AGP Executive Report

Volcano Tourism in Guatemala: Hikers on Volcán Pacaya are roasting marshmallows and even cooking pizza on hot lava fields, drawing attention to active-volcano tourism in the country. River Pollution & Indigenous Rights: A new report revisits the 2017 San Román River disaster in Petén, linking palm oil expansion to contaminated water and dead fish, and arguing for stronger protections for Q’eqchi’ Maya communities and the Usumacinta watershed. Storm Watch for Central America: Tropical Storm Boris is forming off Mexico’s Pacific coast and is expected to bring heavy rain and life-threatening flooding/mudslides to parts of southern Mexico; Honduras has issued a tropical storm warning reaching toward the Guatemala/El Salvador border. Guatemala’s Climate Stress: Coverage highlights fears of hunger in a Guatemalan village as El Niño strengthens, with farmers bracing for worsening conditions. Regional Earthquake Reminder: A magnitude 6.1 quake near Cuba sent tremors into Florida, underscoring seismic risk across the Caribbean region that includes faults south of Cuba toward Guatemala. Trade & Forced Labor Tariffs: USTR proposed new Section 301 tariffs tied to goods made with forced labor across 60 economies, with Guatemala included among signaled countries in the broader policy debate.

Wildfire & El Niño pressure on forests: New reporting flags rising fire risk across Central America as El Niño strengthens, with Guatemala recording 1,095 forest fires so far in 2026 and heavy pressure in Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Invasive species threat: The New World screwworm has reached the U.S. after decades—first detected in Texas—raising alarms for livestock and wildlife and highlighting how the pest has spread through Panama and Central America, including Guatemala. Storm risk for the region: Tropical Storm Boris formed in the eastern Pacific and is expected to bring 4–10 inches of rain (up to 12) to Mexico’s Guerrero and Oaxaca, with life-threatening flooding and mudslides possible. Climate action funding: HCLTech’s Americas Climate Action Grant names Guatemala-based CISP as a winner, backing water security and sustainable land management in the dry corridor. Trade policy with forced-labor tariffs: USTR proposes Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 economies over forced-labor enforcement gaps, with Guatemala listed among countries facing higher tariff rates. Local environment & mining concerns: An Aquatic March in Guatemala and El Salvador targets a proposed gold- and silver-mining project over fears it could pollute Lake Güija and the Lempa River watershed.

Forest & Fire Watch: Guatemala is seeing rising wildfire pressure tied to El Niño and land-use change, with 1,095 fires recorded so far in 2026 and hotspots concentrated in Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Water & Mining Protest: Communities on Lake Güija staged an Aquatic March against a proposed gold-and-silver mine, warning pollution could reach the Lempa River watershed that supplies drinking water in El Salvador. Climate Grants: HCLTech awarded $1M in climate action grants in the Americas, with Guatemala-based CISP backing water security and sustainable land management in the dry corridor. Biodiversity & Tech: A Guatemala-based project using drones is mapping Maya megacities, adding new tools for protecting and understanding heritage landscapes. Animal Health Threat: New World screwworm has been detected in Texas after spreading through Central America, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife and highlighting the region’s shared biosecurity risks. Coolcation Demand: Travel rankings point to growing interest in cooler, nature-heavy trips across the Americas, with Guatemala listed among 2026 destinations.

Wildfire risk in Guatemala: New reporting flags that northern Guatemala is seeing more forest fires this year, with pressure concentrated in Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve, even as some community forest concessions show less burning. Climate and hunger fears: Multiple updates warn that El Niño–linked heat and dryness could worsen conditions for Guatemalan farmers and leave vulnerable communities facing hunger. Biodiversity and water security funding: HCLTech named Guatemala-based CISP as a $500,000 winner in its Climate Action Grant, backing rainwater harvesting and sustainable land management in the dry corridor. New World screwworm threat: The U.S. confirmed the flesh-eating parasite in Texas after decades, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife; the story notes the pest’s spread through Central America and Mexico. Coolcation demand: Travel data suggests Central and South America are set to outperform in 2026 tourism growth, with cooler nature trips drawing visitors—Guatemala is listed among top coolcation destinations.

