AGP Executive Report

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF leaders meeting kicks off in Koror, but unity is already under strain, with multiple leaders absent or uncertain—Kiribati’s president is effectively snubbing the summit, and there are questions around Naoero (Nauru) attendance. Local Governance & New Caledonia: New Caledonia’s president Milakulo Tukumuli is reportedly in Paris for financial talks, so the delegation is led by his predecessor Alcide Ponga—highlighting how regional climate and ocean priorities can get reshuffled by domestic schedules. Blue Pacific Policy: The summit theme centers on building resilient economies and action for the Blue Pacific, with major-power competition shaping debates over security and ocean resources. Geohazard Resilience: Separate regional meetings in Honiara pushed for stronger earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic early-warning systems, including better seismic data sharing and monitoring investment—New Caledonia included in the coordination push. Ocean & Climate Education: In Fiji, youth ocean programs are tackling warming seas, coral bleaching, and plastic pollution by turning kids into future stewards.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders are arriving in Koror for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, but the agenda is already under strain as last-minute absences and partner pressure raise questions about unity and outside interference. New Caledonia leadership update: New Caledonia President Milakulo Tukumuli is in Paris for financial talks and will be represented at the Forum by predecessor Alcide Ponga. Blue Pacific priorities: The summit theme—building resilient economies and turning commitments into action—puts oceans, renewable energy and tourism in the spotlight, while geopolitics and security concerns loom over regional cooperation. Geohazard resilience for the region: Separate reporting highlights Pacific nations coordinating earthquake, tsunami and volcanic preparedness, including plans to strengthen early warning systems and monitoring capacity across 2026–2030.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders from across the Blue Pacific, including New Caledonia, will meet Aug. 30–Sept. 4 to push a shared regional voice as China, the US and partners compete for influence and access to ocean resources. The big test: turning outside attention into real climate action, infrastructure, and control over local resources. Geohazard and tsunami resilience: Pacific nations, regional groups and technical partners met in Honiara to strengthen multi-hazard early warning for earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, with New Caledonia among participants. They flagged gaps in monitoring, data sharing and equipment upkeep, and agreed priority steps for 2026–2030. Youth and ocean protection: In Fiji, a push led by schools and the Pacific Community is helping children connect daily ocean life with threats like warming seas, coral bleaching and plastic pollution—aiming to build a new generation of ocean stewards. Climate finance focus for COP31: Pacific leaders are urging COP31 to move beyond promises and fund specific biodiversity and climate solutions, warning that warming is on track to hit the Paris 1.5°C limit soon. New Caledonia in the spotlight: A local feature highlights ranch life in la brousse and the island’s “blue” identity—dugongs, turtles and reef ecosystems—through a tourism lens.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders from across the Blue Pacific, including New Caledonia, are meeting Aug. 30–Sept. 4 to try to keep a shared regional voice as China, the US and partners compete for influence and access to ocean resources. Geohazard and tsunami resilience: In Honiara, Pacific nations including New Caledonia backed priority actions for 2026–2030, pushing better seismic data sharing, stronger early-warning systems, and more investment in monitoring infrastructure. Climate finance and COP31 focus: Pacific climate leaders are urging big nations to move beyond promises and fund specific climate and biodiversity goals ahead of COP31, warning that rising seas and warming seas are already reshaping island futures. Blue Pacific education push: A Fiji-based initiative highlights how ocean-focused learning is helping children understand threats like warming, coral bleaching and plastic pollution—and why that matters for protecting marine life. Deep-sea mining fault lines: Regional coverage flags growing concern that seabed mining could strain Pacific unity and raise disputes, with New Caledonia named among forum members. Local recovery roadmap: New Caledonia’s President Tukumuli outlined a six-month recovery plan, as the territory navigates environmental and broader rebuilding priorities. Wildlife research: New study tracking young golden eagles suggests leaving parental territory depends more on flight patterns than on mastering thermals—useful context for conservation planning. Marine safety and fraud: A report warns false-flag shipping is still expanding, complicating enforcement that can indirectly affect ocean health.

