AGP Executive Report

Monteverde Cloud Forest Drying Despite Heavy Rain: Scientists say rising cloud decks and fewer fog contacts are drying the canopy from within, even with ~2,500mm annual rainfall—hurting epiphytes that act like moisture sponges. Deep-Sea Discovery Off Costa Rica: Researchers using the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian found a new “golden coral” species, Laurinque elenya, and even created a new coral family to classify it. Ghost Shark New to Science: A new deep-sea ghost shark, Rhinochimaera costaricana, was formally described from specimens collected off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Ecological Restoration in Costa Rica: Coffee pulp helped regenerate degraded pastureland in southern Costa Rica—trees covered over 80% of treated plots in two years, boosting soil nutrients and moisture. Housing Access Pressure: A Costa Rica study finds 81.4% of renter households face major barriers to formal mortgage financing due to down-payment and income mismatch. Water Infrastructure Tech: SIMFLO won a Central America municipal water project for well construction and maintenance in El Salvador, supplying custom vertical turbine pump assemblies. Medicinal Cannabis Lab: Costa Rica inaugurated its first lab for manufacturing medicinal cannabis medicines, marking a medical and biotech milestone.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Scientists have described a new “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, from deep waters off Costa Rica, creating a new coral family after DNA and physical traits didn’t fit known groups. Conservation & Climate Tech: Costa Rica’s mangrove restoration push in Golfo Dulce has planted 12,000 seedlings, with early survival estimates around 75–80%, aiming to rebuild coastal protection and habitat. Ecological Restoration (Coffee Waste): A Costa Rica study found coffee pulp can regenerate degraded pasture fast—trees covered over 80% of treated land in two years, boosting soil nutrients and moisture. Biodiversity & Geotourism: Costa Rica is renewing efforts to get Chirripó recognized as its first UNESCO Global Geopark, tying geology research and education to sustainable tourism. Health & Aging Research: A Latin America lifestyle program study reported improved cognition in older adults after culturally adapted coaching, combining activity, diet, cognitive training, and social support. Housing Affordability: A Costa Rica study says 81.4% of renter households face major barriers to formal mortgage financing due to income vs. home prices.

Public Health: A growing kidney crisis tied to Mesoamerican nephropathy is hitting Pacific-coast communities across Central America, including Costa Rica, with researchers pointing to agrochemical exposure, heat stress from hard labor, and poor hydration as likely drivers. Marine Science: Deep-sea explorers off Costa Rica have described a new “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, based on distinctive traits and DNA, underscoring how much remains unknown in the Pacific’s depths. Ecology & Climate Resilience: In Costa Rica’s southern Pacific, mangrove restoration is underway after heavy loss—12,000 seedlings have been planted and early survival is estimated at 75–80%. Volcano Watch: Costa Rica issued a preventive green alert for areas near Rincón de la Vieja as activity increased, with lahars a key concern during strong eruptions. Conservation Tech: Scientists also report coffee pulp can regenerate degraded land fast—an experiment in Costa Rica’s Sabalito reserve boosted native tree growth to over 80% coverage in two years. Education & Learning: UNESCO is preparing ERCE 2025 results for Latin America and the Caribbean, with Costa Rica among participating countries.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Off Costa Rica’s Pacific, scientists using a remotely operated vehicle found a striking “golden coral” unlike anything known, naming it Laurinque elenya and even creating a new coral family to classify it. Marine Life: A new “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, was formally described from deep waters off Costa Rica, based on unique traits and DNA from specimens collected over two decades. Volcano Watch: Costa Rica issued a preventive green alert around Rincón de la Vieja after more than 100 eruptions in July-August, with officials monitoring for possible lahars that could affect nearby rivers. Climate & Restoration: In Costa Rica’s south Pacific, communities planted 12,000 mangrove seedlings in the Golfo Dulce region, with early survival estimates around 75–80%. Housing Tech & Policy: A new study says 81.4% of Costa Rican renter households face major barriers to formal mortgage financing, highlighting how income and down-payment rules block homeownership. Education Assessment: UNESCO is preparing ERCE 2025 results, with Costa Rica among participating countries, to compare learning in reading, math, and science across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Education & Learning: UNESCO is set to release ERCE 2025 results, the region’s key primary education assessment, with first findings due in December 2026 for Grade 3 Reading/Math and Grade 6 Reading/Math/Science—Costa Rica is among the 18 participating countries. Marine Science: Researchers have formally described a new deep-sea “ghost shark,” Rhinochimaera costaricana, found off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast from specimens netted between 2000 and 2023. Climate & Restoration: In southern Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce, a community-led effort has planted 12,000+ mangrove seedlings, with early survival estimates around 75–80% as locals work to rebuild coastal protection and habitat. Volcano Watch: Costa Rica issued a preventive green alert for five areas near Rincón de la Vieja after more than 100 eruptions in July–August, including strong activity that can trigger lahars. Tech & Health: Costa Rica marked a medical milestone with the first implantation of a 3D-printed cranial prosthesis. Energy & Mobility: Costa Rica is among LatAm’s fastest-growing EV markets for electrified light vehicles, as electric vans move from pilots toward mainstream adoption.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Researchers identified Rhinochimaera costaricana, a new “ghost shark” species, from deep Pacific waters off Costa Rica, using physical traits and DNA—highlighting how little we still know about deep ecosystems under pressure from fishing, mining, and climate change. Volcano Watch: Costa Rica issued a preventive green alert around Rincón de la Vieja after more than 100 eruptions in July–August, with officials monitoring for possible lahars and no evacuation orders. Conservation & Restoration: In Golfo Dulce, communities planted 12,000+ mangrove seedlings; early results suggest 75–80% survival, aiming to rebuild coastal protection and habitat. Local Housing Reality: A new study says 81.4% of Costa Rican renter households face major barriers to formal mortgage financing, driven by down-payment and income gaps. STEM & Research Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s first medicinal cannabis manufacturing lab in Cartago (and related efforts) marks a medical milestone as the country expands lab capacity. Business & Investment: PROCOMER’s Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit drew 1,000+ companies and buyers from 40+ countries for thousands of meetings. Education Funding Protest: Students across Costa Rica’s public universities marched against a proposed FEES freeze for 2027, warning scholarships, research, and services could be hit.

