AGP Executive Report

Democracy in the spotlight: Former President Miguel Ángel Rodríguez backed Costa Rica’s “sit-in for democracy,” saying citizens can protest peacefully but urging dialogue and urgent justice-system changes without destabilizing the country. Presidential dispute: President Laura Fernández doubled down on her claim of an “institutional coup d’état,” keeping pressure on the judiciary despite backlash and questions about economic impacts. Health alert: Chikungunya has resurfaced in Costa Rica, with CCSS reporting hundreds of treated cases and the Health Ministry citing PCR-confirmed infections—officials warn community spread could grow in the rainy season. Weather and risk: July rainfall was sharply uneven, with deficits up to 58% in the Pacific and Central Valley and surpluses up to 70% in the Caribbean and Northeast, tied to El Niño patterns. Public safety: A maintenance worker linked to the Cabo Velas property of American Caroline Heaviland is named prime suspect in her murder, after investigators traced clues through a Liberia police checkpoint. Emergency services: Costa Rica approved nighttime air ambulance flights to six airfields/airports under a national protocol for critically ill patients. Wildlife law: Costa Rica passed a landmark law requiring wildlife crossings on all public roads. Maritime incident: A COSCO-managed car carrier fire off Costa Rica led to the rescue of 22 crew members.

Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly unanimously approved a law requiring wildlife crossings in infrastructure, pushing roadkill prevention into early planning and mandating SINAC/SETENA biological reviews for both land and aquatic species. Public Safety: Rough seas are expected this weekend along Costa Rica’s Caribbean and North Pacific coasts, with wave heights up to 2.7 meters and wind gusts of 30–60 km/h, prompting warnings for swimmers and small craft. Health Update: COVID-19 cases are rising again in Costa Rica, with confirmed infections up 34% week over week and hospitalizations up 56%, though officials say there’s no national alert. Environment & Agriculture: A newly confirmed “coffee frog” species was spotted in San Lorenzo de Tarrazu, but researchers warn pesticides on coffee plantations could threaten its habitat. Indigenous Culture: Costa Rica marked International Day of Indigenous Peoples with renewed focus on endangered Indigenous languages as younger generations shift to Spanish. International Spotlight: Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan is leading early UN secretary-general straw polls, putting her in position to become the first woman to lead the UN. Crime: Armed attackers entered a Nicoya hospital early Saturday and executed an inpatient, as investigators work to understand how suspects reached the care area.

Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly unanimously approved a law requiring wildlife crossings in public infrastructure, with early planning, mandatory SINAC and SETENA reviews, and protections for land and aquatic species. Coastal Safety: Rougher seas are expected this weekend as trade winds strengthen, with wave heights up to 2.7 meters along exposed Caribbean and North Pacific areas. New Species, New Risk: Scientists identified a tiny nocturnal “coffee frog” endemic to Costa Rica’s central Pacific, but warn pesticides on coffee plantations could threaten its habitat. Public Health Alert: A rabies outbreak in Golfito killed cattle and triggered quarantine and vaccination of 165 animals, renewing warnings for ranchers and pet owners. Crime Update: OIJ agents arrested a man in Paso Ancho after seizing axolotls, turtles, and related equipment in an alleged wildlife trafficking case. International Spotlight: Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan is leading the UN secretary-general race after an initial Security Council straw poll. Maritime Rescue: A Chinese car carrier fire off Costa Rica led to the rescue of 22 seafarers by nearby ships, with delivery planned to Japan.

Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly unanimously approved a new law requiring wildlife crossings on public roads, pushing ecological connectivity into early project planning and mandating SINAC/SETENA biological reviews to cut roadkill. New Species & Farming Risks: Scientists identified Costa Rica’s tiny nocturnal “coffee frog” (spring frog) in central Pacific coffee plantations, but warn pesticides could threaten it as chemicals seep into soil and waterways where tadpoles develop. Public Health Alert: Costa Rica reported a rabies outbreak in Golfito that killed three cattle, triggering quarantine and mass vaccination of 165 animals, with warnings to pet owners and ranchers to stay up to date. Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown: The OIJ seized exotic wildlife in Paso Ancho, including axolotls and turtles, after a raid tied to suspected online sales or exchanges. UN Leadership Race: A Costa Rican diplomat, Rebeca Grynspan, is emerging as a frontrunner to become the UN’s first female secretary-general after an early Security Council straw poll. Travel & Access: More nonstop flights to San José are set to launch or expand this high season, with one promoted Las Vegas route already canceled.

