AGP Executive Report

Marine Recovery: Naidiri villagers say a community-run fishing closure and thousands of coral plantings are bringing fish and sharks back to their reef, offering a model for locally led ocean protection. Climate Finance: Pacific nations are pressing for reliable climate funding ahead of COP31, as debate over fossil fuels and delayed support for vulnerable communities looms. Renewable Energy: Sri Lanka’s Vidullanka has won a US$1.35 million contract to build a 100-kilowatt mini-hydropower facility at Buca Village, marking a new Pacific investment. Mining Review: The public can inspect and comment by October 30 on an environmental assessment for proposed iron-sands mining near Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. Water Security: Emergency water deliveries continue on Malolo Island as dry conditions strain household supplies. Wildlife Protection: Fiji has joined a new international coalition focused on restoring endangered species to their natural habitats.

Climate Partnerships: Fiji has urged China and Pacific partners to turn agreements into practical gains, including climate resilience, renewable energy and ocean protection. Wildlife Trade: Spanish authorities seized 209 reptiles, including critically endangered iguanas native to Fiji. Conservationists warn legal loopholes allow traffickers to disguise wild-caught animals as captive-bred. Water and Weather: Emergency water deliveries continue to Malolo Island as dry conditions strain supplies, while forecasts warn of an active cyclone season ahead. Pacific Climate Action: Pacific leaders have pushed back against criticism of the Fiji-Tuvalu Pre-COP, urging attention to climate outcomes and the region’s role in ocean stewardship. Pollution: A trash boom at Bailey Bridge in Suva has intercepted more than 3.3 tonnes of waste from waterways. Reefs: Fiji’s reef strategy is being linked to Pacific priorities ahead of COP31, as regional calls grow for stronger ocean protection.

Water Shortage: Emergency water deliveries are continuing on Malolo Island, where dry conditions are limiting household supplies. Officials urge residents to conserve water. Reef Protection: Fiji’s 2026–31 coral reef plan sets out 82 actions across seven areas, including restoration, sustainable fisheries and community involvement, linking reef resilience to climate finance and the 1.5°C goal. Waterway Pollution: A trashboom at Bailey Bridge has intercepted more than 3.3 tonnes of waste in nearly a year, including soft plastics, sanitary waste and PET plastics, helping keep rubbish out of Suva Harbour. Cyclone Outlook: Fiji could face up to three cyclones from November to April, adding urgency to seasonal preparedness. Climate Diplomacy: Tuvalu’s climate minister called Australia’s landmark coal and gas ruling a “clear signal” of moral responsibility, as Pacific leaders press for stronger climate action and finance ahead of COP31.

Water Emergency: Malolo Island communities are receiving a third round of emergency water deliveries as dry conditions disrupt access to daily essentials. Authorities urge residents to conserve supplies. Suva Pollution: A trash boom at Bailey Bridge has intercepted 3.3 tonnes of waste in nearly a year, including soft plastics, sanitary products and PET bottles, helping keep rubbish out of Suva Harbour and the ocean. Reef Protection: Fiji’s 2026–2031 coral conservation plan sets out 82 actions covering restoration, sustainable fisheries, community involvement and financing, linking reef health to Pacific climate priorities. Cyclone Readiness: Fiji could face up to three cyclones between November and April, adding urgency to preparedness as communities also plan for El Niño-related dry conditions. Clean Energy: Fiji is developing standards to support the clean-energy transition, while EFL plans a major investment to expand renewable power. Rural Water: A $10.2 million plan aims to improve water supply in rural communities.

Reef Protection: Fiji’s 2026–31 coral reef plan sets out 82 actions, including ecosystem restoration, sustainable fisheries and community involvement, linking reef survival to climate finance and the Pacific’s push to limit warming. Waterway Pollution: A trashboom at Bailey Bridge has intercepted more than 3.3 tonnes of rubbish in a year, including soft plastics, sanitary waste and PET bottles, before it reaches Suva Harbour and the ocean. Cyclone Outlook: A developing strong El Niño could bring an early, more active cyclone season across parts of the Southwest Pacific; Fiji is forecast to face up to three cyclones. Renewable Energy: Energy Fiji Limited plans $2 billion in investment over four to five years, targeting 60% renewable generation by 2029 and 90% by 2035. Plastic Waste: Concerns over rubbish on Fiji’s coastlines and weak recycling systems underline the need to tackle waste before it reaches waterways and marine habitats.

