AGP Executive Report

Storm Watch for Nicaragua: Tropical Storm Cristina is churning along Central America’s Pacific, with a tropical storm warning stretching from the Honduras–Nicaragua border to the Guatemala–El Salvador border; forecasters warn of life-threatening flooding and mudslides as heavy rain builds through Thursday, including coastal Nicaragua. Regional Rain Hazard: Another Pacific system, Tropical Storm Boris, has weakened after landfall in Mexico but is still expected to bring heavy rain and the same flash-flood and landslide risk across southern Mexico. Wildlife Tracking Breakthrough: A falcon recovery project in Wisconsin is using tiny solar-powered location transmitters on peregrine bands to answer where young birds go before they return to nest. Invasive Parasite Alert: New World screwworm cases are spreading in the U.S., triggering quarantines and raising concerns for livestock and wildlife—an extra reminder for Central America’s already vulnerable animal health systems. Sargassum Surge in Costa Rica: Researchers report record-breaking sargassum arrivals on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, with monitoring tied to nearby turtle strandings.

Tropical Storm Cristina: The Pacific system now near Nicaragua is expected to bring several days of heavy rain and flash-flood risk across Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Costa Rica, with officials warning of landslides and saturated soils as it meanders along the coast. Tropical Storm Boris: Meanwhile, Boris has weakened after landfall in southern Mexico, but its moisture is still expected to fuel flooding rain in the region. New World screwworm threat: U.S. officials report fresh cases of the flesh-eating parasite in Texas and nearby areas, triggering animal quarantines and raising concerns for livestock and wildlife—an alert that matters for Central America’s shared ecosystems and animal health. Sargassum surge in Costa Rica: Costa Rica’s Caribbean is seeing record-breaking sargassum arrivals, with monitoring tied to impacts on beaches and coastal wildlife, including turtle strandings. Wildlife conservation note: A rewilding story from Costa Rica highlights how habitat restoration can bring back biodiversity, including tapirs, after past cattle-driven losses.

Invasive Species Alert: The New World screwworm fly is back in the U.S., with officials confirming five cases total after three more were found on June 9, including livestock in Texas and a dog in New Mexico—prompting quarantines and renewed fears for wildlife and the cattle industry. Regional Biosecurity: The outbreak is tied to spread across Mexico and Central America since 2023, and Canada has already restricted Texas livestock imports, underscoring how fast animal-health risks can cross borders. Storm Watch for Nicaragua: Tropical Storm Cristina has formed near Nicaragua and is expected to bring days of heavy rain and flash-flood risk across Nicaragua and neighboring countries, with officials warning of landslides and evacuations. Coastal Flooding Risk: Forecasters also track Tropical Storm Boris in the Pacific, which is weakening over Mexico but still threatens life-threatening flooding and mudslides from heavy rainfall. Marine Pollution Signal: Costa Rica’s Caribbean is seeing record sargassum arrivals, with researchers linking the unusual surge to ongoing impacts on beaches and wildlife, including turtle strandings.

Wildlife & Livestock Health: The New World screwworm—an invasive, flesh-eating parasite—has been confirmed in Texas for the first time in decades, with new cases in a calf and a dog prompting quarantine zones and tighter livestock movement rules; Canada has temporarily restricted imports from affected U.S. areas, underscoring how quickly a single incursion can disrupt animal health and export markets. Regional Weather & Flood Risk: In the Eastern Pacific, Tropical Storm Boris is tracking toward Mexico’s Guerrero coast with warnings for heavy rain and life-threatening flooding, while Tropical Depression Three-E (Cristina) is developing near Nicaragua and raising concerns for Costa Rica’s already saturated Pacific slope. Marine Ecosystems: Costa Rica’s Caribbean is seeing record sargassum arrivals, with monitoring groups reporting surges that are affecting turtle strandings and beach conditions, including hotspots near the Nicaragua border. Conservation & Recovery: A rewilding push in Costa Rica’s Tapir Valley Nature Reserve is helping bring back tapirs and broader biodiversity after past cattle expansion.

Tropical Storm Boris Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking Tropical Storm Boris as it heads toward Mexico’s Pacific coast, with a Tropical storm warning from Laguna de Chacahua to Tecpán de Galeana and forecasts of 4–10 inches of rain (up to 12 inches) that could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides. Eastern Pacific Storms: Activity is also building near Central America, including Tropical Depression Three-E forming west-southwest of Managua, Nicaragua, raising the risk of heavy rain and dangerous flooding across the region. Invasive Species Alert: A New World screwworm outbreak has been confirmed in Texas after decades of eradication, with officials racing to contain the flesh-eating parasite that can infest livestock, wildlife, and pets—an added conservation and biosecurity concern for Nicaragua and the wider region as the pest spreads north through Central America. Trade & Forced Labor Tariffs: The U.S. is proposing Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor import rules across 60 economies, with potential ripple effects for regional supply chains and environmental enforcement priorities.

