AGP Executive Report

Bolivia Travel Safety: The UK Foreign Office warns against all but essential travel to La Paz Department (including La Paz city) and parts of Cochabamba’s Chapare region after weeks of clashes between protesters and police, with road blockades disrupting fuel, food, and supplies—while tourist hotspots like Sucre and Salar de Uyuni are not under the same advisories. Deforestation Watch: A new global ranking flags Bolivia among the countries with high forest cover loss, underscoring the broader tropical biodiversity and carbon stakes tied to ongoing clearing and wildfire impacts. Wildlife Spotlight: A report highlights Bolivia’s presence in the Amazon Basin for green anacondas, noting where guided wildlife cruises can help visitors spot the species. Conservation Funding: The environmental legacy of Auburn student Weston Higginbotham—who was preparing to travel to Bolivia for water engineering outreach—continues through an endowed scholarship supporting ecological engineering students.

Bolivia’s forests under spotlight: A new global deforestation ranking puts Bolivia among the top forest-cover loss countries, with Laos leading and Bolivia listed at about 11% loss—another reminder that tropical ecosystems and carbon stores are still under heavy pressure. Wildlife in focus: Camera-trap work in Bolivia and Peru suggests the little-known short-eared “ghost dog” may be doing better in intact upland forests, adding rare hope for a species whose distribution has long been uncertain. Lake Titicaca culture meets conservation: A travel piece recalls a Lake Titicaca dinner with reed-boat builders, tying local livelihoods to the lake’s living heritage. Regional biodiversity and fisheries: Mexico announced new fishing refuge zones near La Paz, Baja California Sur, aiming to rebuild fish populations and support local cooperatives—while conservationists also flagged threats to least terns during nesting season in the same region. Health risk for travelers: Colombia’s yellow fever outbreak is driving a CDC Level 2 travel notice across South America, including Bolivia, as cases and deaths rise in newly affected areas. Governance and environment link: Brazil’s deforestation drop is being used to argue against U.S. tariff threats, showing how forest policy is now tied to trade and international pressure.

Deforestation Watch: A new global ranking puts Bolivia among the worst for forest cover loss, with Laos leading at 16.82%, Sweden second, and Bolivia close behind at 11%, underscoring how tropical forest loss keeps shrinking biodiversity and carbon stores. Wildlife & Habitat: Camera-trap work in Bolivia and Peru suggests the short-eared “ghost dog” may be thriving in intact upland forests, adding rare hope for a little-known canid. Fisheries Protection in Bolivia’s Region: Mexico’s Conapesca has created three new fishing refuge zones near La Paz, aiming to rebuild fish populations and support local livelihoods through five-year protections. Conservation Science in Action: A study highlights glass frogs’ transparent skin as a camouflage strategy that may help them avoid predators, while also reminding us how unusual traits can hinge on intact tropical forests. Public Health Alert for Bolivia Travelers: Colombia’s yellow fever outbreak has driven a CDC Level 2 travel notice across South America, including Bolivia, with cases spreading into newly affected areas. Biodiversity Tourism Spotlight: Baja California Sur’s Loreto Bay National Marine Park is promoted as an “aquarium of the world” hotspot for whales, dolphins, and hundreds of fish and bird species.

Yellow Fever Watch (Colombia–Bolivia–region): Colombia’s yellow fever outbreak has reached 168 confirmed cases and 76 deaths since late 2024, with a case fatality rate reported as high as 40–70% in some periods; the CDC keeps a Level 2 “enhanced precautions” travel notice covering Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil and Peru, citing gaps in adult vaccination and spread into newly affected areas. Wildlife Conservation (Bolivia-linked research): Camera-trap records from Bolivia and Peru suggest the short-eared “ghost dog” may be thriving in intact upland forests, adding new confirmed localities after decades of uncertainty. Biodiversity & Habitat (grasslands ahead of COP17): Latin American governments and partners will meet in Quito on 17 June to push grasslands and savannahs higher on the UNCCD agenda, highlighting their roles in biodiversity, water regulation, carbon storage and climate resilience. Marine Protection (La Paz, Bolivia region): Mexico’s CONAPESCA has created three fishing refuge zones in the Boca del Álamo–Punta Pescadero corridor near La Paz, aiming to restore fish populations and support local fishing communities.

