AGP Executive Report

Climate & disaster readiness: Fiji is mapping Suva and Lami flash-flood hotspots and setting rainfall triggers for earlier warnings, aiming for more local, impact-based forecasts. Renewables & energy resilience: Fiji’s National Solar Energy Roadmap is set to launch soon, targeting household solar, maritime mini-grids and grid-connected projects to cut diesel reliance. Water security: Fiji Meteorological Service urges water conservation as below-normal rainfall is expected, with El Niño likely to keep pressure on supplies and hydro catchments. Biodiversity & sustainable farming: USP research into ant-plant farming in Fiji could reshape sustainable agriculture, but invasive white-footed ants are threatening the delicate system. Marine governance: Fiji’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill faces constitutional scrutiny over whether it could diminish existing land and lease rights tied to tourism investments. Waste-to-energy legal fight: TNG’s $1.4b Vuda waste-to-energy appeal is moving forward as the Environment Tribunal orders further documents to be filed. Regional environment leadership: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs SPREP’s Executive Board meeting for the first time, focusing on Pacific environmental challenges and priorities. Animal welfare enforcement: Police have launched an active investigation into severe animal cruelty reports, with SPCA Fiji awaiting findings and possible arrests. Community climate-smart food: Visoqo nursery project supports climate-smart agriculture, food security and biodiversity restoration through a community-run Kiwa EMPOWER nursery. Health & environment link: Fiji prepares for a Pacific HIV Symposium as experts warn of a fast-growing outbreak and major gaps in testing and treatment.

Disaster Preparedness: Japan handed Fiji Meteorological Service equipment under a $27m grant to strengthen Pacific weather forecasting, calibration, training and disaster risk warning capacity. Renewables Push: Fiji’s National Solar Energy Roadmap is set to launch soon, while BAT commissioned a $1.5m solar system cutting fuel reliance and supplying much of its electricity needs. Water Stress: Fiji Met warns below-normal rainfall may hit supplies for 3–6 months, urging immediate water conservation and tighter management for households, farmers and hydropower. Marine Governance: Fiji’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill faces constitutional scrutiny over land and lease rights, while the Marine Bill is also flagged for constitutional risk; separate calls push stronger fisheries protection and EEZ security across the Pacific. Waste-to-Energy Court Fight: Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda waste-to-energy appeal continues as the Environment Department discloses incomplete records and withholds some internal documents. Pollution Enforcement: Littering fixed fines rise from $40 to $200 from Sept 1, with a more consistent enforcement system and digital payments. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders and SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa highlight the triple planetary crisis focus as Fiji prepares for Pre-COP31 security and global climate engagement.

SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis and Futuna is chairing the SPREP Executive Board for the first time, with Fiji representing Melanesia as the 5EBM reviews priorities, funding and new initiatives while stressing the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Ocean Protection & Fisheries: Forum Foreign Ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance and secure maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and calling for member-led, equitable management. High Seas Biodiversity Gap: The BBNJ high seas treaty is now in force, but scientists warn most deep-sea species remain unknown, making monitoring and effective marine protection harder. Fiji Marine Law Under Scrutiny: A Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill faces constitutional warnings over customary marine resource protections, while separate concerns are raised that proposed changes could undermine tourism investments and hotel access. Renewables Push: PM Rabuka urged private investment in renewable energy as BAT commissioned Fiji solar systems, cutting fuel reliance and supporting climate goals. Waste-to-Energy Appeal Record: TNG seeks a complete appeal record after the Department of Environment disclosed some documents as confidential, with the case adjourned to September 3. Litter Enforcement: Fiji will raise on-the-spot littering fines from $40 to $200 from September 1, aiming for stronger, more consistent enforcement nationwide.

