AGP Executive Report

El Niño Emergency: Colombia will declare a national disaster to prepare for a “very strong” El Niño, with IDEAM warning of extreme drought, wildfire risk, water stress and pressure on hydropower-based electricity—prompting plans to speed up solar panel purchases and fund water projects like desalination for the Caribbean. Biodiversity & Wildlife Enforcement: Colombia’s National Police dismantled a wildlife trafficking network in the Caribbean, seizing 109 endangered specimens from the Amazon and hitting the group’s storage and sales operations. Science for Conservation: Researchers at the University of Antioquia and EPM are building a DNA library of fish from the Magdalena River basin, using data from 1,270 specimens to help identify species and strengthen reservoir environmental monitoring. Illegal Mining Accountability: The Andean Court of Justice admitted an unprecedented case against Peru over alleged failures to curb illegal mining, potentially testing whether a member state met regional obligations. Marine Tourism: Whale watching season has started on Colombia’s Pacific coast, with humpbacks returning to areas like Bahía Málaga and Chocó through mid-October. Cybersecurity Watch: Kaspersky reports ransomware attacks in Colombia using misconfigured systems and even office printers to deliver ransom notes.

Cyber & Security: Kaspersky reports a new ransomware tactic in Colombia and Mexico where attackers exploit misconfigured systems, lock drives with BitLocker, and print ransom notes via office printers—highlighting how exposed RDP and disabled protections can turn into fast breaches. Climate Risk & Preparedness: Colombia plans to declare a national disaster to prepare for a “very strong” El Niño, warning of drought impacts on water, farming, and hydropower plus higher wildfire risk. Urban Heat Solutions: Medellín’s Green Corridors push planted 880,000 trees and millions of shrubs, delivering localized cooling of up to 5°C in shaded areas while boosting biodiversity. Biodiversity & Wildlife Movement: Camera traps in Antioquia’s La Romera reserve recorded a puma passing through, adding fresh support for the region’s habitat corridors. Energy Transition: Colombia launched its first geothermal energy project and also granted an exploration permit for a Barranquero geothermal site. Environment, Health & Food Policy: A major investigation finds ultra-processed food firms in Colombia and other countries used lawsuits to delay or weaken health rules like labeling and marketing limits. Drug Policy Monitoring: UNODC certified 15,000 hectares of coca crop substitution in Colombia, even as concerns persist about broader illicit crop expansion.

Urban Heat Adaptation: Medellín planted about 880,000 trees and 2.5 million shrubs in its Green Corridors, with studies finding localized cooling of up to 5°C in shaded areas while boosting air quality and biodiversity. Amazon Protection: Inditex is investing €6.5 million (2026–2028) with Conservation International to protect and restore over 2 million hectares across six South American countries, including Colombia’s Camaritagua and Curare-Los Ingleses Indigenous Reserves. Energy Transition: Colombia launched its first geothermal exploration project in Nariño, aiming for clean power generation (estimated around 80 MW) and reduced fossil-fuel dependence. Wildlife Connectivity: In Antioquia’s La Romera Nature Reserve, camera traps recorded a puma, highlighted as proof that regional biological corridors still support movement and ecosystem health. Biodiversity & Culture: Medellín’s Flower Festival spotlighted Santa Elena’s silleteros, whose year-round flower farming sustains the parade tradition. Clean Innovation: Alsec, based in Antioquia, won NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge for 3D-printed food tech that could support long-duration space missions.

Marine Protection: Colombia’s marine sanctuary expansion along the Chocó Caribbean coast now covers nearly 220,000 acres, adding coral, seagrass, mangroves and key nesting beaches, built with Afro-Colombian community councils and partners like WWF Colombia and Rainforest Trust. Energy Transition: Colombia officially launched its first geothermal exploration project in Nariño, aiming to tap clean heat beneath the Earth and potentially generate around 80 MW as part of a broader shift away from fossil dependence. Amazon Conservation: Inditex and Conservation International pledged about €6.5 million (2026–2028) to protect and restore Amazon areas across six countries, including Colombia’s indigenous reserves Camaritagua and Curare-Los Ingleses. Biodiversity & Food Innovation: Ecoflora’s natural “jagua” pigment is emerging as a commercially viable source of natural blue for the food industry, turning Colombia’s tropical biodiversity into a new sustainable ingredient. Climate-Resilient Health (Global, with Colombia links): Zayed Sustainability Prize’s Beyond2020 reported solar-powered clinics in India reaching 200,000 people—an example of how reliable electricity can strengthen health access in remote areas.