Cyclone Readiness: Fiji faces a season outlook of up to three cyclones from November to April, with a developing strong El Niño raising the risk of an early start and severe storms across the region. Clean Energy: Energy Fiji Limited plans $2 billion in investment over four to five years, targeting 60% renewable generation by 2029 and 90% by 2035. Fiji is also developing standards to improve the safety and reliability of clean-energy systems. Water Security: Dramasi residents say they still lack a permanent water supply after 35 years, relying on an exposed dam and occasional deliveries that can be delayed. Tourism Resilience: The sector is testing new crisis-response and communications plans to coordinate action during cyclones, floods and other disruptions. Ocean Protection: Fiji’s Ocean Envoy says marine ecosystems must feature more prominently at COP31, as Pacific communities face growing climate pressures on food, livelihoods and culture.

Water Access: Dramasi residents say they have waited 35 years for a permanent supply, relying on an open dam and government deliveries that can be delayed. Renewable Energy: Energy Fiji Limited plans $2 billion in investment over four to five years, targeting 60% renewable generation by 2029 and 90% by 2035; Fiji is also developing standards to improve energy safety and reliability. Climate-Resilient Farming: The Green Climate Fund approved preparation support for a proposed Fiji Climate-Smart Agriculture Guarantee, which could help farmers and agribusinesses access finance for resilient crops, water systems and cyclone-proof infrastructure. Cyclone Preparedness: Fiji’s seasonal outlook forecasts two to three cyclones crossing its waters, with one or two potentially reaching severe strength. Ocean Protection: Fiji’s Ocean Envoy is urging COP31 negotiators to put ocean health at the heart of climate action, adaptation and finance.

Climate-Smart Farming: The Green Climate Fund has approved nine months of project-preparation support for Fiji Development Bank’s proposed agriculture guarantee, aimed at widening climate finance and strengthening resilient farming. Ocean Watch: Pacific governments, scientists and finance groups are pushing to turn ocean-acidification research into policy and action, with the issue in focus at a global meeting in Wellington. Cyclone Outlook: Fiji could see two to three cyclones cross its waters this season, with one or two potentially reaching severe Category 3–5 strength; all parts of the country face a risk. Warming Seas: New research warns the Pacific could retain warming effects for centuries, with lasting El Niño-like conditions even after emissions reach net zero. Reef Protection: Fiji’s reefs support food, fisheries, tourism and coastal protection, but face mounting pressure from pollution, unsustainable fishing, habitat loss and warming seas. Water Security: A proposed $10.2 million programme could improve climate-resilient water systems for about 4,700 people across eight locations, subject to approval.

Sustainable Tourism: Three Accor hotels in Fiji have become the first in the region certified by Ecotourism Australia, recognising sustainability efforts including beach clean-ups and sustainable seafood training. Reefs and Fisheries: Fiji’s reefs support food, coastal protection and tourism, but face pressure from pollution, unsustainable fishing, habitat loss and warming seas. Climate Readiness: El Niño is established and may strengthen; a meteorologist urged Fiji’s water managers and disaster agencies to plan ahead for potential water shortages and cyclone risks. Water Security: A proposed $10.2 million programme could improve climate-resilient water systems for about 4,700 people across eight locations, subject to approval. Plastic Pollution: Plastic found at every stop on a Fiji coastal campaign has highlighted gaps in waste collection, recycling and processing. Community Protection: Pacific proposals for climate loss-and-damage funding include support for relocation, cultural heritage and biodiversity, priorities that reflect the risks facing island communities.

Ocean Change: Australian scientists are comparing Pacific measurements a decade apart to track warming, shifting ocean chemistry and risks to marine life and tuna fisheries. El Niño Readiness: With the event strengthening, a Fiji meteorologist urges water managers in the West to monitor supplies and disaster agencies to prepare for cyclone risks in the Central and Eastern divisions. Plastic Pollution: Plastic found at every stop on the Paddle for Hope campaign highlights gaps in Fiji’s waste collection and recycling systems; the Pacific Recycling Foundation says awareness alone is not enough. Reef Recovery: Naidiri villagers have helped restore nearly 10 kilometres of damaged coral coastline, as Fiji launches its first national coral reef conservation plan. Climate Finance: Fiji has pledged US$10 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which remains well short of its US$500 million initial target. Clean Energy: Solar upgrades at three Labasa and Savusavu facilities are expected to save nearly FJ$50,000 in their first year and cut emissions.

Plastic Pollution: Plastic waste was found at every stop on Fiji’s Paddle for Hope coastal campaign, prompting calls for better collection, recycling and processing—not awareness campaigns alone. The pollution threatens marine life, communities and tourism. Coral Recovery: Naidiri villagers have helped restore nearly 10km of reef after severe bleaching. Fiji has also launched its first national coral reef conservation plan, covering 2026–2031. Climate Risks: A strong El Niño is expected to shift tuna distribution and disrupt Pacific fisheries into 2027; Fiji may also face reduced rainfall. Clean Energy: Solar upgrades at Labasa Handicraft Market, Savusavu Market and Savusavu Hospital are expected to save nearly FJ$50,000 in energy costs in their first year. Resilience Finance: Fiji pledged US$10 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which has raised US$190 million toward its initial US$500 million target. Watershed Protection: Fiji researchers say communities must lead efforts to protect watersheds, as pollution and land use upstream affect water supplies and health downstream.

