AGP Executive Report

Electricity Watch: Paraguay’s electricity demand jumped 18.3% in the first half of 2026, with June alone up 11.8% year-on-year—another sign of rising pressure on the grid. Biodiversity & Landmarks: Asunción moves to protect a century-old tarumá tree at Caballero Park, with fencing and new signage after a technical inspection. Climate & Risk: A surge in extreme heat and wildfires across South America is raising alarms for Paraguay and neighbors, with record temperatures reported in the region. Trade & Food Policy: Americas agriculture officials warned that an EU proposal on maximum residue limits could become a de facto trade barrier, pushing for rules that are transparent and science-based. Regional Trade Talks: South Korea and Brazil agreed to restart Korea–Mercosur negotiations, with Paraguay included in the bloc and quarantine steps for livestock access flagged. Livestock Sustainability: Athian says it sold the first verified Brazilian beef inset credits, tied to methane-reduction results from a feed ingredient—an example of how livestock emissions cuts are being packaged for markets. Conservation Science: A study lists Paraguay among the hardest-hit countries in the Americas for neurological disorders, highlighting growing health burdens that can strain public services.

Energy Demand Watch: Paraguay’s electricity consumption jumped 18.3% in the first half of 2026, with June alone rising 11.8% year-on-year to 2,310,632 MWh, putting fresh pressure on grid planning and reliability. Biodiversity & Land Use: A century-old tarumá tree at Asunción’s Caballero Park is set to gain protected status after a municipal inspection, with plans for fencing and an information board to curb damage and boost conservation tourism. Climate-Smart Livestock: A Paraguay-linked push for lower-impact farming is echoed by new regional momentum around grassland conservation, where well-managed natural pastures are credited with supporting biodiversity while sustaining livestock production. Food & Farm Trade Rules: Across the Americas, officials are urging science-based, transparent agri-food trade standards, warning that EU MRL proposals could become a de facto barrier for exporters. Sustainability Finance for Beef: A Brazilian beef pilot using verified “insetting” credits—aimed at cutting methane—signals how livestock emissions reductions may be packaged and sold as Scope 3 assets, a model Paraguay producers may watch closely.

Trade & Food Safety: Americas officials at IICA in San José warned that an EU proposal on maximum residue limits for crop protection products could become a de facto barrier to imports, urging transparent, science-based rules and stronger technical dialogue. Biodiversity & Land Use: A long reintroduction effort is bringing collared peccaries back to Uruguay, with camera-trap sightings and young births suggesting the species is starting to establish again after local extinction. Climate & Nature Heritage (Asunción): Asunción plans to protect a century-old tarumá tree at Caballero Park after a municipal inspection, including fencing and an information board as part of a broader tree assessment. Conservation Finance: Paraguay and partners are linked to grassland conservation models showing how well-preserved natural grasslands can support livestock while conserving biodiversity and soils, with carbon-market-linked financing tools highlighted. Regional Diplomacy & Minerals: South Korea and Brazil agreed to push ahead on critical-minerals cooperation and to restart stalled Korea–Mercosur trade talks, with Paraguay included in the bloc. Local Context (Asunción): The city ranked high in Latin America on liveability, with “culture and environment” and infrastructure scoring strongly, while security and healthcare remain key gaps.

Wildlife Reintroduction: Uruguay’s collared peccary is returning after a 17-year absence, with camera-trap captures, tracks, and signs of young births suggesting the species may be re-establishing itself. Urban Nature Protection: Asunción plans to protect a century-old tarumá tree at Caballero Park, including a fence and an information board, after a technical inspection found the landmark’s health and historical value. Climate & Heat Stress: Reports warn of extraordinary heat across South America, with record temperatures flagged for countries including Paraguay—raising concerns for health and wildfire risk. Agri-Biosecurity & Farming Inputs: Micropep Technologies filed regulatory dossiers for its peptide biofungicide Promisin in the U.S. and EU, building on earlier filings in Brazil and Paraguay and targeting fungal diseases in crops like grape and potato. Health Systems Pressure: A PAHO-led study places Paraguay among the Americas’ hardest-hit countries for neurological disorders, highlighting gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and long-term care. Circular Economy in Asunción: Thrifting is growing among young Paraguayans as a more sustainable way to shop, shifting the culture from necessity to style and reuse. Food Label Scrutiny: Investigations into food fraud and misleading labels underscore the need for stronger testing and enforcement in imported and processed products. Trade & Environment Link: South Korea and Brazil renewed efforts to restart Korea–Mercosur talks, with Paraguay included in the bloc—an issue that could shape future regional resource and supply-chain decisions.

