AGP Executive Report

El Niño Food Crisis in Guatemala: The International Rescue Committee warns a “super El Niño” could rapidly worsen food security in Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, with poor rains and higher costs pushing hundreds of thousands toward emergency needs. Drought Hits Guatemala’s Dry Corridor: A new report highlights extreme drought in eastern Guatemala wiping out crops for nearly half a million families, leaving farmers with cracked soil and lost income. Wetlands Research Funding: National Geographic Society’s Blue Boundaries program is funding wetland conservation and research projects across freshwater regions, including southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, focusing on water quality, wildlife, pollution and climate impacts. Environmental Defenders Under Pressure: Global Witness reports at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America accounting for 85% of cases—Guatemala included. Wildlife Trafficking in Central America: A regional study flags Guatemala as a key hub for bird trafficking, with parrots and macaws targeted and legal loopholes helping criminal networks profit.

El Niño Food Crisis in Guatemala: Guatemala’s government says it will provide food aid to more than one million drought-hit families as El Niño—forecast to peak late 2026—worsens conditions in the Dry Corridor, where crops and livestock are failing and child malnutrition risks rise. Drought Impacts on Farmers: A separate report describes extreme drought in eastern Guatemala wiping out peanuts and leaving rural households with little income or food. Regional Warning on Super El Niño: The International Rescue Committee warns the “historic” El Niño could rapidly deteriorate food security across Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador by driving up costs for food, fuel, and fertilizer amid disrupted shipping. Fuel Price Protests: Rising fuel prices and shortages are sparking protests, including in Guatemala where demonstrators burned tires and cars, underscoring how climate and energy shocks hit daily life fast. Wetlands Conservation (Guatemala): National Geographic Society’s new “Blue Boundaries” program funds wetland conservation projects, including in shared wetlands of Southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. Wildlife Trafficking Watch: A Central America trafficking report flags Guatemala as a key hub for illegal bird trade, including scarlet macaws.

El Niño Food Crisis in Guatemala: Guatemala says it will provide food aid to more than one million drought-hit families, with initial support for about 134,000 households and plans to distribute maize, beans and rice to 1.2 million families by year-end as El Niño peaks and impacts linger into 2027. Dry Corridor Impacts: Across the Central American Dry Corridor, drought is wiping out crops and livestock and leaving more than 10 million people facing hunger and water shortages, with reports of dead animals and failed harvests in Guatemala and neighboring countries. Aid and Conservation in the Region: The National Geographic Society launched its Blue Boundaries wetlands and coastal conservation program, funding projects that include shared wetlands in Southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Violence Against Environmental Defenders: A Global Witness report says at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America accounting for 85% of cases; Guatemala is among the countries reporting killings tied to land and resource conflicts. Escobal Mine Rights Fight: Canadian civil groups urge Canada to respect the Xinka People’s rejection of the Escobal silver mine after a court-ordered consultation, calling for the mine’s permanent closure.

El Niño Food Crisis in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor: Guatemala says it will provide food aid to more than 1 million drought-hit families as El Niño—forecast to peak late 2026—continues to kill crops and livestock across the Dry Corridor, with aid starting for about 134,000 families and expanding via maize, beans and rice distributions. Drought Impacts Nearly Half a Million Families: Eastern Guatemala farmers report total crop losses, including peanuts wiped out by prolonged dry conditions, leaving rural households with shrinking income and worsening hunger. Central America’s Wider El Niño Toll: Reports from Honduras and the region describe animals dropping dead, water tanks running dry, and more than 10 million people in the Dry Corridor facing severe food insecurity. Violence Against Land and Environmental Defenders: Global Witness reports at least 124 defenders killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America accounting for 85%—including eight killings in Guatemala—highlighting ongoing risks tied to land and resource conflicts. Wildlife and Timber Trafficking Exposed: A Central America-focused report details trafficking routes and legal loopholes, naming Guatemala as a key hub for bird smuggling and Honduras for illegal logging. Guatemala’s Escobal Mine Rights Fight: Canadian civil society groups urge Canada to respect the Xinka People’s refusal of consent for the Escobal silver mine, calling for an end to undermining Indigenous rights.