Yellow Fever Watch (Colombia–Bolivia travel risk): Colombia’s yellow fever outbreak has reached 168 confirmed cases and 76 deaths since late 2024, with a case fatality rate reported as high as 40–70% in some periods. Tolima is the epicenter, and despite nearly 5 million vaccine doses since Sept 2024, adult coverage gaps in rural areas and expansion into previously forested mosquito zones are driving spread. The CDC keeps a Level 2 “Practice Enhanced Precautions” travel notice covering Colombia, Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru. Marine Life Protection (Mexico, La Paz): Mexico’s Conapesca has created three new fishing refuge zones in the Boca del Álamo–Punta Pescadero corridor near El Cardonal (La Paz, Baja California Sur) for five years, aiming to rebuild fish stocks and support local cooperatives. Wildlife Research (Bolivia): Camera-trap records across Bolivia and Peru suggest the short-eared “ghost” dog may be thriving in intact upland forests, with researchers compiling more confirmed localities than previously known. Deforestation & Trade (Brazil–Bolivia region): Brazil’s Lula says official data show major Amazon and Cerrado deforestation drops and plans to use it to counter proposed U.S. tariffs tied to environmental damage.

Wildlife on the move in Bolivia-linked waters: Camera-trap work in Bolivia and Peru suggests the elusive short-eared “ghost dog” (Atelocynus microtis) may be thriving in intact upland forests, adding rare clarity to a species long known from only a handful of records. Coastal bird protection in the region: In Baja California Sur, the least tern nesting season has begun, with conservationists warning that vehicle traffic, pets, and development pressures are driving declines in multiple colonies. Fisheries recovery via protected areas: Mexico has created three new fishing refuge zones off La Paz (Boca del Álamo–Punta Pescadero corridor) for five years, aiming to rebuild fish populations with community-backed rules. Amazon deforestation data enters trade fight: Brazil’s Lula cited record-low deforestation figures to push back against proposed U.S. tariffs tied to environmental claims. Grasslands and savannahs on the agenda: Latin American governments and partners will meet in Quito ahead of UNCCD COP17 to elevate grasslands and savannahs in land-degradation and biodiversity planning.

Biodiversity Update: Camera-trap records from Bolivia and Peru suggest the short-eared “ghost dog” (Atelocynus microtis) may be thriving in intact upland forests, adding new confirmed localities and strengthening the idea that it’s a forest specialist. Ecosystem & Land Degradation: Latin American governments and UNCCD focal points will meet in Quito on June 17 to push grasslands and savannahs higher on the agenda ahead of UNCCD COP17, highlighting their role in biodiversity, water regulation, carbon storage, and climate resilience. Climate Signals: Global data show May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 will land among the four warmest years—raising pressure on already climate-stressed ecosystems. Conservation & Fisheries Governance: Mexico’s Conapesca has created three new fishing refuge zones near the La Paz coast (Boca del Álamo–Punta Pescadero corridor) to help restore marine species and fisheries. Local Access & Planning: La Paz City Council approved new rules aimed at protecting public beach access, a reminder that conservation also depends on how cities manage shared natural spaces.

Amazon Deforestation & Trade: Brazil’s Lula highlighted new official figures showing a record-low deforestation rate in the Amazon and Cerrado, saying the data will be used to push back against proposed U.S. tariffs tied to environmental claims. Bolivia Access & Coasts: La Paz City Council approved new regulations to protect public beach access, giving the city power to remove fences and barriers that block coastline access amid ongoing disputes. Climate Signals: New global temperature reporting puts May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 will rank among the four warmest years. Adaptation Focus: A resilience push argues climate adaptation must be treated as today’s development work, not a future fix. Marine Stewardship: World Oceans Day commentary calls for shifting from extraction to performance-based ocean management, including regenerative aquaculture. Bolivia Travel Reality Check: With protests and fuel shortages affecting transport, travel to Bolivia is still possible, but internal road trips may face delays and reroutes—flights are advised. Environmental Leadership: Monaco’s Re.Generation campus brought a Bolivian Indigenous wetland restorer among young environmental leaders for training and field mentoring. Wildlife/Health Note: A study highlights extinction risk for a unique mangrove-adapted pampas cat, underscoring biodiversity pressure.