New World screwworm alert: The USDA confirmed the first locally acquired New World screwworm case in the U.S. in 60 years, found in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas—raising fears for livestock, pets, and wildlife as the parasite has already spread through Central America, including Guatemala. Climate and fire pressure: With El Niño-linked dryness looming, Guatemala is seeing a surge in forest fires (1,095 recorded so far in 2026), with hotspots concentrated in Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Water and conservation funding: HCLTech’s $1M Climate Action Grant backed Guatemala’s CISP to expand water security and sustainable land management in the dry corridor via rainwater harvesting. Biodiversity-friendly tourism push: A new “coolcation” ranking spotlights Guatemala among cooler, nature-focused destinations for 2026, reflecting how heat and climate change are reshaping travel choices. Regional environment activism: Protesters staged an aquatic march on Lake Güija to oppose a proposed gold-and-silver mine, warning of pollution risks to a watershed that feeds drinking water downstream.

Climate & Disasters: Guatemala’s wildfire pressure is rising as El Niño-linked dryness looms, with 1,095 fires recorded so far in 2026 and Petén’s Maya Biosphere Reserve among the hardest hit. Biodiversity & Conservation: A new drone-and-LiDAR push is helping archaeologists map hidden Maya megacities in northern Guatemala’s rainforest, turning dense jungle into readable history. Water & Community Resilience: HCLTech’s $1M Climate Action Grant backs Guatemala’s CISP for rainwater harvesting and water security in the dry corridor, aiming to supply clean water to 200 families. Wildlife Health Threat: The New World screwworm continues spreading north after detections in Mexico and now Texas, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife across the region. Public Health: Virginia reports a record measles surge (77 cases), a reminder that major travel hubs can amplify outbreaks—relevant for the World Cup travel season. Travel & Heat Adaptation: A 2026 “coolcation” ranking highlights cooler, nature-heavy destinations across the Americas, with Guatemala listed among the top picks.

New World screwworm alert: Texas confirmed its first New World screwworm case in decades, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife as the parasite spreads north from Central America; officials say there may be more cases nearby and emphasize rapid animal health surveillance and wound care. Wildfire risk under El Niño: Northern Guatemala is seeing elevated fire pressure, with Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve hit hardest, as hotter, drier conditions could worsen outbreaks. Water and land climate grants: HCLTech’s $1M Americas Climate Action Grant backs Guatemala’s CISP for rainwater harvesting and sustainable land management, aiming to boost clean water access in the dry corridor. Maya mapping tech: Drone and LiDAR work in Guatemala’s Mirador Basin is revealing hundreds of ancient Maya sites, deepening understanding of biodiversity-rich rainforest landscapes. Health progress: PAHO reports trachoma elimination efforts across 11 Americas countries, highlighting WASH and environmental improvements in rural and Indigenous communities. Climate justice spotlight: Greenpeace MENA’s documentary “Under the Sun” features frontline youth in Guatemala and beyond calling for fossil-fuel accountability and stronger climate action.

Climate & Biodiversity: On World Environment Day (5 June), the Green Game Jam returns with 70 games aiming to raise awareness and funds for reef and rainforest ecosystems, with Rainforest Alliance and Oceana as charity partners. Wildfire Risk: A new look at 2026 fire activity warns that El Niño-linked dryness could push forest fires higher, with Guatemala’s north—especially Petén and the Maya Biosphere Reserve—already seeing heavy pressure. Water & Community Action: HCLTech’s $1 million Climate Action Grant in the Americas backs Guatemala’s CISP for water security and sustainable land management in the dry corridor, targeting clean water for 200 families via rainwater harvesting. Mining Opposition & Water Concerns: Protesters staged Guatemala’s Sixth Aquatic March on Lake Güija to demand stronger protection of the watershed threatened by a proposed gold-and-silver mine, citing pollution risks to water flowing toward El Salvador. Food Security Under El Niño: In Quiché’s Dry Corridor, drought and fears of El Niño are raising alarm over crop failure and hunger, with residents warning that without rain they could “die of hunger.” Health & Environment Link: Guatemala is also in the wider Americas spotlight as PAHO reports progress toward eliminating trachoma, emphasizing water, sanitation and hygiene as key to cutting transmission.

