AGP Executive Report

Nearshore Tech Expansion: MethodHub says it’s opening nearshore operations in Guadalajara and San José to deliver same-time-zone support for US/Canada clients, plus a new QuantumHire portal aimed at GCC hiring. Environmental & Security Crisis: Costa Rica’s Crucitas gold fight is escalating as illegal mining spreads, with authorities warning about mercury/cyanide contamination, unsafe tunnels, and organized-crime involvement. Agritech/Health Watch: The New World screwworm fly is back in the US, with USDA detections in Texas and New Mexico raising alarms that illegal cattle transport is driving regional spread and potential impacts on animals and people. Local Science Discovery: Costa Rica researchers report a new marine worm species, Sthenelais onca, found at Playa Naranjo in Guanacaste National Park. Tech for Sports Analytics: FIFA is setting up a high-tech Technical Study Group in South Florida, using advanced data tools and Costa Rican football figures to analyze the 2026 World Cup in real time.

New Species in Costa Rica: Researchers at Playa Naranjo (Santa Rosa National Park) identified a never-before-recorded marine worm, Sthenelais onca, with jaguar-like colors, after expeditions in 2016 and 2024. Wildlife Health Alert: New World screwworm has reached the US again, with cases reported in Texas and New Mexico; experts link the comeback to illegal cattle smuggling and warn it can infect people and pets. Regional Tech for Agriculture: Brazil’s agriculture officials visited CARDI to discuss tech and food security, including digital tracking used to detect palm weevil larvae. AI for Conservation: TropiCam is rolling out an AI approach to study canopy-dwelling animals in tropical forests, where ground-based camera setups miss key species. World Cup Tech: FIFA launched a Miami-based Technical Study Group to analyze tactics in real time for the 2026 tournament, featuring Costa Rica’s Paulo Wanchope among specialists. Science & Society: A study suggests England football chants spread faster because they reuse familiar melodies with short, intense lyrics—helping crowds join in.

Marine Science in Guanacaste: Researchers with the BioMar-ACG project say they’ve discovered a never-before-recorded marine worm at Playa Naranjo in Santa Rosa National Park, naming it Sthenelais onca after its jaguar-like orange, gray and cream tones. AI for Conservation: TropiCam is an AI tool designed to study tropical forest canopy species by “looking up,” aiming to speed up analysis of arboreal animals that are hard to monitor with ground cameras. Health Lessons from Abroad: South Korea’s hypertension control success is highlighted as a model for other countries, with WHO data showing it’s among the few nations where over half of diagnosed patients reach healthy ranges. Local Tech & Tourism Policy: Costa Rica’s tourism chamber Canatur pushes back on ride-sharing platforms being used in official tourism promotion, arguing campaigns should stick to legal, regulated transport systems. World Cup Tech & Talent: FIFA launched a real-time 2026 World Cup Technical Study Group in South Florida, bringing together experts including Costa Rica’s Paulo Wanchope and adding Costa Rica’s football voice to FIFA’s data-driven analysis.

Digital Health in the Region: Adroit Infosystems highlighted practical EHR and connected healthcare workflows at the CCFP Trinidad Chapter World Family Doctor Day Symposium, pushing digitization that improves real clinic operations (not just paper-to-screen swaps). Tourism Policy: Canatur criticized ride-sharing apps being used for official tourism promotion after an Uber alliance with esencial COSTA RICA was canceled, arguing campaigns should back legal, regulated transport. Meetings Tourism: Costa Rica will host FIEXPO Latin America 2026 (June 8–11), with ICT framing it as a tech-and-data focused boost for conventions, incentives, and events. Agriculture & Sustainability: IICA-backed AERAS work is expanding agroecology support, reaching 10,000+ small farmers across Africa and Latin America with advisory services and new practices. Public Finance Watch: The IMF issued another favorable review for Costa Rica, urging reforms to avoid confusing stability with long-term safety. Biosafety Alert (US, with regional relevance): New World screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico are triggering quarantines and livestock protections, underscoring cross-border biosecurity risks.