El Niño Food Aid: Guatemala says it will deliver food assistance to more than 1 million drought-hit families, with initial support for about 134,000 households and maize/beans/rice reaching 1.2 million families by year-end, as El Niño—forecast to peak late 2026—continues to damage crops and livestock and threatens worse child malnutrition. Central America Drought Crisis: Across the Dry Corridor (parts of Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica), communities report failed harvests, dead livestock and record heat, with families rationing meals and struggling to find water. Wildlife & Timber Trafficking: A new regional look at Central America’s illegal trade links porous borders and legal loopholes to rising seizures of trafficked animals and large-scale illegal logging, with Guatemala flagged as a key bird-trafficking hub. Environmental Defenders Under Threat: Global Witness reports at least 124 land and environmental defenders killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America accounting for 85% and Guatemala among the countries facing deadly violence tied to land disputes and organized crime. Escobal Mine Rights Fight: Canadian civil society groups urge Ottawa to respect the Xinka People’s court-ordered refusal of consent for the Escobal silver mine and to stop undermining Indigenous rights through calls for more “dialogue.”

El Niño Food & Water Crisis: Drought tied to El Niño is worsening hunger and water shortages across Central America’s Dry Corridor, where more than 10 million people live; in Honduras and Guatemala, corn fails to germinate and livestock carcasses rot in heat, while families in El Salvador report record water shortages and record-breaking temperatures. Human Rights & Land Defenders: A Global Witness report says at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America responsible for about 85%—including Colombia (39), Brazil (26), Honduras (12), Mexico (10), and Guatemala (8)—warning that organized crime and impunity keep violence high. Escobal Mine Pressure: Thirty Canadian civil society groups urge Canada to respect the Xinka People’s court-ordered rejection of the Escobal silver mine and call for the mine’s permanent closure, criticizing Canada for pushing “continued dialogue” instead of honoring consent. UN Reprisals Warning: A UN report documents intimidation and reprisals against people cooperating with UN human rights mechanisms, citing shrinking civic space and digital surveillance across 32 states. Guatemala Health Access: PAHO and Gilead announce a regional pathway to expand twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention (PrEP) to 14 countries, including Guatemala, via PAHO’s revolving funds.

El Niño Drought Crisis: Central America’s Dry Corridor is reeling as El Niño brings failed crops, dead livestock, and acute water shortages, with communities in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica reporting barren fields and record heat. Lake Güija Water Stress: In the Guatemala–El Salvador border region, drought is leaving families waiting for rain that still isn’t refilling the wetland, threatening fishing and farming livelihoods. Plastic Waste Fallout: After China’s plastic-waste import ban, Latin America has become a hotspot for pollution and open dumping, with studies flagging Guatemala among major waste “hotspots” and warning of limited local disposal capacity. Environmental Defender Violence: A Global Witness report says at least 124 land and environmental defenders were killed in 2025, with Latin America responsible for 85% of deaths and land disputes driving much of the violence. Guatemala Health Access: PAHO and Gilead announced a regional pathway to expand twice-yearly lenacapavir for HIV prevention, including Guatemala, via country-led adoption. Indigenous & Regenerative Farming: Coverage highlights regenerative agriculture’s growing pull in Guatemala-linked communities, tying soil health and biodiversity to cultural and spiritual land stewardship. Wildlife & Biodiversity Research: Research on Colombia’s white-tailed deer points to multiple lineages, underscoring the need to protect ecosystem balance and habitat diversity.

Environmental defenders under threat: A new Global Witness report says 124 land and environmental defenders were killed worldwide in 2025, with Latin America responsible for 85% of the deaths—Colombia (39) and Brazil (26) were the deadliest. Climate stress on shared water: El Niño-linked dry conditions left Lake Güija’s rainy season short, threatening fishing, farming, and water supplies for families in El Salvador and Guatemala. Plastic waste fallout: After China’s plastic-waste import ban, Latin America became a hotspot for pollution and health risks; a study flags Guatemala among regional “hotspots,” with limited local capacity to manage waste. Regional maritime enforcement: GALAPEX 2026 in Ecuador targeted illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with Guatemala among participating countries. Guatemala legal accountability: A Guatemalan judge cleared a deputy minister and Indigenous leaders of terrorism charges tied to protests against a prosecutor. HIV prevention access: PAHO and Gilead announced a regional pathway to expand long-acting lenacapavir PrEP to 14 countries, including Guatemala. Local environment-health link: A Guatemala-focused mental health grant will expand trauma-focused therapy training for professionals.

