AGP Executive Report

Waste-to-Value Push in Nicaragua: Nicaragua is rolling out a national strategy to turn waste into business opportunities, with Marena leading efforts to strengthen the circular economy. In Managua, Mayor Reyna Rueda highlighted programs like the Japan-supported Floating School, the Ecomóvil house-to-house campaign (180,000+ visits), and a treatment plant processing 1,500 tons of waste daily across all seven districts and nearby municipalities. Environmental Defenders Under Threat: A new Global Witness report says 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America (85%) accounting for most deaths—driven by conflicts over land and resources tied to mining, logging, and agribusiness. Sea Turtle Nesting Signals Climate-Linked Shifts: Reports from Southern California describe the first recorded natural nesting by an olive ridley sea turtle on the U.S. West Coast, with eggs laid near Seal Beach and Huntington Beach—species normally nesting in places including Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Tourism Spotlight for Nicaragua: Nicaragua’s ambassador discussed attracting Indian travelers through culture, adventure, wellness, sustainability, and better connectivity at the WION Iconic Tourism Summit.

Waste & Circular Economy: Nicaragua is pushing a national strategy to turn waste into business opportunities, with Marena and Managua’s mayor highlighting recycling support for entrepreneurs, plus the Japan-backed Floating School, the Ecomóvil house-to-house solid-waste program, and a Managua treatment plant handling 1,500 tons of waste daily. Wildlife & Climate Signals: Reports from Southern California describe the first-ever recorded natural nesting of olive ridley sea turtles on the U.S. West Coast, with two nesting events near Seal Beach and Huntington Beach; eggs are being monitored and sites fenced off. Environmental Defenders Under Pressure: A Global Witness report says 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America at the center (85% of deaths), underscoring ongoing risks tied to land and resource conflicts. Civic Space & Regulation: A new rights-focused report warns Latin America is seeing “excessively controlling” laws that restrict civil society, including cases naming Nicaragua among countries where minor compliance issues can trigger severe sanctions. Coffee & Health Claims: A review of “healthy” coffee labels finds standards vary widely, with certifications and testing practices not always matching the broad wellness language on packaging.

Sea Turtle Protection: NOAA reports rare olive ridley sea turtle nesting on Southern California beaches—first near Seal Beach (Sept. 16) and again near Huntington Beach Pier (days later)—with nests fenced and monitored for 45–60 days, a first for the U.S. West Coast. Environmental Defender Safety: A Global Witness report says 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America at the center (85% of cases), highlighting risks tied to mining and organized crime. Plastic Pollution Crisis: A new study warns “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, as imported waste overwhelms weak recycling systems and leaks into ecosystems, including Nicaragua among named countries. Civic Space Under Pressure: A Thomson Reuters Foundation report finds Latin America’s civil society faces increasingly punitive rules—foreign agent laws, heavy administrative burdens, and sanctions—citing Nicaragua among affected countries. Nicaragua Media Under Fire: Coverage revisits Nicaragua’s crackdown on independent journalism, including the 2018 raid on 100% Noticias and the persecution of journalists.

Sea Turtle Milestone: NOAA reports a rare olive ridley sea turtle laid eggs near Seal Beach on Sept. 16, followed by another nesting near Huntington Beach Pier three days later—first documented natural sea turtle nesting on the U.S. West Coast mainland. Environmental Justice & Safety: A new Global Witness report says 124 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2025, with Latin America at the center (85% of deaths), as conflicts over land and natural resources continue to put Indigenous communities and small farmers at risk. Plastic Pollution Hotspots: A study highlights “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, warning that imported plastic is overwhelming waste systems and leaking into ecosystems with major health impacts; Nicaragua is named among affected countries. Civil Society Under Pressure: A report on Latin America flags increasingly punitive “foreign agent” and anti-funding rules, citing Nicaragua among countries where small groups face disproportionate sanctions for minor compliance issues. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Fay formed in the Atlantic but poses no immediate threat to land, while forecasters monitor additional Atlantic waves.

