AGP Executive Report

Deep-sea mining sovereignty risk: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns that Investor-State Dispute Settlement rules could let foreign mining firms sue Pacific governments if they tighten environmental protections, naming Tonga among the exposed states and flagging a “chilling effect” on future policy. Regional disaster readiness: Pacific governments and partners met in Honiara to push coordinated geohazard and tsunami resilience, including better seismic data sharing and stronger monitoring capacity for 2026–2030. Ocean protection diplomacy: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua says Pacific leaders need capital, know-how and technology to turn “blue economy” goals into action as the region heads to the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Flood risk and cultural loss: A Tonga-linked theme emerges from a NZ flood model finalist that blends science with mātauranga Māori, showing how sea-level rise could threaten low-lying areas and cultural sites. Groundwater concern: Tonga Geological Services reporting highlights higher salt levels in parts of Ha’apai, pointing to ongoing water security pressures. Pacific earthquake research: A Tonga-based researcher says seismic activity across the Ring of Fire is rising, urging better understanding of where major quakes could strike next. Road safety: Tonga Police report 69 drink-driving arrests after breath tests on 2,800+ motorists, stressing the risk to families and communities.

Deep-sea mining & sovereignty: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns that investor-state dispute rules could let foreign mining firms sue Pacific governments if they tighten or reverse environmental protections, naming Tonga among countries exposed to legal “chilling effects.” Climate science & Tonga’s skies: Research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption shows its stratospheric water vapour didn’t just fade—it reshaped ozone, temperatures and radiation effects for years, while later work also points to volcanic chemistry that may have accelerated methane breakdown. Flood risk with culture in the mix: A New Zealand flood model blending science with mātauranga Māori is a finalist in the Science Awards, projecting major impacts to low-lying areas and mapping cultural loss alongside physical risk. Earthquake awareness in the Ring of Fire: A Tonga-based researcher says 2026 has already seen more magnitude-7+ quakes than last year, urging better understanding of geological risk across the Pacific. Road safety: Tonga Police say 69 people were arrested for drink-driving after breath tests of over 2,800 motorists. Pacific economy push: Tonga’s PM calls for turning “blue economy” ambition into action, stressing the need for capital, know-how and circular, sustainable growth.

Flood risk & cultural loss: A finalist in the New Zealand Science Awards highlights a flood model for Te Pokohiwi o Kupe (Wairau Bar) that blends advanced mapping with mātauranga Māori, warning up to 75% of low-lying areas could be hit in a one-in-100-year storm by 2130 under sea-level rise. Deep-sea mining & sovereignty: A Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns Investor-State Dispute Settlement rules could let foreign mining firms sue Pacific governments for environmental protections, raising the stakes for Pacific sovereignty as interest in seabed minerals grows. Marine protection “blue corridors”: Ahead of major Pacific climate diplomacy, writers argue for connected ocean protection across borders and the high seas to safeguard migratory pathways for whales, sharks and other species. Water stress in Tonga: Groundwater monitoring in Ha’apai finds higher salt levels in Foa and parts of Lifuka, signalling long-term pressure on freshwater supplies as seawater intrusion risk rises. Earthquake awareness: A Tonga-based researcher says seismic activity across the Ring of Fire is high this year, urging better understanding of geological risks for Pacific communities. Road safety: Tonga Police report 69 arrests for drink-driving after breath tests on over 2,800 motorists, pushing safer driving to protect people and communities.

Climate science from Tonga’s 2022 eruption: New research revisits how the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai blast injected vast water vapour into the stratosphere, reshaping temperatures, ozone and radiation effects for years, while later work also points to a surprising atmospheric chemistry link to faster methane breakdown after the eruption. Freshwater stress in Ha’apai: Tonga Geological Services reports higher groundwater salt levels in parts of Foa and central/northern Lifuka, warning that seawater intrusion could steadily pressure freshwater supplies as climate change alters water resources. Disaster readiness for coastal flooding: A Tongan oceanographer’s work is strengthening impact-based early warning for cyclones and coastal inundation, aiming to translate storm forecasts into clear household and infrastructure risks. Blue Pacific policy push: Tonga’s PM says Pacific countries need capital, know-how and technology to turn “blue economy” and circular sustainability goals into action ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum. Community recycling voices: The Pacific Recyclers Alliance calls for grassroots recyclers to have a stronger say in decisions shaping the recycling sector, arguing they’re often treated as mere stakeholders despite decades of on-the-ground work. Ocean protection momentum: Dr Sylvia Earle’s Hope Spots network highlights growing community-led marine protected areas across 170 sites in 115 countries, as ocean threats from warming and pollution intensify.