Regional Geohazards & Tsunami Preparedness: Pacific Island nations, regional partners, and international technical groups met in Honiara to strengthen coordinated resilience to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and landslides, with New Caledonia among the participants. They agreed on priority actions for 2026–2030, including better seismic data sharing, stronger monitoring interoperability, workforce development, and investment in critical equipment and maintenance. Blue Pacific Education & Ocean Protection: In Fiji, the “Whole School Ocean” push is helping children connect everyday ocean life to bigger threats like warming seas, coral bleaching, and plastic pollution—aiming to shift how the next generation protects marine biodiversity. Climate Finance Pressure for COP31: Pacific leaders are urging COP31 to move beyond promises toward funded, specific goals and practical solutions, using lived experience and science-based action to tackle coral and ocean decline. Deep-sea Mining Unity Under Strain: Regional coverage flags growing risks to Pacific unity from deep-sea mining, including concerns about investor-state disputes and a “race to the bottom” dynamic.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations met in Honiara to strengthen shared resilience against earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, with New Caledonia among participants pushing for better seismic data sharing, monitoring coverage and early-warning capacity for 2026–2030. Ocean Biodiversity & Youth Action: In Fiji, the “Blue Pacific” message is getting a boost through school-led ocean learning, as children confront warming seas, coral bleaching and plastic pollution and learn how their choices can protect reefs and intertidal life. Climate Finance at COP31: Pacific leaders are urging COP31 to move beyond promises toward specific funding and real implementation for climate and biodiversity goals, warning that warming is on track to hit the Paris limit soon. Tuna & Climate Adaptation at Sea: A UNSW-led program is turning commercial fishing vessels into ocean observing platforms, using temperature sensors to help fishers track shifting tuna behaviour and support fisheries management across the Pacific. New Caledonia Conservation Angle (Local Nature & Land Use): A feature highlights New Caledonia’s “cowboy country” ranch life and the island’s deep connection to marine and wildlife heritage—useful context for conservation-minded tourism and land stewardship.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations, including New Caledonia, met in Honiara to strengthen shared resilience against earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, agreeing on priority actions for 2026–2030 to improve seismic data sharing, monitoring interoperability, training and investment in early-warning infrastructure. Ocean Biodiversity & Youth Action: In Fiji, educators and partners are pushing a “learn to love the ocean” approach, linking warming seas, coral bleaching and plastic pollution to hands-on youth learning and ocean stewardship. Climate Finance at COP31: Pacific climate leaders are urging big nations to move beyond promises at COP31 by funding specific biodiversity and climate solutions, with warnings that the 1.5°C Paris limit could be reached soon. Blue Pacific Fisheries Adaptation: A UNSW-led program is helping Pacific fishers adapt to shifting tuna by turning commercial vessels into ocean observing platforms, using temperature sensors to guide fishing and improve fisheries management. New Caledonia Context: New Caledonia’s President Tukumuli outlined a six-month recovery roadmap as the region grapples with environmental and resilience challenges.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations, regional groups and technical partners met in Honiara to strengthen early warning for earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, endorsing priority actions for 2026–2030 to improve seismic data sharing, monitoring coverage, equipment upkeep, and workforce capacity. Youth Ocean Stewardship: Fiji’s schools and youth are being mobilized to better understand coral reefs and intertidal life as warming seas, coral bleaching and plastic pollution reshape the “Blue Pacific.” Climate Finance Push: Pacific climate leaders are urging COP31 to move beyond promises toward funding specific biodiversity and climate solutions, warning that the 1.5°C limit is approaching fast. Ocean Data for Tuna Adaptation: A UNSW-led program is expanding “ships of opportunity” using ocean temperature sensors on fishing vessels to help fishers and fisheries managers track shifting tuna behavior. Mangrove Recovery Signal: New research finds mangroves are showing a global turning point, with regrowth offsetting decades of losses and supporting coastal protection and climate carbon storage.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations, regional groups and technical partners met in Honiara to strengthen multi-hazard early warning for earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides, including better seismic data sharing, monitoring coverage and maintenance plans for 2026–2030. Blue Pacific Climate Funding: Pacific climate leaders and researchers urged COP31 to move beyond promises toward specific, funded actions to protect ocean biodiversity as warming accelerates. Ocean Education for Action: Fiji’s youth ocean programs are shifting how children see the sea—linking everyday ocean life to choices that protect coral reefs, tackle plastic pollution and respond to warming seas. Tuna Adaptation at Sea: A UNSW-led effort is expanding ocean temperature sensing on fishing vessels across the Pacific to help fishers track changing tuna behavior and support fisheries management. Mangrove Comeback: New satellite-based research finds global mangrove loss has been largely offset by regrowth since around 2010, pointing to resilience for coastal protection and climate carbon storage. Local Conservation Angle: New Caledonia’s “cowboy country” ranching story spotlights land stewardship and gentle handling practices in la brousse—an everyday reminder that healthy ecosystems start with how people care for animals and habitats.

