once it’s already starting. Wildlife & Trade: Florida regulators reported no criminal neglect in the deaths of 31 sloths tied to an exotic animal business, including a shipment from Peru. Mining Exploration (Peru): Xali Gold reported assay results from Pico Machay, confirming high-grade gold mineralization in central Peru.

El Niño risk to Peru’s food system: Ecuador’s emergency committee warns a “major El Niño” could trigger flooding and major losses for crops like banana, rice and cocoa, with coastal rains starting late October into early 2027—another reminder for Peru’s agriculture to brace for climate shocks. Peru’s pollution problem in schools: A report flags lead, mercury and arsenic pollution in Peruvian schools, warning it threatens children’s health and raises urgent monitoring and cleanup needs. Illegal mining at regional court: South America’s top court is taking up an unprecedented Peru illegal mining case, putting pressure on enforcement and environmental safeguards in affected areas. Forest monitoring push: Bolivia launched a satellite platform to track forest cover changes every two to three weeks, and Peru is among countries using the tool—useful for spotting deforestation and land transformation faster. Carbon markets debate: A new op-ed argues voluntary carbon credits have repeatedly failed forests and communities in the Global South, calling for credits that actually benefit local protectors.

El Niño Watch: Scientists warn a “super El Niño” is 60–81% likely to develop, raising risks for drought in parts of Asia and heavy rains in South America—bad news for food supplies and prices. Peru Fisheries: Peru has indefinitely paused anchovy fishing after warmer waters boosted juvenile presence, while Chile’s salmon sector braces for toxic algal blooms. Wildfire Crisis (Europe): Spain and France wildfires have forced 267,000 people to flee, with Spain reporting 130,000 hectares burned this year and Madrid under heavy smoke. Food Integrity: A global food-fraud investigation highlights mismatched labels and declining testing for dangerous contaminants, underscoring risks to consumers. Trade & Environment: Ecuador and Canada signed a free trade deal covering environmental issues and duty-free access for 99.6% of exports, excluding or protecting 227 sensitive agricultural products. Peru-Korea Minerals Push: Peru’s ambassador says Korea ties will expand into critical minerals, defense, logistics, green energy, and AI.

Heavy Metals in Peru Schools: A new report warns that lead, mercury, and arsenic pollution in former mining areas is exposing about 2,647 students and staff daily, with risks tied to contaminated soil, air, and food across regions including Huancavelica, Lima, Áncash, Cajamarca, and Junín. Wildfire Crisis in Europe: Wildfires in Spain and France have forced more than 267,000 people to flee, with Madrid blanketed by smoke and ash as authorities deploy extra resources and warn of a difficult fight ahead. Mangrove Conservation Push: On International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, Aruba highlights mangroves as key coastal protection—alongside seagrass and coral reefs—linking restoration to climate resilience. Indigenous Border Protection (Peru-Brazil): Brazil and Peru move to coordinate protection for Indigenous territories, including isolated peoples, after armed incursions and growing pressure from illegal activities. El Niño Climate Watch: Peru is bracing for El Niño impacts that could disrupt agriculture, including the citrus blossom season.

Wildfire Crisis in Europe: Spain and France are battling major wildfires that have killed at least one person and forced more than 250,000 people to flee, with smoke and ash reaching Madrid and prompting national emergency measures. Climate & Water Risks: A new study warns that melting glaciers could create tens of thousands of new lakes worldwide, reshaping landscapes as ice retreats. Peru’s El Niño Pressure on Food: Peru is bracing for El Niño impacts that could disrupt the citrus blossom season, raising concerns for harvest timing and supply. Pollution in Schools: Lead, mercury, and arsenic contamination in Peruvian schools is reported as a health threat to thousands of students. Mangrove Conservation: July 26 marks International Day for the conservation of mangrove ecosystems, highlighting mangroves’ role in coastal protection and climate resilience. Marine Ecosystems Under Strain: A report links fishmeal demand to heavy harvesting of forage fish, raising alarms about knock-on effects for marine food webs and coastal communities. Biodiversity in the Spotlight: A Humboldt penguin chick hatches at a zoo, underscoring conservation efforts for a vulnerable species native to Peru and Chile.