Agroecology in Action: IICA’s AERAS project says 10,000+ small farmers across Africa and Latin America are getting new agroecology knowledge, tech, and advisory support, with Costa Rica among the focus countries. Tourism Policy: Canatur pushes back on ride-sharing apps being used for official Costa Rica tourism promotion after an Uber partnership with esencial COSTA RICA was canceled amid complaints from transport operators. Meetings Tech & AI: Costa Rica will host FIEXPO Latin America 2026 (June 8–11), with sessions on governance and “talent and the future of work” plus AI, data management, and experience design for the meetings sector. Public Health & Environment: Costa Rica researchers report microplastics in beaches, fish, livestock, poultry, and even Coco Island’s protected ecosystem—another reminder that plastic pollution is now a local health issue. Livestock Biosecurity: The New World screwworm outbreak is spreading in the U.S. (Texas and New Mexico), triggering quarantines and raising fears of higher beef prices—an urgent watch item for regional animal health. Security Tech Exchange: Costa Rica’s security minister visited the Dominican Republic to study its Joint Task Force coordination model and C5i command tools. Economy Watch: The IMF gave Costa Rica another positive review, while warning against complacency and urging pending reforms.

Security & Tech Transfer: Costa Rica’s Security Minister Gerald Campos visited the Dominican Republic to study its Joint Task Force coordination model and see the C5i command center tools used to support policing and intelligence—aiming to adapt parts of the approach at home. Environmental Health: Costa Rica research reports microplastics across beaches, sediments, fish and livestock, including findings on remote Isla del Coco—raising concerns for food safety and public health. Marine Alerts: Sargassum arrivals are breaking records on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, with the northern region seeing the most sightings and some turtle strandings reported. Climate Risk: UNA warns El Niño could cut Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and raise temperatures later in 2026, stressing water and energy systems. Biodiversity Protection: Costa Rica moves to legally protect howler monkeys after electrocution cases surge, targeting power-line risks. Regional Science: A new study links PFAS “forever chemicals” in Israeli farmland and wells to hazardous materials carried from Gaza explosions. Global Trade: USTR proposed forced-labor import tariffs affecting 60 economies, with comment deadlines set for early July.

Microplastics in Costa Rica: New local research reports microplastics across beaches and sediments, plus fish, shellfish, livestock, poultry, and even remote Isla del Coco—pushing the issue into food safety and public health. Marine Alerts: Sargassum arrivals are breaking records in Costa Rica’s Caribbean, with surges starting earlier than usual and more sightings in the northern Caribbean. Earthquake Monitoring: Costa Rica added Isla del Coco to its national seismic network with a new permanent station to improve Pacific-side earthquake tracking. El Niño Watch: UNA warns El Niño could cut Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and raise temperatures, with high odds through 2026–early 2027. Security Exchange: Costa Rica’s Security Minister visited the Dominican Republic to compare crime-fighting coordination models. Health & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm fly has reached Texas again, threatening cattle and triggering eradication efforts. Life Sciences Push (Region): El Salvador is ramping healthcare spending and expanding AI/telemedicine as part of a regional life sciences push. Trade Policy: USTR proposed Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor import rules affecting 60 economies.

Seismic Science in Costa Rica: OVSICORI installed Costa Rica’s first permanent seismic station on remote Isla del Coco, boosting monitoring of the Pacific subduction zone and improving earthquake epicenter location with sensitive open-ocean data. Climate Risk for Guanacaste: UNA warns El Niño could cut Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and raise temperatures, with higher odds of development through 2026 and possible strong intensity into late 2026/early 2027. Wildlife & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in Texas for the first time in decades, with cases in a calf and a dog and renewed concern for livestock and regional spread—an issue that echoes across Central America. Energy Infrastructure Decision: ICE says a historic La Sabana headquarters building lacks structural strength and may be demolished or repurposed, with multimillion-dollar options on the table. Coral Conservation Spotlight: Beyond Green marks World Oceans Day by highlighting member-led coral reef restoration and protection programs across multiple destinations.