El Niño Food Crisis in Guatemala: Drought is tightening in Quiché’s Cunen/Xetzac, where wells are drying and farmers fear crop failure and hunger as El Niño is expected to strengthen between June and August, with experts warning of major food insecurity across the Dry Corridor. Climate Outlook: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño is likely to reach at least moderate strength, with warmer Pacific waters raising the odds of extreme heat, drought, and heavy rainfall. Water/Sanitation Health Progress: PAHO reports 11 Americas countries, including Guatemala, reviewed progress in the third year of the trachoma elimination initiative, focusing on WASH and the SAFE strategy’s facial cleanliness and environmental improvement work. Biodiversity & Conservation Storytelling: A new Greenpeace MENA documentary, “Under the Sun,” spotlights Global South frontline youth—including Guatemala—pushing for climate justice and biodiversity protection. Maya Archaeology Tech: Drone and LiDAR work in Guatemala’s Mirador Basin is revealing hundreds of ancient Maya sites hidden under dense rainforest. Agriculture Exports & Climate Stress: Peru’s Hass avocado producers warn El Niño-linked heat is shrinking fruit size and could shift harvest timing, affecting regional supply.

El Niño Food Crisis Watch: In Guatemala’s Quiché Dry Corridor, drought is already drying wells and fields in Xetzac (Cunen), with residents fearing crop failure and “death by hunger” as El Niño is expected to intensify between June and August; experts warn climate stress could drive food insecurity for millions, while the government says it has readied emergency food supplies. Climate Signals: The World Meteorological Organization says most models point to at least moderate El Niño strength, with sea-surface temperatures running more than 6°C above average—raising odds of extreme heat, drought, and heavy rainfall. Biodiversity & Nature: A viral “lightning strike” video was misattributed to India; tracking confirmed it was recorded in Guatemala, a reminder that misinformation can spread fast around dramatic weather. Conservation & Community Voices: Greenpeace MENA’s World Environment Day film “Under the Sun” spotlights Global South frontline youth, including Guatemala, pushing for climate justice and accountability from fossil-fuel profits. Sustainable Agriculture Exports: ProHass warns Peru’s unusual coastal heat tied to El Niño could shrink Hass avocado sizes and shift harvests earlier, affecting export availability and seasonal forecasts.

El Niño Hunger Alert (Guatemala): In Quiché’s Dry Corridor, residents in Xetzac (Cunen) say wells are drying and crops are failing as El Niño approaches, with fears of a repeat of the 2023 food crisis and warnings that drought could drive hunger for thousands. Climate Forecast (Global): The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño is likely to reach at least moderate strength, with a high chance it persists through late 2026—raising risks of extreme heat, drought, and heavier rainfall. Misinformation Watch (Guatemala): A viral “lightning strike” video was misattributed to India; tracking confirmed it was recorded in Guatemala, highlighting how quickly false climate visuals spread online. Food & Exports (Mango): Guatemala’s mango sector plans to expand export acreage by the end of the decade, aiming to strengthen its position in the U.S. market and explore growth in Canada and Central America. Regional Trade Pressure (Forced Labor): The U.S. proposes new tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including Guatemala, tied to enforcement gaps on goods allegedly produced with forced labor.

El Niño Food Crisis Watch: In Quiché’s Cunen region, wells are drying and farmers fear crop failure as El Niño is expected to intensify between June and August, reviving hunger fears in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor after the 2023 crisis. Climate Risk Signals: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño is likely to reach at least moderate strength, with ocean temperatures running more than 6°C above average—raising odds of drought, heat, and extreme weather. Local Climate Anxiety: Indigenous Maya families in Xetzac describe fields turning dry and warn that without rain they “will die of hunger,” while the government says it has readied emergency food supplies. Agriculture Exports: Guatemala’s mango sector is planning to expand export acreage by 2029, aiming to strengthen supply for the U.S. market as climate pressures reshape farming realities. Regional Context: A WMO briefing and broader El Niño coverage underscore how Guatemala’s drought risk fits into wider Central America impacts.