Climate diplomacy & Pacific leadership: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional push for climate action ahead of COP31, urging more climate finance, renewable energy investment and Pacific-led Pre-COP meetings. Triple planetary crisis: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities are bearing the brunt of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, as SPREP’s Executive Board meets in Samoa. Climate–security debate: A new policy brief argues the Pacific should build a climate–peace approach rooted in social cohesion, cultural continuity and ecological stewardship—not just a climate–conflict framing. Fiji’s Pre-COP spotlight: Australia defended spending AUD$20m on a UN climate pre-summit in Fiji, saying it’s “critical” to its future, while critics question value for money. Ocean & marine protection: Japan handed Fiji oil-spill response gear and a vessel worth JPY100m to boost preparedness for major maritime pollution incidents. Local environment governance: Fiji’s Surfing Act debate continues in Parliament, with former AG Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum saying the law protects reefs and marine life while preventing exclusive control of nationally important surfing areas. Biodiversity & wildlife: A “sharks on a plane” conservation effort shipped shark eggs to Indonesia to support rewilding in the Coral Triangle. Food & farming resilience: Ginger exports are rising, with farmers urged to diversify; dairy production remains below demand as farmers rebuild herds after disease and face higher costs. Energy security: Fiji explores cooperation with PETRONAS and Malaysia to strengthen fuel storage and long-term resilience amid global market volatility. Community stewardship: A Korea–Fiji Friendship Clean Walk in Suva will combine remembrance with a clean-up under an environmental stewardship theme.

Marine Conservation & Biodiversity: A first-of-its-kind shark rewilding effort shipped four shark eggs in seawater from the US to Indonesia, aiming to restore species pushed toward functional extinction in the Coral Triangle. New Species Discovery: Researchers named a new shrimpgoby from East Java “Sunrise of Java,” highlighting how careful handling by exporters can still protect biodiversity science. Regional Environment Leadership (SPREP): SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra told Pacific leaders that communities “bear the brunt” of the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action, calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment and Pacific-led momentum for Pre-COP31 meetings. Ocean, Climate & Peace: A new policy brief urges a climate–peace approach rooted in social cohesion, cultural continuity and ecological stewardship—not just a climate–conflict framing. Fiji’s Preparedness for Pollution: Japan handed Fiji oil-response equipment and a vessel worth about JPY100 million to boost rapid response to major maritime spills. Fuel Security: Fiji is exploring cooperation with Malaysia and PETRONAS to build long-term fuel resilience and stockpiling options. Local Environment & Community: The Fiji Korean Association and partners plan a Suva Korea-Fiji Friendship Clean Walk to promote environmental stewardship and cleaner neighbourhoods.

Climate Finance & COP Frustration: Pacific negotiators say progress at UN climate talks in Azerbaijan is too slow, with key finance decisions pushed back and red lines on keeping 1.5°C “alive.” El Niño Water Stress: Fiji and Papua New Guinea are bracing for drier months as El Niño strengthens, with Fiji warning of possible “drastic measures” and PNG preparing for partial water shutdowns. Ocean of Peace Under Strain: China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific has exposed divisions among Pacific nations, after Fiji and Australia signed a defence treaty and foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint response. Marine Conservation Voices: WWF Pacific volunteer and Fiji marine conservation advocate Jessie Siga highlights long-term biodiversity work linking climate adaptation and community-led ocean protection. Early Warnings for All: A disability advocate in Fiji stresses that disaster risk reduction must include accessible early warning systems, not one-size-fits-all alerts. Shipping Emissions Rules: Tuvalu proposes tougher net-zero compliance steps for ships at MEPC 85, including higher remedial unit prices and tighter targets. Wildlife & Crime Risk: Fiji’s FIU warns environmental crime—especially illegal fishing—sits alongside drugs and corruption as a high threat to the financial system. Local Resilience Funding: In Vanua Levu, pine harvesting revenue is funding a cyclone evacuation centre, showing how natural resource income can support disaster preparedness. Banknotes Transition: Fiji’s old flora and fauna banknotes are being demonetised from 1 Jan 2027, with businesses no longer required to accept them after 31 Dec 2026.