Wildfire Crisis: Spain and France are dealing with fast-moving wildfires that have forced at least 267,000 people to flee, with smoke and ash reaching Madrid and Spanish authorities warning of “complex hours ahead.” Peru Pollution Watch: A new report says heavy metals—lead, mercury, and arsenic—in Peruvian school environments threaten thousands of students, especially in regions tied to former mining areas. Indigenous Border Protection: Brazil and Peru signed a cooperation framework to better protect Indigenous territories along the Amazon border, including isolated communities facing invasions and illegal activity. Mangrove Conservation: July 26 marked the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, highlighting mangroves’ role in coastal protection and climate resilience. Trade & Customs Modernization (Peru): Peru’s Customs (SUNAT) completed the second phase of a trade facilitation program, cutting import and export clearance times through more data-driven systems. El Niño Pressure on Peru: Peru is bracing for El Niño impacts that could disrupt agriculture, including citrus blossom timing.

Heavy Metals in Schools: A new Peruvian report warns lead, mercury, and arsenic pollution in former mining areas is exposing about 2,647 students and staff daily across 39 schools in regions including Huancavelica, Lima, Áncash, Cajamarca, and Junín. Indigenous Land Protection: Brazil and Peru are coordinating to protect border Indigenous territories, especially isolated Asháninka communities, after armed intrusions and growing drug-route pressure in the western Amazon. El Niño Risk for Peru’s Food System: Scientists say this year’s El Niño is on track to be among the strongest on record, raising concerns for Peru’s agriculture, including citrus timing and yields. Glacier Melt Fallout: A Nature Communications study projects that melting glaciers could create tens of thousands of new lakes, reshaping landscapes where ice once dominated. Trade & Environment Link: Peru’s Customs modernization via the SECO-WCO program highlights faster, more data-driven clearance—aimed at boosting transparency and competitiveness.

School Health Alarm: A new Peru-focused report warns that lead, mercury, and arsenic pollution in and around schools is exposing about 2,647 students and staff daily, especially in mining-affected regions like Huancavelica, Lima, Áncash, Cajamarca, and Junín. Indigenous Border Protection: Brazil and Peru are coordinating to protect isolated Indigenous territories on the border, after Asháninka leaders described armed incursions and criminal groups using rivers and land routes tied to drug trafficking. Climate Risk Watch: Multiple analyses flag a “super” El Niño forming in the Pacific, with Peru bracing for impacts on agriculture and weather extremes. Wildlife Crime: Scientists say critically endangered sawfish teeth are still being used as cockfighting spurs in Peru and other Latin American countries despite bans, calling for stronger enforcement. Trade & Environment Link: Peru’s Customs modernization under the SECO-WCO program highlights faster clearance and more data-driven risk management, supporting competitiveness as environmental rules tighten. Conservation Training: Yale, IUCN, and Indigenous groups launched a rights-based conservation training program across Latin America to strengthen territorial governance.

El Niño Watch: Scientists warn a “super El Niño” could intensify global weather extremes, raising risks for heat, flooding, droughts, and food disruptions—an issue Peru is already bracing for as it threatens citrus and other agri calendars. Amazon & Biodiversity: A new study says Colombia’s Amazon flow is shifting toward Peru, potentially cutting off Leticia’s access by 2030, while another report highlights illegal sawfish teeth trade in Peru and across Latin America despite bans. Rights-Based Conservation: Yale, IUCN, and Indigenous organizations launched a rights-based conservation training program to strengthen Indigenous territorial governance across Latin America. Coastal Restoration Jobs: Panama’s mangrove restoration model links native bee breeding and mollusk farming with climate protection, with collaboration involving Peru. Peru Infrastructure: Peru began renovating Lima’s National Stadium for Lima 2027, aiming for safer, more inclusive international standards. Security for Indigenous Lands: Ashaninka leaders report expanding armed drug-trafficking incursions into Brazil-Peru border territory, demanding stronger protection.

