AGP Executive Report

Marine Cleanup & Ocean Protection: Blue Prosperity removed two derelict vessels from Suva Harbour, using strict cleaning and environmental procedures, with PM Rabuka linking the work to Fiji’s goal of fully protecting 30% of the ocean and sustainably managing 100%. Waste & Public Health: WAF says a sewer overflow at Sekoula Place was caused by clothing dumped into the wastewater network, warning residents not to dispose of foreign materials that block pipes and trigger overflows. Recycling With Dignity: Pacific Recycling Foundation founder Amitesh Deo says Fiji’s recycling must go beyond “glamour” bin drops—needs end-to-end collection, processing, feedback, and transparency to avoid greenwashing. Climate Prep & Nature Solutions: IUCN reports communities are increasingly accepting nature-based solutions like mangroves and coral restoration, though mindset change is still a hurdle. Food Systems & NCDs: A proposed $2.2m for two school meal pilots could kick-start a home-grown school feeding programme, boosting vegetable intake and supporting farmers. Energy Transition: EFL outlines a F$2b renewable pipeline and mini-grid solar/hydro plans to cut reliance on imported diesel. Online Safety: Fiji’s Online Safety Commission says online harms are getting more serious while its budget has been cut, pushing for stronger laws and better victim justice pathways. Social Protection Gap: Civil society raises concerns over unclear responsibility and support in Fiji’s moves to remove street dwellers from public spaces. Pacific Pre-COP & Summit Politics: Fiji revealed early attendees for October pre-COP talks, while the Palau PIF leaders meeting is marred by missing leaders and China’s “consequences” warning over Taiwan presence.

Pacific climate diplomacy in the spotlight: The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau opened amid major absences and fresh China–Taiwan tension, with China warning Taiwan’s presence could face “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the opening ceremony; Australia says the forum decides who attends, while Fiji’s Rabuka confirmed he will not attend and Fiji’s delegation is led by Sakiasi Ditoka with climate and environment minister Lynda Tabuya. Nature-based solutions push: On World Environment Day, the Pacific Community (SPC) renewed calls to put nature at the heart of development, citing damage to Pacific reefs and biodiversity and urging Nature-based Solutions to cut disaster risk and support low-carbon growth. Fiji energy and climate resilience: Fiji outlined a renewable energy pipeline worth about F$2 billion and targets for higher renewables, while a separate Fiji–Spain climate cooperation update focused on climate-smart agriculture, fisheries and ocean resilience. Online harms and justice gaps: Fiji’s Online Safety Commission says online abuse is getting more serious, with complaints rising and budgets cut, urging stronger laws and adequate funding to protect victims. Local environment impacts: Water Authority of Fiji reported a sewer overflow in Laucala Beach linked to clothing dumped into the wastewater system, warning residents to keep foreign materials out of drains. Food and health: Fiji launched a Home-Grown School Meals policy brief and a survey to tackle rising childhood overweight by improving access to nutritious local food.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: China warned of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence at the summit opening, as several Pacific leaders skip key talks—raising doubts over united climate and security action. Ocean & climate planning: A UNFCCC Ocean Dialogue in Bonn pushed for stronger ocean priorities inside national climate plans and better access to finance ahead of COP31. Fiji climate finance reality check: Fiji’s environment chief says current climate funding models don’t fit Pacific logistics and costs, calling for partners to rethink how money reaches communities. Climate integrity push: Transparency International Pacific chapters urged stronger integrity safeguards in climate governance, ahead of COP31. Coastal flooding response in Fiji: Women in Marou, Yasawa helped deliver a nature-based seawall and drainage upgrades, cutting flooding for months. Waste crackdown: Fiji announced a $200 fine for littering, but stressed behaviour change and better waste sorting at source. Relocation risk in Bua: Support for Cogea Village’s stalled relocation depends on funding approval after audit findings flagged it as a “ticking time bomb.” Tourism sustainability standards: Fiji’s hotel and tourism body is moving toward stronger sustainability benchmarks aligned with global qualifications.