Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” ocean areas inside the world’s largest marine protected zone, banning all human activity over a bigger stretch and adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Waste & Pollution Warning: Fiji Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya marks World Environment Day with a hard message: Fiji can’t claim climate resilience while plastic and poor waste management keep choking rivers, reefs and ecosystems; the ministry is also finalising a National Integrated Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy and launching Fiji’s first National Plastics Inventory. Waste-to-Energy Rejection: Fiji’s Department of Environment rejects a proposed Vuda waste incinerator and private port facility after the Environmental Impact Statement failed key legal and technical standards, with unresolved issues flagged. Recycling Gains in Ba: The Pacific Recycling Foundation opens a new recycling hub in Ba with partners to divert recyclables from landfill and expand access beyond major towns. Public Health Law Debate: Parliament hears concerns that Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill could allow compulsory vaccinations and medical treatment without requiring scientific evidence, while environmental health officers say they face abuse and assault doing inspections. Climate Diplomacy & Funding: Australia adds $24m to Fiji’s school and health infrastructure via the Fiji Social Infrastructure Programme, and Australia-New Zealand reaffirm Pacific-led climate and security cooperation ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum.