AGP Executive Report

Water Infrastructure: OOMSAPAS says Aqueduct 1 repairs are finished after accidental damage by private construction work, restoring service after disruptions across 40+ La Paz neighborhoods. Public Safety Leadership: La Paz City Council approved a new municipal police chief, appointing Navy Teniente de Fragata Mario Alberto Morales López to replace Capitana Ruth de la Fuente Velázquez. Sports & Inclusion: Bolivia hosted South America’s first women’s amputee football camp in Santa Cruz, training nearly three dozen players from 10 countries ahead of the 2027 Women’s Amputee Football World Cup. Mining Investment: New Pacific Metals released an updated PEA for its Carangas project in Oruro, boosting after-tax NPV to $2.65B and signaling a larger, gold-inclusive open-pit plan. Digital Economy Watch: Bolivia is considering recognizing Tether’s USDT for payments amid a dollar shortage, with anti-money-laundering safeguards discussed as the proposal moves through review. Security & Tech Threats: Ecopetrol disclosed a cyber intrusion and extortion attempt tied to data from about 3,300 user accounts, while saying a separate ransomware effort was blocked.

Water Crisis & Development Controls: Baja California Sur Governor Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío says the state may block new real estate permits in La Paz and Los Cabos unless developers prove adequate water supplies, as shortages and gentrification pressure grow. AI Deepfake Crackdown: A La Paz-based journalist in Baja California Sur filed a criminal complaint after AI-generated videos impersonated him and others to spread alleged security disinformation, with authorities urged to act. Bolivia Sports Inclusion: Bolivia hosted the first South American women’s amputee football camp in Santa Cruz, bringing dozens of players from multiple countries to build a squad for the 2027 Women’s Amputee World Cup. Tech & Recycling Innovation: A 17-year-old Bolivian student, Esteban Quispe, showcased a functional Wall-E replica built from recycled landfill materials, earning a scholarship in electromechanics. Global Finance Watch: Bolivia is considering recognizing Tether’s USDT for national payments amid a prolonged dollar shortage, with anti-money-laundering safeguards discussed.

Dollar Access in Bolivia: Bolivia has started a second phase of returning restricted dollar deposits, letting savers with balances between $1,001 and $3,000 withdraw in U.S. currency again, with the staggered plan continuing until 2027 and aiming to return more than $930 million over the next year. Water Crisis in La Paz: La Paz’s La Buena Mujer water plant has shut down again, leaving at least a dozen neighborhoods without municipal supply and forcing a return to older distribution rotations. Tech for Waste in La Paz: A 17-year-old Bolivian inventor built a functional Wall‑E-style robot from recycled landfill materials that can be controlled by cellphone, turning e-waste into a learning and circular-economy project. Crypto and Payments: Bolivia is considering recognizing Tether’s USDT as a payment currency to ease the dollar shortage, while keeping anti-money-laundering safeguards in mind as the country remains on the FATF gray list. Protests and Politics: A Bolivian protest leader says the government’s promises on fuel and dollar shortages were broken, and roadblocks and strikes are continuing despite a state of emergency.

Dollar Deposits Return: Bolivia has started a new phase to let savers withdraw U.S. dollars again, covering balances between $1,001 and $3,000 after nearly three years of restrictions, with a staggered schedule running through 2027. Water Crisis in La Paz: The La Buena Mujer plant has shut down again over a shortage of treatment chemicals, leaving at least a dozen neighborhoods without municipal water and forcing a return to older distribution rotations. Russia Recruitment Probe: Bolivia opened investigations into alleged trafficking networks that recruited Bolivians with fake job offers to fight in Russia’s war on Ukraine, with prosecutors seeking routes, contacts, and links to criminal groups. FATF Compliance Update: The global anti-money laundering watchdog updated its lists, removing Algeria and Namibia from monitoring while adding Bosnia and Iraq to the monitored category, affecting how financial institutions assess risk. Venezuela Earthquake Fallout: The death toll from twin quakes in Venezuela has reached 4,829, with thousands injured and displaced, as PAHO warns health risks are rising amid damaged services and sanitation gaps.

