Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
First Pacific Research Symposium launched in Tonga
Tonga is hosting the Pacific Community’s (SPC) inaugural Regional Research Symposium on Agriculture and Forestry, bringing together experts from over 30 countries. The two-day event which started yesterday at the Tanoa Dateline Hotel in Nukuʻalofa...
Owner: Kalafi Moala
Palau will gain access to the Green Climate Fund to protect tuna stocks
By: Bernadette Carreon Palau and other Pacific countries will receive a $107.4 million grant from the Green Climate Fund and an additional $49.4 million in co-financing. This funding aims to manage the risks associated with the redistribution of...
Owner: Islandtimes Palau
Australia commits $3 million to support climate resilient farming
By Katalina Siasau The Pacific Farmer Organizations (PFO) will receive AUD$3 million in funding from the Australian Government to support climate-resilient farming initiatives in seven Pacific countries, including Tonga, over the next four years....
Owner: Fonua Family
Pacific Tourism Stakeholders Chart a Path for Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), through its Division of Sustainable Tourism, hosted a one-day workshop on May 7th, held at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa in Nadi, focused on advancing gender equity, transformative models of...
IMO’s history-making carbon emission levy is a step forward; Pacific Environment argues more steps are needed
On April 11, 2025, the International Maritime Organization made history and voted to approve the IMO Net-Zero Framework, setting legally-binding emission reduction targets and prices for non-compliance for international ships over the next 30...
Owner: Drougas Family (Jenny, Nikodemos)
‘Voices of the Pacific’ is our story, a call for action on impact of plastic pollution on Pacific communities
APIA (SPREP) — “Voices of the Pacific”, a film which spotlights the profound impact of plastic waste, sourced from foreign countries and choking our Ocean’s arteries, earned widespread applause from Pacific countries following its world premiere...
Owner: Islandtimes Palau
Tonga gears up for National Development Summit
From March 18 to 21, Tonga will host a National Development Summit at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre, uniting approximately 200 representatives from various sectors to shape Tonga’s Strategic Development Framework (TSDF) III for 2026-2036. This...
Owner: Kalafi Moala
Research shows Tonga's Maka Lahi boulder's journey
Photo: Supplied New research theorises that Tonga's Maka Lahi boulder was moved more than 200 metres inland by a tsunami around 7,000 years ago. Maka Lahi, meaning "Big Rock", is a limestone boulder measuring 6.7 metres tall and 14 metres wide,...
Owner: New Zealand Government
Solar-desalination provides water for agriculture in Tonga
Launch event for agricultural desalination plant.Vaini, Tongatapu, 26 May 2025. Photo: Nishi Trading. By Katalina Siasau A solar-powered desalination system to provide water for agriculture was launched on Monday, 26 May, at the Nishi Trading...
Owner: Fonua Family
China swipes at Trump climate policy after Pacific Islands meeting
Pacific nations have backed China's claim over Taiwan during a high-profile meeting, but have shied away from directly endorsing Beijing's push to "reunify" the democratically ruled island with the mainland. China has also taken a shot at the...
Owner: Australian Government
Tonga’s global tourism appeal boosted at ITB Berlin 2025
Tonga has made a significant impact at ITB Berlin 2025, engaging in 50 productive meetings over the first two days. The delegation, led by Mr. Fotuika Vailea from the Tonga Tourism Authority and Mr. Poli Toma Sakalia of Jones Travel Limited,...
Owner: Kalafi Moala
Australian Foreign Minister Wong defends Pacific Climate commitment amid domestic pushback
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has defended her government’s climate stance during a press conference in Tonga, responding to questions about growing domestic resistance to Australia’s support for climate resilience efforts in the Pacific....
Owner: Kalafi Moala
Tonga dengue outbreak grows, Vava’u tops cases with children most affected
Public Broadcaster
Pacific Media Network
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Tonga’s Ministry of Health has reported 12 new cases of dengue fever on Friday, bringing the total number of infections to 169, with children mainly affected. The outbreak, caused by Dengue Virus Type 2 (DENV-2), continues to spread, particularly...
Owner: New Zealand Government
Draft U.S-Pacific declaration shows diplomatic wrangling over security, climate change
Neutral
Pacific News Service
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A draft joint declaration being negotiated by the United States and Pacific Island countries condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, flags intensifying American security cooperation with the region and declares climate change is the “highest...
Owner: The Pacific Islands News Association Ltd
Regional Collaboration: A Strategic Approach to Climate-Resilient Finance in the Pacific
Center-left
Pacific Community (SPC)
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Deuba, Fiji The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in Fiji, in partnership with the Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN), the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI),...
Owner: Pacific Community
Kyrgyzstan, UN Discuss Ecology And Sustainable Development Co-Op
(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, May 19. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov and permanent representatives of several countries to the United Nations discussed cooperation on ecology and sustainable development in Bishkek, Trend...
Owner: Abdel Rehim Ali & Hani Jabsheh
Australian Foreign Minister Wong defends Pacific Climate commitment amid domestic…
Neutral
Pacific News Service
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Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has defended her government’s climate stance during a press conference in Tonga, responding to questions about growing domestic resistance to Australia’s support for climate resilience efforts in the Pacific....
Owner: The Pacific Islands News Association Ltd
Wong affirms Australia support to Tonga amid climate and security talks
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to Tonga during a diplomatic visit focused on climate resilience and regional security. During her visit to Nuku’alofa yesterday Minister Wong met with Tongan Prime...
Owner: Kalafi Moala
Govt’s climate aid reduction ‘betrayal’ of Pacific, NGOs say
A $100 million reduction in New Zealand’s annual climate aid shows a lack of leadership and is a betrayal of the country’s Pacific neighbours, disappointed aid groups say. Foreign Minister Winston Peters had conceded the Government’s aid...
Owner: Mark Jennings & Tim Murphy
Pacific peoples voice on climate change “should be heard in the world”
By Katalina Siasau The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong visited Tonga today and reaffirmed Australia's commitment as Tonga's largest development and security partner and a trusted ally. Responding to a question...
Owner: Fonua Family