Public Access & Coastal Rights (La Paz): La Paz City Council approved new regulations to protect public beach access, giving the municipality power to remove fences and barriers put up by private developers, amid ongoing disputes over access at places like Puerto Mejía. Climate Signal (Global): NOAA and other climate trackers report May 2026 as the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 will land among the four warmest years—raising stakes for adaptation planning. Bolivia Protests & Emergency Law: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz enacted Law 1740 regulating “states of exception,” allowing emergency measures during unrest or disasters while protests and roadblocks continue to disrupt supplies and transport. Travel Reality Check (Bolivia): Travel operators say Bolivia’s marquee sites remain open, but internal road closures and fuel shortages can derail classic itineraries—flights are often the most reliable option. Environmental Leadership (Monaco): The Prince Albert II Foundation brought young environmental leaders to its Re.Generation campus, including a Bolivian Indigenous wetland restorer focused on high-altitude ecosystem recovery. Marine Stewardship (Ocean Governance): A World Oceans Day op-ed argues for moving beyond extraction toward measurable, performance-based ocean management, including regenerative aquaculture.

Bolivia Protest Law: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz enacted Law 1740 regulating “states of exception,” giving the government a legal path to deploy armed forces and restrict freedoms during threats to security, unrest, or natural disasters—amid weeks of protests and roadblocks disrupting supplies and the economy. Public Beach Access: La Paz City Council approved new regulations to stop illegal beach closures by removing fences and gates that block public coastline access, aiming to protect “people’s beaches” even as disputes continue around areas like Puerto Mejía. Climate Heat Watch: New global climate reporting says May 2026 ranked as the second-warmest May on record, with high odds that 2026 will land among the four warmest years—raising stakes for extreme-weather planning. Ocean Stewardship Push: World Oceans Day commentary argues ocean governance should shift from extraction to measurable stewardship, including regenerative aquaculture, as rising temperatures and pressure on fisheries threaten coastal communities. Environmental Leadership: The Prince Albert II Foundation brought young environmental leaders to Monaco, including a Bolivian Indigenous wetland restorer, highlighting high-altitude ecosystem recovery and youth-led conservation.

Climate Watch: NOAA reports May 2026 as the world’s second-warmest May on record, with January–May 2026 among the four warmest starts to a year and a high chance 2026 will land in the top four warmest years. Bolivia Protests & Governance: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz enacted Law 1740, regulating “states of exception” amid weeks of unrest and roadblocks; the law sets conditions for emergency measures and allows armed forces involvement while claiming rights protections. Public Access & Coasts (La Paz): La Paz City Council approved new regulations to protect public beach access, aiming to remove fences and barriers that block coastline entry. Indigenous Land Under Pressure: Reporting highlights armed groups and illegal mining activity tied to the Sararé Indigenous Territory, underscoring violence and environmental threats near Bolivia’s border. Conservation Leadership: The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation brought young environmental leaders to its Re.Generation campus, including a Bolivian Indigenous wetland restorer. Sustainability Spotlight: Premios Verdes released its 2026 ranking of 500 socio-environmental projects across Latin America and the Caribbean, with Bolivia listed among the top contributors.

Public Beach Access in La Paz: La Paz City Council approved new regulations to stop illegal beach closures and remove fences or gates blocking public shoreline access, aiming to protect “people’s beaches” and shield municipal actions from legal challenges. Bolivia Emergency Law Amid Protests: President Rodrigo Paz enacted a law regulating “states of exception” as road blockades and unrest disrupt supplies and the economy; the framework defines when emergency measures can be used and the roles of police, armed forces, and prosecutors. Lithium Supply Under Pressure: Reporting links Bolivia’s escalating security measures to road blockades that are choking logistics around the Salar de Uyuni lithium corridor, raising risks for the 2026 critical-minerals supply chain. Water Pollution Research in Bolivia: Santa Cruz hosted “Water in Bolivia” (May 4–7), with researchers and partners including ALLATRA focusing on water security, climate risks, and emerging concerns like micro- and nanoplastics. Plastic Pollution Focused Conference: ALLATRA also joined a Bolivia water conference centered on plastic pollution and environmental health. Sustainability Project Ranking: Premios Verdes released its 2026 ranking of 500 socio-environmental projects across Latin America and the Caribbean, with Bolivia listed among the top contributors (58 projects). Agroecology Storytelling: Andes Agroecológicos highlighted farmers across Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador using agroecological practices that protect biodiversity and strengthen local food systems. Marine Conservation vs Gas Expansion: A report highlights Mexican groups and Earthjustice challenging plans to turn the Gulf of California into a fossil-fuel LNG shipping hub, warning industrial activity could damage a UNESCO biodiversity hotspot.