Sea Turtle Conservation: NOAA reports a rare olive ridley sea turtle laid eggs on a Southern California beach near Seal Beach on Sept. 16, the first recorded natural nesting on the U.S. West Coast; a second nesting was spotted days later near Huntington Beach Pier, with both sites fenced and monitored for 45–60 days. Climate & Food Security: Multiple reports highlight El Niño intensifying across Central America and Peru, with drought and extreme heat driving mass wildlife deaths and worsening hunger risks—an urgent reminder for Nicaragua’s Dry Corridor and coastal ecosystems. Plastic Pollution: A new study flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, naming Nicaragua among countries struggling as imported waste and hard-to-recycle plastics overwhelm local systems, leaking into land and water. Environmental Defenders: Global Witness says Latin America accounted for 85% of land and environmental defender killings in 2025, underscoring the danger faced by people protecting forests, rivers, and biodiversity. Nicaragua Context: A separate report notes Nicaragua’s ongoing crackdown on independent media, a reminder that environmental protection often depends on civic space and safety for watchdogs.

El Niño Dry Corridor Crisis: A new report and on-the-ground accounts describe El Niño deepening drought across Central America’s Dry Corridor, with record heat, failed crops, dead livestock, and water shortages affecting millions in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Plastic Pollution Hotspots: A study warns that plastic waste imported into Latin America is overwhelming local systems, with countries including Nicaragua flagged as “hotspots” where hard-to-recycle plastics leak into the environment and harm public health. Environmental Defender Killings: Global Witness reports at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2025, with Latin America responsible for 85% of cases—highlighting deadly conflicts over mining, logging, agribusiness, and land rights. Water & Watersheds Support: WTM London’s donation is funding a watershed restoration program in Nicaragua aimed at improving water storage, soil fertility, and sustainable farming through local partner El Porvenir. Press Freedom in Nicaragua: RSF urges urgent action to prevent the deportation of Spanish citizen Luis Manuel Chavarría Galeano, warning independent journalism in Nicaragua remains severely repressed.

El Niño Drought Crisis: The Central American Dry Corridor is getting hit hard as El Niño intensifies, with drought and record heat leaving crops failing, livestock dying, and families facing hunger across Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Food Aid Response: Guatemala says it will provide food assistance to more than 1 million families as maize, beans, and rice distributions ramp up, with impacts expected to stretch into 2027. Plastic Pollution Hotspots: A new study warns that plastic waste imported into Latin America is overwhelming weak waste systems, driving leaks into the environment and major health risks—naming Nicaragua among the hotspot countries. Wildlife Under Heat Stress: In Peru, unusually high temperatures linked to El Niño are already killing thousands of sea lions and large numbers of seabirds and other species, with the worst still forecast ahead. Defenders Under Threat: Global Witness reports at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2025, with Latin America responsible for 85% of deaths—highlighting the deadly fight over land and natural resources. Nicaragua Press Freedom: Reporters Without Borders urges action to prevent the deportation of Spanish citizen Luis Manuel Chavarría Galeano to Nicaragua, warning that independent journalism there remains severely repressed.

El Niño Drought in Central America: The Dry Corridor is getting hit hard as El Niño—forecast as the strongest in decades—dries out farms and water supplies across Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, with UN-linked reporting describing livestock deaths, failed crops, and food insecurity affecting more than 10 million people. Food Aid Response: Guatemala announced food assistance for over a million drought-affected families, with maize, beans and rice distributions planned as the crisis is expected to linger into 2027. Plastic Pollution Hotspots: A new study warns that plastic waste imported into Latin America is overwhelming local systems, leaking into ecosystems and raising major health concerns, with Nicaragua named among the countries struggling with the fallout. Defenders Under Threat: Global Witness reports at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2025, with Latin America responsible for 85% of the deaths—highlighting the deadly risks faced by Indigenous communities and small-scale farmers protecting land and nature. Nicaragua in the Spotlight: A separate report notes Nicaragua among countries issuing a joint statement at the IAEA conference stressing that attacks or threats against safeguarded nuclear facilities violate international law. Water Conservation Funding: WTM London’s donation to Just a Drop is supporting a watershed restoration program in Nicaragua, aiming to improve water storage and sustainable farming.