Climate & Water Security: El Niño is leaving Lake Güija’s rainy season short, with families in El Salvador and Guatemala waiting for rain that still hasn’t filled the wetland—raising fears for fishing, farming, and shared water supplies. Plastic Pollution: After China’s plastic-waste import ban, Latin America—including Guatemala—has become a hotspot for plastic pollution and open dumping, with health risks growing where waste systems can’t cope. Regenerative Agriculture: A Guatemalan-born agronomist is promoting regenerative, chemical-free farming in Minnesota, blending Indigenous knowledge and soil-first practices as a climate and community resilience model. Indigenous Rights & Justice: A Guatemalan court cleared a deputy minister and three Indigenous leaders of terrorism charges tied to protests against a prosecutor accused of blocking President Bernardo Arévalo’s transition. Security Tech & Crime: Central America is expanding drone and surveillance capabilities, including Guatemala’s push for more unmanned systems and night sensors, as gangs also use cheap drones to watch and move illicit goods. Wildlife & Conservation: A photographer’s work highlights how wildlife tracking helped capture the iconic P-22 mountain lion image, underscoring the value of monitoring for habitat protection. Labor & Heat Safety: Activists are pressuring Costa Farms to protect nursery workers from extreme heat with water, shade, and paid breaks—an issue tied to rising heat stress.

El Niño & Water Security: El Salvador and Guatemala are bracing for a weak rainy season around Lake Güija, where drought is already disrupting fishing, farming, and shared water supplies. Plastic Pollution Crisis: A new look at Latin America’s plastic-waste fallout from China’s import ban flags Guatemala as one of the region’s “plastic pollution hotspots,” with open dumping and limited waste capacity driving health risks. Guatemala Court & Indigenous Rights: A Guatemalan judge cleared a deputy minister and three Indigenous leaders of terrorism charges tied to protests against a prosecutor, underscoring how legal battles can shape environmental and community leadership. Regenerative Agriculture (Guatemala roots): A regenerative farm model led by a Guatemalan rainforest agronomist is gaining attention for chemical-free, biodiversity-focused practices tied to Indigenous knowledge. Security & Drones: Central America is expanding aerial surveillance and intelligence tools, with Guatemala weighing more drones and night sensors as gangs also use cheap drones. Waste & Infrastructure (Guatemala angle): A report highlights how Guatemala’s growing plastic imports collide with limited disposal infrastructure, pushing rural communities toward burning waste. Volcano Watch: A Fuego ash advisory notes observed emissions, a reminder of ongoing eruption impacts for Guatemala’s environment and air quality.

Plastic Pollution Crisis: A new report flags “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America after China’s 2018 ban on plastic-waste imports, naming Guatemala among the most affected places as waste colonialism strains weak local disposal systems. El Niño Food & Water Risks: With El Niño strengthening toward a very strong event, forecasts point to shifting rainfall and drought threats across the Americas, raising alarms for food security and extreme-heat impacts that can hit Central America hard. Guatemala Court Decision: A Guatemalan judge cleared a deputy minister and three Indigenous leaders of terrorism charges tied to protests against a prosecutor, dealing another blow to a case built under the prior attorney general. Reforestation Progress in Guatemala: Research using remote sensing highlights a major tree-cover rebound around Lake Atitlán, showing large-scale reforestation visible from space despite limited government funding. Security Tech in Central America: A regional analysis says countries including Guatemala are weighing more drones and night sensors as gangs also use cheap drones—pushing a new race for surveillance and counter-surveillance. Regenerative Agriculture with Indigenous Roots: A feature spotlights regenerative farming inspired by Indigenous knowledge, linking soil health and climate resilience to cultural and spiritual practices.

El Niño & food security: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño is firmly established and expected to intensify into a very strong event, with impacts that could last into early 2027—raising risks of drought, extreme heat, wildfires, and food insecurity across the Americas, including Central America. Plastic pollution crisis: After China’s plastic-waste import ban, Latin America has become a hotspot for health risks and open dumping; a study flags “plastic pollution hotspots” that include Guatemala, alongside rising imports without local capacity to manage waste. Guatemala fuel-price pressure: Indigenous and transport workers protested rising fuel costs in Guatemala City after Congress approved a 1.5-billion-quetzal subsidy, arguing it’s a stopgap that won’t fix dependence on imported fuel or the domestic market’s oligopoly. Reforestation progress (Lake Atitlán): Researchers using remote sensing report about a 30% increase in tree cover around Lake Atitlán over four decades, pointing to widespread reforestation in the watershed despite limited government funding. Wildlife & community care: PETA’s Global Compassion Fund, working with Adoptame Atitlán, is expanding low-cost sterilization and vaccination efforts to reduce stray dog and cat suffering in Guatemala. Local governance & environment-linked justice: A Guatemalan court cleared a deputy minister and Indigenous leaders of terrorism charges tied to protests against a prosecutor, a reminder of how political conflict can shape environmental and community leadership.