New Species in Coffee Plantations: Costa Rica scientists have identified a tiny nocturnal “coffee frog” (spring frog) in San Lorenzo de Tarrazú. Males have a translucent throat that inflates as they sing from coffee shrubs, and the species is endemic to the country. Agrochemical Risk: Researchers warn pesticide use on coffee farms could threaten the frog, since chemicals can travel through air, seep into soil, and reach the water where tadpoles develop. Inflation Watch: Costa Rica’s consumer prices fell again in July, keeping the country in negative year-over-year inflation for 15 straight months, with declines led by transportation, food, and travel-related costs. Rabies Alert: A rabies outbreak in Golfito killed three cattle, prompting quarantine and vaccination of 165 cattle, with renewed warnings for pet owners and ranchers to stay up to date on vaccines. International Climate Rule: A new UNEP report says countries are turning “just transition” promises into laws and policies, emphasizing fair climate action for workers, Indigenous communities, and future generations.

Colombia-U.S. Security Pivot: Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president in Cali, breaking tradition by holding the ceremony outside Bogotá, and vowed to “relentlessly defeat narco-terrorism,” reject dialogue with armed groups, and pursue closer ties with Washington, including joining Trump’s anti-cartel “Shield of the Americas.” U.S. Aid Signal: The U.S. said it plans to work with Congress on a $1 billion security assistance package for the new administration. Costa Rica Biodiversity: Costa Rican scientists and partners identified a new endemic nocturnal tree frog—nicknamed the “coffee frog”—found in coffee plantations in the central Pacific, while warning pesticides could threaten its habitat and tadpoles. UN Leadership Race: The race for the next UN secretary-general entered a decisive phase, with Russia’s deputy foreign minister saying more candidates could still be added. Local Justice & Crime: A Texas judge sentenced Scott Brannon in a Costa Rica-linked illegal gambling case, ordering probation and a $25 million forfeiture.

Democracy Protest: Thousands filled San José’s Plaza de la Democracia on Aug. 6 in a peaceful “Plantón por la Democracia,” backing the Judiciary and rejecting what they see as executive interference in the justice system amid a high-stakes court dispute. Fuel Relief: Costa Rica cut diesel, premium gasoline, and LPG prices effective Aug. 6, with diesel down ¢79 per liter and LPG cylinders down ¢451; RECOPE also clarified why “Super” is now cheaper than “Regular.” Vape Rules Delayed: Costa Rica’s flavored vape restrictions were set to start Aug. 6, but a decree pushed the deadline to Aug. 6, 2027—keeping the same limits and bans, just extending the current rules. Tourism & Environment: A report warns pesticide runoff is quietly draining the Caribbean tourism economy, linking heavy chemical use to risks for river ecosystems feeding Limón’s mangroves and reefs. Wellness Travel Angle: A new travel feature argues Costa Rica is becoming a wellness hotspot because nature and sustainability are built into daily life, not sold as an add-on.

Judiciary Clash Turns Into Mass Protest: Thousands gathered in San José and across provinces to denounce what they see as government interference with the Judiciary, after a dispute over Constitutional Court judge appointments and extensions escalated; President Laura Fernández called the emergency move a “coup d’état” and filed a criminal complaint, while the Attorney General warned of a political project going the wrong way. Vape Deadline Shift: Costa Rica’s flavored vape rules were set to start Aug. 6, but an executive decree pushed the deadline to Aug. 6, 2027—without changing the substance of the restrictions. Caribbean Tourism Under Pressure: New reporting highlights pesticide runoff draining into the Caribbean, raising ecological and tourism risks for the region. Weather Warning for El Niño: July brought drought on the Pacific side and heavy rain on the Caribbean, with drought now meeting technical criteria in parts of the Central Valley and beyond. Education Integrity Focus: Ghana’s tertiary regulator reaffirmed scrutiny over foreign credentials, including a case involving Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica. Regional Trade Talks: Costa Rica proposed a two-part plan with Panama to unblock a seven-year agricultural dispute, combining a process for exports with WTO arbitration.