Bolivia-Russia Probe: Bolivia’s Attorney General opened investigations into alleged human trafficking networks that lured Bolivian citizens with fake job offers to Russia to fight in Ukraine, with prosecutors citing 16 alleged victims and seeking to trace recruitment routes and communications. Regional Politics & U.S. Ties: A new analysis says South America’s rightward political shift will likely deepen security cooperation with the United States, but not trigger a broad mineral supply-chain reshuffle. Money-Laundering Watch: FATF updated its high-risk and monitored jurisdictions list, removing Algeria and Namibia while adding Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iraq; Myanmar’s high-risk status stayed unchanged. Mining & Power Grid Supply Chains: A supply-chain report highlights how critical minerals are moving “from mine to megawatt,” with NLR working to secure inputs for the power grid. Bolivia’s Critical Minerals Context: In a separate UN interview, the DRC’s foreign minister argued for “complementarity” in critical-minerals partnerships, as Washington seeks more access while reducing reliance on China.

Bolivia-Russia Recruitment Probe: Bolivian prosecutors opened an investigation after reports and videos claimed Bolivians were lured with job offers to fight for Russia in Ukraine; Foreign Ministry officials say at least 16 men are confirmed on the front lines and consular help is underway for families. La Paz Tourism Push: La Paz is gearing up for a strong summer, with officials forecasting about 80% hotel occupancy and nearly 400,000 visitors, alongside “Safe Summer 2026” security deployment and new visitor information kiosks. Space Science in La Paz: Physicists installed a cosmic-ray detector at Chacaltaya, adding Bolivia to a global monitoring network for space weather. Local Safety & Emergencies: A wildfire in North Carolina was attributed to a lightning strike despite local skepticism, while La Paz’s own summer safety plan is ramping up. International Finance Watch: FATF updated its high-risk and monitored jurisdictions list, adding Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iraq while removing Algeria and Namibia.

Bolivia Security Probe: Bolivian prosecutors opened an investigation into claims that citizens were lured with false job offers to fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine, after social media circulated videos of Bolivians in Russian uniforms, including a case where a wife said her husband was killed after being offered $16,000 to travel. Space Science in La Paz: A cosmic-ray detector was installed at the Chacaltaya high-altitude observatory, bringing Bolivia into the global gLOWCOST network and strengthening monitoring of space weather impacts. Tourism Push in La Paz: Municipal officials forecast about 80% hotel occupancy and nearly 400,000 visitors this summer, supported by “Safe Summer 2026” with 230 personnel and visitor information kiosks. Land and Environment Tensions: Farmers and Indigenous groups are resisting Bolivia’s push to open land to industry, with blockades and marches reported amid fears of accelerated deforestation and land privatisation. Regional Health Cooperation: PAHO convened a meeting on trachoma elimination with Bolivia among participating countries, focusing on primary health care and water, sanitation, and hygiene actions.

Russia Recruitment Probe: Bolivian prosecutors opened an investigation after videos circulated showing Bolivians allegedly recruited with false job offers to fight for Russia in Ukraine; one case featured 29-year-old Jose Maria Soleto, whose wife later said he was killed after being offered $16,000 to travel. Land, Industry and Resistance: In La Paz and beyond, farmers are staging blockades and marches as they push back against plans they fear will accelerate deforestation and land privatisation for industrial projects. Stablecoin Push in Bolivia: Bolivia is reviewing whether to add Tether’s USDT to its regulated payment system amid a dollar shortage and rising virtual-asset activity, with officials weighing how to formalize what’s already spreading. La Paz Summer Safety: La Paz City Council is set to launch Operation “Safe Summer 2026,” deploying 230 personnel with checkpoints and beach patrols to protect residents and visitors. World Cup 2026 Buzz: FIFA says 32 of 48 World Cup spots are confirmed, leaving 16 open—fueling fresh uncertainty as qualification races intensify. Amazon Fire Warning: Researchers warn that El Niño could worsen wildfire risk across the Pan-Amazon, where prevention and traditional fire knowledge matter as much as suppression.

