El Niño Watch for Ecuador: Forecasts say El Niño is back with a strong-to-very strong chance by late fall, raising risks for extreme weather and already pushing ocean temperatures near record highs—an urgent signal for Ecuador’s agriculture and marine life. Sustainable Farming in the Andes: IICA reports a regional push toward sustainable rice production across Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and Uruguay to cut methane and water use while improving resilience for small farmers. Earthquake Reconstruction Tech in Venezuela: Delcy Rodríguez launched the “Venezuela Renace” plan using technical “traffic light” assessments and scientific criteria to repair and rebuild homes after the June 24 double quake, with international seismic specialists requested. Local Climate Knowledge Under Threat: New Nature-linked research warns climate change could wipe out up to a third of Amazon plant species tied to Indigenous knowledge, with Ecuador’s Waorani among those affected. Genetics and Migration Insights: A large Indigenous DNA study (including Ecuadorian populations) finds multiple migration waves into South America and traces a hidden Asian “ghost” population. Gold Processing in Ecuador’s Region: Dynacor says its Senegal Galam pilot plant has started ore production and is on track for first gold pour in August, while it continues rehabilitating its Svetlana plant in Ecuador. Wildlife in Ecuador’s Cloud Forest: A spectacled bear sighting in Cayambe-Coca National Park highlights how these mountain ecosystems support water and biodiversity.