El Niño and food security: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño is strengthening and could become very strong, with knock-on risks across the Americas—drought in some areas, heavier rain and flooding in others—raising alarms for heat, wildfires, and livelihoods, including food shortages in Latin America. Plastic pollution fallout: After China’s plastic-waste import ban, Latin America has become a hotspot for health and pollution impacts, with researchers flagging Guatemala among seven regional “hotspots” and warning that many countries lack capacity to manage imported waste. Guatemala court decision: A Guatemalan judge cleared a deputy minister and three Indigenous leaders of terrorism charges tied to protests against a prosecutor, a move that further unravels a prosecution linked to past efforts to block President Bernardo Arévalo. Indigenous and transport fuel protests: Indigenous and transport workers protested rising fuel costs after Congress approved a large diesel and gasoline subsidy, arguing it doesn’t fix deeper dependence on imported fuel and market power issues. Security tech in Central America: A regional analysis says Honduras, Guatemala, and Panama are expanding drone and intelligence-surveillance-recon capabilities to monitor borders, coasts, and forests as gangs also use drones. Animal welfare in Guatemala: PETA’s Global Compassion Fund is supporting free sterilization, vaccination, and care through Adoptame Atitlán to reduce stray animal suffering in Guatemala.

El Niño Food Shock: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño is firmly established and likely to intensify into a very strong event, with impacts expected across the Americas—failed crops, disrupted fishing, and rising hunger risks. Climate Resilience in Guatemala: A report highlights early action to protect livelihoods, including grain banks in Guatemala, as drought and extreme weather patterns intensify. Local Environment & Reforestation: Researchers using satellite comparisons say Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán watershed has seen major tree cover gains over four decades, pointing to large-scale reforestation visible “from space.” Fuel Prices & Protest Pressure: In Guatemala City, transport workers and Indigenous activists protested rising fuel costs after Congress approved a 1.5-billion-quetzal subsidy meant to stabilize pump prices—critics call it a short-term fix that doesn’t address deeper market and import dependence problems. Wildlife & Community Care: PETA’s Global Compassion Fund expands low-cost sterilization and veterinary support in Guatemala to curb stray animal suffering and homelessness. Judicial Accountability: A Guatemalan judge cleared a deputy minister and Indigenous leaders of terrorism charges tied to protests against a prosecutor, underscoring ongoing political and legal turbulence.

Guatemala Fuel Protests: Indigenous transport workers and activists in Guatemala City rallied against rising fuel costs after Congress approved a 1.5-billion-quetzal diesel and gasoline subsidy meant to set reference pump prices through Dec. 31, arguing it won’t fix the deeper problem of dependence on imported refined fuel and an oligopoly that keeps prices high. El Niño Food and Water Risks: International reporting highlights El Niño strengthening across the Americas, with WMO and PAHO warning of above-normal temperatures and shifting rainfall—raising drought and flooding risks that threaten livelihoods and food supplies, including in Central America’s “Dry Corridor.” Reforestation in Guatemala: A new remote-sensing look at Lake Atitlán shows about a 30% increase in tree cover since 1986, pointing to widespread reforestation across the watershed despite limited government funding. Wildlife and Habitat: A Guatemala-linked wildlife photography story spotlights how tracking tech helped document mountain lion P-22 and supported awareness for wildlife crossings. Animal Welfare Push: PETA’s Global Compassion Fund, working with Adoptame Atitlán, expanded low-cost sterilization, vaccination, and parasite treatment for stray dogs and cats in Guatemala. Regenerative Agriculture Link: A profile of regenerative farming in Minnesota traces inspiration back to a Guatemalan rainforest upbringing, tying Indigenous knowledge to chemical-free, biodiversity-focused agriculture.

El Niño Food Shock for Central America: The UN’s weather agency says El Niño is firmly established with near-100% odds to continue into early 2027, raising drought and flood risks across the region’s “Dry Corridor,” with Guatemala already seeing erratic conditions that threaten crops and livelihoods. Fuel Price Protests in Guatemala City: Transport workers and Indigenous groups rallied against rising fuel costs after Congress approved a 1.5-billion-quetzal diesel and gasoline subsidy, arguing it won’t fix structural dependence on imported refined fuel or the domestic market’s oligopoly. Reforestation Progress Around Lake Atitlán: New remote-sensing reporting highlights a roughly 30% increase in tree cover around Lake Atitlán over four decades, pointing to widespread reforestation in the watershed despite limited government funding. Animal Welfare Push in Guatemala: PETA’s Global Compassion Fund is backing Adoptame Atitlan with free sterilization, vaccinations, and parasite treatment to curb stray animal homelessness. Regenerative Farming Roots: A profile traces regenerative agriculture in Minnesota back to a Guatemalan rainforest upbringing, spotlighting Indigenous knowledge and chemical-free farming as both climate-smart and community-driven.