AGP Executive Report

Cuba’s Weather Watch in Trouble: Cuban meteorological radars are reportedly shut down around the clock and their images are unavailable on INSMET’s site, cutting off real-time monitoring of rain, storms, and tropical cyclones during hurricane season. Tourism Reform With a Green Angle: Cuba has rolled out sweeping rules to expand private management and foreign investment in tourism, including leasing and usufruct options, with promises of upgraded amenities and revitalized heritage zones—plus new specialized ecotourism and marina projects. Food Supply Under Pressure: A new report says the U.S. is tightening sanctions by targeting Cuba’s ability to grow, process, and import food, using access to food as leverage. Urban Nature, Despite Shortages: A Reuters profile highlights an orchid grower in Havana building an urban oasis and breeding new hybrids, showing how biodiversity work can survive even amid blackouts and scarcity. Local Climate Risk, Global Context: A week of coverage also flags how extreme weather and weak monitoring systems can compound disaster impacts, from Cuba-linked storm history to broader hurricane tracking.

Cuba Tourism Hit by U.S. Blockade: Cuba’s National Office of Statistics (ONEI) says traveler arrivals fell by about half in the first seven months of 2026, with international arrivals down 62.8% and the Canadian market dropping by more than 350,000 visitors—officials blame tighter travel restrictions and extraterritorial pressure that choke hotel and infrastructure investment. Storm Risk in Cuba: In Las Tunas, a 13-year-old died after an electric shock during a storm while sheltering under a tree; two other minors survived, and local health services urged stronger thunder safety habits. Water and Climate Resilience Angle: A Havana report notes President Díaz-Canel set a date to resolve Havana’s water supply issue, but distrust lingers due to past promises—an ongoing pressure point for resilience in a country facing outages and shortages. Nature and Food Security (Local Innovation): A Reuters profile highlights an urban orchid grower in Havana breeding dozens of species and hybrids despite blackouts and limited markets, showing how Cuba’s agricultural know-how keeps adapting under stress. Global Context for Cuba’s Environment: With BRICS expanding and leaders meeting in New Delhi, coverage frames “sustainability” and resilience as summit pillars—relevant to how Cuba may seek climate and development cooperation beyond traditional channels.

Cuba Tourism Hit by U.S. Blockade: ONEI data says traveler flows to Cuba fell by half in the first seven months of 2026, with international arrivals down 62.8%—a sharp blow to hotels and foreign exchange. Cuban Orchid Grower’s Resilience: In Havana’s outskirts, orchid expert Lorenzo Suarez keeps breeding and cultivating 100-plus orchid varieties inside an “urban oasis” despite shortages and blackouts. Storm Tragedy in Las Tunas: A lightning strike killed a 13-year-old boy while he and two other minors sheltered under a tree; hospitals say the other children survived. Havana Water Woes: Díaz-Canel set a date to fix Havana’s water supply issues, but past broken promises are fueling distrust. Local Infrastructure Worry: Residents in Matanzas report dangerous deterioration of bridges, raising safety concerns. BRICS Summit, Climate Lens: India’s Sept. 12-13 BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi is framed around resilience and sustainability, with leaders including Putin and Xi expected—an angle that matters for climate and development cooperation.

Cuba Tourism Under Pressure: Cuba’s tourism slump is deepening as the U.S. blockade and extraterritorial measures cut traveler flows in half in the first seven months of 2026, with international arrivals down 62.8% and the Canadian market hit hardest. Energy Divide in Havana: A new report paints a stark picture: some businesses run on solar during blackouts, while many residents face prolonged power cuts, shortages, and worsening basic services. Water Crisis Watch: Díaz-Canel set a late-September target to improve Havana’s water supply, but the piece notes repeated past promises and highlights how electricity dependence and aging infrastructure keep the crisis severe. Storm Risk, Real Loss: In Las Tunas, a lightning strike killed a 13-year-old boy and injured two other minors, underscoring the danger of seeking shelter under trees. Arbovirus Alert: Las Tunas health authorities warn that warmer, rainy conditions are boosting Aedes-linked arboviruses, with intensified surveillance and vector-control efforts. Community Safety in Matanzas: Residents in San Juan, Matanzas, say two bridges are deteriorating dangerously, forcing about 70 children to cross daily to reach school. Solar Theft Aid: A comedian activist says he’ll help a Matanzas mother replace a stolen EcoFlow with a solar-and-battery setup to keep power for her children. BRICS and Cuba’s Oil Fight: Coverage around BRICS expansion and the New Delhi summit frames the bloc’s sustainability agenda alongside calls to break Cuba’s oil embargo. Mystery Seafloor Claims: A “sunken city” claim based on seafloor mapping near Cuba and Haiti is circulating, but scientists say no marine experts have verified the patterns.