USDT Policy Shift in Bolivia: Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza says Bolivia is technically evaluating whether Tether’s USDT can circulate as an official payment option alongside the boliviano and the U.S. dollar, aiming to ease the country’s long foreign-currency shortage; any rollout would require a regulatory framework and tougher anti–money laundering controls as Bolivia remains on the FATF grey list. La Paz Property Tax Relief: La Paz residents have until July 31 to claim a 40% discount on property tax fines and surcharges by paying their outstanding balance in one payment (then 35% in August), with payments available at collection offices and via the La Paz App and online platforms. Deadly Bus Crash in Western Bolivia: A bus plunged into a ravine on the La Paz–Apolo route, killing at least three and injuring 10 (possibly more), as authorities investigate whether the driver lost control and whether alcohol was involved. La Paz “Long Night of Museums”: The city’s museum event drew thousands with 600+ activities across multiple sites, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and health-history displays, after the event was postponed and expanded amid recent social tension. Bolivia’s Crypto Adoption Context: Reports note crypto use surged after the central bank lifted restrictions in June 2024, with USDT increasingly used as a practical reference for prices during the dollar crunch.

Stablecoin Policy Shift: Bolivia is weighing whether to officially add Tether’s USDT to its national payments system as a regulated option alongside the boliviano and the U.S. dollar, with Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza saying the proposal is still under technical review and no legal-tender rules are set yet. Money-Supply Pressure: The move comes amid a long-running foreign-currency shortage, after crypto restrictions were lifted in June 2024 and USDT use surged as a practical reference for prices and transfers. Compliance Watch: Any rollout would require tighter anti-money-laundering controls because Bolivia remains on the FATF grey list. Public Safety: In western Bolivia, a bus crash into a ravine killed 3 people and injured 10 others, with authorities investigating loss of control and possible alcohol involvement. Local Life: La Paz residents have until July 31 to claim a 40% discount on property tax fines and surcharges by paying in one installment. Culture Spotlight: La Paz’s “Long Night of Museums” drew thousands with 600+ activities across multiple sites, including health and sports exhibits.

USDT Push in Bolivia: Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza says Bolivia is technically evaluating whether Tether’s USDT can circulate as an official payment option alongside the boliviano and the U.S. dollar, as the country battles a persistent foreign-currency shortage; the plan would require a regulatory framework for banks and digital wallets and tighter anti-money-laundering controls because Bolivia remains on the FATF grey list. Crypto Risk Warning: An IMF paper cautions that dollar-pegged stablecoins can worsen currency-crisis pressure in economies with misaligned exchange rates by making parallel-market rates easier to coordinate around. La Paz Housing Watch: Residents and environmental groups are alarmed by reports of a major La Paz residential development (300+ apartments) near the Palmira Estuary and a Ramsar wetland, raising concerns about water, sewage, traffic, and long-term conservation. Health Research for Bolivia: A Lancet-published, coach-led lifestyle trial across 11 Latin American countries—including Bolivia—found structured group programs improved cognitive function more than self-guided approaches for older adults at risk of dementia. Regional Shock: ECLAC warns the Iran–US–Israel conflict could keep weighing on Latin America through 2026 via trade and oil-price channels.

Housing Watch: A proposed mega development in La Paz—over 300 apartments in 10 buildings up to seven stories near the Palmira Estuary—has residents and environmental groups alarmed, citing risks to a Ramsar-listed wetland habitat and pressure on water, sewage, traffic, and conservation. Local Development: The nearby Balaena Costa Apartments project has resumed construction after SEMARNAT authorized it to continue, saying it now complies with environmental and forestry rules. Public Health & Research: New Alzheimer’s findings from the LatAm-FINGERS study, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London, report that culturally tailored lifestyle programs with structured coaching improved memory and thinking in older adults across 11 Latin American countries. Regional Climate: Bolivia’s economy is described as “recovered” after implementing 30 measures since December, aimed at stability and growth amid earlier blockades and strikes.