Bolivia Emergency Law: Bolivia’s government has enacted a new law regulating “states of exception,” setting rules for when emergency powers can be declared amid unrest and how police, armed forces, and prosecutors must act—aimed at restoring supplies and economic normality after weeks of protests and road blockades. Protest Impacts on Life and Services: Reports describe violent clashes in and around La Paz, with demonstrators and police using explosives and tear gas, while road closures contribute to food and medicine shortages—prompting stronger travel warnings. Water and Pollution Research: In Santa Cruz, Bolivia hosted “Water in Bolivia: Science, Innovation and Alliances for Sustainable Futures,” with researchers and partners focusing on water security, climate risks, and emerging concerns like micro- and nanoplastics. Plastic Pollution Focus: A related ALLATRA effort highlighted plastic pollution as a key 21st-century environmental challenge in Bolivia’s water discussions. Regional Sustainability Tracking: Premios Verdes released its 2026 ranking of 500 socio-environmental projects across Latin America and the Caribbean, with Bolivia listed among the top contributors.

Bolivia Emergency Law: Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz signed a new law regulating “states of exception,” setting rules for when emergency powers can be declared amid 39 straight days of protests and road blockades, with a 72-hour legislative review and stated commitments to protect rights and keep dialogue central. Water & Pollution Research: In Santa Cruz, the “Water in Bolivia” conference (May 4–7) brought universities, researchers, and communities together on water security, climate risks, and emerging pollution concerns, including micro- and nanoplastics, with ALLATRA Global Research Center as a key partner. Biodiversity & Wildlife Response: A report on Baja California Sur highlights ongoing whale entanglement problems and the limits of rescue when fishing gear can’t be removed—an issue that resonates for Bolivia’s own marine protection efforts. Sustainability Showcases: Premios Verdes released its 2026 ranking of 500 socio-environmental projects across Latin America and the Caribbean, with Bolivia listed among the top contributors (58 projects), signaling where sustainability work is scaling up. Agroecology Stories: Andes Agroecológicos shared regional agroecology progress through content creators, spotlighting farming practices that protect biodiversity and strengthen local food systems.

Water & Plastic Pollution: In Santa Cruz, Bolivia hosted “Water in Bolivia: Science, Innovation and Alliances for Sustainable Futures” (May 4–7), with researchers and communities tackling water security, climate risks, and emerging micro- and nanoplastics concerns; ALLATRA Global Research Center joined as a key partner to push science-to-policy collaboration. Socio-Environmental Solutions: Premios Verdes released its 2026 ranking of the top 500 socio-environmental projects across 21 countries and 243 cities, with Colombia leading overall and Bolivia placing 4th by country count (58 projects), setting up a major Cuenca event in October. Indigenous Environmental Defenders: A new report highlights how indigenous communities in Latin America—often including Bolivia—face deadly pressure as governments, companies, and criminal groups target resources on their lands, while communities innovate legally to protect territory. Environmental Crime & Mercury: An investigation says illegal mercury trafficking linked to criminal networks is fueling toxic gold extraction across Latin America, with flows reported from Mexico to Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia—raising serious ecosystem and public health stakes. Biodiversity & Wildlife Research: A study using soccer tournaments with the Tsimane’ in the Bolivian Amazon finds oxytocin rises during rivalry, adding to growing research on how social life shapes biology in high-biodiversity ecosystems.

Bolivia’s emergency powers: Bolivia’s Chamber of Deputies approved a bill regulating “States of Exception,” setting rules and limits for when extraordinary measures can be used amid threats to security, unrest, or natural disasters—after 37 days of blockades tied to protests. Food access under pressure in La Paz: Hundreds of residents braved near-freezing temperatures to queue for affordable chicken as shortages, price spikes, and blockades disrupt access to food and medical supplies. Wildlife crisis in the region: In Baja California Sur, Mexico recorded fewer entangled whales (64 in 2025–2026 vs 80+ the prior season), with cases involving fishing gear that rescue teams sometimes can’t remove—highlighting ongoing harm to marine life. Indigenous environmental defense: A report highlights how Indigenous communities across Latin America face deadly pressure over land and resources, with Mexico and Bolivia cited for legal innovation amid violence against defenders. Coolcation and climate stress: A travel ranking spotlights “cool” nature escapes across the Americas and Caribbean, reflecting how extreme heat and climate change are reshaping where people vacation. Mining and biodiversity risks: A genetic study flags extreme extinction risk for a mangrove-adapted pampas cat population in Peru, with only nine cats detected and just two breeding.