Costa Rica Tech & Climate: In the Golfo Dulce region, Costa Rica is restoring lost mangroves with 12,000 seedlings and rebuilt water channels, with early survival estimated at 75–80%—a practical boost for coastal protection and local livelihoods. Volcano Watch: The National Emergency Commission issued a preventive green alert around Rincón de la Vieja after more than 100 eruptions in July and August, including strong activity that can trigger lahars along nearby waterways. Science & Health Tech: Peptides Costa Rica rolled out a new transparency standard—expanded batch/lot IDs, easier certificate-of-analysis access, and tighter supplier checks—aimed at improving trust as the peptide market faces growing scrutiny. STEM & Education: Costa Rica’s first medicinal cannabis manufacturing lab opened in Cartago, while students and partners across the region keep pushing classroom and research capacity. Connectivity: Tarana Wireless and Costa Rica ISP Itellum demonstrated gigabit-tier fixed wireless access, supported by SUTEL resolutions that clear the way for automated frequency coordination in the 6 GHz band. Local Tech Economy: PROCOMER’s Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit brought 1,000+ companies and buyers from 40+ countries for 3,600+ tailored meetings, signaling continued momentum for high-value sourcing and investment.

Conservation in Action: Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce is seeing mangrove recovery after years of loss, with 12,000 seedlings planted and early survival estimated at 75–80%, alongside community-led restoration of water channels. Public Safety & Science: Costa Rica issued a preventive green alert for areas near Rincón de la Vieja after 100+ eruptions in July–August, warning about possible lahars and heightened river risk without evacuations. Tech & Connectivity: Tarana Wireless and Costa Rica ISP Itellum demonstrated gigabit-tier fixed wireless access, as SUTEL advances 6 GHz rules using automated frequency coordination. Health Tech & Research Integrity: Peptides Costa Rica rolled out a new transparency standard—expanded batch/lot IDs, easier COA access, and stronger supplier verification—as scrutiny grows in the peptide market. STEM & Med Cannabis Manufacturing: Costa Rica inaugurated its first laboratory for manufacturing medicinal cannabis medicines, adding to the country’s push to build local biotech capacity. Education & Funding: Students at Costa Rica’s public universities protested proposed FEES funding being kept flat for 2027, warning scholarships, research, and services could take a hit. Wildlife Protection: A new Costa Rica campaign (#WhatYouCarry) urges travelers not to take wildlife or plants home after thousands of specimens were seized at borders.