Colombia’s Capybara Clarification: Colombia’s Environment Ministry says it will not authorize commercial capybara hunting after controversy over a possible quota process, calming fears of new exploitation in the Orinoquia. Agroecology Under Pressure: Agroecology pioneer Miguel Altieri warns that institutions are diluting the movement’s political core, swapping inputs while keeping monocultures and dependency intact. Circular Economy in Action: Colombian artist Karol Melissa Garzón turns organic waste into natural watercolor pigments, drying and grinding market scraps into botanical colors that celebrate local biodiversity. Energy & Climate Risk Watch: A Santa Marta conference discussion highlights how central banks are pushing prudential transition plans to manage climate-related financial risks as El Niño nears and power systems face strain. Water, Wildlife, and Health Links: Colombia’s broader biodiversity focus also shows up in research and conservation efforts, while dengue vaccine approvals abroad underscore how climate-linked disease pressures keep rising. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure: Colombia’s Ecopetrol reports a cyberattack tied to 3,300 accounts, a reminder that resilience isn’t only environmental—it’s digital too.

Wildlife Protection in Colombia: Colombia’s Environment Ministry says it will not authorize commercial capybara hunting, after controversy over claims of a quota process for the chigüiro in the Orinoquia. Energy & Climate Risk: Ecuador hit a new electricity demand record July 15, and experts warn power purchases from Colombia may be constrained as El Niño approaches, with hydro generation at risk. Nuclear for Data Centers: Terra Innovatum says Waiken ILW selected its SOLO micro-modular reactor platform for up to 8 MWe behind-the-meter power for DIRECTV Latin America and SKY Brasil data centers in Argentina and Brazil. Circular Economy Creativity: Colombian artist Karol Melissa Garzón turns market organic waste (peels, leaves, eggshells) into botanical watercolor pigments through her Tulicare brand, linking biodiversity themes with zero-waste practices. Independence & Identity: Colombia marks July 20 Independence Day, tracing the 1810 Bogota uprising that began the break from Spain. Public Health & Mosquitoes: India approved its first dengue vaccine, QDENGA, for ages 4–60, aiming to cut dengue burden across four virus types.

Ecopetrol Cyberattack: Colombia’s energy giant Ecopetrol says a ransomware-linked intrusion exposed data tied to about 3,300 user accounts, with extortion demands issued; the company says operations are normal and it’s investigating and filing a complaint. Climate & Waste Education: Colombia is pushing “zero-waste schools” to cut single-use plastics and build recycling habits early, as waste generation and low recycling rates keep landfills under pressure. El Niño Prep: Latin America governments are preparing for El Niño impacts—drought, floods and heat—while Colombia’s farmers are urged to ready crops for shifting conditions. Biodiversity & Conservation: A Colombia-linked biodiversity push highlights conservation work and species monitoring, including efforts tied to protecting habitats and restoring ecosystems. Illegal Mining in the Amazon: Ecuador’s Amazon protected areas are facing escalating illegal gold mining, with armed groups threatening park rangers and disrupting monitoring. World Cup Footprint Debate: Coverage around the 2026 World Cup spotlights environmental concerns, including carbon impact and the scale of travel tied to FIFA leadership. Flood Watch (Rio Grande): Flood levels along the Rio Grande near the Colombia Bridge are receding, but warnings remain, with agencies coordinating response and monitoring infrastructure. Heat & Rights Protests: In the U.S., heat-wave protests targeted ICE actions after deaths of people including a Colombian man, renewing calls for accountability and due process.

Cybersecurity & Energy Security: Colombia’s Ecopetrol says a cyberattack exposed data tied to about 3,300 user accounts after unauthorized access to cloud file storage across roughly 15 subsidiaries; the company reports no production disruption so far but confirms extortion demands and a blocked ransomware attempt, with an investigation and complaint filed. Climate & Disaster Risk: In the U.S., officials are coordinating Rio Grande flood response near the Colombia Bridge as water levels are forecast to crest, with crews monitoring drifting buoys and preparing to reposition or remove them to protect infrastructure. Biodiversity & Health Research: Colombian researchers are studying fleas on dogs to better understand the microorganisms and health risks they may carry, noting that flea research has lagged behind mosquitoes and ticks. Conservation & Wildlife: A new birdwatching survey ranks Kenya’s Tsavo East and Amboseli among the world’s top birding destinations, highlighting the global value of protected habitats. Education & Waste: A “zero-waste schools” push in Colombia is promoting source separation and cutting single-use plastics, aiming to tackle the country’s high waste generation and low recycling rates. International Policy Shift: Colombia and Slovenia are moving embassies after recognizing a Palestinian state, signaling a notable change in Israel-related diplomacy.