Natural Heritage in Asunción: A century-old tarumá tree at Caballero Park is set to gain protected status after a technical inspection found its health and historical value, with plans for fencing and an information board to curb damage and boost tourism. Climate & Heat Risk: Reports warn of extraordinary heat across South America, with Paraguay among countries facing record temperatures and heightened heat-stress risk. Public Health Burden: A PAHO-led study in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas flags Paraguay among the hardest-hit countries for neurological disorders, noting more people surviving conditions but living longer with disability. Education Infrastructure & Resilience: Paraguay-linked regional coverage highlights DepEd’s push for 106,000 new classrooms (2026–2031) and PPP planning for safer, climate-resilient school buildings in disaster-prone areas. Wildlife & Human Conflict: Conservation groups track a rise in jaguar and puma sightings across the Triple Frontier, including Paraguay livestock attacks, underscoring habitat loss pressures and the need for smarter coexistence. City Life & Environment: Asunción ranks 6th in Latin America for liveability, with culture and environment scoring relatively well, while stability and healthcare drag the overall result.

Natural Heritage: Asunción moves to protect a centuries-old tarumá tree in Caballero Park, after a municipal inspection found a trunk over 5 meters in circumference and plans for fencing plus an information board. Climate & Heat Risk: Reports warn of extraordinary heat across South America, with records expected in countries including Paraguay, raising concerns for health and wildfire conditions. Wildlife & Land Use: A new conservation-focused look at the Triple Frontier highlights jaguar and puma sightings across Paraguay and nearby regions, including livestock conflicts tied to habitat loss. Food Integrity: A major investigation into food labeling mismatches (eggs, seafood, spices and more) spotlights weak border testing and declining checks—an issue that resonates for Paraguay’s food safety and consumer trust. City Life & Environment: Asunción ranks sixth in Latin America for liveability, with “culture and environment” among its stronger categories, even as stability and healthcare drag the score down. Sustainable Fashion: Thrifting in Asunción is growing fast, framed as a shift toward circular economy habits and lower-impact shopping. Education Infrastructure: DepEd targets 106,000 new classrooms from 2026-2031, with emphasis on resilient, climate-ready school facilities.

Climate & Aviation Accountability: FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s World Cup travel is drawing fresh scrutiny from climate campaigners after reports said he attended 44 of 104 matches and used private flights repeatedly across 16 host cities—raising questions about whether the carbon footprint of private aviation fits FIFA’s environmental pledges. Urban Environment & Quality of Life: Asunción ranked 6th most liveable in Latin America in the Global Liveability Index 2026, with “culture and environment” among its stronger categories, while stability and healthcare remain key drag factors. Circular Fashion in Paraguay: Thrifting in Asunción is shifting from necessity to style and sustainability, with young shoppers embracing second-hand clothing as part of a broader circular economy trend. Wildlife & Land-Use Pressure: New reports highlight a jaguar and puma surge across the Triple Frontier, including a Paraguay case tied to livestock conflict—biologists warn habitat loss and deforestation push predators toward rural settlements. Green Hydrogen in Paraguay: A green hydrogen production pilot at PTI-PY has secured national interest in Paraguay, signaling momentum for cleaner energy experimentation. Heat Risk & Public Health: Health experts warn extreme heat can trigger heat exhaustion and heatstroke, urging older adults—especially those on blood pressure medication—to avoid dehydration and outdoor exertion during peak temperatures. Biodiversity & Conservation Context: Coverage also points to rare wildlife sightings and habitat comparisons across the region, reinforcing how Paraguay’s conservation challenges connect to broader biodiversity pressures.