El Niño and Fisheries: A potentially very strong El Niño could shift tuna grounds and catch rates across the Pacific into 2027, while bringing Fiji reduced rainfall. Cyclone Readiness: Pacific weather services are coordinating the 2026/27 cyclone outlook, due for release on 14 October, to ensure communities receive consistent warnings. Watershed Protection: Fiji communities are being urged to lead protection of rivers and water supplies; upstream pollution and land use affect downstream health, and 40% of the population relies on untreated water. Reef Recovery: Naidiri villagers have helped restore nearly 10km of damaged coastline, as Fiji launches a five-year coral conservation plan covering more than 6,000 square kilometres of reefs. Clean Energy: Fiji is urging a Pacific-wide shift to renewables, with transport responsible for about 60% of the country’s energy-sector emissions. Climate Risks: Rising seas and erosion threaten health facilities, while landslides have cut Waikalou village’s land from about 60 acres to 16, putting homes and cultural ties at risk.

Clean Energy: Fiji is urging the Pacific to shift to 100% renewable energy, with cleaner transport and electric-vehicle standards key to cutting dependence on imported fuel. Land transport accounts for about 60% of Fiji’s energy emissions. Coral Recovery: Naidiri villagers have helped restore nearly 10 kilometres of damaged reef, as Fiji launches its first National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation, covering 2026–31. Ocean Stewardship: Marine experts say lasting conservation depends on working with customary resource owners and respecting community leadership. Climate Risks: Rising seas and coastal erosion threaten Fiji’s health facilities, while Waikalou villagers say decades of landslides have cut their land from about 60 acres to 16. Solar Power: Planned installations at Labasa and Savusavu markets and Savusavu Hospital are expected to save nearly $50,000 in electricity costs in their first year and provide backup power at the hospital.

Pacific Climate Action: Fiji’s Pre-COP31 wrapped with calls to turn climate promises into practical action, keep the 1.5°C goal in focus and improve access to climate finance. New pledges bring the Pacific Resilience Facility to US$190 million—still well short of its US$500 million initial target. Renewable Energy: Solar installations planned for Labasa Handicraft Market, Savusavu Market and Savusavu Hospital are expected to save nearly $50,000 in electricity costs in their first year, cut emissions and provide backup power at the hospital and market. Community Relocation: Families from cyclone-hit Cogea, Bua, say relocation work is moving too slowly, nearly six years after Cyclone Yasa destroyed their village. El Niño Risk: UNICEF warns the 2026–27 El Niño could worsen droughts, floods and heat, putting children’s health, education and safety at risk across the region.

Renewable Energy: Three planned rooftop solar systems at Labasa Handicraft Market, Savusavu Market and Savusavu Hospital could save nearly $50,000 in electricity costs in their first year. The hospital and market projects will also reduce emissions, with battery storage at Savusavu Market providing backup power. Climate Action: Fiji’s Pre-COP31 meeting ended with Pacific leaders pressing for urgent emissions cuts, easier access to climate finance and a stronger place for the ocean in climate policy. The Pacific Resilience Facility has attracted new pledges, but remains well short of its funding target. El Niño Risks: UNICEF warns the coming El Niño could bring drought and water shortages to Fiji and other Pacific countries, putting children’s health, food security and education at risk. Relocation: Cogea villagers in Bua are seeking faster action on relocation, nearly six years after Cyclone Yasa destroyed their village.

Farm Resilience: Twenty Kavanagasau farmers trained in rice growing as Fiji spends about $80 million a year on rice imports. But drought has dried a nearby creek, and farmers say start-up costs remain a barrier. Relocation Delays: Cogea villagers in Bua are still waiting to rebuild, nearly six years after Cyclone Yasa destroyed their village. They want government and other partners to speed up relocation work. Climate Action: Fiji’s Pre-COP31 meeting ended with Pacific calls to keep 1.5°C within reach, improve access to climate finance and put the ocean higher on the agenda. Leaders now want commitments delivered on the ground. Resilience Funding: New pledges bring commitments to the Pacific Resilience Facility to US$190 million—still short of its US$500 million initial target. Fiji has pledged US$10 million. El Niño Risk: UNICEF warns the approaching El Niño could bring drought and water shortages to Fiji, as about 190 million children across Asia and the Pacific face unusually wet or dry conditions. Responsible Investment: The Great Council of Chiefs chair says investors must respect Vanua decision-making and protect natural resources for future generations.