AGP Executive Report

Ocean Climate Risk: Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Moananuiākea Voyage is rerouting after forecasts warn of a 90% chance of El Niño developing by August, with leaders citing rising risks of more extreme weather for vulnerable Pacific communities. Water Security: A solar-powered desalination “miracle from heaven” project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Tonga’s Hunga and Matamaka, aiming to cut reliance on costly boat deliveries during freshwater shortages. Fisheries Governance: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies has been supported through the WTO Fish Fund, with a Nuku’alofa workshop building coordination for transparent, more sustainable fisheries management. Marine Protection & Policy: World Oceans Day convenings in Suva brought faith leaders, Indigenous representatives and policymakers together to push stronger ocean stewardship amid climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Migration & Climate Displacement: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, warning that current frameworks don’t match the scale of movement already driven by cyclones, floods and rising seas. Seabed Minerals Debate: New reporting highlights how deep-sea mining deals involving Tonga and other Pacific states are tied up with geopolitics as major powers race for seabed minerals. EU Tuna Export Pressure: New EU freezer rules are set to affect most EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, raising compliance pressure for tuna exporters.

Ocean stewardship & governance: Pacific leaders opened the “State of the Pacific Ocean” convening in Suva, calling for a renewed relationship with the sea as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution intensify. Marine protection & policy: Vanuatu’s climate minister urged urgent ocean action and pointed to new international legal momentum, including biodiversity protections beyond national waters. Fisheries transparency: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement was supported through the WTO Fish Fund, with a workshop in Nuku’alofa building coordination for future reporting. Water resilience in Tonga: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing fresh water for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries during dry spells. Climate displacement planning: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing research that nearly one million people were displaced by climate disasters across 2010–2021. Migration pressures: Tonga’s immigration minister warned that conflicts, economic shocks and climate impacts are reshaping Pacific migration, alongside rising risks from trafficking and smuggling. Food safety for tuna exports: EU-backed training in Suva prepared Pacific authorities for new freezer-vessel rules that could affect most Pacific vessels exporting to the EU. Connectivity risk: New research highlights that subsea cable faults affecting small islands cluster near coastlines, raising the stakes for monitoring and resilience planning.

Ocean stewardship & governance: The State of the Pacific Ocean convening opened in Suva, with faith and Indigenous voices calling for a new relationship with the sea as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution intensify. Marine protection policy: Vanuatu’s climate minister urged urgent ocean action on World Oceans Day, framing the region’s “triple planetary crisis” as a shared responsibility. Fisheries transparency: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was supported via the Fish Fund, aiming to strengthen reporting and sustainable fisheries management. Water resilience in Tonga: A solar-powered desalination “miracle from heaven” project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, reducing reliance on costly boat deliveries. Climate displacement planning: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing research that nearly one million Pacific people were displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021. Deep-sea mining pressure: New reporting highlights how seabed minerals are becoming geopolitically contested, including deals involving Tonga and other Pacific islands. Health & migration pressures: Tonga’s immigration minister warned that climate change and global conflict are reshaping Pacific migration patterns, adding strain to borders and communities.

Ocean stewardship in the spotlight: The “State of the Pacific Ocean” convening in Suva urged Pacific peoples to rethink how they relate to the sea as leaders confront climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Fisheries transparency for Tonga: Tonga’s first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was supported through the WTO Fish Fund, building capacity for more sustainable fisheries governance. Water resilience for outer islands: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries. Climate displacement pressure: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing research that nearly one million Pacific people were displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021. Ocean governance meets geopolitics: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed support for Pacific-led regionalism, climate action and security ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. Deep-sea mining risk: New reporting highlights how seabed minerals are drawing big-power deals, including agreements involving Tonga, raising stakes for Pacific control over ocean resources. Tonga’s climate science link: New studies on the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggest natural processes may have helped destroy some methane, offering clues for future climate action.