Riverfront Access Upgrade in Villa Elisa: Villa Elisa opened the Paseo Costero Virgen del Carmen along the Paraguay River, adding riverbank protection and new public spaces—walkways, green areas, playgrounds, sports courts, viewpoints, and an open-air amphitheatre for about 800—aimed at restoring public access and boosting local recreation and economic activity. Sustainable Fashion Shift in Asunción: Thrifting is growing fast among young shoppers in Asunción, driven by sustainability and the circular economy, with more independent stores and flea-market culture offering second-hand clothing as a style choice rather than just financial necessity. Agriculture & Exports Watch: Paraguay is strengthening its role as a regional watermelon producer, cultivating 4,000+ hectares and generating about US$12 million in 2023 revenue, with officials targeting growth beyond 80,000 tonnes as MAG backs farmers with technical support and modern know-how. Wildlife-Habitat Pressure: A week of reports highlights jaguar and puma sightings across the Triple Frontier (Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina), including livestock conflicts in Paraguay that renew concerns about deforestation and habitat loss pushing predators toward rural settlements.

Wildlife & land-use pressure: A week of reports highlights jaguar and puma sightings across the Triple Frontier, including a Paraguay livestock-conflict case in Alto Paraná that conservationists link to deforestation and habitat loss pushing predators toward rural settlements. Sustainable consumption in Asunción: Thrifting is rising fast among young shoppers in Paraguay’s capital, framed as both a style choice and a move toward a more circular fashion economy. City livability snapshot: Asunción ranks 6th in Latin America in the Global Liveability Index 2026, scoring 57.4/100, with infrastructure and culture/environment as strengths while stability and healthcare drag the overall result. Animal welfare policy ripple: Brazil’s nationwide foie gras production and sales ban (signed by Lula) takes aim at force-feeding practices, with enforcement after a six-month transition—an issue that could affect regional imports. Trade & agriculture watch: Nepal’s refined edible oil exports to India are under scrutiny as tariff-driven “rent-seeking” is blamed for duty-free advantages, while broader Mercosur-linked agri-food trade continues to shift. Heat risk reminder: Health guidance warns older adults to monitor symptoms and hydration during extreme temperatures, especially those on blood pressure medication.

Wildlife & land-use pressure: A new regional report flags a spike in jaguar and puma sightings across the Triple Frontier, including a Paraguay case tied to livestock attacks in Alto Paraná—raising alarms that habitat loss and deforestation are pushing predators closer to farms and settlements. Sustainable consumption in Asunción: Thrifting is taking off among young shoppers in Paraguay’s capital, shifting second-hand clothing from “necessity” to a style and sustainability choice tied to the circular economy. City liveability snapshot: Asunción ranks 6th in Latin America on the Global Liveability Index 2026, scoring 57.4/100 and placing 102nd globally, with infrastructure strongest and stability plus healthcare pulling the score down. Heat risk guidance: Health specialists warn that extreme temperatures can trigger dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, urging older adults—especially those on blood pressure meds—to avoid peak-hour outdoor activity and rehydrate early. Regional conservation context: A separate wildlife travel piece highlights how protected grassland ecosystems can support rare species, underscoring the broader value of biodiversity-rich landscapes.

Wildlife & land-use conflict: Reports highlight a surge of jaguar and puma sightings across the Triple Frontier, including Paraguay cases tied to livestock attacks and habitat loss pressures as predators move into rural areas. Heat risk: A health advisory warns older adults to watch for heat exhaustion and heatstroke symptoms, stressing hydration and avoiding peak-hour outdoor activity. Climate threat: NOAA flags a very strong El Niño building toward peak impacts, while UN agencies launch an anticipatory appeal to protect millions in high-risk countries from hunger and disaster-linked shocks. Global health governance: The World Health Assembly backs a Member State-led process to reform the global health architecture to better match today’s cross-border risks and equity needs. Paraguay-linked development: A new training camp under the Road to the 2027 Lima Pan American Games will bring young athletes to Asunción, with events planned in Paraguay. Trade & diplomacy: Taiwan’s expanded Latin American and Caribbean Trade Office now covers Paraguay among six diplomatic allies, aiming to boost agricultural, fishery, and investment ties.

Wildlife & Land-Use Conflict: A new wave of jaguar and puma sightings across the Triple Frontier (Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina) is raising alarms as predators move into farms and even urban areas, with biologists pointing to deforestation and habitat loss as key drivers. Heat Risk & Health: A medical warning highlights common heatwave symptoms (weakness, confusion, headaches, nausea) and stresses extra monitoring for older adults on blood pressure meds, plus dehydration prevention. Climate Extremes & Food Security: NOAA and UN agencies warn that a very strong El Niño is building, with an anticipatory appeal targeting millions at risk of hunger before peak impacts hit. Paraguay Sports & Rules: Paraguay’s top league is set to adopt faster play regulations and expanded VAR coverage starting the Torneo Clausura 2026, including strict substitution timing. Energy & Grid Resilience: Brazil’s World Cup reportedly ran smoothly on a grid powered largely by renewables, showing how planning can manage major demand spikes during matches.

