AGP Executive Report

Food Security Crisis: Madagascar’s hunger situation is worsening, with the IPC warning that acute malnutrition remains severe and hundreds of thousands of children under 5 are at risk, driven by lean seasons, high food prices, and climate shocks. Wildlife & Conservation Finance: A North Florida Wildlife Center has welcomed critically endangered red ruffed lemurs to support Madagascar habitat restoration, linking public education and fundraising to tree planting and wildlife recovery. Governance & Safety: Police in Antananarivo report 172 missing cases of children and adolescents in the first half of 2026, with most reports concentrated around the capital and new joint security patrols introduced day and night. Mining & Environment: Harena Rare Earths signed a Project Development Funding Agreement with the US International Development Finance Corporation for its Ampasindava rare-earths project, with funds earmarked for permitting and environmental and social studies. Biodiversity Research: New research highlights how Madagascar periwinkle biology could make vinblastine production far more efficient, a potential boost for cancer drug manufacturing. Climate & Equity Finance: UK climate finance rules are shifting toward loans, and charities warn this could deepen debt burdens for countries like Madagascar already hit hardest by the climate crisis.

Child Hunger Crisis: Madagascar’s hunger situation is worsening, with IPC warning hunger could hit 3.72 million people nationally between October and next February, including about 502,000 children under 5 facing acute malnutrition and 78,000 expected to suffer severe acute malnutrition. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Central Park Zoo welcomed critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins from eastern Madagascar, highlighting ongoing habitat loss and poaching pressures. Mangrove Protection: The International Mangrove Center launched its secretariat in Shenzhen to boost mangrove conservation and restoration, with member states spanning Asia, Africa and the Americas. Coastal Pollution: Mangrove Photography Awards spotlight “ghost nets” trapped in mangroves, turning these nurseries into hidden garbage hotspots. Rare Species Breeding: Prague Zoo reported first-ever births of three rare snake species, including a Madagascar boa giving birth to ten young. Conservation Finance (Madagascar): Harena Rare Earths signed a Project Development Funding Agreement with the US International Development Finance Corporation for its Ampasindava project, earmarking funds for permitting and environmental and social studies. Security & Children (Madagascar): Authorities in and around Antananarivo reported 172 missing cases of children and adolescents in the first half of 2026, with eight found dead and 83 still missing.

Food Security Crisis: Madagascar’s hunger emergency is worsening, with the IPC warning crisis-level hunger could reach 3.72 million people by Oct 2026–Feb 2027, including about 502,000 children under 5 and 21,000 pregnant/breastfeeding women facing acute malnutrition. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Central Park Zoo welcomed critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins from eastern Madagascar, highlighting ongoing habitat loss and poaching pressures. Conservation & Illegal Trade: A new Brandywine Zoo “Hidden Falls” exhibit showcases species affected by habitat loss and the pet trade, including a confiscated green iguana now treated for parasites. Rare Earths & Environment: Harena Rare Earths signed a Project Development Funding Agreement with the US International Development Finance Corporation for its Ampasindava project in Madagascar, earmarking funds for permitting plus environmental and social studies. Public Safety in Antananarivo: Police report 172 missing children/adolescents in the first half of 2026, mostly around Antananarivo, with eight found dead and 83 still missing. Health & Climate Links: A global immunization update notes progress on “zero-dose” children but persistent drop-out risks—an issue that can hit Madagascar hard when shocks and lean seasons strain services.

Food Security Crisis: Madagascar’s hunger outlook is worsening, with IPC warning crisis-level hunger could hit 3.72 million people by Oct–Feb, alongside acute malnutrition for about 502,000 children under 5 and 21,000 pregnant/breastfeeding women. Wildlife Rescue: In Colombia, an abandoned ring-tailed lemur infant “Tiana” is receiving 24/7 veterinary care after her mother left her unattended, with hand-rearing, strict feeding, and a plush “surrogate” to help her survive and later join her species troop. Child Protection Alarm: Police report 172 cases of missing children and adolescents in Madagascar’s first half of 2026, heavily concentrated around Antananarivo, with eight found dead and 83 still missing. Conservation Spotlight: World Mangrove Day coverage highlights the Mangrove Photography Awards, where ghost fishing nets trapped in mangroves won top honours—an urgent reminder that coastal ecosystems also collect hidden marine waste. Biodiversity & Research: A Science-published breakthrough points to a Madagascar periwinkle protein that could make vinblastine production far more efficient, a potential boost for cancer drug manufacturing. Mining & Environment: Harena Rare Earths signed a US DFC project development funding deal for its Ampasindava rare-earths project in Madagascar, earmarked for permitting and environmental and social studies.