Ocean governance push: Pacific leaders and Indigenous voices opened a four-day “State of the Pacific Ocean” convening in Suva, calling for a renewed relationship with the sea as marine ecosystems face climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Migration pressures: Tonga’s immigration minister warned that global conflict, economic shocks and climate impacts are reshaping Pacific migration, while organised criminal networks are adding new pressure on borders. Water resilience for Tonga’s outer islands: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, offering a cleaner, more reliable alternative to rainwater shortages. Climate displacement planning: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing research that nearly one million people were displaced by climate disasters across 2010–2021. Seabed mining stakes: A new report links deep-sea mining to US–China geopolitics, warning Pacific seabed resources are becoming a strategic target. Ocean tech safety: Research highlights that subsea telecom cable faults cluster near island coasts, pointing to where resilience planning and investment should focus. Tonga science & methane: Studies on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggest a natural chemical process may have helped destroy some methane after the blast.

World Oceans Day push: Vanuatu’s climate minister Ralph Regenvanu says the Pacific faces a “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, calling for urgent, coordinated ocean protection under new international legal momentum. Outer-island water security (Tonga): A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries during dry spells. Pacific climate displacement planning: Pacific leaders urge New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing World Vision research showing nearly one million Pacific people displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021 and warning there’s no dedicated Aotearoa framework yet. Methane lessons from Hunga Tonga: New studies on the 2022 eruption suggest the volcanic plume’s chemistry may have helped destroy some methane, hinting at natural pathways that could inspire future climate action. Ocean resilience for small islands: New research flags that most subsea cable faults affecting island connections happen within 300 km of shore, pointing to nearshore areas as priority zones for protection and investment. Cycling + environment awareness in Tonga: Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km ride across Tongatapu, pairing road-safety messaging with environmental awareness.

Renewable Water for Outer Islands: A solar-powered desalination project is now producing up to 4,300 litres of fresh water per day for Tonga’s remote Hunga and Matamaka, cutting reliance on costly boat deliveries and boosting resilience during recurring water crises. Climate & Security Diplomacy: Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed Pacific-led regionalism and climate action ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum, with climate concerns pushed higher on the global agenda. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: New reporting links deep-sea mining bids to geopolitics, including deals involving Tonga and other Pacific states as major powers race for seabed minerals tied to clean energy and tech. Ocean Protection Planning: The Moananuiākea voyage is adjusting its sail plan due to growing El Niño and storm risks, with Tonga, Samoa and Fiji on the revised route and ocean protection discussions planned. Methane Clue from Hunga Tonga: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the eruption’s ash cloud may have helped destroy some methane, pointing to possible future climate interventions. Food Safety for Pacific Tuna Exports: EU-backed training in Suva prepares Pacific freezer-vessel authorities for tougher EU freezer rules that could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Climate Displacement Warning: Pacific leaders urged New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing a World Vision report showing nearly one million Pacific people displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021. Hidden Lifeline Risk: A new study flags that subsea telecom cable faults near island coasts are a major vulnerability for small islands that rely on a single connection for internet, banking, health and emergency response.

Climate displacement: Pacific leaders are urging New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, saying there’s no dedicated framework yet to manage people forced to move by cyclones, floods and rising seas. Ocean protection & weather risk: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea voyage route as El Niño forecasts point to hotter conditions and more storms, with a revised departure planned for late August and stops including Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Volcano & methane science: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the volcanic plume chemistry may have helped destroy some methane in the stratosphere, offering clues for future climate action. Fisheries & food safety: New EU freezer rules are set to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting tuna to the EU, with training in Suva aimed at meeting -18°C brine requirements. Water security: In South Africa’s Ehlanzeni region, solar-powered boreholes are being used as an interim fix amid water disruptions tied to illegal connections and informal settlement growth. Child poverty & hazards: Tonga and UNICEF report that 25.3% of children face multiple deprivations, including clean water and housing, with environmental hazard vulnerability flagged as part of the risk.

