AGP Executive Report

Costa Rica Accountability: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance has launched an administrative process that could lead to the dismissal of 36 officials accused of using software to fake remote-work activity, sparking renewed debate over how public institutions should verify work without relying on computer logs. Misinformation Oversight: Meta’s Oversight Board urged the company not to replace professional fact-checking with Community Notes, warning the crowd-sourced system can still depend on fact-checkers and may cause real-world harms; Meta is testing Community Notes across 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries including Costa Rica. Culture & Diplomacy: Qatar is the guest of honor at Costa Rica’s Reading Festival in San José, with a pavilion featuring Qatari literature, crafts, and Arabic calligraphy as cultural ties deepen. Local Events: Costa Rica’s independence celebrations are also being marked through community programming, including Hispanic Heritage Month activities tied to Sept. 15–Oct. 15. Seismic Watch: A 5.4 earthquake was reported in Panama’s Chiriquí near the Costa Rica border, with officials urging calm and monitoring after the tremor.

Western Union Reshuffle: Western Union says it will gradually move some operations out of Costa Rica to Guatemala, Lithuania and the Philippines, aiming to finish by mid-2027—while stressing money transfers won’t stop and it will keep an active presence with 1,200+ local jobs. Public Opinion Watch: A new UCR CIEP survey finds 84% of Costa Ricans believe Rodrigo Chaves still influences President Laura Fernández’s decisions in her first 100 days, despite Fernández denying a “two-headed” government. Immigration & Travel: Costa Rica is rolling out faster biometric immigration checks at airports, and a new Jaco travel guide (JacoBeach.com) is launching to help visitors plan hotels, tours and local services. Seismic Update: Costa Rica was hit by a magnitude 5.3 quake in the southern Pacific before dawn, adding to a busy week of tremors across the region. Culture & Community: Hispanic Heritage Month runs Sept. 15–Oct. 15, with Costa Rica independence among the dates, and local celebrations are being planned.

Politics & Governance: A new CIEP-UCR survey says 84% of Costa Ricans believe former President Rodrigo Chaves still influences President Laura Fernández’s decisions during her first 100 days, though Fernández denies any “two-headed” government. Economy & Jobs: Western Union says it will gradually shrink its Costa Rica operations center over the next year, shifting roles to Guatemala, Lithuania and the Philippines; the company insists money transfers for customers and agents will continue, but local reporting warns more than 1,000 jobs could be affected. Public Safety & Monitoring: Costa Rican lawmakers are questioning reduced 2027 funding for earthquake, volcano and weather monitoring networks after a magnitude 5.5 quake near Uvita triggered aftershocks, raising fears that oversight could be weakened. Tech & Media: Meta is expanding Community Notes testing to multiple Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, with contributors able to add context while the company says third-party fact-checking won’t change during the trial. Travel & Local Business: JacoBeach.com launched a new independent travel guide for Jaco, bundling hotels, tours, nightlife and visitor info for travelers heading to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Exchange Rate Stance: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández rejected calls to artificially control the dollar, saying the exchange rate is set by economic conditions and pointing to employment, tourism, and investment data. Politics & Power Perception: A new CIEP-UCR survey found 64.4% of Costa Ricans believe Rodrigo Chaves still has “a lot of influence” over Fernández’s decisions, with researchers describing a “dual presidentialism” in how people view executive power. Security & Governance: Former president Miguel Ángel Rodríguez landed on Rodrigo Chaves’s latest “hit list,” after Chaves insinuated he was “bought off” with settlement money tied to judiciary cases. Regional Security: Peru is joining the U.S.-backed “Americas Shield” coalition against transnational organized crime, expanding a group that already includes Costa Rica. Tech & Misinformation: Meta is testing Community Notes across multiple Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, as fact-checkers warn it could replace independent verification. Natural Events: A preliminary magnitude 4.6 earthquake was reported off Costa Rica, with no damage reported initially. Environment & Climate Risk: El Niño is strengthening, with forecasts pointing to above-normal temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns that could raise drought, heat, and food insecurity risks across parts of Central America. Local Economy & Trade: A new IDB/WTO/World Bank report says digitally delivered services exports in Latin America and the Caribbean nearly quintupled since 2005, reaching $87.7B in 2024. Sports: Costa Rica’s presence showed up in regional youth volleyball coverage, while other regional matches and tournaments continued across the week.

