AGP Executive Report

UN Climate Push: Pacific leaders used UN General Assembly talks to stress sea-level rise as “present reality,” and called for bigger climate finance and faster action on SDG 14. Ocean Governance: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua urged a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs and wants to lift ocean protection from 30% to 50%. ICJ Climate Case: Fiji’s AG opened a regional writeshop for 16 Pacific countries, including Tonga, to prepare submissions to the ICJ advisory process. Ozone Warning: The Antarctic ozone hole peaked at over 27 million sq km in September, the second-largest for the season, with scientists pointing to early growth driven by cold polar conditions. Blue Pacific Security: Defence ministers in Nadi backed closer cooperation via the Pacific Response Group, while stressing the need for trust, clear roles, and careful expansion. Tonga Whale Research: A Tonga-led whale tourism project is blending traditional knowledge with science to track whale journeys and protect marine life. Media & Loss/ Damage: Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu Loss and Damage media declaration calling for stronger coverage of climate, biodiversity loss and pollution.

Ocean protection & governance: Tonga’s PM Lord Fakafanua urged stronger UN ocean coordination, proposing a dedicated UN Department of Ocean Affairs, while also pushing to lift Tonga’s ocean protection ambition from 30% to 50%. Climate justice in court: Fiji’s AG opened a regional writeshop for Pacific Island submissions to the ICJ climate advisory case, with Tonga among 16 participating countries arguing for urgent climate action and justice. Marine conservation funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in new grants to protect the tropical Pacific, including support for Tonga and work to develop marine protected area proposals under the UN High Seas Treaty. Tonga-led whale research: A Tongan Whale Tourism Project is blending traditional knowledge with science in Vava’u to better understand whale journeys and build next-generation knowledge holders. Media, misinformation & sustainability: Fiji’s deputy PM called for government-industry work to tackle misinformation while keeping Pacific newsrooms sustainable, as digital training workshops in Savusavu focused on mobile-first content for Tonga and other countries. Regional environment & loss/damage media: SPREP’s Pacific Editors Forum adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, urging action to keep 1.5°C “alive and thriving” amid climate, biodiversity and pollution crises. Maritime safety in El Niño: A climatologist warned boat operators to take extra care as El Niño-linked weather turbulence coincides with recent Pacific maritime tragedies.

ICJ Climate Case Prep: Fiji’s AG Siromi Turaga opened a Nadi writeshop for 16 Pacific states, including Tonga, to prepare submissions to the International Court of Justice on climate change and push for climate justice. Ozone Layer Watch: A new report says September’s Antarctic ozone hole peaked at over 27 million sq km, the second-largest for the month, while noting the Montreal Protocol is still working. Tonga Whale Research: In Vava’u, a Tongan-led whale tourism project is blending traditional knowledge with science to track whale journeys and protect “blue backyard” waters. Blue Pacific Security: Defence ministers meeting in Nadi backed stronger regional cooperation, including expanding the Pacific Response Group’s role in crises, while warning about recent missile activity. Climate Finance for Ocean Protection: Bezos Earth Fund grants of $25m (plus earlier funding) support marine protection efforts across Cook Islands, Kiribati, PNG, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming for 30% ocean protection by 2030. Pacific Media on Loss & Damage: SPREP’s Pacific Editors Forum adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Declaration, urging action to keep 1.5°C “alive and thriving.” El Niño and Sea Safety: A climatologist links turbulent Pacific conditions to El Niño-era weather patterns, urging extra caution after deadly maritime tragedies. Tonga’s Climate-Resilient Development Message: PM Godwin Friday told UN audiences SIDS must not be defined by vulnerability, arguing for resilient infrastructure without breaking debt.