Cybersecurity & Energy Security: Colombia’s state oil giant Ecopetrol says a cyberattack stole data tied to about 3,300 user accounts after unauthorized access to cloud file storage across roughly 15 subsidiaries; the firm reports no operational disruption yet, but extortion demands were issued and it has launched an investigation and filed a complaint. Biodiversity & Conservation Culture: Colombia’s Prince of the Paramos Awards returns for a second edition in Bogota on Aug. 5, tied to a biodiversity film festival (Aug. 4–8) spotlighting paramos, rivers, forests, flora and endangered fauna through audiovisual storytelling. Climate Education & Waste: A “zero-waste schools” push in Colombia is framed as a practical way to cut single-use plastics and build recycling habits in classrooms, tackling landfill pressure and emissions from everyday waste. Wildlife Health Research: Colombian researchers are studying dog fleas to better understand the health risks and microbes they may carry, noting that flea research has lagged behind mosquitoes and ticks. Agriculture & Exports: Antioquia reports Colombia’s first coffee export shipment from Puerto Antioquia (Urabá), enabled by DIAN authorization and a new logistics route for international markets.

Cybersecurity & Energy: Colombia’s state energy giant Ecopetrol says a cyberattack stole data tied to about 3,300 user accounts across 15 subsidiaries, with extortion demands and a blocked ransomware attempt—no production disruption reported so far. Climate Education: Colombia is pushing “zero-waste schools,” aiming to cut single-use plastics and normalize recycling habits in classrooms as a practical way to fight climate change. Biodiversity & Media: Bogota will host the Prince of the Paramos Awards (Aug. 4–8 festival; Aug. 5 ceremony), spotlighting audiovisual work that protects Colombia’s paramos, forests, rivers, and endangered wildlife. Wildlife & Health: Researchers in Colombia are studying dog fleas as potential carriers of microorganisms and health risks, highlighting how little is still known about flea-borne threats. Conservation & Safety: Authorities warn of strong currents after three tourists drowned near Tayrona National Natural Park in Santa Marta, underscoring the need for better beach safety. Trade & Agriculture: Puerto Antioquia begins Colombia’s first coffee exports from Urabá under DIAN authorization, opening a new logistics route to international markets. Disaster Preparedness: A powerful Mexico earthquake triggered a tsunami alert, with Colombia among the coasts monitored.

Cybersecurity & Energy Security: Colombia’s Ecopetrol says a cyberattack stole data tied to about 3,300 user accounts across 15 subsidiaries, with no critical operational disruption found yet, but the company warns of possible material financial and reputational impacts. Protected Areas Under Pressure: Ecuador’s Amazon rangers report illegal gold mining has escalated into armed confrontations, with protected areas increasingly penetrated by criminal groups. Biodiversity Spotlight: Colombia’s Prince of the Paramos Awards returns to Bogota (Aug. 4–8 festival; Aug. 5 awards) to elevate audiovisual work on paramos, rivers, forests, and endangered species. Climate Preparedness: An AP report says Latin America is mobilizing for El Niño—planning for drought, extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire risk—while warning that turning forecasts into action remains a challenge. Tourism & Nature Safety: Three tourists drowned near Tayrona National Natural Park amid strong winds, high waves, and rip currents, as authorities urged caution. Energy Efficiency at Home: With El Niño straining Colombia’s grid, smart home tech is helping households cut electricity use through automation and scheduling. El Niño on Food Supply: Colombia’s banana outlook faces El Niño-linked risks, with production and export growth potentially disrupted later in 2026.

El Niño Preparedness: Latin American governments are ramping up contingency plans for drought, extreme heat, flooding and wildfire risk as El Niño strengthens, with concern that forecasts often don’t translate into action. Energy Efficiency at Home: With El Niño straining Colombia’s hydro-heavy grid, more households are turning to smart home automation to cut electricity use and lower bills through scheduled devices. Protected Nature & Science: Ecuador’s Hermandad Marine Reserve is boosting research coordination with partners including Colombia to guide conservation decisions for one of the region’s richest marine ecosystems. Climate Policy Tool: A growing push for “fossil fuel free zones” is gaining momentum as a practical, concrete way to protect biodiversity and culture by permanently blocking fossil fuel expansion. UNESCO & Urban Heritage: Colombia added seven Rogelio Salmona works to UNESCO’s Tentative List, spotlighting architecture that reshaped public space and social transformation in Bogotá. Tourism Pressure: Colombia’s hotel sector reports falling occupancy and weaker demand in early 2026, raising concerns for jobs and regional economic activity. Wildlife & Community Data: IUCN members are backing citizen science to broaden conservation monitoring and make nature protection more participatory.