El Niño Impacts: Fiji and Papua New Guinea are bracing for drier months as El Niño strengthens, with Fiji warning it may need “drastic measures” and WAF activating dry-weather contingency plans. Early Warnings for All: A disability advocate says cyclone alerts must be accessible for people with different needs, arguing early warning systems should be built with disabled communities, not added later. Youth Climate Leadership: Climate and environment activist Anne-Mary Raduva says young women face stigma and criticism, but need stronger networks and sisterhood to lead in Parliament, workplaces and homes. Pacific Security Tensions: China’s nuclear-capable missile test has reignited debate over Pacific militarisation, with ministers struggling to agree on a unified response. Climate Finance, Indigenous Adaptation: Workshops in Suva highlight how climate funding can better reach Indigenous communities, using local knowledge and customary land systems to strengthen resilience. Indigenous Rights in Melanesia: MSG reaffirms protection of Indigenous languages, cultures and traditional knowledge, including practices that support biodiversity like tabu areas and seasonal fishing. Marine Protection & Deep-Sea Mining: Samoa hosts a Pristine Seas ocean survey, while Tuvalu pushes stricter net-zero rules for shipping at MEPC 85 and Pacific alarm grows over deep-sea mining risks. Transport Costs: Fiji’s interim taxi fare increase ends September 30, and bus fares revert to base rates soon, easing pressure after fuel-linked hikes. Community Resilience: A cyclone evacuation centre in Ravuka is nearing completion using pine revenue, showing how natural-resource income can fund disaster-ready infrastructure.

Marine Protection & Research: Pristine Seas’ Samoa expedition is set to survey deep-sea life using cameras, submersibles and environmental DNA, aiming to back ocean stewardship with local partnerships. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A new report revisits the Clarion-Clipperton Zone fight over polymetallic nodules—highlighting habitat loss risks and the huge number of species still unknown to science. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific Political Climate Champions met in Nadi to push a stronger, united Pacific voice into COP31 Pre-COPs in Fiji and Tuvalu. Community Waste Action: In Suva, children led a Lagilagi clean-up, with the Environment and Climate Change Minister urging households to stop litter reaching drains and oceans. Disaster Readiness: Exercise Bougainville 2026 was launched to test how Fiji’s agencies coordinate during crises and natural disasters. Heat & Risk: Reports of a Fijian rugby player’s death in Japan after suspected severe heatstroke add urgency to heat safety as extreme temperatures rise. Fisheries Governance: FFA and SPC presented outcomes from 2026 fisheries ministers’ meetings, including the new Vakamanu 2026–2035 regional fisheries and aquaculture strategy.

Marine Pollution & Plastics: Fiji’s Environment and Climate Change Ministry backed the 2026 Suzuki Clean Ocean Campaign with recyclable bags, stressing that clean-ups must be paired with better waste management and behaviour change to protect marine biodiversity. Community Action: In Suva’s Lagilagi settlement, Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya supported a youth-led clean-up with gloves and solar street lights, linking litter in drains to harm for rivers and oceans. Local Skills & Food Systems: Vanua Levu students can now train closer to home at the Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere Campus in Labasa, using a Living Laboratory Vuvale Garden to build practical agriculture, fisheries and forestry skills. Fisheries Governance: FFA and SPC presented fisheries ministers’ outcomes to Forum officials, including the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 to guide offshore, coastal fisheries and aquaculture. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific Political Climate Champions met in Nadi to push stronger leadership ahead of COP31 Pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu. Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: Pacific leaders and territories face renewed pressure over US-backed deep-sea mining plans near islands, with critics warning of environmental and democratic harm. Heat Risk: A Fijian rugby player in Japan died after suspected severe heatstroke, a stark reminder of rising heat impacts.