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The leaders summit is underway but looks understrength, with at least five heads of government absent and concerns that China-linked pressure is splintering unity as Taiwan-China tensions sit alongside climate, drug crime and security on the agenda. Climate integrity push: Transparency International Pacific Chapters is urging leaders to strengthen integrity safeguards in climate governance ahead of Pre-COP and COP31, warning against undue influence and weak conflict-of-interest rules. Climate finance reality check: Fiji’s environment PS Sivendra Michael says the current climate financing model fails Pacific logistics and geography, calling for funding structures that match real costs on islands. Pacific Resilience Facility moves: The PRF is now operational, with US$173m already pledged and a further US$327m sought, as New Zealand pushes to close a US$500m gap. Fiji’s climate planning gap: Fiji says consultation records for its National Adaptation Plan (2017–2018) can’t be found due to server loss and staffing changes, raising accountability questions. Blue Pacific threats: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson warns the “Ocean of Peace” faces deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change, calling for a regional response. Waste crackdown: Fiji introduces a $200 fine for littering, but officials stress behaviour change and better waste sorting at source. Coastal resilience in Yasawa: Women-led nature-based seawall and drainage works in Marou Village, Yasawa, have reduced flooding after years of erosion. Climate mobility in action: Fiji’s PS launches a NZ-funded climate mobility partnerships programme, supporting community-led relocations and rights-based planning. Biosecurity standards: Guam’s new Pacific biosecurity role helps it finally complete an invasive species plan, showing how regional standards can speed local action. Renewables skills boost: Fiji’s new Sustainable Energy Training Centre aims to tackle solar skills shortages and support the region’s shift away from fossil fuels.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders are gathering in Koror for the 55th PIF, but unity is strained by last-minute pullouts, including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale leaving after a no-confidence motion and other absences that leave seats empty as climate and security compete for attention. Fiji-Australia economic push: Fiji and Australia are reframing their partnership around investment and digital growth, with Fiji urging Australian firms to treat the country as a gateway to the Pacific’s digital economy. Climate advocacy ahead of COP31: Fiji is urging global leaders to attend its Pre-COP in October and is pushing a united Pacific climate position through the Belau Declaration, stressing 1.5°C, climate finance, and ocean protection. Blue Pacific energy skills: USP has launched a sustainable energy training centre to build renewable energy and solar installation skills for Fiji and the wider Pacific. Renewables workforce gap: Fiji’s solar sector is short on specialised workers, with training and accreditation pathways now a priority. Ocean and waste pressure: Fiji is calling for tougher action on littering after warnings over rubbish and stench from Wailea Creek, with higher fines set to start from September 1. Invasive species control: Fiji reports research progress on controlling invasive African tulip using imported insect species in controlled trials. Community resilience: FRIEND Fiji marks 25 years supporting rural livelihoods and self-reliance, while PM Rabuka says poverty needs more than income—better access to services, markets, finance, and climate resilience.