Water & Health: Mpumalanga’s Ehlanzeni region says illegal water connections and fast-growing informal settlements are behind supply disruptions, and has installed solar-powered boreholes as an interim fix while bulk water schemes advance. Cycling & Environment Awareness: Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km group ride across Tongatapu, mixing road safety and environmental messaging as the sport grows. Climate Science (Tonga): New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the volcanic plume triggered a methane-destroying process in the stratosphere, pointing to possible natural “clean-up” chemistry. Disaster Risk & Connectivity: A new study flags that most subsea telecom cable faults affecting small islands happen within 300km of coasts, making nearshore areas priority zones for resilience planning. Climate Displacement: Pacific leaders urge New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing a World Vision NZ report showing nearly one million Pacific people displaced by climate disasters (2010–2021). Food Safety & Fisheries: EU freezer-vessel rules could hit about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with Pacific authorities training to meet the new -18°C brine requirement. Social Vulnerability: Tonga and UNICEF report about a quarter of children in Tonga face multidimensional poverty, including deprivations tied to clean water and housing.

Climate & Disaster Science: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the volcanic plume helped “clean up” some of its own methane via a methane-destroying process in the stratosphere, pointing to possible future climate interventions. Ocean Resilience & Tech: A new study finds subsea telecom cables serving small islands are most vulnerable near coastlines, where most cable faults happen—raising stakes for Tonga’s connectivity and emergency response. Food & Trade: EU freezer rules are set to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels exporting to the EU, with Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu training to meet the new -18°C brine requirement. Climate Displacement Policy: Pacific leaders are urging New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing a World Vision NZ report that nearly one million Pacific people were displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021. Health & Community Risk: Tonga and UNICEF report that 25.3% of children face multiple deprivations, with rural kids and the youngest most affected, linking poverty to environmental hazard vulnerability. Community & Environment Awareness: Tonga Cycling Federation marked World Cycling Day with a 48km ride across Tongatapu, promoting road safety and environmental awareness.

Climate displacement pressure: Pacific leaders are urging New Zealand to prepare now for climate displacement, citing World Vision NZ research showing nearly one million Pacific people displaced by climate disasters from 2010–2021 and warning there’s no dedicated framework for cross-border movement. Ocean protection & voyaging risk: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea route as El Niño concerns and storm activity grow, with a revised departure planned for late August and Tonga/Samoa/Fiji stops tied to ocean protection discussions. Volcano methane science: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the eruption plume may have chemically reduced methane via a formaldehyde-linked process, pointing to possible new ways to tackle greenhouse gases. Food safety for Pacific tuna: New EU freezer rules are set to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with training in Suva aimed at helping authorities meet -18°C brine requirements. Tonga child poverty: A Tonga–UNICEF report finds 25.3% of children face multiple deprivations (nutrition, healthcare, education, clean water, housing), with rural kids and the youngest hardest hit. Hidden infrastructure risk: A new study flags that subsea telecom cable faults affecting small islands cluster within 300 km of coasts, raising stakes for resilience planning.

Meth, HIV and TB warning signs: Security and health experts say illicit drug trade is spreading beyond Fiji, with traces of meth reported in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” washing up in the Solomon Islands—raising concern for rising HIV/TB in communities. Climate displacement pressure: Pacific leaders urge New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, citing World Vision NZ research showing nearly one million Pacific people displaced by climate disasters (2010–2021) and calling for Pacific-led, dignity-first frameworks. El Niño and voyage changes: The Polynesian Voyaging Society adjusts the Moananuiākea sail plan as forecasts point to stronger El Niño and more storms, shifting departure to late August with Tonga, Samoa and Fiji stops. Volcano methane mystery: New studies on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggest the plume may have chemically reduced methane in the stratosphere, hinting at natural “methane clean-up” processes. Subsea cable resilience: Research finds most subsea telecom faults affecting small islands happen within 300 km of coasts, spotlighting nearshore areas for protection and investment. Child poverty and hazards: Tonga and UNICEF report multidimensional child poverty affects 25.3% of children, with rural kids and the youngest hardest hit, including overlapping deprivations tied to environmental hazard. Tourism data for sustainability: SPTO and Niue release 2024 visitor survey findings for Pacific planning, supporting more resilient, sustainable tourism strategies across the region.

