AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection & Science: National Geographic’s Pristine Seas expedition is starting in Tokelau to map nearshore reefs, open ocean and deepwater biodiversity, feeding future protection plans like a National Ocean Policy and marine spatial planning. Disaster Risk & Warnings: Vanuatu’s ferry disaster (MV Matui) is spotlighting a gap between forecasts and action, with VMGD saying warnings were issued but it lacks authority to stop vessels. Early Warning Leadership: Vanuatu has formally offered to host a Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre for the Pacific, building on its weather, climate and geo-hazards monitoring capacity. Climate Resilience Delivery: Pacific Meteorological Council meetings highlight progress under Weather Ready Pacific, including stronger observation networks and faster forecasting, while stressing outcome-level impacts are still emerging. El Niño Impacts in the Region: Papua New Guinea is seeing localized food and water stress as El Niño brings prolonged dry weather plus unusual frost that is damaging crops. Sustainable Fisheries: Pacific countries at COFI37 pushed for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management. Renewables Push: Vanuatu’s climate minister links the global fuel crisis to a faster shift to renewables, aiming for 100% renewable electrification by 2030. Waste & Community Voice: Grassroots recyclers are set to shape Vanuatu’s regional waste and recycling policy workshop, arguing community realities must drive decisions. Fisheries Governance: Pacific bluefin tuna gets a new long-term harvest strategy agreement, allowing slight catch increases with automatic cutbacks if stocks decline. Human Rights & Culture: A Pacific legal perspective argues climate change is unraveling Indigenous culture and rights, not just ecosystems and livelihoods.

El Niño Impacts in PNG: Papua New Guinea is already seeing frost and prolonged dry weather destroy crops and shrink rivers, with communities warning that local food and drinking-water shortages could spread as El Niño intensifies. Vanuatu Ferry Disaster: Search and rescue continues after the MV Matui sank between Santo and Ambae in rough seas, with dozens feared missing and officials pointing to strong winds, marine warnings, and gaps between warnings and action. Vanuatu Early Warning Push: Vanuatu has formally put forward interest in hosting a Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre for the Pacific, building on its growing meteorological and geo-hazard monitoring capacity. Pacific Weather Readiness: Pacific leaders and meteorological services are pushing to strengthen early-warning systems and regional cooperation through the Pacific Meteorological Council and Weather Ready Pacific. Pacific Fisheries Leadership: Pacific countries at COFI37 renewed calls for stronger support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management and regional cooperation. Grassroots Waste Voices in Vanuatu: Recycling groups and grassroots recyclers are set to shape regional waste and recycling policy at a Port Vila workshop, with community realities at the centre. Climate Justice, Not Just Numbers: A Pacific legal voice says climate change harms Indigenous culture and rights as human rights violations, arguing that lived experience must be part of climate action. Renewables Momentum in Vanuatu: Vanuatu’s climate minister says the fossil-fuel crisis is a push to fast-track renewable energy, aiming for 100% renewable electrification by 2030. SIDS Health and Prevention: The Maldives’ early progress on cutting premature deaths from non-communicable diseases highlights preventive care and digital health workforce capacity as a model for small island states.

Multi-Hazard Early Warning: Vanuatu has formally put its hand up to host a Pacific Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, citing growing national capacity in weather, climate and geo-hazards monitoring, with next steps expected at the Pacific Meteorological Council in 2028. Disaster Preparedness Gap: Vanuatu’s top meteorologist says the MV Matui ferry tragedy exposed a hard limit: warnings can be issued, but the meteorology department has no authority to stop vessels going out—despite strong wind and marine warnings being released days before the sinking. Ferry Disaster Update: Search and rescue continues after the MV Matui sank between Santo and Ambae, with dozens feared missing and survivors rescued in rough seas. Climate Justice & Culture: Indigenous human rights lawyer Julian Aguon says climate change is unraveling Pacific culture and rights, arguing the harm goes beyond homes and livelihoods into identity, culture and self-determination. Sustainable Fisheries: Pacific countries at COFI37 pushed for stronger recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management, including Vanuatu’s participation and regional cooperation. Waste & Recycling Voices: Grassroots recyclers are set to help shape regional waste and recycling policy at a Port Vila workshop, aiming to bring community realities into decision-making.