Pacific Islands Forum turmoil: The 55th PIF leaders meeting in Palau is starting with fractures—Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale has pulled out after a no-confidence motion, and other leaders are also absent, raising concerns about unity as geopolitics with China and Taiwan looms. Climate finance push: Pacific negotiators are using the regional pre-COP process to press for stronger climate finance and loss-and-damage mechanisms, keeping 1.5°C within reach and elevating ocean-climate priorities ahead of COP31. Fiji poverty focus: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka says poverty can’t be solved by income alone, calling for better links for rural and maritime communities to jobs, markets, finance, tech and essential services—alongside partners like NGOs. Invasive species research: Fiji’s Koronivia team is progressing work to control invasive African tulip using two biological agents under strict containment, with host-specificity testing before any field release. Anti-litter enforcement: A Wailea Creek editorial backs tougher action as Fiji’s higher littering fines kick in from Sept 1, while a Nakasi trash boom has collected nearly 700kg of rubbish from waterways. Renewables skills boost: USP has opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre, combining practical and online learning to grow Fiji and Pacific capacity for solar and other clean-energy jobs.

Invasive species control: Fiji’s Koronivia Research Station says research to control invasive African tulip is progressing, using two imported biological control agents (a gall-forming mite and a leaf-mining flea beetle) under strict containment, with host-specificity testing and confined trials underway and no field releases yet. Waterway pollution: Trashboom Pacific reports nearly 700kg of rubbish collected at the Nakasi ATG Crossing since March, warning that litter can keep washing into waterways and urging responsible disposal as a $200 littering fine comes into effect from Sept 1. Climate resilience & water security: Fiji plans to expand solar-powered water pumps in remote communities as El Nino drought risk looms, aiming to protect water supplies for farmers and households. Renewables skills push: USP has opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to grow Pacific renewable energy expertise, covering solar, storage, electric transport and rural electrification. Regional climate finance: Pacific leaders are expected to back a new Pacific Resilience Facility ahead of COP31, targeting renewable energy, community resilience and ocean protection. Wildlife protection: Fiji’s wider region continues crackdown momentum, with major marine wildlife smuggling busts leading to large-scale rescues and care for confiscated animals.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders from 18 Pacific states will meet Aug 30–Sept 4 as major powers compete for influence, with climate protection and control of ocean resources high on the agenda. Fuel and climate pressure: A “global fuel crisis” is set to be a top issue, alongside climate change and regional security, as Pacific economies remain heavily exposed to imported fossil fuels. Waterway litter crackdown: Nearly 700kg of rubbish was collected at Nakasi ATG Crossing since a Japan-funded trash boom began in March, ahead of a $200 littering fine from Sept 1. Invasive species control: Fiji’s Agriculture Ministry is progressing research on two biological control agents for invasive African tulip—gall mite and leaf-mining beetle—kept under strict containment with host-specificity testing underway. Renewables skills push: USP opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build local capacity for solar, storage, electric transport and rural electrification. Water security for El Niño: Fiji plans to expand solar-powered water pumps in remote communities under a new $2m initiative to reduce drought risk. Qawa River pollution probe: Fisheries Minister Bainivalu says investigations are underway after reports of dead fish and odour, with FSC denying effluent discharge while results are awaited. Ocean-focused climate finance: Pacific nations are seeking backing for a new regional fund ahead of COP31 to channel investment into renewables, resilience and ocean protection.

Wildlife & Oceans: The Aquarium of the Pacific received nearly 1,000 marine animals after two separate smuggling busts, with officials working through the night to quarantine and acclimatise hundreds of seized fish, sharks and invertebrates—about a quarter died after arrival. Water Security & Climate: Fiji will expand solar-powered water pumps under a new F$2m initiative to protect remote communities as El Niño drought risk looms. Pollution Accountability: Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu says investigations into Qawa River pollution must identify the real source before blame—while FSC denies effluent discharge and the Department of Environment awaits sample results. Nature-Based Solutions: Fiji’s environment ministry says policies for mangroves and other nature-based solutions exist, but funding and approval processes still need to move into budgets and sector plans. Community Safety: A new Women’s Safe Shelter in Lautoka will provide emergency accommodation and counselling for survivors, with services also responding to wider risks like drugs, trafficking and teenage pregnancies. Pacific Climate Finance: Pacific leaders are pushing for support for a new Pacific Resilience Facility ahead of COP31, aiming to fund renewable energy, resilience and ocean protection at community level.

Ocean & Climate Finance: Pacific island leaders are lining up support for a new Pacific Resilience Facility push ahead of COP31, aiming to channel funding into renewable energy, community resilience and ocean protection. Marine Conservation Storytelling: A French Polynesian diver-turned-“coral gardener” is spotlighting reefs as the “rainforests of the sea,” while reminding Fiji audiences how reef health underpins livelihoods and food security. Pollution Accountability (Qawa River): Fiji’s Environment Ministry is testing water samples after reports of dead fish and odour in the Qawa River, with Fisheries Minister Bainivalu urging patience and proper investigation before blaming any company. Invasive Species Control: Fiji’s Agriculture Ministry is researching two biological control agents against the invasive African tulip tree, kept under strict containment while scientists assess safety and host preference. Climate Mobility: A New Zealand-backed regional programme has launched to help Pacific communities plan for climate-related displacement, with Fiji’s environment officials saying people-centred decisions must stay at the centre. Biodiversity Capacity Building: Wetlands Pasifika is hosting an international biodiversity rapid assessment in Namosi, building local research skills while documenting freshwater and land species. Renewable Energy Skills: USP has opened a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to grow industry-ready renewable energy talent across Fiji and the Pacific. Nature-Based Solutions Funding Gap: Fiji says policies for nature-based climate resilience exist, but the real bottleneck is turning them into funded projects through budget and approval processes. Waste & Public Health: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya warns Wailea residents to stop dumping rubbish into a creek where a trash boom is trapping waste, with fines set to start.

