AGP Executive Report

Pre-COP31 diplomacy: Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua is among Pacific leaders heading to the Pre-COP31 talks in Fiji and Tuvalu, as Australia and partners try to keep global attention on Pacific climate priorities ahead of COP31. Community climate voices: In Fiji, villagers and civil society groups are taking lived climate impacts to Pre-COP31, pushing for relocation realities and stronger community say in negotiations. Tonga disaster readiness: Tonga commissioned a new $15m weather and disaster management centre in Tongatapu under the Pacific Resilience Program, bringing forecasting, emergency communications and early warnings into one national hub. Pacific climate finance pressure: Pacific officials warn Pre-COP outcomes will be “weak” unless negotiators link just transition to real money, while new analysis says adaptation funding still falls far short of needs. Ocean protection funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new ocean conservation grants across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, targeting protection and management of 625,000+ sq miles of ocean. Weather services funding gap: SPREP-linked reporting says Pacific meteorology budgets are stretched, with observation networks declining unless governments back a 10-year weather-ready plan. Maritime security: Australia and partners ran Operation Nasse to deter illegal fishing and improve Pacific fisheries enforcement coordination, including Tonga participation.

Pre-COP31 Climate Diplomacy: Tonga’s PM Matthew Wale is in Nadi, Fiji for the Pre-COP31 High-Level Meeting, pushing for stronger climate finance and clearer recognition of Pacific priorities ahead of COP31, with leaders also set to travel to Tuvalu for the leaders’ programme. Pacific Energy Security: Australia announced a $7.29m package to strengthen Pacific energy sovereignty, including support for renewables grid modelling and a new agreement with Vanuatu to accelerate its renewable transition. Tonga Disaster Readiness: Tonga commissioned a new $15m weather and disaster management centre in Tongatapu under the Pacific Resilience Program, bringing forecasting, emergency communications and early warnings into one national hub. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund is committing more than $25m to ocean conservation across Tonga and four other Pacific island nations, targeting protection of over 625,000 square miles of ocean. Climate Adaptation Finance Gap: New analysis says Pacific countries need about US$3.3b a year for climate adaptation, but current funding covers only around a third—worsening debt pressure as finance shifts from grants to lending. Weather Services Under Strain: Pacific meteorological leaders warn that tight budgets and declining observation networks threaten cyclone warnings and forecasting, even as the region seeks support for a 10-year upgrade plan. Seabed Mining Rules Fight: A legal dispute involving Tonga and Nauru-linked seabed mining highlights how companies are pushing to shape seabed-mining rules while challenging the International Seabed Authority.

COP31 Climate Push: Tonga’s PM Matthew Wale heads to Fiji for Pre-COP31, urging stronger climate finance and that Pacific priorities are reflected in global decisions. Community Voices at Negotiations: In Nadi, Pacific communities are taking “climate realities” to the talks, with villagers and social-service groups pushing relocation and lived impacts into the spotlight. Weather & Disaster Readiness: Tonga commissioned a new $15m weather and disaster management centre in Tongatapu under the Pacific Resilience Program, aiming to strengthen national forecasting, emergency communications and early warnings for ocean, hydrometeorological and geological hazards. Pacific Adaptation Funding Gap: New analysis says Pacific countries need about US$3.3b a year for climate adaptation, but current finance covers only around a third—often leaving governments squeezed by debt and shifting from grants to loans. Ocean Protection Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new ocean conservation grants across Tonga and four other Pacific island nations, supporting protection efforts over 625,000+ square miles and work tied to high-seas protection under the UN treaty. Seabed Mining Rules Fight: A legal dispute involving Tonga and Nauru highlights how seabed-mining competition is also a fight over who gets to set the rules. Tsunami Preparedness (Samoa): Seventeen villages were recognised for tsunami readiness ahead of the 2009 Samoa disaster anniversary, reinforcing the value of local evacuation planning and awareness.

Climate diplomacy at Pre-COP31: Fiji-based community groups are taking “never before heard” climate stories to Pre-COP31 in Nadi, with relocation and lived impacts front and centre, while Tonga’s environment chief warns leaders not to return from the talks with a weak deal and says no decision is better than one that leaves the Pacific behind. Pacific climate finance pressure: New analysis says Pacific countries need about US$3.3b a year for adaptation but current funding covers only around a third, with a shift from grants to loans squeezing already-stretched budgets. Tonga disaster readiness upgrade: Tonga has commissioned a new $15m weather and disaster management centre in Tongatapu to bring national forecasting, emergency communications and early warnings under one roof, building on similar facilities in Ha’apai and Vava’u. Ocean protection funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new ocean conservation grants for Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, targeting protection across 625,000+ square miles and linking conservation to longer-term management. Weather services funding gap: Pacific meteorological leaders say they’ve raised $34m toward a $200m Weather-Ready Pacific goal, but shrinking budgets and declining observation networks threaten cyclone warnings and forecasts. High-seas and seabed mining debate: Commentary and reporting highlight how seabed minerals and high-seas rules are becoming a fight over who sets the terms—raising concerns for Pacific sovereignty and accountability.

