AGP Executive Report

El Niño Risks: The WMO warns the strengthening event could be among the strongest since 1950. In southern Madagascar, scarce rain is already damaging crops and making water harder to access, raising fears of deeper food insecurity. Western Indian Ocean: Tanzania has called for stronger regional cooperation and funding to tackle marine pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change under the Nairobi Convention. Whale Habitat: Research using sightings from waters around Madagascar and neighbouring islands suggests climate change could shrink sperm whale habitat, making flexible conservation protections important. Conservation Science: UCLA’s environmental award went to Zuzana Buřivalová for using forest sound recordings to monitor biodiversity; her fieldwork includes Madagascar. Clean Energy: A UK-backed programme is funding projects in Madagascar and seven other African countries, including renewable power for essential services and businesses.

Western Indian Ocean: Tanzania is urging stronger cooperation and sustainable funding for the Nairobi Convention, which tackles climate change, marine pollution and biodiversity loss across a region vital to fisheries and coastal livelihoods. El Niño Threat: Southern Madagascar is already facing poor harvests and scarce water, with families still vulnerable to hunger after past famine. Forecasters warn the strengthening El Niño could bring severe drought, while UNICEF says extreme weather may also disrupt children’s health and schooling. Marine Wildlife: Research suggests climate change could shrink sperm whale habitat in the southwest Indian Ocean, including waters near Madagascar, making flexible protection important as the whales’ range shifts. Clean Energy: A UK-backed fund is supporting projects in eight African countries, including Madagascar, to scale renewable power for essential services and businesses.

El Niño Threat: A super El Niño formed in September and is expected to strengthen through December. In southern Madagascar, farmers report poor rains, worsening crops and scarce water as communities still scarred by famine brace for greater drought and hunger. Indian Ocean Wildlife: Research drawing on whale sightings and underwater recordings near Madagascar suggests climate change could shrink important sperm whale habitat this century, strengthening the case for conservation plans that can adapt as conditions shift. Clean Energy: UK-backed funding will support 10 clean-energy projects across eight African countries, including Madagascar, with solutions such as solar power and mini-grids intended to replace diesel and improve reliable electricity access.

Climate Pressure: August 2026 tied the global record for hottest month, with temperatures 1.65°C above pre-industrial levels as El Niño strengthens. In southern Madagascar, drought is already worsening crop quality and water shortages; famine-hit communities face greater hunger risks in the months ahead. Conservation: A new $200 million Phoenix Species Project aims to help 100 of the world’s most threatened species recover, including lemurs, through long-term support for conservation groups. Clean Energy: Madagascar is among eight African countries included in 10 UK-backed projects intended to expand reliable renewable power and reduce reliance on diesel generators. Coffee Revival: Madagascar’s government and coffee growers are seeking to rebuild an industry that once produced up to 62,000 tonnes of coffee cherries a year, with biotechnology among the approaches being explored.

El Niño Warning: The UN weather agency says El Niño is strengthening rapidly and could be among the strongest since 1950, with a near-certain chance of lasting through February. Southern Madagascar faces heightened drought risk as rain-dependent farmers report failing crops and scarce water. Hunger Crisis: In the famine-scarred south, families are already going hungry before the climate event peaks. A World Food Programme centre in Ifotaka is feeding malnourished children as aid cuts and rising prices deepen the strain. Conservation Leadership: Patricia Wright, who directs Madagascar’s Centre ValBio research station, has been named a 2026–27 Hagler Fellow for her work in biodiversity conservation and tropical biology. Invasive Species: A vine native to southwestern Madagascar, rubber vine became a damaging weed in northern Australia after being cultivated there during World War II, smothering native plants and invading waterways and pastures.

El Niño Warning: The UN says El Niño is expected to strengthen before peaking in December, bringing hotter conditions and shifting rainfall patterns that could raise drought and flood risks. Southern Madagascar: Farmers are already reporting poor crops and scarce water as communities brace for drought. In famine-hit areas, hunger and child malnutrition are worsening before the event’s full impact, aid workers say. Changing Seas: Scientists off Mozambique report more frequent orca and whale-shark sightings in the Mozambique Channel. They say changing currents and water temperatures may be affecting marine food sources, but the link to El Niño is uncertain. Regional Cooperation: South Korea and the Indian Ocean Commission have agreed to pursue projects on climate response, fisheries and food security, with Madagascar among the member states.

El Niño Threat: Southern Madagascar is bracing for increased drought risk as El Niño develops. Farmers report unreliable rains and worsening crops, while communities still scarred by famine face growing food insecurity and water shortages. Invasive Species: A vine native to south-western Madagascar became a major weed in northern Australia after it was introduced as an ornamental and later cultivated for rubber during the Second World War. It now smothers native vegetation and invades waterways and pastures. Changing Marine Life: Researchers off Mozambique say orcas and whale sharks are appearing more often than before. They suspect shifting currents and temperatures in the Mozambique Channel could be changing food supplies, but say any link to El Niño remains uncertain.