Earthquake Monitoring Upgrade: Costa Rica installed its first permanent seismic station on Isla del Coco, boosting coverage of the Pacific subduction zone and improving epicenter location for a remote part of the country. Wildlife Protection & Power Infrastructure: A Costa Rica court ruling holds agencies accountable for howler monkey electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara as researchers push for safer designs like insulated cables and wildlife crossings. Public Health & Travel Risk: The CDC expanded enhanced Ebola airport screening in Atlanta while also warning about adverse outcomes from travel-related cosmetic procedures, highlighting how medical tourism can strain health systems. Biosecurity Alarm (Regional): The New World screwworm has been detected in Texas for the first time in decades, raising concerns for livestock and wildlife and underscoring how quickly pests can move through Central America. Workforce & Tech Skills: A Costa Rica study finds 68.5% of university graduates (2020–2022) were first in their families to earn a degree, with 56.5% using AI tools in daily work. Entrepreneurship Push: Costa Rica’s LEAPCR program aims to accelerate startups, investment, and new jobs.

Wildlife & Public Health: Costa Rica’s courts are holding power utilities accountable after a surge in howler monkey electrocutions, ordering infrastructure fixes in Nosara. Biodiversity Research: A Costa Rica study helps explain why hummingbirds outperform bees at higher tropical elevations—flowers shift shape, and bees still show up, but hummingbirds move more pollen. Invasive Species Watch: The New World screwworm fly has been confirmed in Texas after spreading from Panama through Central America, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife and triggering renewed sterile-fly response plans. Tech & Skills in Costa Rica: A CONARE labor observatory report finds 68.5% of Costa Rican university graduates (2020–2022) were first in their families to earn a degree, and 56.5% use AI tools at work. Startup Ecosystem: Costa Rica’s LEAPCR program is set to accelerate startups, investment, and new jobs. Wellness Tech in Costa Rica: The Retreat Costa Rica debuts a Vida Mía Longevity Centre with physician-guided, technology-assisted neuro-wellness programming.

Wildlife & Livestock Health: The U.S. USDA confirmed the New World screwworm fly in Texas for the first time in 60 years, detected in a calf near the Mexico border—raising alarms for cattle, pets, and wildlife and triggering quarantine and surveillance. Local Conservation & Policy: Costa Rica’s courts backed efforts to curb howler monkey electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara and reinforcing the push for safer grid design. Biodiversity Research: A new UC Santa Cruz study finds hummingbirds can outperform bees as pollinators in Costa Rica’s mountain forests, helping explain how tropical flowers evolved. Startup & Tech Ecosystems: Costa Rica launched “LEAPCR” to accelerate startups, investment, and new jobs, while a local report says 56.5% of Costa Rican university grads use AI tools at work. Ocean Tech & Science Outreach: ArtScience Museum’s “Into the Ocean: Journey Beneath” brings ocean exploration tech to visitors, including eDNA games and multi-sensory exhibits.

Wildlife Protection Ruling: Costa Rica’s courts are holding government agencies accountable for how power-line electrocutions harm animals, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara after rescuers treated more than 100 victims, including howler monkeys that mistake lines for vines. Biodiversity & Climate Tech: A new study from UC Santa Cruz suggests hummingbirds are better pollinators than “careful” bees on Costa Rica’s tropical mountains, helping explain why flowers shift from bee-friendly shapes to hummingbird tubes higher up. Animal Health Watch: The New World screwworm—eradicated from the U.S. decades ago—has been confirmed in Texas, raising alarm for livestock and wildlife and highlighting how fast outbreaks can move through Central America. Startup & Jobs Push: Costa Rica is rolling out LEAPCR to accelerate startups, attract investment, and create new jobs. Workforce & AI Skills: A CONARE labor observatory report finds 68.5% of Costa Rican university grads (2020–2022) were first in their families to earn a degree, with 56.5% using AI tools in daily work. Regional Security: Costa Rica’s foreign minister says Russian troops in Nicaragua are a concern, given renewed military cooperation with Moscow.

