AGP Executive Report

Drought preparedness: Tonga received a third Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) payout, with US$33,978 (TOP$78,981) earmarked for anticipatory drought actions in Ha’apai and Tongatapu to help communities respond before dry conditions worsen. Water security: A climate-funded Risk-Informed Water Tank Project is improving drinking-water reliability for 21 households in Fualu, Tongatapu, adding upgraded distribution, a new borehole pump and resilient tank infrastructure with support from MEIDECC, the Ministry of Finance and UNDP. Climate diplomacy: Tonga’s Minister for Health represented the country at Pacific Climate Ministers Talanoa in Sydney, pushing a united regional agenda ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Animal health: FAO unveiled a blueprint to tackle transboundary animal diseases through a country-led partnership model, warning that outbreaks can quickly damage food security, livelihoods and even human health. Marine protection policy: A Pacific Islands Forum trade push urged countries to discourage fishing subsidies that enable overfished stock harvesting, linking fisheries reform to the Blue Pacific Continent vision. Community resilience: A Pacific climate forum highlighted SINU’s climate innovation and research work, including integrating traditional ecological knowledge into climate leadership and practical resilience action. Safety and enforcement: Tonga Police launched a regional hunt for two foreign nationals who escaped custody in Nuku’alofa, coordinating with partners across the Pacific.

Climate resilience in Tonga: A climate-funded water project is improving safer drinking water for 21 households in Fualu, Tongatapu, adding elevated tanks, upgrading village pipes, and installing a new borehole pump with risk-informed design to cut future climate impacts. Pacific climate diplomacy: Tonga’s health minister joined Pacific Climate Ministers in Sydney to push a united agenda ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, with ministers coordinating Pacific positions and priorities. Food and animal health: FAO launched a new global approach to tackle transboundary animal diseases, aiming to strengthen country-led prevention and control to protect livelihoods and food security. Ocean and fisheries policy: Pacific Islands Forum officials urged countries to avoid subsidies that drive fishing of overfished stocks, linking the push to the Blue Pacific Continent and stronger ocean protection. Land, security, and climate stress: A Pacific Security College paper argues land governance must return to the centre of peace and security planning as rising seas and food insecurity intensify instability. Tonga public safety: Tonga police escalated a regional hunt for two foreign nationals who escaped custody in Nuku’alofa, warning the public not to approach them. Wildlife and biodiversity: Critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins were born at Central Park Zoo, highlighting ongoing habitat loss and poaching pressures. Community and capacity: SINU researchers showcased climate innovation at a Pacific forum, stressing stronger research links and traditional ecological knowledge in climate leadership.

Journalism Safety in the Pacific: Tongan journalists are pushing for stronger protection after a forum on “Drugs, Security and Reporting” highlighted how the expanding illicit drug trade is putting reporters at risk, especially where newsrooms lack security training and legal support. Water Security for Tongatapu: A climate-funded Risk-Informed Water Tank Project in Fualu is improving drinking-water reliability for 21 households, using risk-informed design to cut environmental impacts while boosting resilience. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Tonga’s Minister for Health joined Pacific Climate Ministers in Sydney to advance a united agenda ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, focusing on coordination and Pacific positions. Land, Climate and Security: A Pacific Security College paper argues land governance must return to the centre of peace and security planning as sea-level rise and food stress intensify instability. Fisheries and Ocean Health: A Pacific Islands Forum trade official urged countries to discourage subsidies that drive fishing of overfished stocks, linking WTO fisheries rules to the Blue Pacific agenda. Animal Health Cooperation: FAO presented a new global approach to tackle transboundary animal diseases, warning they threaten food security and livelihoods.

Climate resilience water supply: Tonga’s MEIDECC, Finance and UNDP are progressing a Risk-Informed Water Tank Project in Fualu, Tongatapu, delivering safer drinking water for 21 households with elevated tank stands, water network upgrades, a new borehole pump and risk-informed design that reuses foundations to cut costs and environmental impacts. Regional climate diplomacy: Tonga’s Minister for Health Hu’akavameiliku attended Pacific Climate Ministers’ Talanoa in Sydney, pushing a united Pacific agenda ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, with ministers coordinating Pacific positions and preparations for Fiji’s Pre-COP. Ocean and fisheries protection: Forum DSG Esala Nayasi urged Pacific countries to discourage fisheries subsidies that enable fishing of stocks already declared overfished, linking the push to the WTO fisheries subsidies work and the Blue Pacific Continent strategy. Land, security and displacement: A Pacific Security College paper argues land governance must return to the centre of Pacific peace and security planning as climate stress, displacement and food insecurity intensify risks to social cohesion and sovereignty. Wildlife and nature: A critically endangered pair of black-and-white ruffed lemur twins was born at Central Park Zoo, highlighting ongoing conservation needs as habitat loss and poaching drive declines. Commonwealth Games (Tonga spotlight): Tonga’s netball debut in Glasgow ended in a tough 61-goal loss to Australia’s Diamonds, but players framed it as a step toward putting Tonga “on the map.”