Multi-hazard early warning push: Vanuatu has formally registered interest in hosting a Pacific Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre, building on its growing meteorological and geo-hazards monitoring capacity, with next steps expected at the Pacific Meteorological Council in 2028. Ferry disaster spotlight: The MV Matui sinking between Santo and Ambae has left at least one dead and dozens missing, while Vanuatu’s top meteorologist says warnings were issued with lead time but the department lacks authority to stop vessels going out. Pacific weather services progress: Pacific leaders and meteorological officials are urging stronger early-warning systems and regional cooperation as Weather Ready Pacific and the Pacific Meteorological Council track early delivery gains. Sustainable fisheries leadership: Pacific countries, including Vanuatu, used COFI37 to back Pacific-led, science-based tuna management and stronger support for small island needs. Waste policy with grassroots voices: A Port Vila workshop will bring grassroots recyclers into regional waste and recycling policy co-design. Climate justice debate: Vanuatu-linked climate-justice arguments continue to gain attention, with Indigenous rights and culture framed as central to climate harm. Energy transition message: Regenvanu says the global fossil-fuel crisis is a clear call to fast-track renewable energy, aligning with Vanuatu’s 2030 electrification target. Health access in islands: NZMTS specialist urogynaecology care reached Vanuatu hospitals, pairing treatment with training to build local capability. Fisheries and tuna recovery: Pacific bluefin tuna gets a new harvest strategy after recovery, while other tuna species still lack a full long-term framework.

Vanuatu ferry disaster: The MV Matui sank in rough seas between Santo and Ambae, with 19 rescued and search teams still looking for more than 30 missing; officials point to strong winds, marine warnings, and a gap between warnings and action. Early warnings push: Vanuatu’s top meteorologist says VMGD can forecast and issue strong wind warnings, but lacks authority to stop vessels—highlighting why Pacific leaders are prioritising “Early Warnings for All” at the 8th Pacific Meteorological Council in Tonga. Pacific waste policy: Grassroots recyclers are set to help shape regional waste and recycling rules at a Port Vila workshop (Sept 16–18), with the Pacific Recycling Foundation and Pacific Recyclers Alliance urging that community workers be heard in policy design. Climate justice, not just weather: Human rights lawyer Julian Aguon says climate change is unraveling Indigenous culture and rights, arguing Vanuatu’s ICJ climate case captured harms beyond homes and livelihoods. Energy transition: Vanuatu’s Ralph Regenvanu calls the global fuel crisis a clear push to fast-track renewable energy, pointing to Vanuatu’s goal of 100% electrification with renewables by 2030. Fisheries sustainability: Countries agreed a new harvest strategy for Pacific bluefin tuna to support long-term recovery, with automatic catch reductions if stocks decline again.

Climate Justice & Culture: Human rights lawyer Julian Aguon says climate change is “unraveling” Indigenous cultures across the Pacific, arguing it should be treated as a human rights violation—not just an environmental or economic problem. Disaster Response & Warnings: Vanuatu’s MV Matui ferry disaster is spotlighting a gap between marine warnings and action, with authorities saying warnings went out but they lack power to stop vessels leaving. Weather Ready Pacific: Pacific meteorological leaders meeting in Tonga report early progress on early warnings for all, while stressing key gaps remain before outcomes can be seen. Waste & Community Voices: Grassroots recyclers are set to help shape Vanuatu’s regional waste policy at a Circular Policy Co-Design Workshop, pushing for systems that reflect real community work. El Niño Impacts: Frost and drought in Papua New Guinea are damaging crops and food gardens, a reminder that climate extremes are hitting livelihoods fast across the region. Energy Transition: Vanuatu’s climate minister calls the global fuel crisis a push to cut fossil fuel reliance and speed up renewable energy plans. Pacific Women & Climate: Regional training and advocacy efforts highlight how violence against women and girls is increasingly linked with climate emergencies.

Pacific Climate Action (Youth): Rangatahi aged 14–20 are gathering in Auckland for Aotearoa Youth COP 2026 to learn, share priorities, and draft an Aotearoa Youth Climate Statement for handover to government ahead of COP31. Legal Climate Push (Vanuatu): A landmark International Court of Justice ruling—backed by Vanuatu’s climate case—strengthens the legal basis for communities and groups to pursue climate action through national courts. Early Warnings That Don’t Reach People (Vanuatu ferry): The MV Matui disaster off Santo–Ambae is being linked to a gap between marine warnings and action, with Vanuatu’s meteorology director saying the department can warn but can’t stop vessels. Weather Ready Pacific (regional warnings): Pacific meteorological leaders are reviewing progress under Weather Ready Pacific and the Pacific Meteorological Council, with a focus on closing remaining gaps in warning communication and integrated forecasting. Waste & Recycling (Port Vila, 16–18 Sept): Grassroots recyclers are set to shape regional waste policy at a Circular Policy Co-Design Workshop, arguing that community realities must drive recycling systems. El Niño Impacts (PNG frost): In Papua New Guinea, unusual frost after dry conditions is destroying crops and worsening food and water shortages as El Niño intensifies. Energy Transition (Vanuatu): Vanuatu’s climate minister says the global fuel crisis is a clear push to fast-track renewable energy, aiming for 100% renewable electrification by 2030. Fisheries (bluefin tuna): Countries agreed a long-term harvest strategy for Pacific bluefin tuna to support recovery, while talks stalled on other tuna species. Disaster Response (Nepal floods): After flash floods, drones are being used to deliver supplies and recover bodies in hard-to-reach areas, while child separation and missing persons remain a major concern.