Ocean Education & Youth Action: In Fiji, the “Blue Pacific” message is moving from awareness to action as children learn how warming seas, coral bleaching, and plastic pollution threaten intertidal and reef life—pushing schools to protect what they understand. COP31 Funding Focus: Fiji’s assistant minister for foreign affairs and Pacific climate voices are urging COP31 to move beyond promises toward specific, funded goals and science-led biodiversity protection as leaders warn the 1.5°C limit could be reached soon. Mangrove Recovery: New satellite-based research finds mangrove forests are bouncing back in many places, with losses largely offset by regrowth since around 2010—good news for coastal protection, fisheries, and climate carbon storage. Pacific Fisheries Adaptation: A UNSW-led program is turning commercial fishing vessels into ocean observing platforms, using temperature sensors to help fishers and managers track shifting tuna behavior as seas warm. Local Climate Leadership (Pacific): The same push for practical solutions links youth ocean learning with calls for Pacific-led leadership at major climate and biodiversity gatherings.

Biodiversity & Climate: A new global study using four decades of Landsat satellite data (1984–2023) finds mangrove forests are recovering in many places, with gains since around 2010 offsetting earlier losses—netting a modest but meaningful stabilization and highlighting mangroves’ role in coastal protection and climate-warming carbon storage. Ocean & Fisheries Adaptation: A UNSW-led program is expanding “ships of opportunity” ocean temperature sensing across the Pacific, helping fishers and fisheries managers track shifting tuna behavior as warming waters change where fish go. Wildlife Research: GPS-tracked young golden eagles in the Alps show that leaving a parent territory depends far more on flight duration and altitude than on how quickly they master thermals—suggesting timing is shaped by survival conditions and crowded territories. Public Health & Climate Risk: Hawaiʻi health officials report another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu and stress mosquito-control steps, especially after flooding and expected rain that can create standing water. Energy & Environment Watch: TVA’s New Caledonia Combustion Turbine Plant is reported about 25% complete after breaking ground, aiming for a May 2028 opening and adding 500 MW to the grid.

Maritime Security & Trade Integrity: Windward’s Q2 report says false-flag operations keep expanding, with 22 fraudulent ship registries identified worldwide and 275 tankers broadcasting fraudulent flags in Q2 (up from 290 in Q1). The IMO lists 580 falsely flagged vessels, rising from 550 at end of Q1 2026. New “first-time” users include Syria and Myanmar. Energy Infrastructure: TVA’s $800M New Caledonia Combustion Turbine Plant is about 25% complete after 10 months, with six turbines planned to add roughly 500 MW to the grid and target a May 2028 opening. Climate & Coastal Nature: A four-decade satellite analysis (1984–2023) finds mangrove forests are stabilizing and expanding again, with net global area down only ~1% since the 1980s as gains offset earlier losses. Ocean & Fisheries Adaptation: A UNSW-led program is equipping Pacific tuna fishing vessels with temperature sensors to track shifting tuna behavior and support fisheries management and climate forecasting. Public Health & Mosquito Control: Hawaiʻi DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, bringing 2026 totals to seven; officials stress removing standing water after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding.