Climate Risk Watch: A growing “super El Niño” threat is back in the headlines, with forecasts pointing to stronger-than-usual Pacific warming that could drive extreme heat, flooding, drought, and food shocks across the Americas. Biodiversity & Wildlife Crime: Scientists warn that sawfish teeth—sold as cockfighting spurs—are still being traded illegally in Peru and other countries despite bans, calling for tougher enforcement and action under CITES. Indigenous Rights & Security: Ashaninka leaders say expanding drug trafficking networks are pushing deeper into their rainforest territory along the Brazil-Peru border, prompting renewed calls for stronger protection. Water & Ecosystems: A study warns Colombia’s Amazon flow is shifting toward Peru, raising fears that Leticia could be cut off from the Amazon by 2030. Peru Development & Industry: Peru’s state shipbuilder SIMA and South Korea’s HD Hyundai unveiled the HDS-MGP submarine concept for the Peruvian Navy, aiming to build local construction and maintenance capacity. Health & Environment: A PAHO-backed study finds nearly 470 million people in the Americas live with neurological disorders, with researchers linking part of the burden to preventable risk factors including environmental pollution.

Illegal Mining Showdown: The Andean Court of Justice has admitted an unprecedented case against Peru over alleged failures to curb illegal mining, challenging repeated extensions of REINFO and raising fears of continued deforestation, mercury pollution, and harm to Indigenous communities. El Niño Food Risk: Forecasts point to a very strong El Niño, with NOAA raising probabilities and warning that hunger impacts could intensify before the peak, especially where crises overlap. Biodiversity Enforcement: Colombia’s police dismantled a wildlife trafficking network in the Caribbean under Green Shield II, seizing 109 endangered specimens and disrupting a major illicit economy. Peru Mining Sector Watch: Hochschild reported higher costs in Q2 for its Peru projects (Immaculada and San Jose) while reaffirming annual production targets. Broadband Push in Peru: América Móvil moves to expand fixed broadband by acquiring WOW Tel, signaling continued investment in fibre infrastructure.

El Niño Watch for Peru: Hundreds of hungry pelicans are turning up at Peruvian ports and coastal markets, a visible sign of warming ocean conditions disrupting marine life and threatening fisheries and exports. Climate Risk: Scientists warn a strong or even “super El Niño” could bring droughts, floods, and heatwaves, with sea temperatures running well above normal. Peru’s Food & Water Stakes: The fishing sector is already reporting sharp activity drops, while broader uncertainty is rising for key marine species. Biodiversity & Wildlife Crime: Colombia-led “Green Shield/Wild Shield II” operations with Peru and others dismantled a wildlife trafficking network, seizing 109 endangered specimens tied to illegal Amazon extraction. Local Environment & Land Use: Peru’s Junín earthquake response includes an executive decree declaring emergency in affected districts, underscoring how disasters can quickly strain ecosystems and basic services. Clean Tech for Agriculture: A Peruvian blueberry growers association is leaning on short-term forecasts as El Niño threatens yields and supply chains. Infrastructure & Connectivity: América Móvil is expanding Peru’s fixed broadband by acquiring fibre operator WOW Tel, a reminder that telecom buildouts are accelerating alongside environmental pressures.

Earthquake response in Peru: Peru’s executive branch issued a 60-day state of emergency for five Junín districts hit by a 5.1 quake, aiming to speed up relief and rehabilitation under Indeci oversight. Peru biodiversity update: Two Andean bear cubs were recorded in Peru, offering rare early-life footage that could help guide conservation as habitat loss and climate pressures mount. Wildlife and climate risk for Peru’s penguins: Experts warn Peru’s only penguin species faces heightened threats from the upcoming El Niño and bird flu. El Niño warning: The UN and NOAA say a “Super El Niño” could intensify global weather extremes, raising risks for droughts, floods, and heat impacts on agriculture. Amazon science with Peru links: Research in the Peruvian Amazon describes an “information highway” where birds and primates use alarm calls to warn each other of predators. Clean energy and data centers: Terra Innovatum announced a deal to deploy micro-modular nuclear power for DIRECTV Latin America and SKY Brasil data centers, including sites in Argentina and Brazil. Food systems volatility: Reports flag avocado supply uncertainty tied to El Niño, with Peru among key South American exporters.