Local Politics: Frente Amplio legislator Edgardo Araya sparked a tense clash at Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly, questioning President Laura Fernández’s honesty during debate over pensions for former presidents, derailing the session after protests from the ruling caucus. Public Safety & Justice: Costa Rica’s police report links 116 officers to criminal groups, while the country also faces scrutiny over alleged money laundering networks tied to an alias “Diablo.” Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica approved a wildlife crossings law aimed at reducing animal deaths from roads and development. Tourism & Travel: Costa Rica is set to suspend all travel to the Middle East due to escalation risks, while the country continues to draw visitors—reaching nearly one million U.S. tourists in six months. Business & Economy: Starbucks opened its 33rd Costa Rica store in San José, and Costa Rica’s Central Bank warned growth is slowing amid El Niño-related cost risks. Education & Community: A UK-funded project with IOM is training communities in Costa Rica to recognize and report trafficking, including work with the tourism sector. International Spotlight: Texas Tech University named Paul Vita dean of its Costa Rica campus, starting Sept. 1.

Constitutional Overhaul: Costa Rica’s governing party filed constitutional reform bills that would shift key powers away from the Comptroller General, change how substitute Supreme Court justices are selected, and replace renewable eight-year terms with a single 15-year term. Wildlife Protection: The Legislative Assembly unanimously approved a Wildlife Crossings law requiring mitigation measures—like tunnels, underpasses, fencing, and rope bridges—when roads fragment habitats, with the bill now heading to the president for signature. Human Trafficking Response: A UK-funded IOM initiative is strengthening Costa Rica’s anti-trafficking system, including tourism safeguarding and a Spanish-language guide for frontline workers near the northern border. Crime & Justice: INTERPOL and OIJ arrested a U.S. citizen in San José wanted for alleged fraud and money laundering, while separate reporting details how “Diablo’s” network allegedly laundered drug profits through cattle and shell companies. Sports & Youth: Haiti’s U-20 team missed the 2027 World Cup after a penalty shootout loss to Costa Rica. International Watch: Costa Rica reiterated its recommendation to suspend all travel to the Middle East due to escalation risks.

Higher-Education Leadership: Texas Tech University named Paul Vita the new dean of its Texas Tech-Costa Rica campus, starting Sept. 1, aiming to expand U.S.-style education closer to home for Costa Rican students. Security Cooperation: The U.S. Southern Command announced a Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force with 18 partner countries to combat transnational organized crime, framed as a transition from Operation Southern Spear. Human Trafficking Prevention: A UK-funded project with IOM boosted Costa Rica’s anti-trafficking response, including training for communities and a Spanish guide for tourism workers to spot and report exploitation. Travel Advisory: Costa Rica reiterated its recommendation to suspend all travel to the Middle East due to escalation risks and possible sudden flight and airspace disruptions. Cross-Border Justice: INTERPOL and Costa Rican authorities arrested a U.S. citizen wanted by the FBI for alleged fraud and money laundering, with extradition steps now underway. Money Laundering Case: Prosecutors detailed “Diablo’s” cattle-linked laundering network, describing a multi-stage scheme tied to Alejandro Arias Monge and arrests from a major 2023 operation. Democracy Mobilization: Social groups called for “Sit-ins for Democratic Justice” Aug. 6 in San José and Liberia, opposing reforms they say would escalate attacks on democratic institutions. UN Leadership Race: A UN Security Council straw poll put Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan among the front-runners in the race to succeed António Guterres.

Democracy Under Pressure: Costa Rican social groups and unions are calling a “Sit-ins for Democratic Justice” on Thursday, Aug. 6 in San José and Liberia, saying proposed judicial and extradition reforms threaten rule of law and the independence of public institutions. Organized Crime Probe: A confidential police intelligence report links 116 Fuerza Pública officers along Costa Rica’s southern border to alleged drug, liquor, and migrant smuggling networks, with the ministry saying the findings are not judicial evidence. Extradition Advances: The U.S. has provided final legal guarantees to move forward with extraditing “Macho Coca,” Gilbert Bell Fernández, to New York, including limits on sentencing and protections under U.S. process. Tourism & Travel: Marriott highlights Costa Rica’s Greater Metropolitan Area as a business-and-leisure “bleisure” hub, while a separate report notes Costa Rica has reached nearly one million U.S. tourists in six months. Internet Access Gap: A UNED/SUTEL analysis maps where fixed internet is weakest, showing the lowest subscription rates in rural and coastal areas like Talamanca, Guatuso, and La Cruz. Longevity Spotlight: Nicoya’s Blue Zone is home to dozens of centenarians, and one family is seeking official recognition for 119-year-old José Flores as possibly the world’s oldest man.