Costa Rica Politics & Governance: President Laura Fernández rejected calls to artificially peg the dollar, saying the exchange rate is set by economic conditions and her administration won’t “manipulate” it—while a new CIEP-UCR survey found many Costa Ricans believe Rodrigo Chaves still holds major influence over her government. Judiciary Clash: Rodrigo Chaves escalated his attacks on former president Miguel Ángel Rodríguez, accusing him of being “bought off” after Rodríguez defended judicial independence. Family & Immigration Rights: A guide for Costa Ricans returning with children born abroad explains why some minors may need an exit permit tied to Costa Rican citizenship rules, even when they travel on a foreign passport. Health & Tech: Nanox announced a Costa Rica distribution deal for its Nanox.ARC 3D imaging system via SOLME, with commercialization tied to regulatory registration steps. Environment & Coastal Life: Conservation reporting highlights mangrove restoration momentum and local community efforts to protect coastal ecosystems, including stories from Costa Rica’s mangrove-dependent communities. Human Interest: Reuters profiles 119-year-old Costa Rican José Flores, seeking international recognition as the world’s oldest person, pending verification. Sports (Regional): Corendon is offering a limited fan trip to San José for Curaçao’s Concacaf Nations League match against Costa Rica on Sept. 24.

Aging Milestone: A 119-year-old man from Costa Rica, José Flores of Sardinal on the Nicoya Peninsula, is seeking international recognition as the world’s oldest living person, with local documents supporting his birth date while Guinness-style verification is still pending; his family credits a calm life, strong ties, and a corn-and-beans diet. Public Safety: Costa Rica recorded 425 road deaths from January to August, with motorcyclists making up 247 deaths (58%), as the transport ministry urges safer driving. Climate Watch: El Niño is pushing temperatures higher in Costa Rica, raising alarms about faster food spoilage and greater agricultural losses amid low-rain forecasts. Tech & Borders: Juan Santamaría Airport in San José has rolled out its first biometric eGates, speeding eligible travelers through immigration in seconds. Wildlife Protection: Authorities detained two people for allegedly taking 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs during the Ostional arribada, one of the year’s biggest mass nesting events. Digital Media: Meta has started testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, as it moves away from professional fact-checking.

Big Tech & Media: Meta has started testing “Community Notes” in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, as it moves toward replacing its professional fact-checking program; during the trial, notes won’t be public, while independent fact-checking continues. Public Health: The CDC updated its global travel notice after a rise in dengue cases, flagging higher-than-expected risk for travelers returning from Costa Rica and other countries, urging bite prevention like repellent and long sleeves. Local Life & Culture: A Reuters profile spotlights Costa Rican Jose Flores, 119, from Sardinal on the Nicoya Peninsula, as he seeks verification as the world’s oldest living person, with family and Blue Zone-style habits cited. Education: PISA 2025 results show OECD reading, math, and science at record lows, with Latin American countries also scoring below the OECD average. Sports (Regional): Costa Rica is set to face Nigeria in the 2026 Concacaf W Championship, with the tournament running Nov. 27–Dec. 5 in Texas and Houston. Science: Researchers described a new “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, based on specimens collected off Costa Rica at deep Pacific depths.