Waste & public health: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya tells residents in Suva’s Wailea/Vatuwaqa to stop dumping rubbish into a creek after a trash boom trapped waste for weeks, sparking complaints of mosquitoes, dead animals and stench; a $200 littering fine starts next week. Water pollution dispute: Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) rejects claims of effluent discharge into the Qawa River near its Labasa mill, saying there was no discharge during the crushing season and that the Department of Environment inspected and sampled the area while FSC awaits findings. Climate resilience funding gap: Fiji says it needs $9.8b to implement climate resilience work, but finance is not arriving at the scale and speed needed; officials call for better climate finance architecture and more Indigenous- and Pacific-led solutions. Nature-based solutions: Fiji’s Permanent Secretary says policies for mangroves and riparian buffers exist, but the real bottleneck is turning them into funded projects through government budgets and investment assessments. Renewables skills push: USP opens a Sustainable Energy Training Centre to build industry-ready renewable energy skills across Fiji and the Pacific, with a strong focus on solar. Biodiversity capacity building: Wetlands Pasifika and partners launch a Biodiversity Rapid Assessment in Namosi with Brigham Young University students and local experts to document freshwater and terrestrial life and strengthen local research capacity. Community environment action: A youth contestant at the FMF Friendly North festival plans to use the platform to raise awareness about environmental crime, urging young people to protect land, forests, oceans and wildlife. Regional disaster readiness: Pacific nations coordinate geohazard and tsunami resilience in Honiara, agreeing priority actions to strengthen seismic monitoring, data sharing and early warning systems for 2026–2030.

Water Pollution Watch: Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) denies effluent discharge into the Qawa River near its Labasa mill, saying there’s “no evidence” linking reported dead fish, odour and river changes to mill operations while it awaits Department of Environment findings after inspections and sampling. Climate Finance Gap: Fiji says it needs $9.8b to deliver climate resilience under its NDC costing, warning that climate-proofing infrastructure can cost far more and that funding is not arriving at the needed scale or speed. Renewables Skills Boost: UPS training centre opens to build practical renewable energy know-how, with a strong focus on solar power and energy management to support Fiji’s cleaner-energy transition. Food Security Push: Fiji will expand hydroponics and protected agriculture to grow more vegetables year-round, cut import reliance and support tourism’s demand for reliable fresh produce. Ocean at COP31: Fiji calls for the ocean to sit at the centre of climate action at COP31, arguing the world must move from promises to implementation that reflects Pacific lived experience. Youth & Environment: A young Labasa festival contestant will use the FMF Hibiscus Festival platform to raise awareness about environmental crime, while Hanua’s Natadola Ocean Surf Fest (Oct 10) is set to mix youth surfing, ocean education and plastic art workshops. Tourism Tax Clarity: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax will apply only to bookings made from 1 September, easing confusion for travellers and giving operators time to prepare as guidance is awaited.

River Pollution Watch: Communities in Labasa (Vulovi, Natokamu and Vunivaivai) say dead fish, strong stench and eroding riverbanks in the Qawa River are worsening during the FSC crushing season, and they want an urgent investigation into whether mill wastewater is harming water quality, fish and crab stocks. Sex Education & Health: Educators warn that sex education remains taboo in many Fiji communities, blocking age-appropriate HIV and drug awareness for children as young as 10, and they’re urging safer school discussions plus open talks with parents. Ocean at the Centre of Climate Action: Ahead of COP31, Fiji’s assistant foreign affairs minister says the Pacific must put the ocean at the heart of climate negotiations, linking warming seas, sea-level rise, coral decline and fisheries disruption directly to homes and economies. Food Security Push: Fiji plans to expand hydroponics and protected agriculture to grow more vegetables year-round, cut import reliance and support tourism’s need for reliable produce supply. Regional Disaster Resilience: Pacific nations met in Honiara to strengthen geohazard and tsunami resilience, agreeing priorities for better seismic data sharing, monitoring coverage and early warning capacity for 2026–2030. Protected Agriculture & Hydroponics: The agriculture ministry also highlights controlled-environment farming as a practical response to seasonal shocks hitting vegetable supply. Biodiversity Education: A Pacific-wide youth ocean learning push highlights how children are learning to protect the “Blue Pacific” amid warming seas, coral bleaching and plastic pollution. Fisheries Tech: Fiji is piloting a solar-powered vessel monitoring system with UN-SPIDER to improve coastal resource management and safer, more sustainable fisheries. Hydroponics to Cut Imports: The same controlled-environment farming plan is framed as a direct strategy to reduce Fiji’s large agricultural import bill. Ageing Protection Gaps: Fiji is reviewing how it supports older people, saying family care alone isn’t enough and calling for stronger health, social protection and participation-focused policies. Rural Development Beyond Suva: Government says rural development must reflect community voices outside Suva, linking infrastructure and services to cyclone, flood, drought and coastal hazard resilience. COP Desertification Link: Fiji’s environment minister met UNCCD counterparts and discussed climate-change mechanisms and bilateral talks including with Fiji, as the conference continues. Blue Corridors Framing: Fiji and partners continue pushing ocean-focused climate solutions and biodiversity protection as COP31 approaches.