Disaster Preparedness: Tonga Geological Services reports higher salt levels in groundwater in parts of Ha’apai, including Foa and central/northern Lifuka, raising fresh-water pressure concerns as climate change reshapes water resources. Coastal Risk Forecasting: A Tonga oceanographer’s work is strengthening coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to move from cyclone track forecasts to impact-based alerts for homes, roads, schools and hospitals. Seismic Monitoring: A Tongan researcher says Pacific quake activity is rising, with 11 magnitude-7-plus earthquakes already recorded this year along the Ring of Fire—prompting warnings that more major events could occur before December. Marine Climate Science: Scientists studying the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption found a surprising atmospheric effect—emissions linked to faster methane decomposition—highlighting how complex chemical chains can flip outcomes. Recycling Voices: Grassroots recycling groups across the Pacific are calling for a stronger say in decisions shaping the recycling sector, warning they’re often treated as “stakeholders” instead of partners. Water Safety & Roads: Tonga Police arrested 69 people for drink-driving after breath tests on over 2,800 motorists, stressing risks to passengers and surrounding communities. Marine Conservation: Dr Sylvia Earle’s Hope Spots network marks 170 sites across 115 countries, pushing community-led protection amid pollution, habitat loss and warming seas.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: NOAA has opened a formal environmental review for an American company’s proposed Pacific seabed mining, including a second, much larger tract—raising big questions for Tonga and other Pacific states about who controls international waters and what protections come next. Water Security in Ha’apai: Tonga Geological Services reports higher groundwater salt levels in parts of Ha’apai (Foa and central/northern Lifuka), a warning sign for long-term freshwater pressure as climate change drives seawater intrusion. Cyclone Preparedness Research: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s work is strengthening coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to move from “where the cyclone goes” to “what it means for homes and roads.” Ocean Climate Chemistry Twist: Scientists studying the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption found emissions linked to faster methane decomposition in the stratosphere—an important reminder that volcanic impacts can trigger complex atmospheric chains. Community Recycling Voice: Pacific grassroots recyclers are calling for a stronger say in recycling decisions, arguing policy must reflect decades of on-the-ground experience, not just commercial priorities. Marine Protection Momentum: Dr Sylvia Earle’s Hope Spots network now spans 170 sites across 115 countries, highlighting community-led marine protection as threats from warming, pollution, and habitat loss intensify. Tonga’s UN Secretary-General Bid: Tonga has nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki for UN chief, adding another climate and sustainable-development voice to the race.

Freshwater under pressure in Ha’apai: Tonga Geological Services reports higher salt levels in groundwater in Foa and central/northern Lifuka, based on March 2025 monitoring of wells, boreholes and nearby household taps—an early warning for freshwater stress as climate change reshapes water supplies. Coastal disaster readiness: Pacific Community oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s research is helping strengthen Tonga’s coastal inundation early warning, aiming to move from “storm track” forecasts to impact-based alerts for homes, roads and other community assets. Community-led ocean protection: Dr Sylvia Earle’s Hope Spots network keeps expanding, now spanning 170 sites across 115 countries, with local scientists and community leaders driving nominations for marine protected areas. Plastic and freshwater resilience recognition: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist in the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards for environmental work, highlighting community-led efforts to improve freshwater access, boost climate resilience and cut plastic pollution. Recycling voices in policy: Across the Pacific, the Pacific Recyclers Alliance is calling for grassroots recyclers to have a stronger say in decisions shaping the recycling sector, arguing they’ve been doing the work for decades and need support that fits real on-the-ground conditions.

Coastal Water Watch in Ha’apai: Tonga Geological Services reports higher groundwater salt levels in Foa and parts of central/northern Lifuka, warning that seawater intrusion could pressure freshwater supplies as climate change reshapes water resources. Storm Readiness Research: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s work is strengthening coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to move from cyclone track forecasts to clearer, household-level impacts for communities. Community Recycling Voice: The Pacific Recyclers Alliance says grassroots recyclers across the region are still being sidelined in recycling decisions, urging policy and investment to back long-running community systems and not just high-value materials. Marine Protection Momentum: Dr Sylvia Earle’s Hope Spots network has grown to 170 sites across 115 countries, highlighting community-led ocean conservation as threats like pollution and warming intensify. Plastic & Freshwater Gains Recognised: Friends of Tonga is a finalist in the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards for environmental stewardship, citing community-led work to improve freshwater access, cut plastic pollution, and build climate resilience. Volcano Chemistry Surprise: Scientists studying the 2026 atmospheric aftermath of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption report emissions linked to faster methane decomposition, underscoring how complex atmospheric chemistry can shift in unexpected ways.