Tourism Boost: Costa Rica’s Greater Metropolitan Area (San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago) is being marketed as a top “bleisure” hub by Marriott, highlighting nearby volcanoes, museums, and business-ready hotels. Water Accountability: Costa Rica’s Comptroller ordered AyA and Aresep to identify customers overbilled for water, sewer, and hydrant services, after an audit found improper charges totaling about ₡65.4 billion (around $144M). Judicial Process Risk: A ruling-party complaint against four Sala IV magistrates could stall in the Full Court because substitute magistrates haven’t been appointed, leaving the case in limbo. Health Watch: Costa Rica’s chikungunya situation is in the spotlight as the CDC issued a Nicaragua alert, with Costa Rica already reporting an outbreak. Culture & Film: Costa Rican production “Love Is the Monster,” shot in Golfito, secured worldwide sales rights ahead of TIFF. Sports & Travel: Costa Rica also hit nearly one million U.S. tourist arrivals in six months, while a new nonstop flight from Austin to San José, Costa Rica, was announced.

Water Accountability: Costa Rica’s Comptroller General orders AyA and regulator Aresep to identify customers overbilled for water, sewer and hydrant services and set up a repayment mechanism after an audit found about ₡65.4 billion in improper charges. UN Leadership Watch: Reuters reports the UN Security Council is aiming to hold another informal secretary-general poll on Aug. 21, with Costa Rica’s former VP Rebeca Grynspan still a narrow early frontrunner. Tourism & Travel Links: Southwest announces a new nonstop Austin–San José route launching March 13, 2027, adding another direct option for Costa Rica-bound travelers. Romería Update: The Costa Rican Red Cross says the Romería operation ended with zero deaths, treating 1,772 people and transferring 34 to hospitals. Energy & Climate Funding: IRENA opens a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Costa Rica, with proposals prioritized before Sept. 1. Sports (Local Interest): Costa Rica’s U-20 team faces a CONCACAF quarterfinal venue/time change in Puebla, Mexico, for Aug. 4.

UN Leadership Race: Denmark is aiming to schedule another UN Security Council informal poll on Aug. 21 to pick António Guterres’ successor, with Costa Rica’s former VP Rebeca Grynspan still a narrow early frontrunner. Tourism & Travel: Southwest Airlines will launch a new Austin–San José, Costa Rica nonstop in March 2027. Public Safety on the Road: Costa Rica’s Romería ended with zero deaths as the Red Cross treated 1,772 pilgrims and transferred 34 to hospitals. Local Governance & Courts: Costa Rica’s government and courts are clashing over prison rules for “Diablo.” Border & Infrastructure Glitch: A computer outage at San José airport disrupted immigration processing, canceling one flight and leaving 36 passengers missing connections. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica launched a campaign to stop tourists from extracting wildlife, alongside new data showing thousands of seized animal and plant specimens at borders. Economy Watch: The Central Bank warned Costa Rica’s economy is slowing as El Niño risks rise.

UN Leadership Watch: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan topped the first UN Security Council straw poll to succeed António Guterres, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett close behind—setting up a high-stakes race for the next secretary-general. Public Safety & Prisons: President Laura Fernández ordered power outlets removed from Costa Rica prison cells after a crackdown seized hundreds of TVs and microwaves, tightening rules on what inmates can access. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica launched a national #WhatYouCarry campaign after authorities seized thousands of animal and plant specimens at borders, aiming to curb wildlife extraction by tourists and residents. Marine Cleanup: Playa Guacalillo opened Puntarenas’ first beach cleaning and volunteering center to intercept river-borne waste and turn it into recycled and reused materials. Tourism & Community: A report highlights how La Fortuna’s waterfall tourism benefits a community-run operation, not just outside businesses. Economy & Investment: Costa Rica ranked among the world’s top 10 for greenfield FDI projects per capita, reinforcing its pull for new foreign investment. Business/Trade: Costa Rica reduced orchid export costs to the U.S. by allowing shipments in original growing medium, easing burdens on growers.