Pacific climate diplomacy: Foreign ministers at the India–Pacific Islands Forum (FIPIC) meeting in New York backed renewed cooperation on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, education and healthcare, with Tonga’s finance minister among those attending. Media and climate accountability: SPREP’s Pacific Editors Forum adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, urging Pacific media to keep spotlighting climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution and to push for action to “stay alive and thrive” at 1.5°C. Tonga science for tsunami risk: A study on the 2022 Hunga eruption highlights how rapid underwater caldera collapse could amplify tsunamis, raising concern that even smaller seafloor collapses may be dangerous. Tonga whale research: A Tongan-led whale tourism project is blending traditional knowledge with science to better track whales and protect “blue backyard” waters. Regional resilience and integrity: UNODC says Pacific disaster planning must include transparency and anti-corruption safeguards so climate and emergency funds don’t get misused when crises hit. Health setback with environment links: Tonga’s planned dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, worsening pressure on health systems already strained by climate impacts.

Tonga health setback: Tonga’s long-promised dialysis centre has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure the funding for the promised facility, with the Health Minister saying the project could not proceed. Climate and early warning push: Pacific leaders at UNGA81 in New York are urging stronger action on climate change, rising seas and resilience finance, while Tonga’s Prime Minister joins regional calls for better ocean and weather monitoring and earlier warning for communities. Regional weather upgrades: Fiji welcomed Tonga’s consideration of a Vavaʻu weather radar, saying it could strengthen cyclone and severe-weather monitoring across the Pacific through closer cooperation and data sharing. Pacific media capacity: A digital skills workshop in Savusavu trained Tonga and other Pacific newsroom staff on mobile-first content and audience-focused digital strategy, supported by PACMAS and ABC. Corruption and disaster planning: UNODC says Pacific countries must build transparency and anti-corruption safeguards into disaster preparedness, warning that weak integrity systems can leave communities more vulnerable when climate shocks hit. Ocean conservation funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect tropical Pacific waters, including support for marine protected areas involving Tonga.

Tsunami science for Tonga: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption suggests rapid collapse of the seafloor caldera helped amplify the tsunami, with scientists warning that even “small” underwater caldera collapses can still be dangerous depending on how fast they sink. Regional weather resilience: Tonga and Fiji are discussing stronger cyclone monitoring, including Tonga’s consideration of a weather radar in Vavaʻu to improve Pacific early warning and data sharing. Climate services push: Pacific meteorology ministers backed stronger multi-hazard early warning systems and better climate services, with Tonga hosting the 4th Pacific Meteorological Ministers Meeting. Ocean protection funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect tropical Pacific waters, including support for marine protected areas in Tonga. Governance for disasters: UNODC urged Pacific governments to build anti-corruption safeguards into disaster planning so climate and humanitarian funds aren’t misused when emergencies hit. Community resilience at home: Habitat for Humanity NZ and Tonga partners released a cyclone-ready home-building guide with practical steps for safer, stronger houses.

Regional climate resilience & early warning: Pacific ministers meeting in Tonga backed the Weather Ready Pacific Programme, reaffirming multi-hazard early warning and sustainable weather, climate, ocean and water services, with Tonga’s new C-band radar flagged as a first deliverable and more upgrades planned across the region. Tonga housing safety: Habitat for Humanity NZ and the Tonga government released a plain-language guide to help families build cyclone-resistant homes before disasters hit, including roof-to-post strengthening and safer contractor choices. Tonga weather monitoring push: Fiji welcomed Tonga’s consideration of a Vavaʻu weather radar, saying better radar coverage and data-sharing can improve tropical cyclone monitoring and early warnings. Ocean conservation funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect tropical Pacific waters, including marine protected areas in Tonga, plus support for high-seas protection work. Corruption & disaster planning: UNODC urged Pacific governments to build transparency and anti-corruption safeguards into disaster preparedness, warning that weak integrity in funding and procurement leaves communities more exposed when climate shocks arrive. Tonga dialysis setback: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre project has collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, dealing a blow to efforts to address diabetes and kidney disease. Wildlife management dilemma (Mangaia): A brief reopening of Mangaia’s flying-fox rā‘ui has reignited debate over how to protect moā kirikiri while allowing customary hunting, especially given limited monitoring and no catch limits. Pacific leaders at UNGA81: Pacific leaders in New York pushed a united message on climate change, rising seas, ocean governance and development finance, warning that inaccurate elevation data can undermine climate planning.