Wildlife & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm—an invasive, flesh-eating parasite—has been confirmed in a 3-week-old calf in south Texas, the first U.S. case in decades, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife and prompting USDA and Texas officials to ramp up surveillance, quarantines, and sterile-fly eradication efforts. Regional Spread Watch: Reporting notes the fly has moved north through Central America and Mexico after detections in Mexico in 2024, with experts warning the “single case” may not reflect how many are already present. Costa Rica Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica’s courts are holding agencies accountable for how power-line electrocutions harm species like howler monkeys, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara as rescues report rising incidents. Tech & Learning in Costa Rica: ArtScience Museum’s new “Into the Ocean: Journey Beneath” exhibition brings ocean science to life with multi-sensory tech, including eDNA learning games and installations tied to Costa Rica coastlines. Local Tech & Skills: A Costa Rica university-graduate study finds 68.5% were first in their families to earn a degree, and 56.5% report using AI tools in daily work.

Wildlife Protection Ruling: Costa Rica’s constitutional court has held government agencies accountable for howler monkey electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara and pushing fixes like insulated cables and safer crossings. Public Health Logistics: Costa Rica’s HPV vaccination rollout is in focus as health teams work through the “last mile” to boost parent buy-in and consistent coverage. Climate Risk Watch: Experts urge extreme-weather planning even as El Niño forecasts stay uncertain, warning Central America could still see major impacts. Animal Health Alert: The U.S. confirmed the New World screwworm in south Texas for the first time in decades, raising alarms for livestock, wildlife, and rare human cases—an important reminder for regional biosecurity. Earthquake Monitoring: A magnitude 5.0 quake shook Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula area; authorities kept surveillance but reported no major damage. Tech & Business: Costa Rica’s startup push gets a boost with LEAPCR, aiming to accelerate startups, investment, and new jobs.

Invasive Biosecurity: The USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in the U.S. in decades after larvae were found in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, south Texas—an alarming return of a flesh-eating parasite that can also affect wildlife, pets, and rarely humans. Public Health & Agriculture Response: Federal and Texas officials are testing samples, setting quarantines, and planning sterile-fly releases to stop spread, with the threat tied to open wounds and even small injuries. Local Science & Risk: Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula was hit by a magnitude 5.0 earthquake, prompting routine monitoring by OVSICORI. Costa Rica Tech & Startups: Costa Rica launched LEAPCR, a national program backed by the IDB and partners to accelerate high-potential startups, attract investment, and create jobs. Medtech Investment: CINDE says Costa Rica’s medtech boom is shifting toward AI-led healthcare, R&D, and higher-value manufacturing. Digital Economy: PaidBy® and Mastercard announced a partnership to scale open-banking-powered cross-border A2A payments.

Public Health: Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula was rattled by a magnitude 5.0 earthquake near Sitio Sirena, with OVSICORI reporting no injuries or damage and only routine monitoring afterward. Wildlife & Energy Safety: Costa Rica is moving to protect howler monkeys from electrocution after a constitutional court ruling, as power lines keep killing primates that mistake them for trees. Environment & Research: Scientists are testing a better way to judge forest recovery in Costa Rica by “listening” to ecosystem sound, since satellite tree cover can miss whether wildlife and insects are truly back. Local Tech & Business: Costa Rica’s medtech sector is pushing into higher-value work, with CINDE highlighting a shift toward AI-led healthcare, R&D, and advanced manufacturing. Startup Push: Costa Rica launched LEAPCR, an IDB-backed program to accelerate startups, attract investment, and create jobs. Digital Life: A UCR study finds Facebook still dominates in Costa Rica, while TikTok is the fastest-growing social network.