Climate advocacy at Pre-COP31: Tonga’s environment leadership says the Pacific will not accept a weak climate outcome, urging ministers to link a “just transition” to real money, not just paper talks, as community voices from villages facing relocation prepare to speak in Nadi. Tonga disaster readiness upgrade: Tonga commissioned a new $15m weather and disaster management centre in Tongatapu, bringing national forecasting, emergency communications and early warnings for cyclones, tsunamis and other hazards under one roof. Ocean protection funding (incl. Tonga): The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m+ in new ocean conservation grants across five Pacific nations, including Tonga, targeting protection and planning for connected areas beyond national waters. Climate finance gap: New analysis says Pacific adaptation needs are far bigger than current funding—only about a third is covered, with disbursements even lower—pushing countries toward more debt and lending. Weather services under strain: Pacific meteorological agencies warn that budgets and declining observation networks threaten cyclone warnings, even as governments seek support for a 2027–2036 strengthening plan. Tsunami preparedness in the region: Samoa recognised 17 villages for tsunami readiness, highlighting community evacuation planning lessons that also matter for Tonga.

Disaster Preparedness in Tonga: Tonga commissioned a new $15 million weather and disaster management centre in Matatoa, Tongatapu, to bring national forecasting, emergency communications and early warnings for cyclones, severe weather, tsunamis and other hazards under one roof, with support from the World Bank and the Pacific Resilience Program. Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25+ million in new ocean conservation grants for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to protect and manage more than 625,000 square miles of ocean and support high-seas protection work under the UN High Seas Treaty. Climate Finance Gap: Pacific countries still need far more adaptation money: an IMF estimate puts needs at about US$3.3 billion a year, while current finance covers only around a third, with a shift from grants to lending worsening debt pressure. Weather Services Under Strain: Pacific meteorological leaders say funding shortfalls are shrinking observation networks and forecast capacity, even as governments rely on warnings for cyclones, drought planning and community decisions. Community Health & Hygiene: Tonga-linked regional reporting highlights calls for schools to maintain sanitation and hygiene to help prevent cholera and diarrhoeal outbreaks.

Disaster Preparedness: Tonga has commissioned a new $15m weather and disaster management centre in Matatoa, Tongatapu, bringing national forecasting, emergency communications and early warnings under one roof as part of the Pacific Resilience Program. Climate Diplomacy: At UNGA, Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua and other Pacific leaders pushed hard on climate action, asking why the world keeps hearing warnings but still hasn’t acted, while also calling out the unfair burden on low-emitting island states. Ocean Conservation & High Seas: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new ocean conservation grants across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to protect 30% of the region’s waters by 2030 and supporting work that could extend protection beyond national boundaries under the UN High Seas Treaty. Weather Services Funding: Pacific meteorological leaders say Weather-Ready Pacific has raised $34m of $200m, but shrinking budgets and declining observation networks threaten cyclone warnings and forecast services. Fisheries Security: Australia joined Pacific partners on Operation Nasse to detect and deter illegal fishing, boosting regional maritime coordination and information sharing. Community Resilience: Samoa marked 17 years since the 2009 tsunami by recognising villages strengthening tsunami preparedness, with lessons relevant across the region.

Climate diplomacy: Pacific leaders, including Tonga’s PM Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua, pressed the UN General Assembly for faster climate action, arguing the world keeps hearing Pacific warnings but still won’t act. Ocean protection funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M in new ocean conservation grants across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to protect 30% of the region’s waters by 2030 and supporting work that reaches beyond national boundaries under the UN High Seas Treaty. Climate finance gap: New analysis says Pacific countries need about US$3.3B a year for adaptation, but current commitments cover only around a third (and as low as 26% on actual disbursements), with more pressure shifting from grants to loans. Forecasts for resilience: Pacific weather services are seeking more support for the Weather-Ready Pacific plan, warning that tight budgets and declining observation networks threaten cyclone warnings and everyday forecast use. Tonga water security: Solar desalination systems were installed on Hunga and Matamaka in Vava’u to provide WHO-standard drinking water, reducing reliance on rainwater during drought and “Super El Niño” conditions. Tsunami preparedness: Samoa recognised 17 villages for strengthening tsunami readiness, highlighting community evacuation planning and awareness—relevant across the region including Tonga.