Water Security in Tonga: A climate-funded Risk-Informed Water Tank Project is improving drinking water for 21 households in Fualu, Tongatapu, with new elevated tank stands, borehole pump upgrades, and safer distribution—built with local land and electricity support to cut costs and environmental impacts. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Tonga’s health minister represented the country at the Pacific Climate Ministers Talanoa in Sydney, pushing a united agenda ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Land, Climate and Peace: A Pacific Security College paper argues land governance must return to the centre of Pacific security planning as sea-level rise and food pressure intensify instability. Ocean Health & Fisheries: Forum Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi urged Pacific leaders to discourage subsidies that fuel fishing of overfished stocks, linking WTO fisheries rules to the “Blue Pacific Continent” vision. Animal Health Across Borders: FAO launched a new global approach to tackle transboundary animal diseases, warning outbreaks can rapidly hit food security and livelihoods. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The UN’s deep-sea mining inquiry continues after a maritime court rejected a bid to suspend it, involving Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML). Tonga Policing: Tonga Police are working with regional partners to track two high-risk escapees after a custody escape in Nuku’alofa.

Water Security in Tonga: A climate-funded Risk-Informed Water Tank Project is improving drinking water for 21 Fualu households on Tongatapu, adding elevated tank stands, upgrading the village network, and installing a new borehole pump—using a risk-informed design that reuses foundations to cut costs and environmental impacts. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Tonga’s Minister for Health Hu’akavameiliku joined Pacific Climate Ministers in Sydney to push a united agenda ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, including coordination of Pacific positions and a Leaders’ visit to Tuvalu. Land & Climate Risk: A Pacific Security College paper argues land governance must return to the centre of regional peace and security planning as rising seas and food insecurity strain identity, livelihoods, and cohesion. Animal Health & Food Security: FAO unveiled a new global approach to tackle transboundary animal diseases through country-led partnership platforms, warning outbreaks can rapidly hit livelihoods, trade, and even human health. Fisheries & Ocean Protection: Pacific Islands Forum officials urged countries to discourage subsidies that support fishing of stocks already declared overfished, linking the push to the Blue Pacific Continent and IUU fishing concerns. Deep-Sea Mining Oversight: A UN-backed deep-sea mining inquiry continues after a maritime court rejected a bid to suspend it, involving Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc.

Climate Diplomacy: Tonga’s Minister for Health Hu’akavameiliku joined Pacific Climate Ministers in Sydney to push a united agenda ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, with ministers coordinating Pacific positions and planning a Leaders’ visit to Tuvalu. Animal Health & Food Security: FAO unveiled a new global blueprint to tackle transboundary animal diseases through country-led partnerships, warning outbreaks like avian influenza and foot-and-mouth can rapidly hit livelihoods and spill into human health. Land, Security & Climate Stress: A Pacific Security College paper argues land governance must return to the centre of regional peace and security planning as rising seas and food insecurity intensify instability. Ocean Protection & Fisheries: Forum DSG Esala Nayasi urged Pacific leaders to discourage subsidies that support fishing of stocks already declared overfished, linking fisheries rules to the Blue Pacific Continent vision. Deep-Sea Mining Rule of Law: The UN’s top maritime court rejected a bid to pause an inquiry into deep-sea mining contract compliance involving Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd, while ordering provisional measures tied to due process. Tonga Justice Update: Tonga Police launched a regional hunt for two high-risk escapees still on the run after a custody escape in Nuku’alofa, with public urged not to approach them.

Fisheries & Oceans: Pacific Islands Forum Deputy Secretary General Esala Nayasi urged Pacific countries to discourage subsidies that back fishing of stocks already declared overfished, linking the WTO fisheries-subsidies push to tackling IUU fishing and protecting the “Blue Pacific” ocean economy. Deep-sea mining & Law of the Sea: The UN’s deep-sea mining inquiry will continue after the top maritime court rejected a bid to pause it, with Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML) and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) named in the dispute over due process and contract obligations. Climate education & scholarships: Tower-backed scholarships are supporting a world-first Bachelor of Climate Change at the University of Waikato, including Pacific recipients from Samoa, aiming to build local capacity to respond to climate impacts. Tonga policing & regional cooperation: Tonga Police launched a regional hunt for two high-risk escapees after a custody escape in Nuku’alofa, working with partners across the Pacific. Human trafficking & exploitation: Tongan police are investigating a syndicate accused of “auctioning” young Tongan women into arranged marriages in China, after victims described being treated as bought and sold. Biodiversity: Critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins were born at Central Park Zoo, adding to conservation hope for a species threatened by habitat loss and poaching.