New World screwworm threat: The USDA confirmed the first U.S. case in 60 years in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, triggering quarantines and renewed sterile-fly plans—an alarming reminder that this flesh-eating parasite can spread from Central America through the region and threaten livestock, wildlife, and even pets. Regional weather watch: The National Hurricane Center says the Atlantic is quiet but is monitoring a Gulf system for next week, while Tropical Depression Amanda has weakened in the Pacific—another nudge for preparedness as storms and drought risks loom across Central America. Humanitarian pressure tied to climate and infrastructure: UN briefings on Cuba describe hospitals suspending surgeries amid severe medicine shortages and power outages, with hotter summer conditions and reduced water access expected to raise public health risk. Nature recovery inspiration: A rewilding story highlights how tapirs and other biodiversity can return when habitat is restored—an upbeat counterpoint to the week’s pest and climate warnings. Local community event: Humboldt Botanical Garden’s summer music series returns Sundays with food trucks and family-friendly access, including Nicaraguan Foods on June 7.

New World screwworm threat: The USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in the U.S. in 60 years, found in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, triggering quarantines and a push to stop the flesh-eating parasite from spreading to livestock, wildlife, and even people. Regional climate risk: In Central America’s Dry Corridor, drought is already drying wells and crops, and fears are rising that El Niño could worsen hunger for Indigenous communities in Guatemala that also depend on farming for survival. Hurricane watch: The National Hurricane Center downgraded Pacific Tropical Storm Amanda to a depression while monitoring new Eastern Pacific and Gulf systems as hurricane season ramps up. Conservation rebound: A rewilding story from Costa Rica highlights how nature can bounce back fast—tapirs and other wildlife returning after habitat restoration near Tenorio Volcano National Park. Governance & environment link: UN briefings on Cuba’s crisis warn heat and water shortages could raise public health risks, underscoring how environmental stress and infrastructure strain ripple into daily life.

Rewilding Success in Central America: A new report highlights how tapirs and other wildlife are returning to Costa Rica’s Tenorio Volcano area after a decade of intensive rewilding, including lagoon restoration, following decades of habitat loss from cattle ranching. Invasive Species Alarm: The U.S. confirmed its first New World screwworm case in 60 years in a calf in South Texas, after the parasite spread north through Panama and Central America—prompting quarantines and sterile-fly releases and raising risks for livestock, pets, and wildlife. Regional Climate Stress: Drought fears are intensifying in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor as El Niño approaches, with Indigenous farming communities warning that failing rains could trigger hunger and crop collapse across parts of Nicaragua and neighboring countries. Agriculture Toxin Watch: New research links glyphosate exposure in Central American farm workers (including Nicaragua) to kidney health problems, adding pressure for stronger environmental and workplace protections.

Invasive Species Watch: The U.S. confirmed its first New World screwworm case in decades after a 3-week-old calf in South Texas tested positive, raising alarms for livestock, wildlife, and even rare human infections as the parasite spreads north from Central America. Regional Climate Risk: In Central America’s Dry Corridor, drought is already biting hard—AFP reports Indigenous communities in Guatemala’s Quiché are fearing hunger as wells dry and El Niño approaches, with similar vulnerability across Nicaragua and neighboring countries. Agrochemical Health: New research links glyphosate exposure in agricultural workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua to kidney health problems, adding pressure on pesticide safety and environmental health rules. Trade & Environment: U.S. moves to impose forced-labor-related tariffs could reshape supply chains across the region, including Nicaragua, with knock-on effects for how goods are produced and monitored.

Invasive Species Alert: The New World screwworm—an animal-killing fly whose larvae feed on living tissue—has been confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, after years of containment in Panama and spread through Central America; officials say there may already be more flies in the region, and the response includes quarantines and sterile-fly releases to protect cattle, wildlife, and even pets. Regional Climate Watch: Tropical Storm Amanda and a new system (Invest 91E) are being tracked in the Eastern Pacific, with forecasts focused on whether impacts stay offshore as hurricane season ramps up. Dry Corridor Food Risk: Drought is worsening in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor as El Niño approaches, with wells drying and farmers warning that crop failure could trigger hunger—an area that also includes Nicaragua. Agrochemical Health Concern: New research links glyphosate exposure in agricultural workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua to kidney health problems, raising pressure for stronger farm safety and regulation.

El Niño & drought food fears: In Guatemala’s Dry Corridor, Indigenous communities in Quiché (including Xetzac/Cunen) say wells are drying and rains still haven’t come, raising fears of crop failure and hunger as El Niño is expected June–August. Herbicide health concern: New research links glyphosate exposure in agricultural workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua to poorer kidney function, adding pressure on farm chemical safety. Livestock biosecurity alarm: The U.S. confirmed the first New World screwworm case in decades in a calf in South Texas, a flesh-eating parasite that can also infect wildlife and humans—prompting quarantines and sterile-fly releases. Sustainability spotlight from Nicaragua: Flor de Caña won Australia’s “Diamond Product Sustainability Award,” citing renewable energy, carbon-neutral production, CO₂ capture, circular practices, and tree planting. Wildlife & habitat note: Crested ibises were reintroduced in Japan after extinction, a reminder of how conservation breeding and releases can restore biodiversity.