El Niño and Hunger: Southern Madagascar is already facing severe hunger as El Niño approaches. In Ifotaka, where a 2021–22 famine devastated communities, aid workers warn that drought risk, rising prices and cuts to international assistance could worsen food shortages. Regional Climate and Fisheries: South Korea and the Indian Ocean Commission, which includes Madagascar, have agreed to fund cooperation on climate response, fisheries, maritime security and food security. Ocean Safety: A regional search-and-rescue training in Mahajanga brought maritime teams from eight countries together to practise coordination at sea. Mining Pollution: Villagers in Madagascar have filed a claim against Rio Tinto over allegedly contaminated wastewater.

El Niño Watch for Southern Africa: Federal forecasters say El Niño has a >90% chance of becoming very strong this autumn and winter, raising risks of drought, disruptive rainfall, and heat across the south-west Indian Ocean—bad news for agriculture and water supplies, including southern and central Mozambique and south-west Madagascar. Marine Life & Climate Signals: Off Mozambique, scientists report more frequent sightings of orcas and whale sharks, possibly linked to El Niño-driven shifts in currents, water temperature, and plankton. Madagascar Research & Green Tech: A study highlights Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) as a “natural factory” for making nanoparticles that boost plant defenses and inhibit bacteria—pointing to greener crop protection options. Plague Panic Abroad: A suspected pneumonic plague incident in Siberia has triggered quarantines and global alarm; authorities say it’s not confirmed and spread beyond Russia hasn’t been detected. Local Conservation & Safety: Madagascar hosted regional maritime search-and-rescue training in Mahajanga, strengthening cooperation across eight Indian Ocean countries. Governance & Access: Madagascar’s mobile internet reforms face a key hurdle: taxes that keep smartphones and data out of reach, threatening digital inclusion.

Marine Life & Climate Signals: Growing numbers of orcas and whale sharks are being spotted off Mozambique, with scientists linking the shift to El Niño-driven changes in currents, water temperatures, and plankton food webs across the Mozambique Channel that connects to Madagascar. El Niño Watch: Climate forecasters warn El Niño is strengthening toward a very strong event, raising risks of disruptive rainfall, drought, and heat across the south-west Indian Ocean region, including drier conditions and higher drought risk for southern and central Mozambique and south-western Madagascar. Madagascar Connectivity & Policy: A look at Madagascar’s mobile internet “turning point” argues the Electronic Communications Bill won’t be enough without cutting telecom costs—especially taxes that make smartphones and mobile services unaffordable. Regional Safety at Sea: Maritime search-and-rescue training in Mahajanga brought professionals from eight countries together for shared drills and coordination, using local vessels to strengthen response capacity across the Indian Ocean. Water & Nature Restoration Funding: The Aga Khan Foundation launches a 10-year Indian Ocean restoration push, aiming to protect ecosystems like mangroves while creating livelihoods for coastal communities facing climate shocks. Madagascar Science for Safer Farming: A study highlights Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) as a “green factory” for nanoparticles that boost plant defenses and suppress bacteria—pointing to lower-toxicity crop protection options.

Green Tech & Agriculture: Iran researchers report “green-synthesized” nanoparticles made using Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) that can strengthen plant defenses and curb harmful bacteria—an approach that could reduce reliance on harsher agrochemicals. Digital Inclusion: Madagascar’s mobile internet push is hitting a cost wall: coverage exists, but taxes on telecoms and mobile finance plus import duties on entry-level phones keep smartphones out of reach, even as the Electronic Communications Bill is framed as a turning point. Maritime Safety: In Mahajanga, a regional search-and-rescue training brought together maritime professionals from eight countries, using at-sea drills and local vessels to improve coordination across the Indian Ocean. Climate & Water Risk: El Niño is expected to worsen drought risk in southern Africa, with Madagascar flagged among the most vulnerable in the south-west Indian Ocean region. Mining & Communities: Madagascar villagers are again in the spotlight for a legal claim against Rio Tinto over alleged contaminated wastewater. Wildlife Science: New research finds indri lemurs in eastern Madagascar “tune” their vocal tract shapes like singers, helping them carry songs through dense forest.

Climate & Water Risk: The UN warns Mozambique is among Africa’s most vulnerable to the coming “super El Niño,” with heatwaves, below-normal rain and drought risks—while Madagascar is also flagged. Marine Conservation: Tanzania is set to host COP12 to the Nairobi Convention (Oct 6–9) to push joint action on marine pollution, illegal fishing, climate impacts and coastal ecosystem degradation. Biodiversity & Wildlife: New research says Madagascar’s indri lemurs “tune” their mouth shape to sing like trained sopranos, helping long-distance communication in eastern rainforest habitat. El Niño Weather Watch: South Africa expects partly cloudy conditions with isolated showers and thunderstorms, while El Niño threatens drier, hotter conditions across the south-west Indian Ocean region. Mining & Pollution (Madagascar): Villagers file a claim against Rio Tinto over alleged contaminated wastewater, adding pressure on accountability for environmental harm. Conservation Finance: The IMF approved a $155M payout to Madagascar, a reminder that funding decisions can shape environmental outcomes.