Ocean Conservation Grants: The Bezos Earth Fund announced over US$25 million in new ocean protection grants across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to support conservation across 625,000+ square miles and help protect 30% of the Pacific by 2030, including work that could extend protection into the high seas under the UN High Seas Treaty. Climate Finance Gap: A new analysis says Pacific countries need about US$3.3b a year for climate adaptation, but current finance covers only around a third (26% on actual disbursements), with a shift from grants to lending squeezing already-stressed public budgets. Tonga at UNGA: Tonga’s finance minister met partners at UN General Assembly to push for more accessible climate funding, lower borrowing costs and resilience support, including mechanisms like the Pacific Window and Lifeline Funding. Water Security in Tonga: Solar-powered desalination systems have been installed on Hunga and Matamaka in Vava’u, producing WHO-standard drinking water and reducing reliance on rainwater during drought and “Super El Niño” concerns. Tsunami Preparedness: Samoa marked 17 years since the 2009 tsunami by recognising 17 villages for strengthening community preparedness, with lessons relevant across the region including Tonga.

Ocean protection funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in grants for ocean conservation across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, backing Pacific-led plans to manage waters sustainably and protect at least 30% by 2030, including new protected areas in Tonga. Tonga water security: Solar-powered desalination systems have been installed on Hunga and Matamaka in Vava’u, producing up to 4,300 litres of WHO-standard drinking water per unit to reduce drought and rainfall risk. UNGA climate push: Tonga PM Lord Fakafanua and other Pacific leaders used UN General Assembly remarks to ask why the world keeps hearing climate warnings but still hasn’t acted, stressing existential impacts for low-emitting island states. Ocean governance debate: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. argues Pacific nations must balance conservation with economic development, pointing to Palau’s marine sanctuary and ratification of the UN High Seas Treaty. Deep-sea mining sovereignty concerns: A report warns investor-state dispute rules could let foreign mining interests bypass local courts, raising risks for Pacific nations as deep-sea minerals draw growing attention. Tsunami preparedness (Samoa): Seventeen villages were recognised for strengthening community tsunami readiness, highlighting the value of local evacuation planning and awareness. Fisheries support: Pacific countries at FAO’s COFI37 urged stronger international backing for fisheries that build youth opportunities, tackle illegal fishing, and align new ocean agreements with regional arrangements.

Climate Justice at UNGA: Tonga PM Lord Fakafānua challenged why the world keeps hearing Pacific warnings but still won’t act, urging action on the ocean-climate link and a fairer global finance system. Ocean & Fisheries Pressure: Pacific nations called for stronger international support at a fisheries summit, while media leaders pushed for better access to loss and damage information. Pacific Climate Finance Push: Pacific leaders met UN chief António Guterres, pressing for the Pacific Resilience Facility to hit its US$500m target by end-2026. Water Security in Tonga: Solar desalination systems were installed on Hunga and Matamaka in Vava’u, giving remote communities safer drinking water and reducing drought risk. Tsunami Preparedness (Samoa): Seventeen villages were recognised for tsunami readiness 17 years after the 2009 disaster—highlighting evacuation planning and community coordination. Regional Conservation & Biodiversity: A Palau-focused conservation interview highlighted balancing marine protection with local realities, while Pacific media also warned AI and misinformation could weaken public trust.

Tonga climate push at UNGA: Prime Minister Lord Fatafehi Fakafānua used the UN General Assembly to ask why the world keeps hearing Pacific warnings but still won’t act, calling for ocean-linked climate, biodiversity and pollution action plus faster, accessible finance for Small Island Developing States. Tonga water security upgrade: In Vava’u, Elemental Water Makers installed solar-powered desalination on Hunga and Matamaka, producing up to 8,600 litres of WHO-standard drinking water a day to reduce drought and unreliable rainfall risks. Pacific tsunami preparedness (Samoa, with Tonga links): Seventeen years after the 2009 tsunami, Samoa recognised 17 villages under a Tsunami Ready programme focused on community evacuation planning and awareness—relevant across the region where Tonga was also hit. Blue Pacific ocean protection funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in grants to protect and sustainably manage ocean areas across Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming for 30% ocean protection by 2030. Media and climate accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted a declaration demanding better access to loss-and-damage information and stronger government transparency, warning AI and misinformation are eroding public trust.