Maritime Security & Sanctions: Windward reports false-flag shipping keeps expanding, with 22 fraudulent ship registries identified worldwide and 275 tankers broadcasting fraudulent flags in Q2—IMO lists 580 falsely flagged vessels, up from 550 at end of Q1 2026. Climate & Coastal Nature: New satellite-based research finds global mangrove forests are recovering after decades of loss, with gains since around 2010 offsetting declines and stabilizing overall area. Fisheries & Ocean Change: A UNSW-led program is equipping Pacific tuna fishing vessels with ocean temperature sensors to help fishers track shifting tuna behavior and improve climate and fisheries forecasting. Public Health & Mosquito Risk: Hawaiʻi DOH confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu (7 cases in 2026), urging residents to remove standing water—especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Energy & Local Impacts: TVA’s $800M New Caledonia Combustion Turbine Plant is about 25% complete, targeting May 2028 for a 500 MW addition to the grid.

Energy & Climate Resilience: TVA’s $800M New Caledonia Combustion Turbine Plant is about 25% complete after 10 months, with crews laying concrete and rebar for a six-turbine site expected to add ~500 MW to the grid by a projected May 2028 opening. Ocean & Fisheries Adaptation: A UNSW-led program is turning tuna fishing vessels into ocean observing platforms, using temperature sensors to help Pacific fishers track shifting tuna behavior as waters warm. Coastal Ecosystems: New satellite-based research finds mangrove forests are recovering in many places, with decades of losses largely offset by regrowth and expansion since around 2010. Public Health & Mosquito Control: Hawaiʻi health officials reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, urging residents to remove standing water—especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Local Conservation & Tourism: Marriott’s Series by Marriott brand has launched in New Caledonia with three Le Domaine du Pacifique resorts, including a beachfront property near a UNESCO-listed barrier reef. Wildlife Learning: Studies highlight dolphin “shelling” tool use taught by mothers, and finches using language-learning rules that mirror human baby speech patterns.

Energy & Climate Resilience: TVA’s $800M New Caledonia Combustion Turbine Plant is about 25% complete after 10 months, with concrete slabs and smokestacks rising on a 145-acre site and a May 2028 target to add roughly 500 MW to the grid. Ocean & Fisheries Adaptation: A UNSW-led program is turning tuna fishing vessels into ocean observing platforms, using temperature sensors to help Pacific fishers track shifting tuna behavior and support climate forecasting. Coastal Ecosystems: New research using four decades of satellite data reports mangrove forests are recovering in many places, with gains since around 2010 offsetting earlier losses and stabilizing global mangrove area. Public Health & Mosquito Control: Hawaiʻi DOH reports another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu, urging residents to remove standing water—especially after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Wildlife & Learning: Studies highlight dolphin “shelling” tool use taught by mothers and finches using shared statistical learning rules, adding to growing evidence of animal intelligence. Tourism & Nature Reserves: Marriott’s Series by Marriott brand launches in New Caledonia with three Le Domaine du Pacifique resorts, including Déva in a nature reserve near a UNESCO-listed barrier reef.

Energy & Climate Resilience: TVA’s $800M New Caledonia Combustion Turbine Plant is about 25% complete after 10 months, with crews laying foundations and concrete for a six-turbine site expected to add ~500 MW to the grid by May 2028. Ocean & Fisheries Adaptation: A UNSW-led program is turning commercial fishing vessels into ocean observing platforms, using temperature sensors to help Pacific fishers track shifting tuna behavior and support fisheries management. Coastal Nature Recovery: New satellite-based research finds global mangrove forests are recovering, with regrowth and expansion offsetting much of decades of loss since the 1980s. Public Health & Mosquito Risk: Hawaiʻi DOH reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu (7 cases in 2026), urging residents to remove standing water after Tropical Cyclone Lala flooding. Tourism & Local Conservation Context: Marriott’s Series by Marriott brand has launched in New Caledonia with three SHN properties, including Le Domaine Déva near a UNESCO-listed barrier reef. Wildlife & Learning: Studies highlight dolphin “shelling” tool use taught by mothers and finches using language-like statistical learning rules.