Conservation & Science: Galápagos’ Hermandad Marine Reserve is strengthening cross-border research to protect 47,000 km² of ocean biodiversity, including sharks and sea turtles, with a new agenda roadmap involving Colombia and other neighbors. Climate & Disaster Risk: Colombia’s rainy season is hitting hard: 16,769 families affected and two people missing across four departments after flash floods, landslides, and torrential flooding. Wildlife & Biodiversity: A newly published look at the Cozumel dwarf fox highlights how rare island species can still persist—and raises the stakes for saving them. Animal Welfare Law: Colombia’s “No More Olé” transition gets tighter: a July 7 decree bans pointed banderillas and electric devices during bullfighting logistics and the event itself. Agriculture & Food Systems: USDA reports New World screwworm eradication is gaining ground in Texas, with resolved cases now outnumbering active ones—an important win for livestock health. Green Business & Tech: Colombia’s manufacturers get a boost as SORBA.ai expands via a channel partnership with Dautom to deploy industrial AI for predictive maintenance and anomaly detection. Energy & Policy Tension: A report says Colombia’s air force is pushing to finalize talks for Embraer C-390 transports, aiming to replace aging C-130s—while procurement details raise operational and hardware constraints.

Flooding & Disaster Response: Colombia’s rainy-season emergency is worsening, with 16,769 families affected and two people missing across Arauca, Boyacá, Casanare and Norte de Santander after flash floods, landslides and torrential flooding. Climate Risk & Heat: Western Europe’s repeated heatwaves have killed thousands and damaged crops, schools and power systems, renewing calls to cut fossil fuels and strengthen adaptation. Biodiversity Under Pressure: A newly published study confirms the Cozumel dwarf fox’s survival on Mexico’s island—raising urgent questions about how to protect a species once thought extinct. Wildlife & Ecosystems: Researchers highlight the role of coral snakes in ecosystems, while a separate report spotlights conservation efforts for rare species. Food Security & AgTech: The World Food Prize Foundation named the top 10 finalists for its 2026 Innovate for Impact Challenge, targeting climate resilience and more sustainable food systems. Colombia Policy Watch: Colombia’s incoming government faces pressure to accelerate peace implementation, with the UN warning that weak state presence in conflict regions threatens stability. Tech for Industry & Environment: SORBA.ai and Dautom expand Industrial AI in Colombia, aiming to help manufacturers use predictive analytics for efficiency and anomaly detection.

Flood Response in Colombia: Heavy rains have triggered flash floods, landslides, and torrential flooding across four departments, with 16,769 families affected and two people missing, as Arauca, Boyacá, Casanare, and Norte de Santander declare public calamity. Biodiversity Update: On Mexico’s Cozumel island, residents and researchers confirmed a long-feared extinct-in-the-wild native species—the Cozumel fox—after a roadside sighting led to a team rescue and release into a protected reserve. Climate & Peace Oversight: A UN envoy urged Colombia’s incoming government to speed up implementation of the 2016 peace accord, warning that violence, polarization, and weak state presence keep threatening stability in conflict-affected regions. Conservation & Land Use: Colombia’s new law targets illegal deforestation, aiming to curb forest loss and protect ecosystems. Disaster Preparedness Theme: The week also highlighted the need for stronger disaster readiness and resilience after major flooding and earthquakes across the region.

U.S.-Colombia Diplomacy: Incoming Vice President-elect Jose Manuel Restrepo met Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington to set up a bilateral agenda on cooperation, trade, investment, and regional priorities. Peace & Security: A UN envoy urged Colombia’s incoming government to speed up the 2016 peace accord, warning that violence, polarization, and weak state presence still threaten stability in conflict-affected regions. Disaster Preparedness: Venezuela’s back-to-back earthquakes spotlighted gaps in resilience; a new clean-energy “hydrogen-on-demand” concept is being pitched to help recovery when power and infrastructure fail. Urban Nature & Climate Resilience: Barranquilla’s Mallorquin wetland restoration is highlighted by the World Economic Forum as a nature-based model for coastal cities, boosting flood protection and carbon storage. Waste & Circular Economy: A scrap metal recycling market forecast points to rapid growth through 2033, underscoring momentum for recycling-driven materials recovery. Food Safety for Farmers: Research in Santander explores bacteria that can reduce cadmium uptake in cocoa—aimed at helping Colombian producers meet stricter international rules. Heat & Health: Colombia faces extreme heat wave concerns, with older adults returning to classrooms to challenge misinformation as climate risks rise.