Madagascar Hunger Crisis: The IPC warns hunger is set to worsen between October 2026 and February 2027, with 3.72 million people facing crisis levels and about 502,000 children under 5 expected to suffer acute malnutrition, as climate shocks and high food prices squeeze already fragile households. Child Safety Alarm in Antananarivo: Police report 172 cases of missing children and adolescents in the first half of 2026, mostly around Analamanga; eight were found dead, and authorities say joint night-and-day security patrols have been stepped up. Conservation Spotlight—Mangroves & Ghost Nets: On World Mangrove Day, the Mangrove Action Project highlights how ghost fishing nets trapped in mangroves can turn these coastal nurseries into hidden pollution hotspots, with this year’s top photo documenting the problem. Biodiversity Update: Critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins have been born at Central Park Zoo, underscoring ongoing habitat loss and poaching pressures on Madagascar’s wildlife. Clean Energy Momentum (Regional): Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency says it has secured $155m in clean energy deals, including off-grid solar and smart battery plans—an energy-transition signal relevant to the wider region.

Food Security Crisis: Madagascar faces a worsening hunger emergency, with the IPC warning that acute malnutrition is set to hit about half a million children under 5, alongside rising crisis-level hunger numbers—driven by lean seasons, high food prices, and climate shocks. Child Safety Alarm: Police report 172 cases of missing children and adolescents in the first half of 2026, heavily concentrated around Antananarivo, with new joint security measures rolled out amid a tense political backdrop. Biodiversity Spotlight: Critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins were born at Central Park Zoo, highlighting ongoing habitat loss and poaching pressures that threaten Madagascar’s native primates. Conservation & Climate Signals: World Mangrove Day coverage spotlights mangrove threats like ghost fishing nets and sea-level rise, underscoring the need to protect coastal ecosystems that store carbon and shelter wildlife. Mining & Environment Watch: Harena Rare Earths signed a US DFC project development funding deal for its Ampasindava rare earths project in Madagascar, with funds earmarked for permitting and environmental and social studies. Health & Energy Access: Solar-powered health centres are expanding in Karnataka, showing how clean energy can improve healthcare delivery—an approach relevant to Madagascar’s own last-mile challenges.

Child Protection Alarm in Antananarivo: Madagascar is facing a surge in unresolved disappearances and killings of children and adolescents, with police recording 172 missing cases in the first half of 2026—119 in Analamanga (Antananarivo and surroundings)—and eight children found dead; authorities say some missing minors may have returned home without notice, while joint police-gendarmerie-military patrols and tighter security are being rolled out. Acute Malnutrition Warning: A new IPC-linked hunger update warns Madagascar’s crisis is deepening, with projections of 502,000 under-5s and 21,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women facing acute malnutrition, including about 78,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition, driven by lean season timing, high food prices, and climate shocks. Conservation & Biodiversity Spotlight: Black-and-white ruffed lemur twins—critically endangered and native to eastern Madagascar—were born at Central Park Zoo, highlighting ongoing habitat loss and poaching pressures that have cut wild numbers by at least 80% over three generations. Clean Energy Link to Madagascar: Off-grid solar and mini-grid expansion remains in the spotlight, with WeLight operating nearly 190 mini-grids across Madagascar and Mali serving over 800,000 people, as regional reports point to distributed renewables growing where the grid struggles. Rare Earths Development Watch: Harena Rare Earths signed a Project Development Funding Agreement with the US International Development Finance Corporation for its Ampasindava rare-earths project in Madagascar, with funds earmarked for permitting and environmental and social studies.

Acute Hunger Crisis: Madagascar’s hunger monitor warns crisis-level hunger could hit 3.72 million people from October to February, with about 502,000 under-5 children and 21,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women facing acute malnutrition; the surge is tied to the lean season, high food prices, and climate shocks, as Save the Children calls for urgent action to save lives. Child Safety Alarm: Police report 172 cases of missing children and adolescents in the first half of 2026, mostly around Antananarivo (Analamanga), with 8 found dead and 83 still missing; authorities say joint night-and-day forces and tighter security are being deployed amid a tense political backdrop. Rare Earths Funding: Harena Rare Earths signed a Project Development Funding Agreement with the US International Development Finance Corporation, with up to $4.84 million earmarked for permitting, environmental and social studies, and a proof-of-concept pilot plant for the Ampasindava project in Madagascar. Health & Climate Finance: A global immunization update notes progress but persistent gaps, while a separate report highlights how climate finance rules may shift burdens onto poorer countries—Madagascar is cited among those affected. Wildlife Conservation Note: Critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins were born at Central Park Zoo; the species’ wild decline is linked to habitat loss and poaching.