Tonga Environment & Oceans: The UN’s top maritime court has refused to pause a deep-sea mining probe, keeping scrutiny on Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML) and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) as the International Seabed Authority investigates whether they breached UN exploration rules—an important moment for how ocean ecosystems are protected while “critical minerals” projects move ahead. Marine Life & Pollution Risk: Australia’s expanding use of marine seismic surveys for energy and carbon capture is drawing fresh warnings that loud underwater noise can harm wildlife across the food chain, with scientists saying the long-term effects of repeated exposure are still poorly understood. Climate Capacity Building: Tower’s 2026 Bachelor of Climate Change scholarships are backing Pacific students, including recipients from Samoa, aiming to strengthen local climate action skills. Community Safety & Disasters: UN funding has been approved for Vanuatu cyclone recovery, targeting food security, water/sanitation and emergency shelter for the most affected people—highlighting what disaster-prone Pacific communities need most. Wildlife Conservation: Critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins have been born at Central Park Zoo, adding hope for a species threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Tonga Governance & Enforcement: Tonga Police are coordinating regionally to track high-risk escapees after a custody escape in Nuku’alofa, underscoring the need for strong public safety systems alongside environmental resilience.

Climate Education & Scholarships: Tower’s 2026 Bachelor of Climate Change scholarships are backing Pacific students, including Samoa’s Lagi Talalupe, with a focus on building local capacity to tackle climate impacts. Marine Impacts of Seismic Testing: As Australia expands seismic surveys, scientists warn the intense underwater noise could harm marine life across the food chain, with big gaps in how repeated exposure stacks up. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Fight: The UN’s top maritime court rejected a bid to pause an ISA deep-sea mining inquiry involving Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML) and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI), keeping scrutiny on due process and contract obligations. Drug Exploitation of Children: Fiji’s Salvation Army says drug traffickers are recruiting and exposing children as young as seven, including street children used to sell and carry drugs. Tonga Media & Drug Threat: Tonga’s media is warning that the drug threat needs stronger reporting and journalist protection as investigations intensify. Health Care Closer to Home (Tonga): A specialist paediatric surgical team visited Vaiola Hospital under New Zealand’s Medical Treatment Scheme, enabling life-saving treatment in-country for an infant with a serious lung condition. Wildlife Rarity: A critically endangered pair of black-and-white ruffed lemur twins has been born at Central Park Zoo, highlighting ongoing conservation needs. Disaster Recovery (Vanuatu): The UN CERF approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu cyclone recovery, targeting food security, WASH, and emergency shelter for the most affected.

Deep-sea mining legal fight: The UN’s deep-sea mining probe continues after the top maritime court refused to pause it, with Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML) and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) still facing questions over whether they followed UN exploration rules. Climate action and Pacific pressure: Australia’s pre-COP climate meeting in Fiji is defended as essential for Pacific outcomes, despite criticism over accommodation costs. Tonga’s climate knowledge push: Tonga is set to merge science and traditional knowledge in weather forecasting, aiming to close the gap between climate information and what communities can actually use. Disaster recovery funding: The UN Central Emergency Response Fund approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu cyclone recovery, focusing on food security, WASH and emergency shelter for the most affected. Wildlife conservation: A rare pair of critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins has been born at Central Park Zoo, highlighting ongoing habitat loss and poaching pressures. Tonga health closer to home: A specialist paediatric surgical team supported an infant at Vaiola Hospital through the NZ Medical Treatment Scheme, reducing the need for risky overseas transport. Pacific security and environment: Discussions around regional security cooperation also point to disaster-response coordination, with Tonga and others named as potential partners.

Deep-sea mining legal fight: The UN’s top maritime court refused to pause an ISA deep-seabed inquiry, keeping pressure on Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML) and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) over alleged due-process and contract issues—an important moment for how environmental rules are applied in international waters. Tonga health, closer to home: Tonga’s Vaiola Hospital received a specialist paediatric surgical team under the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme, enabling life-saving lung surgery without an overseas transfer and building local capability. Climate and disaster resilience: UN Central Emergency Response Fund approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu cyclone recovery, targeting food security, WASH and emergency shelter for the most affected. Pacific biodiversity spotlight: Critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur twins were born at Central Park Zoo, with habitat loss and poaching cited as major threats. Tonga weather forecasting push: Tonga is set to merge science and traditional knowledge in weather forecasting, aiming to strengthen early warning for natural hazards.