Energy Divide in Cuba: Eight months into the U.S. oil blockade, Havana shows solar-lit businesses and electric bikes while many neighborhoods face long blackouts, food and water shortages, and worsening infrastructure—an inequality gap that’s getting sharper. Health & Climate Risks: In Las Tunas, rainy-season heat and humidity are driving a rise in Aedes aegypti–linked arboviruses, with authorities stepping up surveillance, larvicide, and vector control. Water Supply Pressure: Díaz-Canel says Havana’s water improvements should start showing in late September, but residents are wary after years of missed schedules and heavy electricity dependence in the pumping system. Community Power Help: After an EcoFlow solar station was stolen in Matanzas, comedian Limay Blanco pledged support to help the family rebuild a solar setup for more reliable home power. Infrastructure Safety: San Juan in Matanzas reports imminent danger from deteriorating iron and pedestrian bridges used daily by about 70 children to reach school. Waste-Saving Tip Going Viral: A Cuban creator’s 22-second method to reuse charcoal that’s still lit—extinguish in cold water, dry in sun, then relight—has spread fast as families look for cheaper fuel. International Water Diplomacy: Cuba joined the launch of a Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy at World Water Week, aiming to boost water investment and cooperation.

Water & Health in Cuba: In Las Tunas, health authorities say the rainy season and heat are boosting Aedes aegypti–linked arboviruses, with intensified surveillance, larvicide use, and vector-control steps as September and October are historically the toughest months. Energy & Community Resilience: In Matanzas, comedian Limay Blanco is helping a mother after her EcoFlow solar setup was stolen, proposing a solar-plus-battery alternative so the family can keep power during outages. Infrastructure Safety: Residents in San Juan (Matanzas) warn that two deteriorating bridges—an iron bridge and a pedestrian crossing—pose “imminent danger,” especially for about 70 children who must cross daily to reach school. Water Supply Accountability (Havana): Díaz-Canel set late September as the target for visible improvements in Havana’s water systems, but coverage highlights deep distrust after years of missed promises and widespread disruptions. Sustainable Living (Charcoal): A viral Cuban tip shows how to “recycle” lit charcoal by extinguishing it in cold water, drying it in the sun, and reusing it—aimed at cutting costs and fuel waste. Tourism & Ecotourism Rules: Cuba’s tourism ministry announced new resolutions, including incentives and tax benefits for ecotourism projects tied to foreign investment and more flexible transport and management rules. International Water Diplomacy: Cuba joined the launch of a Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy, focused on mobilizing water investment and cross-border cooperation.

Public Health & Climate Risk: Las Tunas health authorities warn that the rainy season plus rising temperatures are boosting Aedes aegypti–linked arboviruses, with intensified surveillance, larvicide, and biological control in high-risk areas. Energy & Community Resilience: Comedian Limay Blanco says he’ll help a Matanzas mother after her EcoFlow solar setup was stolen, proposing a solar-plus-battery alternative to keep power steady for her children. Infrastructure Safety: Residents in San Juan, Matanzas, report imminent danger from deteriorating iron and pedestrian bridges, citing water pressure, vandalism, and daily risks for about 70 schoolchildren. Water Security in Havana: Díaz-Canel sets a late-September target to improve Havana’s water supply, but the plan faces skepticism after years of missed promises and major disruption affecting hundreds of thousands. Sustainable Tourism Policy: Cuba’s tourism ministry announces new resolutions, including incentives and tax benefits for ecotourism projects tied to foreign investment and nature-based development. Household Fuel Smarts: A viral Cuban video spreads a low-cost method to reuse charcoal by extinguishing it in cold water, drying it in the sun, and relighting it.

Public Health & Climate Link: In Las Tunas, health authorities say rainy-season heat and humidity are boosting Aedes aegypti–borne arboviruses, with higher febrile cases in Jesús Menéndez, Jobabo, and Havana’s key health areas—prompting stronger surveillance, larvicide use, and vector-control cleanups. Water Security in Havana: Díaz-Canel set a late-September date to show results on Havana’s water supply fixes, but residents remain skeptical after years of broken schedules; the crisis is worsened by aging infrastructure and heavy electricity dependence for pumping. Sustainable Tourism Rules: Cuba’s tourism ministry approved new regulations, including incentives and tax benefits for ecotourism projects tied to foreign investment, plus updates for tourist transport and non-state participation. Community Energy-Saving Tip: A viral Cuban video shows how to “recycle” charcoal by extinguishing still-lit pieces in cold water, drying them in the sun, and reusing them—aimed at cutting costs and waste. Local Trade Regulation: Las Tunas restricted garage sales to weekends under Decree 167, while the fee amount is still being finalized.