Ocean at the centre of climate action: Fiji says COP31 must move beyond promises and put the Pacific Ocean at the heart of climate implementation, arguing ocean health is tied directly to fisheries, reefs and island economies. Tourism tax clarity: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax will now apply only to bookings made from 1 September, with existing bookings protected—after industry backlash over the earlier plan to apply it retrospectively. Food security push: Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna says Fiji will expand hydroponics and protected agriculture to grow more vegetables off-season and cut reliance on imports. Climate impacts on Vanua Levu: Communities in Macuata and Cakaudrove report worsening crop quality, shifting fish stocks, saltwater intrusion, drought and extreme weather pressures. Sustainable fisheries tech: Fiji is trialling a solar-powered vessel monitoring system with UN-SPIDER to improve coastal resource management and maritime safety. Green industry idea: Bamboo is being promoted as a climate-smart rural livelihood and construction material, with calls to build a full Fiji-based value chain. Water governance training: Solomon Water and Fiji’s Water Authority completed an ESMS workshop to better connect environmental and social risk management across systems and departments.

Fisheries & Tech: Fiji is trialling a solar-powered vessel monitoring system (TS3) with UN-SPIDER to give GPS updates every 30 seconds, aiming to improve maritime safety and coastal resource management. Climate Impacts: Vanua Levu communities report worsening drought, saltwater intrusion, declining crop quality and fish stocks, plus shoreline erosion and water stress as climate pressures deepen. Coastal Protection: At Navutu in Lautoka, waves have twice reached homes, pushing residents to prioritise a stronger seawall and mangrove planting. Ageing & Social Services: Fiji is reviewing support for a rapidly growing older population, with a new National Ageing Policy draft (2026–2035) focused on health, social protection, accessibility and climate resilience. Tourism Tax: Fiji’s 5% Tourism Services Tax is now set to apply only to new bookings from 1 September, after backlash over fears it would hit travellers who already booked. Energy Transition: A UNSW report says Pacific nations could save nearly US$700m a year by replacing diesel generation with renewables and storage—helping fund health and schools. Conservation Livelihoods: A Nabouono livestock project is reducing pressure on sea turtles by offering community meat alternatives, supported by UNDP GEF Small Grants.

Tourism & Aviation Policy: Fiji’s Tourism Services Tax (5%) is back in the spotlight as the Government says it will apply only to new bookings from 1 September, after industry pushback over fears of retrospective charges and added holiday costs. Climate Adaptation & Housing: A $9.2m Fiji Resilience Informal Settlements programme will target vulnerable informal areas in Lami, Sigatoka, Nadi and Lautoka, with climate-risk mapping and works to cut flooding, coastal erosion and sanitation risks for 1,500+ households. Biodiversity & Land Restoration: Flinders University research finds some Fiji native sweat bees are adapting and even expanding despite human-driven change, with habitat shifts and introduced plants sometimes creating more nesting opportunities. Coastal Erosion on the Ground: Residents in Navutu, Lautoka report waves reaching homes and are renewing calls for stronger seawalls, plus mangrove and vegetation planting. Energy Transition: A UNSW report says Pacific nations could save nearly $1b a year by replacing fossil fuel generation with renewables and storage—fuel imports are draining 10–25% of GDP. Social Media & Youth Safety: A proposed under-16 social media ban is questioned by a University of Auckland researcher, who warns it may not be effective and could cut young Pacific people off from support. Marine Protection & Rights: Fiji lawmakers repeal a surfing access law, replacing it with the Commercial Use of Marine Areas framework that boosts customary owners’ rights over commercial marine use. Community Conservation: In Nabouono, a livestock project is helping reduce pressure on sea turtles by offering an alternative meat source for community gatherings. Demographics & Ageing: Fiji is preparing a National Ageing Policy as the number of older people rises, with climate resilience and accessibility flagged as key needs. Regional Security Cooperation: Fiji and Japan reaffirm maritime surveillance, energy resilience and public health cooperation under the Lomavata Kizuna Partnership. ESMS Capacity Building: Solomon Water, with ADB support, completed an ESMS workshop in Honiara with Fiji’s Water Authority to better connect environmental and social risk management across departments.