Volcano Watch: Costa Rica issued a preventive green alert for five areas near Rincón de la Vieja after more than 100 eruptions were recorded in July and August, with officials warning about possible lahars flowing down nearby rivers. Telecom Upgrade: Tarana Wireless and Costa Rican ISP Itellum demonstrated a live 1 Gbps fixed wireless access link, as SUTEL published resolutions enabling standard-power 6 GHz systems managed by automated frequency coordination. Medicinal Cannabis Manufacturing: Vantage Point Global inaugurated Costa Rica’s first medicinal cannabis manufacturing lab in Cartago, aiming to move from raw exports to finished medicines and create up to 420 jobs. Wildlife Protection: A new #WhatYouCarry campaign targets travelers who try to take wildlife, plants, and other natural specimens home, after thousands were seized at airports and borders. Deep-Sea Discovery: Researchers formally described a new “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, based on specimens collected off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Health & Research Policy: Costa Rica’s police science expert warns that crackdowns may not stop violence unless the country also tackles recruitment of younger criminal leaders. Business & Trade: PROCOMER opened the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit with 40+ countries and 1,000+ companies lined up for thousands of meetings.

Telecom & Connectivity: Tarana Wireless and Costa Rica ISP Itellum demoed a live 1 Gbps fixed wireless access link in San José, backed by SUTEL resolutions that open the 6 GHz band for standard-power systems using automated frequency coordination. Health Tech & Biotech: Costa Rica inaugurated its first medicinal cannabis manufacturing lab in Cartago (Vantage Point Global), shifting the sector from raw exports to finished medicines, with up to 420 jobs projected. Medical Tourism Shift: Hospitals report more international patients coming for inpatient surgeries and complex care—not just quick procedures—signaling Costa Rica’s growing role in higher-acuity healthcare. Public Safety & Crime Prevention: A UNED police science expert warns Costa Rica’s crackdown may not stop violence unless it tackles recruitment of younger criminal leaders. Science Discovery: Researchers formally described a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Environment & Ocean Life: A Panama alert says vessel noise can cut whale song detection by up to 45%, complicating communication and migration. Education Tech: Costa Rica’s Hello Brete free English program saw 99,000 dropouts, raising concerns about retention in self-directed online learning.

Medicinal Cannabis Manufacturing: Vantage Point Global opened Costa Rica’s first medicinal cannabis manufacturing lab in El Guarco, Cartago—shifting the sector from exporting raw materials to making finished concentrates, oils, syrups, and pills, with up to 420 jobs projected. Telecom Connectivity: Tarana Wireless and Itellum demonstrated a live 1 Gbps fixed wireless access link in Costa Rica, supported by SUTEL’s new 6 GHz standard power framework aimed at closing broadband gaps. Digital Forensics for Crime Fighting: The OIJ is buying Cellebrite Inseyets tech to unlock data from seized, password-protected phones—targeting encrypted evidence in cases tied to organized crime. Medical Tech in the Clinic: Caja successfully implanted Costa Rica’s first personalized, 3D-printed cranial prosthesis using its own research and innovation capabilities. Public Health & Lab Capacity: PAHO/WHO ran regional training in Panama to strengthen bioinformatics and genomic surveillance skills across Central America, including Costa Rica. Deep-Sea Discovery: Researchers formally described a new “ghost shark” species off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Rhinochimaera costaricana. Environment & Climate: Forecasts warn El Niño could intensify into a “super El Niño,” raising drought and wildfire risk for Costa Rica’s Pacific region.

Medicinal Cannabis Manufacturing: Vantage Point Global inaugurated Costa Rica’s first medicinal cannabis manufacturing lab in El Guarco, Cartago, shifting the sector from exporting raw materials to making finished concentrates, oils, syrups, and pills, with plans to grow from 85 workers to up to 420 as regulatory gaps remain a key hurdle. Medtech Innovation: Costa Rica’s CCSS (Caja) implanted a personalized, 3D-printed cranial prosthesis for the first time, using digital reconstruction to fit a patient’s skull defect—an institutional push toward in-house research and specialized care. Digital Forensics: The OIJ is buying Cellebrite Inseyets tech to unlock information from seized phones, aiming to overcome encryption and password barriers as organized crime leans on encrypted messaging. Connectivity & Telecom: Tarana Wireless and Itellum demonstrated a live 1 Gbps fixed wireless access link in Costa Rica, supported by SUTEL’s new 6 GHz standard power framework for gigabit-class coverage. Public Health Genomics: PAHO/WHO ran a regional bioinformatics course in Panama for genomic surveillance teams across Central America, including Costa Rica, to turn sequences into actionable public health decisions. Biodiversity Discovery: Researchers formally described a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, based on specimens collected off Costa Rica. Marine Science: A Panama study found vessel noise cuts the chance of detecting humpback whale songs by about 40–45%, highlighting underwater noise as a pollution issue across the region. El Niño Watch: Forecasts point to a possible super El Niño, which could bring drier conditions and higher wildfire risk for Costa Rica and beyond.