Pacific recycling voices: The Pacific Recyclers Alliance says grassroots recyclers across the region are still being sidelined in decisions on recycling policy and investment, even though many have worked for decades and handle low-value materials that need responsible processing. Tonga water stress: Groundwater monitoring in Ha’apai found higher salt levels in Foa and parts of Lifuka, raising fresh-water pressure concerns as climate change reshapes Tonga’s water resources. Storm readiness research: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s work is helping improve coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to turn cyclone forecasts into practical, household-level guidance for flooding and storm surge impacts. Climate funding momentum: Tonga has moved forward with 32 climate projects set to start under the Tonga Climate Change Fund. Community environmental win: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards for environmental stewardship work led with communities on freshwater access, climate resilience and plastic pollution. Marine conservation spotlight: Dr Sylvia Earle’s Hope Spots network now spans 170 sites across 115 countries, highlighting community-led ocean protection amid pollution and warming seas. UN leadership with Tonga link: Tonga has nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki for UN secretary-general, adding to a fast-moving field as Pacific states watch the next global direction.

Water Security in Ha’apai: Tonga Geological Services says groundwater monitoring found higher salt levels in Foa and central/northern Lifuka, a warning sign for long-term freshwater pressure as climate change reshapes water resources. Disaster Preparedness: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s work is helping improve coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to translate cyclone forecasts into practical impacts for homes and infrastructure. Climate & Oceans Research: Scientists studying the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai eruption report a surprising atmospheric chemistry effect—volcanic emissions linked to faster methane decomposition—while stressing it’s not “good for air quality.” Community Environment Recognition: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist in the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards for environmental stewardship, highlighting community-led freshwater resilience and plastic pollution reduction. Global Policy Spotlight (Tonga-linked): Tonga nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki for UN Secretary-General, adding another Pacific voice to the 2027 leadership race.

Freshwater under pressure in Ha’apai: Tonga Geological Services reports higher salt levels in groundwater in Foa and parts of Lifuka, a warning sign for long-term freshwater stress as climate change reshapes water resources. Storm preparedness research: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s work is helping improve coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to translate cyclone forecasts into practical, household-level impacts. Climate funding moves to delivery: Tonga’s Climate Change Fund has signed off 32 projects under its first funding cycle, with locally led work on resilience, livelihoods, environmental protection and community preparedness. Power reliability hits Tongatapu: Tonga Power Limited apologised after a generator failure triggered rotational outages; repairs are expected in about two weeks while new units are installed, amid the wider push toward renewable electricity. Plastic and marine litter push: Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and the Marshall Islands are set to join a €6m regional project to tackle marine litter and single-use plastic reduction, implemented with SPREP and the Pacific Community. Community environment recognition: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist for an international environmental award for community-led freshwater access, climate resilience and plastic pollution work.

Freshwater Watch (Ha’apai): Tonga Geological Services reports higher groundwater salt levels in Foa and central/northern Lifuka, with March 2025 testing using electrical conductivity readings across multiple islands—an early warning for seawater intrusion as climate change strains water supplies. Disaster Preparedness (Storm impacts): Pacific Community oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s research is helping strengthen coastal inundation early warning systems, pushing “impact-based” forecasts that translate cyclone track predictions into likely effects on homes, roads, schools and other community assets. Climate Finance (Tonga Climate Change Fund): Tonga has signed project implementation agreements for 32 initiatives under its Climate Change Fund, with locally led work on resilience, sustainable livelihoods, environmental protection and community preparedness. Plastic & Marine Litter (SPREP): Samoa will join Fiji, Tonga and the Marshall Islands in a €6m regional marine litter and single-use plastic reduction effort, funded with support from Germany’s GIZ and implemented with SPREP and the Pacific Community. Community-led Conservation (Friends of Tonga): Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards for environmental stewardship, highlighting community partnerships tackling freshwater access, climate resilience and plastic pollution. Energy Reliability (Tongatapu outages): Tonga Power Limited apologised after a major generator failure triggered rotational power outages, with repairs expected to take about two weeks while new generator units are installed.