Land & Environmental Defender Safety: Global Witness reports at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America responsible for 85% of the deaths; Colombia led for a fourth straight year (39), followed by Brazil (26) and Honduras (12), warning the real toll is likely higher as repression and underreporting hide attacks. El Niño Drought & Food Security: The Dry Corridor is getting hit hard as El Niño deepens drought across Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, with families rationing food, selling livestock, and facing record heat and water shortages; WFP warns up to 16 million could face food insecurity. Plastic Pollution in the Region: A new study flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America, saying imported waste and weak recycling systems are leaking plastics into ecosystems with major health risks, including Nicaragua. Wildlife & Timber Trafficking: IFAW documents large-scale trafficking across Central America, with legal loopholes and porous borders fueling illegal trade in animals and timber. Nicaragua-Linked Infrastructure & Conservation: WTM London’s safe-water donation supports a watershed restoration program in Nicaragua aimed at helping communities store water and farm sustainably. Regional Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Fay formed in the Atlantic but poses no immediate threat to land, while forecasters track additional Atlantic waves.

El Niño Drought Hits Nicaragua’s Dry Corridor: El Niño is deepening the Central American Dry Corridor crisis, with reports of failed crops, dead livestock, and water shortages across Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica—pushing families to ration food and sell animals as temperatures soar. Food Aid for the Region: Guatemala says it will provide drought food assistance to more than one million families, with maize, beans, and rice distributions planned as the crisis is expected to last into 2027. Plastic Pollution Hotspots: A new study warns that plastic waste imports are overwhelming Latin America’s waste systems, with Nicaragua named among countries where leaked plastics are driving major health and environmental harm. Defending Land Can Be Deadly: Global Witness reports at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America accounting for 85%—and Nicaragua listed among the countries with verified deaths. Nicaragua Press Under Pressure: RSF urges Spain and the U.S. to prevent deportation of Spanish citizen Luis Manuel Chavarría Galeano to Nicaragua, citing severe repression of independent journalism. Nuclear Facility Safety: A joint statement at the IAEA General Conference stresses that safeguarded nuclear facilities must not be attacked, warning of long-term environmental damage. Tropical Storm Fay: A new Atlantic storm, Tropical Storm Fay, formed far from land with no coastal watches or warnings, while forecasters track additional tropical waves.

Plastic Pollution & Public Health: A new study says “plastic pollution hotspots” are emerging across Latin America since China’s 2018 plastic-waste import ban, with overstretched waste systems and hard-to-recycle plastics driving daily leaks into ecosystems—Nicaragua is named among the affected countries. El Niño Dry Corridor Hunger: El Niño is deepening drought across the Central American Dry Corridor (including Nicaragua), killing livestock, failing crops, and pushing more than 10 million people toward food and water insecurity; Guatemala announced food aid for over a million families as the crisis worsens. Wildlife Deaths in Peru: Peru’s “super” El Niño is linked to mass seabird and sea lion deaths, with officials warning the worst may be still to come as marine food chains collapse. Defenders Under Threat: Global Witness reports at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America responsible for 85%—Nicaragua is listed among the countries with recorded deaths. Nuclear Safety Diplomacy: Fifteen countries, including Nicaragua, urged that safeguarded nuclear facilities must not be attacked, warning of severe environmental and civilian harm. Water & Land Conservation Funding: WTM London’s donation to Just a Drop supports watershed restoration in Nicaragua, aiming to improve water storage and sustainable farming.

El Niño Drought Crisis: Central America’s Dry Corridor is getting hit hard as El Niño—forecast to be among the strongest on record—dries out fields, kills livestock, and leaves families rationing food and water across Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, with UN-linked figures saying 80% of small-scale producers are already poor. Food Aid in Guatemala: Guatemala says it will provide drought food assistance to over a million families, with initial support reaching about 134,000 households and later distributions aiming to cover 1.2 million. Wildlife and Ecosystems Under Stress: Peru’s “super” El Niño is driving extreme heat and marine impacts, with thousands of sea lions and seabirds reported dead as nutrient-rich waters shift away from the coast. Defending Nature, Facing Violence: A Global Witness report says at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America accounting for 85%—and Nicaragua listed among the victims—highlighting deadly risks around land and resource conflicts. Nicaragua Watch: A separate report claims China is investing in Nicaragua’s Punta Huete airbase, raising concerns about regional security impacts. Watershed Conservation Funding: WTM London’s donation is supporting a watershed restoration program in Nicaragua aimed at improving water storage and sustainable farming.