Bolivia Politics: Bolivia’s Congress approved a bill that lets newly elected President Paz declare a state of emergency and deploy military forces to stop ongoing protests and road blockades, a move critics warn could escalate violence in La Paz and El Alto. Bolivia Economy: The Economy Ministry says the government has implemented 30 measures since December to restore “stability” and growth, pointing to steps like publishing the official exchange rate, continuing fuel subsidies, raising the minimum wage, and removing tariffs on strategic goods. Regional Democracy: The U.S. and the “Shield of the Americas” urged Colombia to guarantee a peaceful, orderly transfer of power after President Gustavo Petro questioned the election’s legitimacy. Health Watch: Hawaii’s health department reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to six, and reminded residents to eliminate standing water. Climate & Risk: In the Philippines, Typhoon Inday-linked flooding affected 35 barangays in Iloilo City, with 1,300+ people evacuated. Energy/Industry: Qcells said it is delivering major solar-plus-storage projects in Arizona’s La Paz County, totaling 372 MWdc across two phases.

Bolivia Protest Crackdown: Bolivia’s Congress passed a bill letting President Rodrigo Paz declare a state of emergency and deploy military forces to stop protests and blockades, after months of unrest that hit supplies and daily life in La Paz and El Alto—sparking warnings from opposition figures that it could “pour gasoline on the fire.” Bolivia Economy Push: The government says it has implemented 30 measures since December to restore “stability” and “growth,” pointing to steps like publishing the official exchange rate, continuing fuel subsidies, raising the minimum wage, and removing tariffs on strategic goods. La Paz Water Security: La Paz Oomsapas launched a hydraulic project aimed at improving neighborhood water supply. Regional Politics Watch: The U.S. and Latin American partners urged Colombia to guarantee a peaceful, orderly transition after President Gustavo Petro questioned the election outcome. Public Health Alert: Hawai‘i health officials reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, reminding travelers and residents to reduce standing water. Environment & Land Use: A report highlights Indigenous fire practices as a climate and livelihood issue, arguing blanket bans can ignore how rural communities manage “good fire.”

Bolivia Protest Crackdown: Bolivia’s Congress approved a bill letting President Rodrigo Paz declare a state of emergency and deploy military forces to stop ongoing protests and blockades, a move critics warn could escalate violence. Regional Politics: The U.S. and 12 Latin American partners, including Bolivia, urged Colombia to ensure a peaceful, orderly transition after President Gustavo Petro questioned the June election results. Economy & Stability Claims: Bolivia’s Economy Ministry says the government has rolled out 30 measures since December to restore “stability” and “growth,” citing steps like publishing the official exchange rate and continuing fuel subsidies. Energy & Industry: Hanwha Qcells will oversee engineering and construction for a major solar-plus-storage complex in Arizona, underscoring the region’s push toward renewables. Health Alert: Hawai‘i health officials reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to six, and urged residents to eliminate standing water. Environment & Culture: A new report highlights Indigenous cultural practices as a climate solution, pointing to community stewardship as key to protecting forests and storing carbon.

Bolivia Protest Crackdown: Bolivia’s Congress approved a bill letting President Rodrigo Paz declare a state of emergency, clearing the way to deploy military forces to end ongoing protests and blockades that have hit La Paz and El Alto with shortages and disruptions. Economic “Recovery” Push: The government says it has regained stability and growth after implementing 30 measures since late last year, pointing to steps like daily exchange-rate publication, fuel subsidies, a higher minimum wage, and tariff cuts for strategic imports. Lithium Spotlight: A new look at Salar de Uyuni highlights how the world’s largest salt flat sits atop major lithium reserves, keeping Bolivia at the center of the global battery boom. Regional Politics Watch: The U.S. and Latin American partners urged Colombia to carry out a peaceful transition after Petro cast doubt on the runoff vote, with Bolivia among the signatories. Public Health Reminder: Hawai‘i health officials reported a new travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, urging residents to eliminate standing water to prevent local spread.