Medicinal Cannabis Manufacturing: Vantage Point Global opened Costa Rica’s first medicinal cannabis manufacturing lab in El Guarco, Cartago, aiming to move from raw exports to full pharmaceutical production, with plans to scale from 85 workers to as many as 420 and export finished products to Europe. 3D-Printed Healthcare: Costa Rica’s CCSS (Caja) implanted the country’s first personalized 3D-printed cranial prosthesis, using patient imaging to fit skull defects and expand specialized care. Medtech Growth: Lantern Med Digital highlights Costa Rica’s shift into high-tech manufacturing, with medical devices now the biggest export and major multinationals driving the ecosystem. Education Tech Watch: Costa Rica’s Hello Brete English program saw about 99,000 dropouts in four months (around a 48% dropout rate), raising concerns about self-directed online learning and retention. Space/Connectivity: Liberty Costa Rica launched a Starlink direct-to-device mobile satellite service, extending coverage for remote areas and emergencies. Volcano Safety: Poás Volcano tightened access after an eruption, cutting daily visitors and requiring helmets and limits at the crater viewpoint.

Medtech & manufacturing: Lantern Med Digital says medical devices are now Costa Rica’s biggest export (44% of goods exports in 2024), building on decades of medtech and semiconductor investment. Satellite connectivity: Liberty Costa Rica and Starlink launched a direct-to-device mobile service to reach remote areas and support emergencies when terrestrial networks fail. Neurovascular research: Terumo Neuro published 1-year WISE study results for WEB treatment in ruptured and unruptured aneurysm cohorts, reporting 0% new bleeds/rebleeds through one year. STEM education: A Costa Rican Dream Center program is already graduating 26 students from a six-month computer programming class. AI geopolitics: A new analysis maps a growing “AI Cold War” between U.S.-led and China-led blocs shaping infrastructure and governance. Marine science: Boat noise is reducing humpback whale song detection by up to ~45% in Panama’s Pacific monitoring sites. Environment & policy: Costa Rica will require wildlife crossings for roads when connectivity is disrupted, with citizen science urged to document where bridges are needed. Energy transition: IRENA opened a call for renewable project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Costa Rica.

Volcano Safety Update: Costa Rica tightened Poás Volcano rules after an early-morning eruption, cutting daily visitors to 1,064 (from 2,052) and requiring helmets plus a limit of 56 people at the crater viewpoint for up to 20 minutes. Wildlife Protection Policy: Lawmakers approved wildlife crossings for roads when infrastructure disrupts habitat or threatens animals, with the National Environmental Technical Secretariat set to review plans and citizens able to submit scientific data. Conservation Science: Researchers documented a rare golden ray in Costa Rica’s northern Pacific, linked to xanthism (pigment cells failing to mask yellow), after two sightings near Playa Manzanillo. Renewables Funding Call: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Costa Rica, with possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and financing accelerator. Local Tech Training: A Glasgow church partnership helped Costa Rica’s Dream Center in San José run a six-month computer programming class, graduating 26 students who included at least one new paid app-development intern. Education Integrity: Ghana’s GTEC published a list of 100 unrecognized universities, including Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica, warning students to verify credentials before enrolling.

Volcano Safety Update: Costa Rica tightened Poás Volcano rules after an eruption, cutting daily visitors to 1,064 (from 2,052) and requiring helmets plus stricter limits at the crater viewpoint (56 people for up to 20 minutes) while monitoring continues. Wildlife Protection Policy: Costa Rica approved a regulation requiring wildlife crossings for roads that disrupt habitat connectivity, with citizen scientists invited to submit data to justify additional crossings. Renewables Finance Call: IRENA opened a call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Costa Rica, offering potential access to de-risking tools and financing via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. AgTech Research: Costa Rican agtech ClearLeaf’s silver-based fungicide GotaBlanca shows promise against strawberry disease Neopestalotiopsis in trials with the University of Florida. Local Tech & Skills: A Glasgow church partnership helped Costa Rica’s Dream Center in San José run a six-month computer programming class, graduating 26 students who moved into further opportunities. Education & Recognition: Ghana’s GTEC published a list of 100 unrecognized universities, including Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica, warning students to verify credentials.