Water & Diplomacy: GWPO and partners launched the Global Ambassadors’ Forum for Water and Economic Diplomacy at World Water Week 2026, with Cuba among nearly 30 countries backing a voluntary platform to boost water investment and cooperation. Cuba’s Tourism Push: Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism issued new resolutions, including incentives and tax benefits for ecotourism projects tied to foreign investment, plus updated rules for tourist transport and non-state management models. Foreign Investment Reforms: Cuba published 34 pages of new regulations in the national registry to simplify processes and reduce red tape for foreign investment, trade, and tourism as blackouts and U.S. sanctions continue to bite. Energy Crisis, Human Cost: A 32-year-old lineman died in a workplace accident during Havana maintenance work, highlighting the strain on Cuba’s electrical sector as provincial brigades are sent to restore service. Local Environmental Action: A viral Cuban household tip shows how to “recycle” lit charcoal by extinguishing it in cold water, drying it in the sun, and reusing it to save money and reduce waste. Education Under Pressure: President Díaz-Canel said UNESCO’s visit is “very significant,” linking support for education to Cuba’s complex situation amid the U.S. blockade and energy shortages.

Cuba’s Market Push: Cuba published new rules to attract foreign investment and expand trade and tourism, aiming to cut red tape and speed up approvals as the island faces blackouts and tighter U.S. pressure. Tourism & Sustainability: The Ministry of Tourism rolled out fresh resolutions, including incentives and tax benefits for ecotourism projects, plus changes for tourist transport and wider participation by foreign and mixed companies. Non-State Economy: A new decree-law opens more room for non-state economic actors, especially at the municipal level, by reducing requirements and timeframes and allowing private enterprises to hire larger workforces. Energy Safety Warning: A 32-year-old lineman died in a workplace accident during electrical maintenance in Havana, highlighting the risks faced by brigades sent to the capital amid the power crisis. Food Security Support: WFP’s Nutrivida project is expanding maternal and child nutrition support in Holguín and Mayabeque, linking vulnerable families to local food systems and monitoring anemia and growth. Community Climate-Saver: A viral Cuban Facebook tip shows how to “recycle” charcoal by extinguishing still-lit coals in cold water, drying them in the sun, and reusing them—an immediate household fix for fuel costs.

Cuba’s Free-Market Push: Cuba published 34 pages of new rules to attract foreign investment and expand trade and tourism, promising simpler processes and fewer delays—while many Cubans remain wary amid blackouts and sanctions. Non-State Economy Update: A new decree-law aims to open more room for non-state businesses at the municipal level, cutting requirements and allowing private firms to hire larger workforces. Food Security Support: WFP’s Nutrivida project is scaling up maternal and child nutrition in Holguín and Mayabeque, linking local producers to social protection to fight anemia. Waste Crisis in Camagüey: A viral image of a massive garbage pile highlights how fuel shortages and failing municipal services are leaving solid waste collection in crisis. Energy Sector Safety: A 32-year-old lineman died in Havana during electrical maintenance, underscoring the risks of emergency brigades working under pressure. Tourism Outlook: Cuba’s tourism ministry says the sector is reorganizing services and leaning on existing hotel capacity as it tries to recover.

Cuba’s Free-Market Push: Cuba published new regulations in the Gaceta to attract foreign investment, trade and tourism, promising less red tape and faster processes as the island faces sanctions and chronic blackouts. Non-State Sector Boost: A new Decree-Law (No. 133) expands opportunities for municipal-level non-state economic actors, cutting requirements and allowing private businesses to hire over 100 workers. Tourism Outlook: Cuba’s tourism ministry says the country has 83,000+ hotel rooms and is reorganizing services to meet demand, with Varadero and Havana prioritized. Waste Crisis in Camagüey: A viral image of a massive garbage pile highlights how fuel shortages and failing municipal services are leaving solid waste collection in collapse. Food Security Support: WFP’s Nutrivida project is expanding maternal and child nutrition in Holguín and Mayabeque, linking local producers to social protection to fight anemia. Water Stress Warning: Reports say drought has driven the Cauto River to historic lows, forcing communities to cope with salty, muddy water.