Community Waste Action: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya backed a Lagilagi clean-up in Suva, handing children recyclable bags, gloves and sanitiser and stressing that litter in drains can end up in rivers and oceans. Skills for Local Food Systems: Vanua Levu students can now train closer to home at the Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere Campus in Labasa, using the Living Laboratory Vuvale Garden to learn integrated farming, fisheries and forestry. Marine Pollution Response: Japan handed Fiji $1.6m in specialised oil-spill equipment to strengthen the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji’s response, including booms, absorbents and training support. Plastic and Marine Health: Fiji supported the Suzuki Clean Ocean Campaign with recyclable bags, with Tabuya calling for long-term fixes that stop waste entering the environment. Climate Diplomacy Push: Pacific Climate Champions met in Nadi to align leadership ahead of COP31 and Fiji/Tuvalu pre-COP meetings, with leaders warning global focus is drifting. Heat Risk Spotlight: A Fijian rugby player in Japan, Saimoni Vunilagi, died after suspected severe heatstroke during training in Fukuoka as temperatures hit about 35C. Deep-Sea Pollution Alarm: Scientists reported microplastics in deep-sea vent animals from the North Fiji Basin and the Indian Ocean, showing plastic pollution reaches even remote ecosystems. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Pacific leaders criticised a US plan to auction nearby seabed areas for mining, saying there were “no consultations” and warning of threats to food security. Suva Sewer Overflow: WAF linked a Cummings Street wastewater overflow to a pump failure caused by plastic bags, wet wipes and other non-flushable items.

Marine Pollution & Waste: Fiji’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change backed the 2026 Suzuki Clean Ocean Campaign, handing out recyclable bags and stressing that clean-ups must go hand-in-hand with stopping waste from entering the sea in the first place. Oil Spill Readiness: Japan handed Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji $1.6m in specialised oil spill response equipment, aimed at faster action to protect mangroves, reefs and coastal livelihoods. Deep-Sea Plastic: A new study reports microplastics in deep-sea vent animals from the North Fiji Basin to the Indian Ocean, showing plastic pollution has reached even remote ecosystems. Biodiversity & Life in the Sea: Researchers named a new shrimpgoby species “Sunrise of Java” after unique colouring, highlighting how careful handling can still protect small reef life. Climate Risk & Heat: A Fijian rugby player in Japan, Saimoni Vunilagi, died after training with symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke as temperatures hit about 35C. Regional Ocean Governance: Pacific leaders are alarmed by a US push for deep-sea mining auctions near Pacific territories, with “no consultations” raised by affected communities. Fiji’s Emergency Coordination: Exercise Bougainville 2026 officially opened to test how Fiji’s agencies coordinate during crises and natural disasters, including public health and cyber threats.

Heat & Climate Impacts: A 26-year-old Fijian rugby player, Saimoni Vunilagi, died in Japan after being hospitalised with symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke following training in Fukuoka, where temperatures hit about 35C—another stark reminder of rising heat risks. Marine Pollution & Plastics: Fiji’s Environment Ministry backed the 2026 Suzuki Clean Ocean Campaign, stressing that clean-ups must go hand-in-hand with stopping waste entering the sea through better waste management and community behaviour. Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: Pacific communities are shocked by a US plan to auction nearby ocean areas for deep-sea mining, saying there were “no consultations” and warning of threats to food security and livelihoods. Microplastics in the Deep: A study reports microplastics in deep-sea vent animals from the North Fiji Basin to the Indian Ocean, showing plastic pollution has reached even the most remote ecosystems. Oil Spill Readiness: Japan handed Fiji $1.6m in specialised oil spill response equipment to strengthen the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji’s capacity to protect mangroves, reefs and coastal livelihoods. El Niño Drying: Fiji Meteorological Service warns strengthening El Niño will bring below-normal rainfall for the rest of 2026, with higher risk of prolonged dry conditions.

Marine Pollution & Waste: Fiji’s Environment Ministry backed the 2026 Suzuki Clean Ocean Campaign, stressing that clean-ups must go hand-in-hand with better waste management, recycling and behaviour change to stop litter and plastics reaching Fiji’s marine biodiversity. Deep-Sea Mining Backlash: Pacific leaders are alarmed by a US plan to auction nearby ocean areas for deep-sea mining, with communities saying there were “no consultations” and warning of threats to food security and livelihoods. Microplastics Reach the Deep: A study found microplastics in deep-sea vent snails and mussels from the North Fiji Basin and the Indian Ocean, showing plastic pollution has spread even to Earth’s most isolated habitats. Oil Spill Readiness: Japan handed Fiji $1.6m in specialised oil spill response equipment to strengthen the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji’s ability to prevent, prepare for and respond to marine pollution. Climate Diplomacy Push: Fiji and Pacific partners are urging stronger action ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, with leaders calling for faster emission cuts, more climate finance, and recognition of the ocean as a key climate solution. El Niño Drying Threat: Fiji’s climate outlook warns El Niño is strengthening, with below-normal rainfall likely through late 2026, raising the risk of prolonged dry conditions.