Deep-sea mining legal fight: The UN’s top maritime court refused to pause an inquiry into whether Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML) and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) breached UN exploration contract rules, keeping the spotlight on the International Seabed Authority’s process and due process. Weather resilience in Tonga: Tonga Meteorological Service is set to weave traditional environmental indicators into daily weather bulletins, aiming to make forecasts and warnings more trusted and easier for communities to act on. Climate and health warning: A Lancet Global Health report flags rising climate-driven health risks for Pacific SIDS, including more heatwave days, worsening drought-linked food insecurity, and threats to fisheries. SDG progress at the UN: Tonga’s PM presented the country’s second Voluntary National Review, highlighting gains in clean water, renewable energy and resilient infrastructure while stressing ongoing climate and economic pressures. Wildlife rarity: A rare all-white humpback whale named Mãhina (Tongan for “moon”) won a major nature photography award, renewing attention on conservation and protecting marine life.

Deep-sea mining legal fight: Tonga Offshore Mining Ltd (TOML) and Nauru Ocean Resources Inc (NORI) can’t pause the UN deep-sea mining inquiry after the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea rejected a bid to halt proceedings, keeping pressure on the ISA to follow due process. Tonga’s due-process win: In a related ITLOS decision, judges ordered provisional measures protecting NORI and TOML rights in their case against the ISA, including respect for the applicable legal framework. Traditional weather forecasting: Tonga Meteorological Service is moving to include traditional environmental indicators in daily weather bulletins, aiming to make forecasts more trusted and easier for communities to act on. Climate health warning: A Lancet Countdown SIDS report says Pacific islands face rising climate-driven health risks, with heat and drought already hitting work, food security, and disease spread. Tonga SDG progress: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua presented Tonga’s second Voluntary National Review at the UN, highlighting gains in clean water, renewable energy and resilience while calling for more support for vulnerable SIDS. Disaster recovery funding (region): The UN Central Emergency Response Fund approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu cyclone recovery, targeting food security, WASH and emergency shelter. AI governance and Tonga readiness: UN-linked coverage highlights the need for AI guardrails as Tonga pushes digital-first government services and AI tools for citizens, alongside broader Pacific digital readiness work.

Seabed Governance: Tonga-linked TMC welcomed ITLOS Seabed Disputes Chamber orders requiring the International Seabed Authority to respect due process for NORI and TOML, after judges found a real risk of irreparable harm to rights while ISA considers contract extensions—an important moment for how offshore critical-minerals rules are applied. Climate & Health: A Lancet Global Health report warns climate change is driving major health risks across Small Island Developing States, with heatwave days and food insecurity worsening and warmer oceans threatening fisheries. Weather Resilience: Tonga Meteorological Service is set to blend traditional environmental indicators into daily weather bulletins, aiming to make forecasts more trusted and actionable for communities. SDG Progress: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua presented Tonga’s second Voluntary National Review at the UN, highlighting gains in clean water, renewable energy and resilient infrastructure while stressing ongoing pressure from climate change and economic shocks. Disaster Response: UN CERF approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu cyclone recovery, targeting food security, WASH and emergency shelter for the most vulnerable. Regional Security: Tonga’s PM condemned China’s nuclear-capable missile test as a destabilising move that militarises the ocean, saying Tonga opposes ballistic testing by any superpower. Biodiversity Spotlight: A rare all-white humpback whale, Mãhina (named for “moon” in Tongan), won World Nature Photographer of the Year, renewing hope for conservation.

Climate & Health: A new Lancet Countdown SIDS report warns climate change is driving major health risks across Pacific islands like Tonga, with heatwave days rising sharply and extreme heat already costing billions in lost work hours, alongside worsening food insecurity and threats to fisheries. Weather Services: Tonga is moving to blend traditional environmental indicators with climate science, with the Tonga Meteorological Service set to include traditional knowledge in daily weather bulletins to make warnings more trusted and actionable. SDGs at the UN: Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua presented Tonga’s second Voluntary National Review at the UN, highlighting progress on clean water, renewable energy and resilient infrastructure while calling for faster, more flexible international support for vulnerable island states. Ocean & Wildlife: A rare all-white humpback whale, Mãhina (named for “moon” in Tongan), has been photographed winning World Nature Photographer of the Year, spotlighting conservation hopes for unusual wildlife. Disaster Response Funding: The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu cyclone recovery, targeting food security, WASH and emergency shelter for the most affected. Deep-Sea Governance: The UN seabed mining regulator defended its authority as legal action seeks to halt an investigation into deep-sea mining conduct, keeping pressure on how ocean minerals are managed. Traditional Knowledge for Forecasting: Separate reporting from Fiji shows farmers using nature cues like wild yam vine behaviour to anticipate cyclones months ahead, reinforcing the value of Indigenous early warning systems.