Climate at UNGA: Tonga PM Lord Fakafānua told the UN General Assembly the world has heard Pacific warnings for years, but still hasn’t acted—calling out the unfair burden on small island states and urging action linking climate, biodiversity and ocean protection. Ocean & fisheries support: Pacific leaders pushed for stronger international backing at FAO’s COFI37, stressing youth and value-adding in fisheries, tackling illegal fishing, and making global agreements work with regional solutions. Water security in Tonga: Solar desalination units have been installed on Hunga and Matamaka in Vava’u, turning seawater into WHO-standard drinking water and reducing drought risk for remote communities. Loss and damage accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely access to loss-and-damage information and better support for journalists. UK returns to Pacific Community: The UK re-joined the Pacific Community, citing work on climate change, marine protection and resilience. El Niño and drought risk: A Tonga-focused piece warns that El Niño-driven water stress is already a make-or-break issue for Pa Enua islands.

Water Security in Vava’u: Elemental Water Makers and Bluemont installed solar-powered desalination on Hunga and Matamaka, producing up to 8,600 litres/day of WHO-standard drinking water to cut drought risk and reliance on rainwater. Climate Crisis at UN: Tonga PM Fakafānua told the UN the world has heard Pacific warnings but still hasn’t acted, urging reform of the global system, faster climate finance, and linking climate, biodiversity and ocean protection. Ocean Governance Push: Fakafānua proposed a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and reiterated Tonga’s push to raise ocean protection ambition to 50%. Loss & Damage, Through Media: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely access to loss-and-damage information and stronger support for Pacific journalists. Pacific Climate Finance Pressure: Pacific leaders met UN chief Guterres urging implementation of climate commitments, with the Pacific Resilience Facility target of US$500m by end-2026. Antarctic Ozone Hole Update: Reports say September’s Antarctic ozone hole hit 27.4m sq km, the second-largest for this time of year, with early growth driven by cold stratospheric conditions. Tonga-China Education Link: Princess Pilolevu ended a China visit after opening a Tonga Centre at Shanghai Ocean University, including ocean cooperation and student engagement. Media Integrity in the Digital Age: Pacific media leaders warned AI and misinformation are eroding public trust, calling for better media literacy and newsroom pathways for young journalists.

Water security in Tonga: Solar-powered desalination units have been installed in Vava’u (Hunga and Matamaka), producing up to 4,300 litres of WHO-standard drinking water per day per site and reducing reliance on rainwater as drought risk rises. Climate diplomacy at the UN: Tonga’s PM Fakafānua used the UN General Assembly to ask why the world has not acted on the climate crisis, linking climate change with ocean protection, biodiversity loss and pollution, and calling for timely, accessible finance for Small Island States. Ocean governance push: Tonga proposed creating a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and reiterated its ambition to expand ocean protection from 30% to 50%. Loss and damage transparency: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely access to loss-and-damage information and stronger support for journalists. El Niño and maritime risk: A regional climatologist warned that El Niño-linked weather turbulence is worsening rough-sea conditions, urging extra caution for boat operators across the Pacific. Regional media resilience: Pacific journalists warned that AI-driven misinformation and weak media literacy are eroding public trust, calling for stronger newsroom and community safeguards. UK returns to Pacific Community: The UK re-joined the Pacific Community, citing work on climate change and marine environment protection. UNGA spotlight on data power: Leaders warned of “colonisation by data,” urging fair AI regulation and technology access for developing countries.

Climate accountability at UNGA: Tonga PM Fakafānua told the UN General Assembly the world has “heard” Pacific warnings but still hasn’t acted, urging reform of the global system, stronger climate and ocean action, and faster, accessible finance for small island states. Ocean governance push: Tonga also backed a new UN Department of Ocean Affairs and raised its marine protection ambition from 30% to 50%, linking healthier ecosystems to fisheries, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Loss and damage transparency: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely, transparent access to loss-and-damage information and more government accountability. Climate finance pressure: Pacific Islands Forum leaders pressed UN Secretary-General António Guterres on turning climate commitments into implementation, spotlighting the Pacific Resilience Facility funding target of US$500 million by end-2026. El Niño and water security: A Tonga-linked analysis warns El Niño could intensify drought and disrupt water supplies across Pa Enua islands, making water storage and resilience planning urgent. Regional media resilience: At the Pacific Media Summit, leaders warned AI-driven misinformation and weak media literacy are eroding public trust, calling for stronger newsroom support and youth pathways. Tonga’s 2022 tsunami science: New reporting explains how Tonga’s Hunga eruption produced an unusually powerful tsunami, with rapid caldera collapse identified as a key driver.