Climate Justice in the Courts: Vanuatu’s climate case at the International Court of Justice is now backed by a landmark ruling saying countries must limit greenhouse gas emissions, giving Pacific communities a stronger path to push for action or seek damages. Ferry Disaster Response: A Vanuatu inter-island ferry (MV Matui) sank in rough seas between Santo and Ambae, with 19 rescued and more than 30 still missing, after warnings were issued but authorities say they can’t stop vessels from sailing. Early Warnings for All: Pacific leaders and meteorological services are pushing to turn weather and climate warnings into real protection, with Vanuatu’s meteorology chief highlighting the gap between issuing alerts and having authority to act. Waste and Recycling Voices: Grassroots recyclers are set to join a Port Vila workshop (Sept 16–18) to co-design stronger Pacific waste and recycling policy, aiming to reflect community realities. Renewables and Energy Security: Vanuatu’s climate minister points to the global fuel crisis as proof that countries must fast-track renewable energy, with Vanuatu targeting 100% renewable electrification by 2030. Pacific Bluefin Tuna: Countries agreed a new long-term harvest strategy for Pacific bluefin tuna, allowing slight catch increases while adding automatic cuts if stocks decline. Pacific Weather Reporting Skills: Vanuatu journalists took part in SPREP’s Pacific Media Mana Class to improve clear, accurate reporting on weather, climate and ocean risks. Indigenous Climate Harm: A new profile highlights how Indigenous communities describe climate damage beyond “degrees” and “losses,” framing it as cultural and spiritual injury.

Vanuatu Ferry Disaster: MV Matui sank between Santo and Ambae in rough seas, with 19 rescued so far and more than 30 still missing; Vanuatu’s meteorology chief says warnings were issued days ahead, but the department lacks authority to stop vessels going out. Early Warnings for All: Pacific leaders and meteorological services are pushing to make warnings reach action, with Tonga hosting the 8th Pacific Meteorological Council and Weather Ready Pacific reporting progress but still calling out gaps in warning communication and integrated forecasting. Waste & Recycling Voices: Grassroots recyclers are set to help shape Vanuatu’s regional waste policy at a Circular Policy Co-Design Workshop (Sept 16–18), with Pacific Recycling Foundation and the Pacific Recyclers Alliance bringing community realities into recycling system decisions. Fossil Fuel Pressure: Vanuatu’s climate minister Ralph Regenvanu says the global fuel crisis is a clear push to fast-track renewable energy, pointing to Vanuatu’s plan for 100% electrification with renewables by 2030. Pacific Bluefin Tuna: Countries agreed a new long-term harvest strategy for Pacific bluefin tuna, allowing slight catch increases while adding automatic cuts if stocks decline. Climate Resilience Funding: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urges the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience finance easier to access and more flexible on debt servicing as disasters intensify.

Ferry disaster and warning-action gap: Vanuatu’s MV Matui sank in rough seas between Santo and Ambae, with search teams still looking for more than 30 people; officials say warnings were issued days ahead, but VMGD lacks authority to stop vessels from leaving. Early warnings push: Pacific leaders and meteorological services meeting in Tonga (PMC-8, Weather Ready Pacific) are focusing on stronger early-warning systems and turning forecasts into lifesaving action, including lessons from Vanuatu’s tragedy. Grassroots recycling in Port Vila: Pacific Recycling Foundation and Pacific Recyclers Alliance will bring community voices to a Circular Policy Co-Design Workshop (Sept 16–18) to shape waste and recycling policy that reflects what recyclers face on the ground. Renewables and fossil-fuel reliance: Vanuatu’s climate minister Ralph Regenvanu links the global fuel crisis to the need to fast-track renewable energy, pointing to Vanuatu’s plan for 100% renewable electrification by 2030. Pacific bluefin tuna management: Countries agreed a new long-term harvest strategy for Pacific bluefin tuna, allowing slight catch increases with automatic cuts if stocks decline. Pacific media training: Vanuatu journalists joined SPREP and SPC’s Pacific Media Mana Class to improve weather, climate and ocean reporting for clearer public risk communication. Regional climate finance pressure: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and more flexible on debt servicing. Women, climate and safety: A Fiji-led regional training program tackles violence against women and girls, including links to climate change and technology-facilitated abuse. Vanuatu in regional health access: A NZ medical treatment scheme brought specialist urogynaecology care to Vanuatu hospitals, building local capability for complex pelvic floor conditions.