Road Safety: Costa Rica’s Route 1 through Cambronero (Interamericana Norte) is closed in both directions after a truck crash hit a temporary Bailey bridge; crews are removing the vehicle and cargo, inspecting the structure, and no reopening time has been announced. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave 41 has moved into Costa Rica, bringing scattered afternoon downpours with thunder and gusts up to 50–75 km/h, with heavier rain expected overnight—especially in the Pacific, Central/South Pacific, and Nicoya Peninsula. Justice Update: Costa Rica’s Supreme Court orders a review of how judges decide preventive detention vs. restrictions as it responds to recent judicial corruption cases tied to the “Diablo” criminal network. Environment & Community: Fundación MarViva is pushing for Gulf of Nicoya communities to gain real decision-making power over marine protection, using a governance study and a heritage manual built with pilot fishing communities. Tourism & Travel: Costa Rica’s airport is rolling out faster biometric immigration checks, while tourism drivers protest possible changes to airport access for ride-hailing apps. Sports (Regional): Nigeria’s Super Falcons name Augustine Eguavoen interim coach for 2028 Olympic qualifiers vs. Comoros—an item that also notes his prior work with the Falconets at the 2024 U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Economy Watch: INEC reports inflation in Costa Rica turned negative again in August (-0.11% monthly; -0.50% accumulated; -0.17% year-on-year), but many people still don’t feel cheaper prices because the drop is small and doesn’t undo earlier hikes. Public Health & Youth: Costa Rica saw 5,901 outpatient visits for vaping-related disorders in 2025, with 2,438 involving ages 10–19; tougher rules were delayed, now set to take effect in August 2027. Environment & Land Use: A long-running Supreme Court fight over a “circular economy” orange-peel experiment in Guanacaste is back in focus after researchers found the site rebounded into forest, underscoring both restoration potential and the need for safeguards. Local Living Costs: A new UNA/Idespo study finds coastal communities feel broad price pressure—especially real estate, where 85% of respondents say property sale prices have risen. Border & Security: Costa Rica’s president says U.S. ground operations could help national security, reigniting debate over sovereignty and legal limits. Travel & Trade: Visa and Duty Free Americas expanded its partnership to include Paso Canoas border stores between Panama and Costa Rica, adding discounts for cardholders.

Orange Peel Reforestation Court Saga: A Costa Rica experiment that began in 1997 with 12,000 tons of orange peels dumped on barren land is back in the spotlight after researchers found tree biomass jumped 176% by 2013—despite a long Supreme Court fight that froze the project for years. Public Health & Vaping Rules: Costa Rica’s CCSS reports vaping-related doctor visits in 2025, with 4 in 10 involving ages 10–19; new restrictions were delayed, now set to start in August 2027. Coastal Housing Costs: A new UNA/Idespo report says residents widely feel coastal life is getting pricier—especially real estate, where 85% say property sale prices have risen, with Guanacaste highlighted. Crime Watch: Vehicle theft hit a 10-year high in 2025, with 5,146 cases, and specialists say organized networks now run the theft-to-parts pipeline. Security Diplomacy: President Laura Fernández told Reuters U.S. ground operations could help fight transnational crime, but any move would require legislative approval. UNESCO Geopark Push: UNED and SINAC opened applications to make Chirripó a UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to boost conservation and community tourism.

Conservation & Tourism: UNED and SINAC-MINAE have started the application process to make Chirripó a UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to diversify tourism beyond the main peak while protecting geological features and supporting local and indigenous entrepreneurs. Environment Watch: Scientists warn Monteverde’s cloud forest is drying from within even with heavy annual rain, as warming shifts cloud formation higher and reduces the fog/mist that wets the canopy. Mining & Community Rights: Costa Rica’s geologists’ association is pushing for a referendum on Crucitas gold mining, saying lawmakers haven’t stopped illegal extraction and environmental harm, and arguing for a public decision on whether open-pit mining should be allowed in Cutris. Digital VAT Update: Costa Rica is expanding its 13% VAT list for foreign digital services, adding Booking.com, Expedia and ChatGPT (and others), with taxes handled automatically by card issuers. Business & Exports: A new country-brand report highlights Costa Rica’s shift toward high-value medical device exports and positions the country as a trusted long-term partner for companies seeking diversification. Tech Milestone: EagleSwap says it has completed 10,000 crypto swaps, touting a non-custodial, account-free exchange flow with transaction tracking. Sports (Costa Rica link): FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup coverage notes Costa Rica is in Group F, with Spain and Nigeria set for the opening match in Poland.