El Niño and drought pressure Guatemala’s food security: In Quiché’s Xetzac (Cunen), Indigenous Maya families say wells are drying and corn, beans, potatoes and vegetables are failing, with fears of “death by hunger” as El Niño is expected to intensify June–August; experts warn drought in the Dry Corridor could hit millions, while the government says it has readied emergency food supplies. Rain-seeking Maya ceremony turns into a climate warning: In Quetzaltenango, Maya Mam families climb Chicabal volcano’s sacred lagoon to ask for rain, but drought anxiety is now tied directly to crop survival and mounting climate stress. Mango exports push for growth despite climate risk: Guatemala’s mango sector plans to expand export acreage by 2029 and deepen market reach beyond the U.S., betting on seasonal timing and regional demand as growers face shifting weather pressures. Conservation move in protected areas: Friends for Conservation and Development relocated its ranger base near the Guacamallo bridge to strengthen research and protection work in Chiquibul National Park and Mountain Pine Ridge. Tourism integration with a sustainability angle: The K’íiwik Mayan World Tourism Fair is set to bring Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico together, positioning Mundo Maya tourism as community-based and sustainable.

El Niño Watch for Guatemala: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño is likely to strengthen to at least moderate levels, raising the odds of heatwaves, drought, and heavy rain—an early warning for Guatemala’s vulnerable farming regions. Hunger Fears in Quiché: As drought spreads in Xetzac, Cunen (Quiché), families reliant on wells are bracing for crop failure and hunger, with the Dry Corridor already hard-hit in the 2023 El Niño food crisis. Rain Anxiety at Chicabal: Maya Mam communities on Chicabal volcano held a rain ceremony as drought threatens rain-fed fields, turning ancestral practice into a direct climate warning. Mango Exports Plan: Guatemala’s mango sector says it aims to expand export acreage by 2029 and keep pushing mainly into the U.S. market, with Canada and Central America flagged as growth targets. Conservation Move in Belize/Guatemala Region: Friends for Conservation and Development opened a new ranger base near Guacamallo bridge to support research in Chiquibul National Park and Mountain Pine Ridge.

Hunger fears as El Niño nears: In Quiché’s Dry Corridor, drought is drying wells and threatening subsistence crops, reviving memories of the 2023 food crisis as rains fail to arrive. Indigenous media support: Cultural Survival says its Indigenous Community Media Fund has backed 455 grants in 42 countries, with 2026 funding for 36 projects including work in Guatemala. Rain-seeking climate anxiety: Maya Mam families climb Chicabal volcano to ask for rain, turning an ancestral ceremony into a direct warning about drought and crop loss. Tourism with a sustainability pitch: Yucatán’s K’íiwik: Mayan World Tourism Fair 2026 (June 2–5) will bring together Mayan World destinations, including Guatemala, aiming for community-based, cultural tourism. Conservation on the ground: Friends for Conservation and Development unveiled a relocated ranger base to strengthen research and protection in and around Chiquibul National Park and Mountain Pine Ridge. Mango export push: Guatemala’s mango sector plans to expand export acreage by 2029, targeting markets like the U.S. and Canada as production peaks align with global demand.

Guatemala’s Mango Push: The Guatemalan Mango Committee says it wants to expand export acreage to 17,300–19,800 by 2029, banking on its March-to-April season window and aiming to keep the U.S. as the main buyer while growing Canada and Central America. Climate Anxiety in the Highlands: Maya Mam families climbed Chicabal’s sacred lagoon to ask for rain as drought threatens rain-fed crops, turning ancestral ceremony into a stark warning about hunger and a warming world. Mayan Tourism Revival: Guatemala is set to join the K’íiwik: Mayan World Tourism Fair 2026 (June 2–5), a regional push for sustainable, community-based tourism with buyers and exhibitors from across the Mundo Maya. Conservation on the Ground: Friends for Conservation and Development unveiled a relocated ranger base near the Guacamallo bridge to strengthen research and protection work in Chiquibul National Park and the Mountain Pine Ridge area. Urban Mobility Forum: A UK-hosted forum in Guatemala focused on government-to-government partnerships to support modern, climate-resilient transport projects, including the Metroriel initiative.