UN Secretary-General race (Tonga-backed): Tonga has formally nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki as a candidate to succeed António Guterres, bringing the field to eight. She presented her vision to UN member states and is positioning herself as a bridge-builder across regions, with Security Council straw polls and further voting now underway. Coastal disaster preparedness: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s work is strengthening coastal inundation early warning systems, aiming to move from just cyclone tracks to clearer, household-level impacts for communities facing storm surge and flooding. Tonga climate finance in motion: Tonga’s Climate Change Fund has signed Project Implementation Agreements for 32 climate projects, covering locally led resilience, environmental protection, and community preparedness. Energy reliability pressure: Tonga Power Limited apologised after a generator failure triggered rotational outages on Tongatapu; repairs are expected to take about two weeks as the country pushes its shift toward renewables. Plastic pollution push (regional): Samoa will join Tonga, Fiji and the Marshall Islands in a €6m marine litter and plastic waste project supported by Germany, with SPREP, SPC and GIZ involved. Community environmental recognition: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards for environmental work, highlighting community-led freshwater access and plastic pollution reduction.

Coastal disaster preparedness: Tongan oceanographer Dr Moleni Tu’uholoaki’s research is helping shift cyclone warnings toward “impact-based” alerts, linking storm tracks to what communities actually face—homes, roads, schools, hospitals and other coastal infrastructure—after decades of cyclone records and modelling of storm surge, extreme waves and flooding. Climate finance in action: Tonga’s Climate Change Fund has moved 32 approved projects into implementation after signing Project Implementation Agreements, with locally led work on resilience, sustainable livelihoods, environmental protection and community preparedness. Marine pollution push: Tonga will join Samoa, Fiji and the Marshall Islands in a €6m regional marine litter and plastic waste project led by SPREP with GIZ and the Pacific Community. Community resilience and inclusion: The Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project is rolling out nature-based climate adaptation across Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Kiribati, with women, youth and people with disabilities leading ecosystem restoration and resilient livelihoods. Recognition for local environmental work: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards for environmental stewardship, citing community-led efforts on freshwater access, climate resilience and reducing plastic pollution. Health and environment link: A new travel-related dengue case was reported in Hawaiʻi, with officials urging people to remove standing water—especially after flooding—to cut mosquito breeding risk. Energy reliability gap: Tonga Power Limited apologised for rotational outages after a generator failure, while the country continues its renewable transition with solar, wind and battery storage plans.

Tonga climate finance: Tonga’s Climate Change Fund has signed Project Implementation Agreements for 32 new climate projects, with locally led work on resilience, sustainable livelihoods, environmental protection and community preparedness moving into action. Power reliability: Tonga Power Limited apologised after a major generator failure on Tongatapu triggered rotational outages, while repairs are expected to take about two weeks and new generator units are being installed—an urgent reminder as the country pushes toward more renewable electricity. Marine litter and plastics: Samoa, Fiji, the Marshall Islands and Tonga are set to take part in a €6m Pacific marine litter and plastic waste project funded via Germany’s GIZ, with SPREP and the Pacific Community supporting delivery. Community-led conservation recognition: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards in environmental stewardship, highlighting community partnerships tackling freshwater access, climate resilience and plastic pollution. Inclusive climate adaptation: Fiji’s Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project launched in Labasa, aiming to restore ecosystems and build resilient livelihoods across Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Kiribati with women, youth and people with disabilities leading nature-based solutions. Health and mosquitoes: Hawaiʻi reported another travel-related dengue case on Oʻahu and urged residents to remove standing water—especially after flooding—linking vector control to climate-linked rainfall risks. Pacific sovereignty and communications: A report warns Pacific countries face a sovereignty squeeze as submarine cable infrastructure and online platforms are controlled elsewhere, shaping who can access information.

UN Leadership & Sustainability: Tonga has nominated Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki for UN Secretary-General, highlighting her past work on sustainable development and intercultural dialogue as the race grows to eight candidates. Climate Finance in Action: Tonga’s Climate Change Fund has signed project implementation agreements for 32 approved climate projects, with locally led work spanning resilience, sustainable livelihoods, environmental protection and community preparedness. Power Reliability & Renewables: Tonga Power Limited apologised after a generator failure triggered rotational outages on Tongatapu, exposing reliability gaps even as the country pushes its shift toward 100% renewable electricity. Marine Litter & Plastic Pollution: SPREP says a €6m regional marine litter and plastic waste project will run across Samoa, Fiji, the Marshall Islands and Tonga, supported by Germany’s GIZ. Community-Led Environmental Recognition: Friends of Tonga has been named a finalist for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards for environmental stewardship, citing community partnerships tackling freshwater access, climate resilience and plastic pollution. Health & Mosquito Risk: Hawaiʻi reported another travel-related dengue case, with officials urging people to remove standing water—an important reminder for Pacific vector-borne disease prevention.