Invasive Species Alert: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in south Texas for the first time since 1966, with larvae feeding on living tissue in a 3-week-old calf near La Pryor, raising alarms for cattle, wildlife, pets, and even rare human cases; USDA and Texas officials are moving to contain and eradicate it after the pest spread north from Mexico following years of containment in Panama. Climate & Food Security: Across Central America’s Dry Corridor, drought is worsening as El Niño approaches, with Indigenous communities in Guatemala’s Quiché region warning that drying wells and failing crops could trigger hunger again. Nicaragua Conservation & Indigenous Rights: The death in government custody of Nicaragua Indigenous land defender Brooklyn Rivera Bryan (Taupla Brooklyn) highlights ongoing pressure on La Moskitia forests and territories from illegal logging, mining, cattle ranching, and state-backed projects. Sustainability Spotlight (Nicaragua): Flor de Caña, a Nicaragua rum brand, received a top sustainability award in Australia for its “field-to-bottle” model, including renewable energy and carbon-reduction efforts.

Invasive Species Alert: The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) has been confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas—an alarming return after decades of eradication—prompting USDA and Texas quarantines and plans to release sterile flies to stop spread to livestock and potentially people. Agrochemical Health: A new study links glyphosate exposure in agricultural workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua to kidney health problems, raising fresh pressure on farm chemical safety. Climate & Food Security: As El Niño approaches, drought fears are intensifying across Central America’s Dry Corridor, with Indigenous communities in Guatemala warning that failing wells and crops could mean hunger—an impact region that includes Nicaragua. Nicaragua Land Rights: Brooklyn Rivera Bryan (“Taupla Brooklyn”), a long-time defender of Miskitu and other Indigenous territories in La Moskitia, died in government custody after detention since 2023. Sustainability Spotlight (Nicaragua): Flor de Caña won a top sustainability award in Australia, citing renewable energy, carbon reduction, and tree planting as part of its “field-to-bottle” model.

Indigenous Rights in Nicaragua: Brooklyn Rivera Bryan (“Taupla Brooklyn”), a longtime defender of Miskitu and other Indigenous and Afro-descendant land rights, died May 30 in Daniel Ortega’s custody after detention since September 2023—his work focused on La Moskitia, where illegal settlement, logging, mining, cattle ranching, and state-backed projects have threatened forests and territories. Climate & Food Security: In Guatemala’s Dry Corridor, drought is drying wells and fields in Xetzac (Cunen), with residents fearing crop failure and “death by hunger” as El Niño is expected between June and August—an area that was hit hard in 2023. Pesticide Health Risks: New research links glyphosate exposure (measured in urine) to kidney health problems among agricultural workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua, raising fresh pressure on farm chemical safety. Conservation Spotlight: Nicaragua’s Flor de Caña won Australia’s “Diamond Product Sustainability Award,” citing renewable energy, carbon cuts, circular practices, and tree planting since 2005. Wildlife/Ag Threat: The U.S. confirmed its first New World screwworm case in South Texas, warning of risks to cattle, pets, wildlife, and even humans.

Indigenous Rights in Nicaragua: Brooklyn Rivera Bryan (“Taupla Brooklyn”), a longtime defender of Miskitu and other Indigenous and Afro-descendant land rights in La Moskitia, died May 30 in Daniel Ortega’s government custody after detention since September 2023, underscoring ongoing pressure from illegal settlement, logging, mining, and state-backed projects on Nicaragua’s forests and territories. Climate & Food Security (Dry Corridor): As El Niño nears, drought is worsening in Guatemala’s Indigenous Maya communities like Xetzac in Quiché, where wells are drying and farmers fear crop failure and hunger; the Dry Corridor spans Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, and experts warn food insecurity could surge. Agrochemical Health: A new study links glyphosate exposure in agricultural workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua to kidney health problems, raising fresh questions about farm chemical safety and regulation. Sustainability Spotlight (Nicaragua): Nicaragua’s Flor de Caña won Australia’s “Diamond Product Sustainability Award,” citing renewable energy, carbon reduction, circular production, responsible packaging, and tree planting.

Climate & Food Security: In Guatemala’s Dry Corridor, drought is tightening around Indigenous Maya communities like Xetzac in Quiché, where wells are drying and farmers fear crop failure could bring hunger as El Niño is expected to intensify between June and August. Agrochemicals & Health: New research links glyphosate exposure in agricultural workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua to kidney health problems, raising fresh alarms about farm chemical safety and regulation. Indigenous Rights & Forests: Nicaragua’s Indigenous land defender Brooklyn Rivera Bryan (Taupla Brooklyn) died May 30 in government custody after detention since September 2023, with his lifelong fight tied to protecting La Moskitia forests and territories from logging, mining, cattle ranching, and other pressures. Conservation-Adjacent Policy: Nicaragua’s Flor de Caña received a top sustainability award in Australia, highlighting renewable energy, carbon reduction, circular practices, and tree planting—an environmental win amid regional climate stress. Biodiversity & Wildlife: A conservation milestone in Japan reintroduced crested ibises after extinction via captive breeding and planned releases.