Madagascar Security Alert: Police in Antananarivo say 172 cases of missing children and adolescents were reported in the first half of 2026, mostly in Analamanga (119 cases). Eight children were found dead after violent attacks, 81 of the remaining 164 missing minors have been found, and 83 are still missing, with authorities warning some may have returned home without being officially updated. Conservation & Wildlife: A pair of critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins was born at Central Park Zoo and is now on view; the species’ wild numbers have fallen by at least 80% over three generations due to habitat loss and poaching. Health & Science: Researchers report a breakthrough toward easier production of vinblastine, a cancer drug sourced from Madagascar periwinkle, by identifying a plant protein that can boost key precursor output in lab systems. Mining & Environment: Harena Rare Earths says the US DFC has committed up to $4.84m for development of its Ampasindava rare-earths project in Madagascar, earmarked for permitting and environmental and social studies. Climate & Food Security: A new global hunger report warns Africa is not seeing the same improvements as elsewhere, with 309 million people hungry and most unable to afford a healthy diet.

Wildlife & Security: Madagascar’s police report 172 cases of missing children and adolescents in the first half of 2026, with 119 in Analamanga (Antananarivo area) and eight minors found dead; authorities say joint forces are now operating day and night to tighten security amid a tense post-coup political climate. Food & Climate Risk: Save the Children warns hunger could sharply worsen in Madagascar: acute malnutrition is projected for about 502,000 under-5s and 21,000 pregnant/breastfeeding women, with crisis-level hunger rising to 3.72 million people by late 2026/early 2027 as El Niño-linked drought and cyclone risk loom. Conservation Science: UNB researchers report a breakthrough toward industrial production of vinblastine, a cancer drug naturally sourced from Madagascar periwinkle—identifying a plant protein that boosts production efficiency in lab systems. Mining & Environment: Harena Rare Earths signs a US DFC project development funding agreement for its Ampasindava ionic clay rare earths project, earmarking money for permitting plus environmental and social studies. Energy Transition (Regional): A SADC ministerial committee reaffirms peace and security as the base for regional integration, with Madagascar and South Africa discussed in bilateral talks.

Child Safety Alarm: Madagascar police report 172 cases of missing children and adolescents in the first half of 2026, with Analamanga (Antananarivo area) hit hardest and eight minors found dead; authorities say joint night-and-day forces and tighter security are now in place. Food Security Warning: Save the Children warns hunger could sharply worsen in Madagascar: about 502,000 under-5s and 21,000 pregnant/breastfeeding women face acute malnutrition, and crisis-level hunger may rise to 3.72 million by late 2026/early 2027 without more aid and climate-resilient support. Climate Risk for Madagascar: Action Against Hunger flags El Niño as expected to reach very strong intensity, warning of drought in southern Madagascar and higher cyclone risk on the east coast. Biodiversity Spotlight: Critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins were born at Central Park Zoo, highlighting ongoing threats in eastern Madagascar from habitat loss and poaching. Rare Earths & Environment: Harena Rare Earths signs a US DFC funding deal for its Ampasindava ionic clay project, with permitting and environmental/social studies funded as it moves toward pilot and feasibility work.

Food Security Crisis: Save the Children warns hunger in Madagascar is set to worsen, with acute malnutrition expected to hit about 502,000 children under 5 and 21,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women between May 2026 and April 2027; crisis-level hunger could rise to 3.72 million people by Oct 2026–Feb 2027, with nearly 426,000 facing emergency conditions. Climate Risk for Madagascar: Action Against Hunger flags El Niño’s very strong 2026 outlook as a warning for the region—southern Madagascar faces drought risk while the east coast could see higher cyclone intensity. Wildlife Conservation: Two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins were born at Central Park Zoo (eastern Madagascar species), with the release citing habitat loss and poaching as major drivers of an 80% decline over three generations. Maritime Crime & Coastal Threats: East Africa’s Swahili Coast is seeing more sophisticated smuggling, including a Kenyan Navy seizure of 1,024 kg of crystal drugs from an unregistered dhow—showing how coastal routes can feed local harm. Energy & Resilience: Beyond2020 (Zayed Sustainability Prize) announced solar-powered health centres in India reaching 200,000 people, highlighting how clean energy can support service access in remote communities.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Two critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins were born at New York’s Central Park Zoo, with the Wildlife Conservation Society saying the species in eastern Madagascar has fallen by at least 80% over three generations due to habitat loss and poaching. Food Security in Madagascar: Save the Children warns hunger is set to worsen, projecting 502,000 under-5s and 21,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women to face acute malnutrition between May 2026 and April 2027, with crisis hunger rising to 3.72 million by late 2026/early 2027. Climate Risk for the Island: Action Against Hunger flags NOAA forecasts of very strong El Niño in 2026, warning of drought in southern Madagascar and higher cyclone risk on the east coast. Marine Conservation & Quiet Corridors: A report highlights humpback whales using protected “quiet corridors” along southern Africa’s east coast, with iSimangaliso recording over 11,000 whales in a migration season. Governance & Regional Security: SADC ministers reaffirm peace and security as the base for regional integration, with Madagascar and South Africa meeting alongside broader anti-corruption and organised crime priorities.