Vanuatu Ferry Disaster: The MV Matui sank between Santo and Ambae with rough seas, leaving at least one confirmed dead and more than 30 missing; rescuers pulled 15 to safety and recovered two bodies, with villagers saying extreme conditions blocked response. Early Warnings to Action Gap: Vanuatu’s top meteorologist says warnings were issued days ahead and a marine strong wind alert went out early Friday, but the department lacks authority to stop vessels—highlighting a wider Pacific problem of turning forecasts into protective action. Weather Ready Pacific Progress: Pacific leaders and meteorological services are pushing “Early Warnings for All” through Weather Ready Pacific; after Amber status in 2025, early 2026 gains are reported, while key delivery work like warning communication and integrated forecasting still needs traction. Pacific Waste Policy with Grassroots Voices: A Circular Policy Co-Design Workshop in Port Vila (Sept 16–18) will bring grassroots recyclers into recycling and waste management decisions, aiming to better reflect community realities. Climate Finance Pressure: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and be lenient on debt servicing as disasters intensify. Pacific Media Training: Vanuatu journalists joined SPREP and SPC’s Pacific Media Mana Class to improve reporting on weather, climate and ocean risks.

Ferry Disaster in Vanuatu: The MV Matui sank in severe weather, leaving at least one person dead and 30+ missing; 15 survivors were accounted for as search and rescue teams worked to reach passengers and crew. Renewables Push After Fuel Shock: Vanuatu’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Ralph Regenvanu said the global fuel crisis is a wake-up call to fast-track renewable power, pointing to Vanuatu’s National Energy Road Map aiming for 100% electrification with renewables by 2030. Early Warnings for a Riskier Pacific: Vanuatu’s Meteorological and Geohazard Division director Levu Antfalo backed stronger early-warning systems at the Pacific Meteorological Council meeting in Tonga, stressing regional cooperation as cyclones, flooding, drought and sea-level rise intensify. Waste and Recycling Policy (Port Vila): Grassroots recyclers are set to feed into a Circular Policy Co-Design Workshop and Training in Port Vila (Sept 16–18), with SPREP and the Asian Development Bank convening voices on practical recycling and waste management. Tourism Beyond the Main Routes: Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism completed a mission to Aneityum and Futuna, promoting sustainable, community-led experiences and conservation/botanical tourism to grow outer-island visitor options. Media Skills for Climate Reporting: Vanuatu journalists joined SPREP and SPC’s Pacific Media Mana Class in Tonga to improve clear, responsible weather, climate and ocean coverage for communities.

Maritime Safety in Vanuatu: An inter-island ferry, the MV Matui, sank in severe weather with at least one death and 30 people still missing; officials say 15 survivors were accounted for as emergency teams searched after the Friday incident. Waste & Circular Economy: Pacific recycling groups are set to feed grassroots realities into a Port Vila workshop on waste management and recycling (Sept 16–18), with Vanuatu and Fiji-based partners pushing for dignity, safety, and stronger recycling policy. Climate Finance Pressure: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged the Asian Development Bank to make climate resilience funding easier to access and more flexible on debt servicing, warning that cyclones hitting Vanuatu and others show adaptation needs are urgent. Weather & Early Warnings: Vanuatu’s meteorology chief Levu Antfalo spoke at the Pacific Meteorological Council in Tonga, stressing stronger early-warning systems and regional cooperation as cyclones, flooding, drought and sea-level rise intensify. Sustainable Tourism (Outer Islands): Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism completed a mission to Aneityum and Futuna, focusing on community-led homestays, conservation and botanical tourism, and guidance to help operators diversify beyond cruise days. Media Capacity for Climate Reporting: Vanuatu journalists joined the Pacific Media Mana Class in Tonga to improve clear, responsible reporting on weather, climate and ocean risks. Pacific Climate Action at COP31: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau reaffirmed the 1.5°C goal and called for faster access to climate finance, ocean action, and a renewables push ahead of COP31. Organised Crime & Prisons: Fiji justice officials warned that overstretched corrections systems across the region could be exploited by transnational criminal networks without safeguards, including in Vanuatu. Health & Resilience: A PNG cancer centre plan would offer subsidised treatment for Pacific patients, including Vanuatu, aiming to reduce the need for costly overseas travel.