VAT Update for Digital Services: Costa Rica is expanding its 13% VAT to more foreign online platforms, adding Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and others to the official register—so charges will show up on card statements automatically. Environmental Pressure in Monteverde: Even with over 2,500mm of rain a year, Monteverde’s cloud forest is drying from within as warming lifts cloud formation and reduces mist contact with canopy plants. Mining Fight in Crucitas: Costa Rica’s geologists are calling for a referendum over gold mining in Crucitas, saying illegal extraction and environmental damage persist while lawmakers debate a regulated open-pit exception. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave No. 40 is expected to bring Sunday afternoon rain and thunderstorms, but IMN warns a dry September will continue into late September and early October due to El Niño. Afro-Descendant Culture in San José: The 2026 Diaspora Parade returned to the capital, celebrating Afro-descendant heritage with music, Zumba, and community events. Tourism and Community Shift: A report highlights how Costa Rica’s Southern Zone is moving from banana monoculture toward biodiversity-led tourism, with local training and conservation driving the change.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that any U.S. ground operations on Costa Rican soil could benefit national security if they target shared goals against transnational crime, but she stressed nothing is underway and any deployment would need Legislative Assembly approval. Local Infrastructure & Health: In Montes de Oca, officials plan more apartment towers even as neighborhoods still flood with sewage overflow, raising fears that higher density without drainage and sewer upgrades will worsen public health risks. Culture in San José: The 28th Festival Flores de la Diáspora Africana brought the Diáspora Parade back to San José, with Zumba, a bike ride, and Afro-descendant cultural celebrations—while organizers also pointed to administrative hurdles and discrimination. Tourism Outlook: Puntarenas is projecting a big cruise jump for 2026–2027, with about 150,000 passengers and more ship visits than last season, boosting port-area businesses.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández says U.S. ground operations could help national security against transnational crime, drugs, and terrorism—but there are no plans yet, and any deployment would need legislative approval. She also stressed Costa Rica isn’t considering a state of emergency as homicides decline. Local Housing & Public Health: Montes de Oca plans more apartment towers despite ongoing severe flooding from sewage overflow, raising fears that higher density will worsen contamination and health risks. Wildlife & Nature: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving for one of 2026’s biggest arribadas at Ostional, with peak nesting expected through Friday night and into Saturday. Environment Research: Scientists report coffee pulp can regenerate degraded land—an experiment in southern Costa Rica helped trees reclaim over 80% of treated ground in two years. Deep-Sea Discovery: Researchers described a new “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, found off Costa Rica’s Pacific. Global Child-Marriage Push: The UN General Assembly approved Nov. 27 as an International Day to eliminate child, early, and forced marriage, with Costa Rica among the co-sponsors.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that U.S. ground operations could help national security against transnational crime, drugs, and terrorism—but said there are no concrete plans and any deployment would need legislative approval. Housing & Public Health: Montes de Oca plans more apartment towers even as neighborhoods still flood with sewage overflow, raising fears that higher density without drainage upgrades will worsen contamination. Environment & Restoration: Scientists say coffee pulp can rapidly regenerate degraded land in southern Costa Rica—turning grassland into dense forest in two years—offering a low-cost restoration tool. Deep-Sea Discovery: Off Costa Rica, researchers identified a new “golden coral” species and even created a new family for it after genetic and physical analysis. Wildlife Watch: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional for one of the year’s biggest arribadas, with peak nesting expected through the weekend. International Spotlight: The UN General Assembly adopted an International Day to eliminate child, early, and forced marriage, with Costa Rica among the co-sponsors.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández says U.S. ground operations could help national security against transnational crime, drugs, and terrorism, but stressed there are no concrete plans and any move would need legislative approval. Diplomacy Watch: Fernández also clarified Costa Rica’s Jerusalem office upgrade to embassy status is still under review, not finalized. Housing Pressure: A new study finds 81.4% of Costa Rican renter households face major barriers to buying a home, mainly due to down payments and income limits. Child Marriage Push at the UN: The UN General Assembly adopted an annual observance on Nov. 27 to eliminate child, early, and forced marriage, with Costa Rica among the co-sponsors. Environment & Science: Researchers reported a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species off Costa Rica, and a coffee-pulp experiment in southern Costa Rica restored degraded pasture into dense woodland in two years. Local Infrastructure: Santa Ana’s district council urges MOPT to speed up interchange upgrades on Route 22 to improve safety and reduce accidents.