Climate displacement: Pacific leaders are urging New Zealand to prepare for climate displacement, warning there’s no dedicated framework to manage people forced to move by cyclones, floods and rising seas. Volcano methane science: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the ash plume helped destroy some of its own methane in the stratosphere, pointing to possible natural “methane clean-up” chemistry. El Niño and voyaging: The Polynesian Voyaging Society is adjusting the Moananuiākea voyage route as El Niño concerns and storm activity rise, with Tonga, Samoa and Fiji still on the plan. Disaster risk for connectivity: A new study finds subsea telecom cable faults affecting small islands cluster near coastlines, raising the stakes for resilience planning and investment. Energy and costs: UNCTAD warns rising oil prices from Strait of Hormuz tensions could hit vulnerable economies, including many Pacific SIDS, with a potential US$20.4b annual fuel-import bill increase. Child poverty: Tonga and UNICEF report about a quarter of children face multidimensional poverty, with rural and youngest children hit hardest and environmental hazards flagged as part of the risk. Gender and climate response: Pacific leaders at the Forum Women Leaders Meeting say women, youth and vulnerable groups must be at the centre of climate action and practical regional response.

Climate & oceans: Polynesian voyaging leaders are adjusting the Moananuiākea route as El Niño concerns and storm activity rise, with Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia now targeting a departure from Aotearoa in the third week of August and planned stops including Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, arriving mid-October for ocean protection discussions. Volcano science: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption suggests the volcanic plume helped “clean up” some of its own methane via atmospheric chemistry, pointing to possible inspiration for future climate action. Tech resilience for islands: A new study finds subsea telecom cable faults affecting small island nations cluster near coastlines, highlighting nearshore areas as priority zones for monitoring and investment to protect internet and emergency communications. Energy shocks: UNCTAD warns rising oil prices tied to Strait of Hormuz tensions could hit vulnerable economies—including many Pacific SIDS—with an estimated US$20.4b annual increase in import bills if prices jump 50%. Health & climate policy: Tonga’s PM says the country aims to vaccinate up to 70% of the population by end of 2022, while also reiterating climate commitments through its NDC and energy efficiency plans.

Climate resilience forestry: FAO reports Samoa Forestry Division officers completed Suva training on sustainable teak and pine production, aiming to close technical and data gaps and strengthen resilience to climate shocks. El Niño and ocean safety: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will adjust the Moananuiākea voyage as forecasts point to a stronger El Niño and higher cyclone risk, with a revised departure from Aotearoa in late August and an expected mid-October arrival in Fiji for Pre-COP. Weather and climate reporting capacity: SPREP backs a Pacific media workshop in Tonga in September to boost how journalists cover weather and climate for community preparedness. Child poverty and environmental hazard links: Tonga and UNICEF find 25.3% of children face multiple deprivations, with rural children hit hardest and “environmental hazard” named as part of the hardship picture. Governance and services pressure: PM Lord Fakafanua says Tonga’s hardship support and subsidised loan programmes (TDB) face delays and weaker uptake due to stricter eligibility, heavy documentation, and affordability checks. Regional diplomacy: Pacific leaders in Samoa, including Tonga’s PM, discussed shared priorities where climate change, language and culture protection remain central.

Climate & Ocean Risk: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will adjust the Moananuiākea voyage due to a developing El Niño pattern, with forecasts pointing to wetter conditions and a higher chance of Pacific cyclones—plans now target departure from Aotearoa in late August and arrival in Fiji mid-October for Pre-COP. Weather & Resilience Media: SPREP and partners are running a Pacific media workshop (Sept 17–18) to boost how journalists report weather and climate, with selected reporters also covering PMC8 and 4PMMM in Tonga. Child Poverty & Environment Link: Tonga and UNICEF report multidimensional child poverty affects 25.3% of children, with deprivations tied to nutrition, healthcare, education, clean water, housing and vulnerability to environmental hazards—especially for rural and youngest children. Tourism Sustainability: Niue and the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative released the 2024 International Visitor Survey, highlighting visitor preferences and spending to support more resilient, sustainable tourism planning across Pacific destinations. Governance & Access to Loans: Tonga’s PM says hardship support and subsidised loans face delays as stricter eligibility, paperwork and affordability checks slow uptake, with government urging the Tonga Development Bank to ease lending rules.