Wildlife & Land-Use Conflict: A surge of jaguar and puma sightings across the Triple Frontier (Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina) is raising alarms as predators increasingly collide with farms and towns, including livestock attacks in Paraguay’s Alto Paraná and urban rescues in Brazil’s Foz do Iguaçu. Heat & Public Health: Health specialists warn that extreme temperatures can trigger dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, with older adults on blood-pressure meds flagged as especially vulnerable. Energy & Climate Resilience: Brazil’s World Cup reportedly ran smoothly on the power grid, with renewables supplying 86% of electricity generation and operators managing demand spikes at match start and halftime. Extreme Weather Risk: NOAA and UN agencies warn that a very strong El Niño is building, with anticipatory funding requested to protect millions from hunger impacts before peak effects hit. Paraguay Development & Skills: A science diplomacy course in Italy includes Paraguay among participating countries, aiming to strengthen climate and food-security policy through research-to-government links. Local Environment Governance: Yolo County’s emergency response to invasive golden mussels highlights how quickly aquatic invasives can threaten waterways and infrastructure.

Heat Health Watch: Doctors warn that weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea and heavy sweating can signal heat exhaustion or heatstroke, urging older adults (especially those on blood pressure meds) to avoid peak-hour outdoor activity and rehydrate early. Climate Risk for Food: NOAA says “very strong” El Niño is highly likely, while UN agencies seek $202m to protect 8.8m people in 22 high-risk countries from hunger before peak impacts hit. Renewables in Practice: Brazil’s grid reportedly ran on renewables for 86% of electricity during the World Cup, with operators managing demand spikes around match schedules. Paraguay Angle in Sports Development: A Team Americas training camp will run in Asunción in August, bringing young athletes from across the region for competitions tied to the 2027 Pan American Games. Science Diplomacy: A Paraguay-linked science diplomacy course in Italy brings scientists and policymakers together to tackle climate change, food security and biodiversity loss.

Green Hydrogen Push in Paraguay: Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies backed the PTI-PY green hydrogen pilot as a national priority, aiming to turn hydropower into low-emission fuel and spur a wider clean-energy economy. Severe Weather Planning for the La Plata Basin: The World Meteorological Organization is supporting South America’s first Severe Weather Forecasting Programme for the La Plata Basin, boosting early warnings across Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Carbon Markets Diplomacy: Taiwan hosted a workshop with officials from 11 diplomatic allies to strengthen carbon credit cooperation and participation in international carbon markets. Climate-Linked Air Quality Risks: Wildfire smoke in the U.S. Northeast and heavy private-jet travel around the World Cup spotlighted pollution and health impacts tied to extreme fire conditions. Paraguay Credit Outlook: Moody’s reaffirmed Paraguay’s Baa3 investment-grade rating with a stable outlook, citing sound monetary policy and price stability. Asunción Craft + Design: Paraguay will host the Craft + Design Meeting in Asunción (July 21–31) to support craftsmanship and cultural innovation.

Wildlife Spotlight: A new viral-style explainer puts the spotlight on Paraguay’s regionally native capybara, the world’s largest rodent, highlighting its calm, semi-aquatic habits and where people can realistically spot it in the wild. Climate & Energy (Regional): Brazil’s grid handled World Cup demand spikes without electricity disruptions, with renewables covering 68% of electricity demand during the tournament—an example of how planning can reduce stress on power systems. Paraguay in the Mix (Sports + Grid): The same World Cup coverage notes a major demand ramp during the Germany–Paraguay match, underscoring how large events can quickly shift electricity loads. Indigenous Media Funding: Paraguay is included among eligible countries for the Indigenous Community Media Fund, with an August 9, 2026 deadline for proposals supporting Indigenous-run radio and other community media. Local Culture: Paraguay will host its fourth Craft + Design Meeting in Asunción (July 21–31, 2026), focused on “Living Rituals of Creation,” with free public events and an international seminar. Finance Watch: Moody’s reaffirmed Paraguay’s Baa3 investment-grade rating with a stable outlook, citing policy credibility and stability—useful context for long-term environmental and infrastructure planning.