Food Security Alarm: Save the Children warns that Madagascar’s hunger crisis is set to worsen, with acute malnutrition projected for about 502,000 children under 5 and 21,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women between May 2026 and April 2027, and crisis-level hunger rising to 3.72 million people by Oct 2026–Feb 2027. Climate & Disaster Outlook: Action Against Hunger flags El Niño’s very strong 2026 intensity as a looming driver of drought in southern Madagascar and higher cyclone risk along the east coast. Regional Security: SADC ministers meeting in Salima, Malawi, reaffirm peace and security as the base for regional integration, with attention on conflict in eastern DRC, terrorism, organised crime and governance. Weather Monitoring for Resilience: A UN-backed push through the Systematic Observations Financing Facility highlights gaps in global weather observations and points to Madagascar’s role in improving forecasting and early warnings. Conservation & Wildlife: A report on humpback whales describes the value of protected “quiet corridors” along the African east coast—key habitat linking Madagascar to broader migration routes. Energy Access Link: Beyond2020 (Zayed Sustainability Prize) announced solar-powered health centres in India for 200,000 people, underscoring how clean energy can support essential services in remote communities. Mining Update: Total Graphite pauses production at Madagascar’s Vatomina mine for operational upgrades, aiming to restart at over 1,000 tonnes per month from Dec 2026. Travel & Nature: A luxury expedition itinerary notes Madagascar as a stop, reflecting continued global interest in the island’s biodiversity.

Acute Hunger in Madagascar: Save the Children warns that between May 2026 and April 2027, about 502,000 children under five and 21,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women could face acute malnutrition, with crisis hunger rising by 75% later this year and severe cases needing urgent treatment. El Niño Risk for the Indian Ocean: A new NOAA-backed forecast says El Niño could be very strong in 2026, with Madagascar facing drought in the south and higher cyclone risk in the east—an added threat to already fragile food systems. Weather Forecasting Support (SOFF): The UN’s Systematic Observations Financing Facility is helping countries, including Madagascar, strengthen solar-powered and other observing systems so forecasts and early warnings improve across borders. Deep-Sea Mining Threat: IUCN flags deep-sea mining as the biggest threat to a critically endangered deep-sea snail found near the Madagascar Basin, warning that mining could smother vent life. Energy and Water Cooperation (SADC): SADC ministers reaffirm peace and security as the base for regional integration, with Madagascar’s foreign affairs engagement noted amid broader security and governance priorities. Madagascar Graphite Update: Total Graphite pauses production at its Vatomina mine for operational upgrades, aiming to restart at over 1,000 tonnes per month from December 2026.

Food Security Crisis: Save the Children warns Madagascar’s hunger outlook is set to worsen, with about 502,000 under-5 children and 21,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women facing acute malnutrition from May 2026 to April 2027, and crisis-level hunger rising to 3.72 million people by late 2026/early 2027—urging urgent funding for food, nutrition, healthcare and climate-resilient support. El Niño & Climate Risk: A NOAA-backed forecast says El Niño could hit very strongly in 2026, with Madagascar facing drought in the south and higher cyclone risk in the east, as Action Against Hunger calls for early action rather than emergency response. Marine Conservation: A report highlights the growing importance of “quiet whale corridors” for humpback whales along South Africa’s east coast, with iSimangaliso Wetland Park recording 11,000 whales in a season and limited access helping reduce shipping noise. Mining & Environment: Total Graphite pauses production at its Vatomina graphite mine in Madagascar for operational upgrades, aiming to restart at over 1,000 tonnes per month from December 2026. Biodiversity Threat: IUCN flags deep-sea mining as the biggest threat to a critically endangered deep-sea snail, Lirapex felix, found near the Madagascar Basin, warning that mining could smother vent communities. Waste & Sustainability Policy: Zimbabwe’s President appoints a waste-management and environmental sustainability special advisor, signaling stronger push toward cleaner cities and greener growth.