Pacific Climate & Early Warning: Vanuatu’s Meteorological and Geohazard Division director Levu Antfalo backed stronger early-warning systems at the Eighth Pacific Meteorological Council in Tonga, stressing regional cooperation as cyclones, flooding, drought and sea-level rise keep piling pressure on communities. Vanuatu Tourism & Sustainability: The Vanuatu Department of Tourism completed a mission to Aneityum and Futuna, pushing tourism beyond cruise days with conservation and botanical experiences, hiking, agritourism, and community-run homestays, alongside guidance on permits, standards and marketing. Pacific Media for Climate Reporting: Vanuatu media professionals trained in Nuku’alofa through SPREP/SPC’s Pacific Media Mana Class to report more clearly on weather, climate and ocean risks—so communities get timely, accessible information. Ocean, Food and Tuna at COP31: Pacific leaders in Palau reaffirmed 1.5°C goals and called for climate finance and ocean action; new modelling warned warming could hit tuna access fees and coastal catches, threatening food security. Regional Mobility & Climate Adaptation: A review of Australia–Pacific agreements highlights migration as a form of adaptation, including a Vanuatu-linked deal signed in 2026. Health Access in the Pacific: NZ’s Medical Treatment Scheme brought specialist urogynaecology care to Vanuatu, aiming to build local capability for pelvic floor conditions. World ARC 2026-27: The sailing rally’s second leg is underway, with Vanuatu culture and wildlife already part of the journey—showing how remote places can be reached while spotlighting environments and communities.

Pacific climate diplomacy: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau reaffirmed the 1.5°C goal and pushed for faster climate finance, ocean and forest protection, and stronger disaster preparedness ahead of COP31. Vanuatu media capacity: Vanuatu journalists joined SPREP/SPC’s Pacific Media Mana Class to improve clear, accurate reporting on weather, climate and ocean risks—so communities get timely information. Early warning focus: At the Eighth Pacific Meteorological Council in Tonga, Vanuatu’s Levu Antfalo backed stronger early-warning systems and regional cooperation as cyclones, flooding, drought and sea-level rise intensify. Outer-island tourism with sustainability: Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism assessed tourism products on Aneityum and Futuna, promoting conservation, botanical tourism, hiking and community homestays while raising awareness of sustainable investment. Health access gap: A NZMTS specialist urogynaecology team delivered pelvic floor care and training across Santo and Efate, tackling limited access to specialist services across Vanuatu’s islands. Crime and prisons: Fiji’s justice minister warned that under-resourced prisons across the region could be exploited by transnational organised crime unless safeguards improve—Vanuatu included in the corrections dialogue. Regional mobility policy: Coverage highlighted how Australia–Pacific agreements increasingly treat migration as part of climate adaptation, including a Vanuatu-linked deal signed in 2026.

Pacific Climate Push: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau reaffirmed the 1.5°C goal and backed urgent, inclusive climate action, with calls for faster access to climate finance and stronger ocean and forest protection. Early Warnings for Everyone: Vanuatu’s Meteorological and Geohazard Division highlighted the need for better early-warning systems as Pacific NMHS leaders gathered in Tonga to set a 10-year climate services agenda. Vanuatu in the Media Spotlight: Vanuatu journalists and communications officers trained in Nuku’alofa to report more clearly on weather, climate and ocean risks—so communities get timely, accurate information. Tourism Beyond the Main Routes: Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism assessed sustainable options on Aneityum and Futuna, pushing community-led experiences and conservation/botanical tourism. Tuna, Food and Climate: The Green Climate Fund says climate work must protect tuna access and food security, as Pacific modelling warns warming could hit fisheries and government revenue. Health Access Across Islands: A Vanuatu urogynaecology visit under the NZ Medical Treatment Scheme delivered specialist care and training, aiming to build local capability. Crime and Corrections Risk: Fiji’s justice minister warned Pacific prisons could be exploited by transnational organised crime without safeguards, with Vanuatu among participating countries.