Climate Risk for Southern Africa: El Niño is expected to bring drier conditions and higher drought risk across South Africa and southern/central Mozambique, with knock-on effects for farming, water and food security. Water Investment Push: Madagascar’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged faster, bankable funding for Africa’s water sector, linking water to climate resilience and development. Madagascar’s IMF Relief: The IMF approved Madagascar’s next bailout reviews, unlocking about $155 million as the country faces cyclone fallout and political transition. Mining Contamination Fight: In London, more than 6,500 people in Madagascar filed a High Court claim against Rio Tinto/QMM over alleged lead and uranium contamination from mine wastewater. Uranium Opposition in the US: Utah’s White Mesa Ute community plans its 10th spiritual walk on Oct 17 to protest an Energy Fuels uranium mill and radioactive waste risks to water and sacred sites. Biodiversity Spotlight: New research finds indri lemurs in eastern Madagascar “tune” their mouth shapes like singers, helping their songs carry through dense forests. Ocean Conservation Angle: A report highlights how sea turtles linking Mozambique Channel and Madagascar show why marine protection needs regional cooperation and shared financing. Extreme Nature Story: Welsh adventurer Ash Dykes is set to paddle the Congo Basin’s Sangha River in an inflatable kayak, starting a series of high-risk challenges.

Plague Alert in Siberia: A 28-year-old lab technician at Russia’s Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute died after a reported test-tube break, with nearly 200 contacts quarantined and hospital wards restricted—raising fresh questions about safety at anti-disease facilities. El Niño Water Stress: Southern Africa faces worsening drought risk as El Niño strengthens, with South Africa and southern/central Mozambique warned of impacts on agriculture, water and food security. Madagascar IMF Support: The IMF approved Madagascar’s next bailout reviews, unlocking about $155 million amid political transition and cyclone-linked vulnerability. Rio Tinto in the Spotlight: Over 6,500 people in Madagascar filed a London High Court claim against Rio Tinto’s QMM mine, alleging lead and uranium contamination via wastewater into local drinking and farming waterways. Western Indian Ocean Climate Outlook: Regional agencies urged multi-hazard preparedness for October 2026–March 2027, including drought and flooding risks affecting fisheries, health and marine ecosystems. Indri “Singing” Lemurs: New research highlights how Madagascar’s indri lemurs likely use mouth-shape “tuning” to project songs through dense forests.

IMF Support for Madagascar: The IMF approved the third and fourth reviews of Madagascar’s bailout, unlocking about $155 million, as the country faces a political transition, cyclone fallout, and spillovers from the Middle East conflict. Mining Accountability: In London’s High Court, more than 6,500 people in Madagascar filed a claim against Rio Tinto’s QMM mine, alleging acidic wastewater discharged into local lakes and waterways exposed communities— including over 2,000 children— to dangerous lead and uranium levels. Climate Risk in the Indian Ocean: A regional climate outlook warns Madagascar and neighbors to prepare for multiple hazards as El Niño strengthens—southern areas face drought and food risks, while other zones brace for flooding, landslides, and marine impacts. Marine Conservation Linkages: Coverage highlights why protecting migratory sea turtles and connected Western Indian Ocean habitats needs cross-border cooperation and financing that can follow animals across jurisdictions. Biodiversity Science from Madagascar: New research on indri lemurs describes how these eastern Madagascar singers use mouth-shape “tuning” to carry songs over long distances in dense forests.

El Niño and climate risk: The UN warns Mozambique is among Africa’s most vulnerable countries as a “super El Niño” could bring heatwaves, drought and cyclones, and it flags Madagascar as one of the other most vulnerable. Regional climate planning: A Western Indian Ocean outlook urges multi-hazard preparedness for Oct–Dec 2026 and Jan–Mar 2027, with drought and heat risks in the south and flooding, landslides and marine impacts for northern and island states—covering agriculture, water, health and fisheries. Madagascar finance: The IMF approved the next reviews of Madagascar’s bailout, unlocking about $155 million, citing heightened vulnerability after cyclones and political transition. Mining and pollution lawsuit: Over 6,500 people in Madagascar have filed a London High Court claim against Rio Tinto/QMM, alleging acidic wastewater discharged into local lakes and waterways exposed residents—especially children—to dangerous lead and uranium. Conservation science: New research says indri lemurs in eastern Madagascar “sing” using mouth-shape tuning to carry calls over long distances in dense forests.