Garbage Crisis in Camagüey: A viral video shows a massive garbage dump in the city center, highlighting how fuel shortages and failing municipal services leave waste piling up in public streets. Education Under Strain: Cuba’s 2026–2027 school year opens for 1.4M students amid energy limits, transport problems, and shortages, with officials promising flexible solutions so schooling continues. Power and Water Stress in Havana: Reports describe blackouts leaving Havana “thirsty” as pumps fail, worsening daily access to water. Cuba’s Reform vs. Sanctions: Cuba’s UN ambassador criticizes frequent U.S. sanctions while urging private investment, arguing the measures deepen outages, shortages, and economic pressure. Cuba and Nuclear Disarmament: Cuba calls for stronger international action against nuclear tests and backs global nuclear disarmament efforts. Cuban Tobacco Economy: A look at how the cigar industry—under monopoly control—remains a key revenue lifeline for Cuba’s economy. Global Climate Pressure: UN-linked reporting warns global warming is set to exceed 1.5°C, adding urgency to climate inequality debates raised in international forums.

Cuba’s Energy Strain Hits Schools: With fuel shortages and transport problems, Cuba’s 2026–2027 school year opens for 1.4 million students under tight conditions, as authorities say they’ll keep education guaranteed despite energy and material limits. Water and Power Stress in Havana: Reports describe blackouts leaving Havana short of water again, with pumps failing amid the wider collapse in electricity reliability. Drought and River Fallout: The Cauto River is reported at historic lows after drought, forcing communities to cope with salty, muddy water. Coral Reef Recovery Under Heat: A new study flags marine heatwaves as a major drag on coral reef recovery—an environmental warning that matters for Cuba’s surrounding seas. Global Climate Pressure: UN reporting says global warming is set to exceed 1.5°C, raising the stakes for extreme weather and coastal impacts across the Caribbean. Nuclear Disarmament Push: Cuba urges stronger international action on nuclear disarmament, calling out the need to stop nuclear tests and strengthen treaties. Sanctions and Reform Friction: Cuba’s UN ambassador criticizes U.S. sanctions while Washington urges private investment, arguing the restrictions worsen outages, shortages, and investor pullback. Tropical Storm Dolly Watch: Forecast coverage keeps attention on Dolly’s remnants and possible redevelopment near Cuba and the Florida Straits, with uncertainty lingering for the region. Solar Energy Losses and Lessons: A solar-focused Cuban story highlights how people are turning to panels at home—while also showing how broader instability shapes environmental and energy choices.

Cuba’s school year under strain: With fuel limits, transport problems and shortages still biting, Cuba opened the 2026-2027 school year while insisting education rights will hold—authorities cite flexibility and local adaptation to keep classes running. Energy and water pressures: Reports highlight Cuba’s ongoing blackouts and thirst in Havana as pumps fail, adding to daily hardship. Environmental diplomacy: Cuba urged stronger international action on nuclear disarmament, backing the TPNW and test-ban goals. Climate risk in the region: Tropical Storm Dolly’s remnants kept meteorologists watching for renewed rain and storm potential across the U.S. Southeast, with Cuba and the Bahamas in the moisture path. Renewables momentum abroad: China’s solar buildout surged past coal in installed capacity, a reminder of how fast clean power can scale. Waste and reuse research: A Tanzanian academic studies how discarded electronics and informal repair networks keep cities running—linking e-waste to broader “systems” of adaptation. Biodiversity and reefs: A study flags marine heatwaves slowing coral reef recovery, underscoring how warming stress compounds ecosystem loss.

Education Under Strain: With buses halted by Cuba’s fuel crisis, 1.4 million students start the 2026–2027 school year amid shortages, while authorities say the right to education will be protected through flexible, local solutions. Power System Crackdown: Cuba’s energy stress is echoed by a hardening of legal enforcement around the National Electric System, as the island grapples with blackouts and failing infrastructure. Nuclear Disarmament Push: Cuba’s UN envoy calls for strengthening the international order on nuclear disarmament, highlighting the TPNW and the need for a world without nuclear tests. Food Security Pressure: A BBC analysis points to Cuba’s heavy food import dependence and sharp declines in key staples, raising questions about the agricultural model and sanctions’ impact. Tropical Storm Dolly Watch: In the wider region, Dolly’s remnants are still boosting rain chances near Cuba and South Florida, a reminder of how weather shocks can compound shortages. Renewables Loss: Cubasolar founder Luis Bérriz Pérez has died, marking a blow to Cuba’s solar push.