El Niño Drought & Food Crisis (Central America): The Dry Corridor is getting hit hard as El Niño—forecast among the strongest on record—dries out fields, kills livestock, and leaves families rationing food and water across Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica; Guatemala says it will deliver food aid to over 1 million families, with impacts expected to linger into 2027. Wildlife Toll (Peru): In Peru, record-breaking heat tied to El Niño has triggered mass die-offs of sea lions, seabirds, and other marine species as coastal waters shift and food chains collapse. Defending Land Gets Deadlier (Latin America): A Global Witness report finds at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with 85% in Latin America; Colombia led, and Nicaragua recorded three killings—underscoring how land conflicts, weak protections, and organized crime fuel violence. Nicaragua Watch (Nuclear/Geopolitics): Nicaragua is among countries backing a joint statement warning against attacks on safeguarded nuclear facilities, while separate reporting flags China’s investment in Nicaragua’s Punta Huete airbase—raising new security concerns. Watershed Support (Nicaragua): WTM London’s safe-water fundraising is backing a watershed restoration program in Nicaragua aimed at improving water storage and sustainable farming.

El Niño Dry Corridor Hunger Crisis: El Niño is driving the worst drought in decades across the Central American Dry Corridor (including Nicaragua), with farmers reporting failed crops, dead livestock, and families cutting meals as water tanks run dry and temperatures hit record highs. Food Aid Response: Guatemala announced food assistance for more than one million drought-affected families, with maize, beans, and rice distributions planned as the crisis is expected to linger into 2027. Defending Nature at Deadly Risk: A Global Witness report says at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America responsible for 85% of cases; Nicaragua is listed among the countries with killings, underscoring how land and resource conflicts keep turning violent. Watershed Restoration in Nicaragua: WTM London’s Just a Drop fundraising will support a Watershed Restoration Programme in Nicaragua, aiming to improve water storage and soil fertility through better land management and sustainable farming. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Reporters Without Borders urged urgent action to prevent the deportation of Spanish citizen Luis Manuel Chavarría Galeano to Nicaragua, warning that independent journalism there remains severely repressed.

El Niño Dry Corridor Food Crisis: El Niño is battering Central America’s Dry Corridor, where more than 10 million people face hunger as crops fail, livestock die, and water tanks run dry—reports describe barren cornfields, dead animals, and families eating less across Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Guatemala Food Aid: Guatemala says it will deliver food assistance to over a million drought-affected families, with maize, beans, and rice support expected to reach 1.2 million households by year’s end. Wildlife & Timber Trafficking: A new look at Central American trafficking highlights criminal routes that plunder wildlife and illegal logging, pointing to legal loopholes and porous borders that keep seized species moving. Defenders Under Threat: Global Witness reports at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America accounting for 85%—a reminder that protecting forests and land remains deadly. Nicaragua Conservation Funding: WTM London’s record Just a Drop donation is backing watershed restoration in Nicaragua, aiming to help communities store more water and support more sustainable farming. Nicaragua Airbase Watch: A separate report claims China is investing about $500M in Nicaragua’s Punta Huete airbase—raising new security concerns that could intersect with environmental risk planning.

El Niño Drought & Food Crisis: Central America’s Dry Corridor is getting hammered by the strongest El Niño in decades, with dead livestock, failed corn, and water shortages pushing families toward hunger across Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Humanitarian Response: Guatemala says it will deliver food aid to more than a million drought-affected families, with maize, beans, and rice support expected to reach 1.2 million households by year’s end. Wildlife & Timber Trafficking: A new report details how Central American criminal networks exploit legal loopholes and porous borders to traffic wildlife and launder illegal logging, with Guatemala flagged as a major bird-trafficking funnel. Environmental Defenders Under Threat: Global Witness reports at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America accounting for about 85%—and Nicaragua listed among the victims. Nicaragua Link in Conservation Funding: WTM London’s record donation to Just a Drop is funding a Watershed Restoration Programme in Nicaragua, aiming to help watersheds store more water and support sustainable farming.