Pacific climate diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers meeting in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test, with NZ’s Winston Peters saying the Pacific missed an opportunity for an early statement and warning some positions were “predetermined.” Ocean protection & biodiversity: A rare nautilus encounter off Rotuma drew attention to deep-sea life, while National Geographic Pristine Seas is set to survey Samoa’s newly protected marine areas to build a biodiversity baseline for managing 30% of the ocean. Marine pollution readiness: Japan handed Fiji $1.6m in specialised oil spill response equipment to strengthen the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji’s capacity to protect mangroves, reefs and coastal livelihoods. Climate impacts on the ground: Fiji’s Meteorological Service warns El Niño is strengthening, with below-normal rainfall likely through late 2026, raising the risk of prolonged dry conditions. Food, jobs and resilience: 350.org estimates higher oil prices could already cost Fiji about $45m and more by year-end, while Fiji’s FRCS recorded a record $3.51b revenue collection, pointing to economic resilience amid uncertainty.

Climate diplomacy & COP31 push: Fiji’s Environment PS Sivendra Michael says the Pacific can’t afford slow progress, urging stronger emission cuts, more climate finance and ocean recognition as a climate solution ahead of Pre-COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu. Global leaders urged to “Come to the Pacific”: Australia’s Penny Wong backs Rabuka’s call for world leaders to attend and see climate impacts firsthand. Regional unity on security tested: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters warning divisions may block consensus. Marine protection & spill readiness: Japan handed Fiji $1.6m in oil-spill response equipment to strengthen MSAF capacity, while deep-sea researchers reported a rare nautilus close encounter near Rotuma. El Niño rainfall outlook: Fiji Meteorological Service warns below-normal rainfall likely through 2026 as El Niño strengthens. Biodiversity science in the region: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins Samoa surveys to support new marine protection covering 30% of ocean. Food & livelihoods: PIDF signed an MoU with NVPL to open Northern Pacific export links for farmers, boosting food security and fresh produce access. Shipping emissions policy: Pacific states back IMO’s Net-Zero Fund as essential for just transition support in mid-term shipping measures. Oil price pressure: 350.org estimates elevated fuel costs have already hit Fiji by about $45m, with higher knock-on impacts likely.

Climate Negotiations Push: Fiji’s Environment and Climate Change ministry says preparations for the Pre-COP31 meeting are on track, with invitations and the agenda to be issued via UNFCCC focal points, and officials stressing success will be judged by progress on climate finance, adaptation and loss and damage—not headcount. Science for Resilience: Minister Lynda Tabuya says science is Fiji’s key tool for climate action, highlighting Pacific Community work on climate science, oceans, fisheries, agriculture, geoscience and biodiversity, including sea-level rise modelling for Tuvalu. Urgency at COP31: Permanent Secretary Sivendra Michael warns the Pacific can’t afford slow progress, citing stronger cyclones, saltwater intrusion and faster sea-level rise, and calling for stronger emission cuts, more climate finance and formal ocean recognition as a climate solution. El Niño Dry Spell: Fiji Meteorological Service warns strengthening El Niño could bring below-normal rainfall for the rest of 2026, with conditions worsening July–September and again into Oct–Dec, while temperatures stay near normal. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Pacific leaders face renewed pressure as the US moves toward auctioning ocean areas for deep-sea mining, sparking calls for consultation and fears for food security and livelihoods. Biodiversity Diplomacy: Fiji’s Dr Sivendra Michael has been appointed co-chair of a global biodiversity review group under the Kunming-Montreal framework, representing Pacific SIDS ahead of COP17 in Armenia. Sugar Sector Sustainability: Cane growers and the Prime Minister’s consultations in Seaqaqa and Labasa focus on cane prices, costs and whether Fiji Sugar Corporation privatisation should be rushed—plus proposals to use bagasse and mill mud to cut waste and boost productivity.