Weather & Early Warning: Tonga’s new C-band radar is being rolled into the Weather Ready Pacific push, with ministers backing multi-hazard early warning and climate services across the region. Regional Climate Risk: Pacific leaders at UNGA81 are uniting on climate change, rising seas, ocean governance and development finance, warning that planning is sometimes based on inaccurate elevation data. Tonga Resilience at Home: Habitat for Humanity NZ and Tonga have released a plain-language guide to build cyclone-resistant homes, including roof-to-post connections and safer contractor choices. Corruption & Disasters: UNODC says Pacific countries must build integrity and anti-corruption safeguards into disaster preparedness, not just response systems. Tonga Health Setback: Tonga’s dialysis centre project has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding. Marine Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m for Pacific-led ocean protection, including support for marine protected areas in Tonga. Biodiversity Watch: Mangaia’s temporary flying-fox hunt reopening has reignited debate over catch limits and whether the population can sustain harvesting.

Weather & Early Warning: Tonga’s PM is now chairing the Pacific Meteorology push, with the Weather Ready Pacific programme backed by a new declaration and Tonga’s new C-band radar flagged as a first step for wider regional monitoring. Cyclone Safety: A new Tonga guide from Habitat for Humanity NZ and the Government focuses on cyclone-resistant home upgrades, including roof-to-post connections and safer building permits. Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m for Pacific-led ocean protection, including marine protected areas in Tonga and support for high-seas protections. Disaster Planning Integrity: UNODC says Pacific governments must build anti-corruption safeguards into disaster preparedness, so climate and emergency funds aren’t misused when crises hit. Social Protection for Resilience: UN DESA warns Tonga and other Pacific SIDS still have low social protection coverage, leaving households exposed to climate shocks and rising costs. Fisheries: Pacific delegations at COFI37 pressed for stronger international support for Pacific-led tuna management and regional cooperation. Tonga Health Setback: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre project has collapsed after a US sponsor couldn’t fund the promised facility. Wildlife Management: Mangaia’s brief flying-fox hunting reopening has reignited debate over sustainable limits and monitoring for moā kirikiri.

Health & Environment Resilience: Tonga’s long-awaited dialysis centre project has effectively collapsed after a US sponsor failed to secure promised funding, a major setback for people facing diabetes and kidney disease. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Pacific meteorology ministers wrapped up PMMM-4 in Tonga with renewed political backing for stronger weather, climate, ocean and water services, including multi-hazard early warning systems and Tonga’s new C-band radar as a first deliverable. Ocean & Climate Finance: Bezos Earth Fund announced US$25m in grants to protect tropical Pacific ocean areas, including marine protected areas in Tonga, alongside regional work on high-seas protection. Corruption & Land Risk: Pacific journalists are being urged to look for corruption beyond politics, with Tonga-linked concerns raised about civil servants allegedly manipulating land records—an issue that climate displacement can worsen. Biodiversity & Food Systems: Mangaia’s brief reopening of its flying-fox (moā kirikiri) rā‘ui has reignited debate over how to sustain a valued food source while protecting the population, especially with limited monitoring and no catch limits set. Cyclone-proof Housing: A new Tonga guidebook helps families build safer, stronger homes for cyclones and other hazards, with practical steps on roof-to-post connections and contractor selection. Regional Weather Governance: Fiji welcomed Tonga’s consideration of a Vavaʻu weather radar to boost cyclone monitoring and early warning across the Pacific.

UN Climate Push: Pacific leaders head to UNGA81 with a united message on climate change, rising seas, ocean governance and development finance, warning that some planning is being undermined by inaccurate elevation data. Weather & Early Warning: Tonga hosts the PMMM-4 in Nuku’alofa, renewing political backing for Weather Ready Pacific and multi-hazard early warning systems, with Tonga’s new radar flagged as a first step and Vanuatu seeking to host a regional multi-hazard early warning centre. Tropical Risk Update: Pacific climate briefings warn El Niño is strengthening and could be among the strongest on record, with rainfall and sea-level impacts likely to vary sharply across the region. Cyclone-Ready Homes: Habitat for Humanity and the Government of Tonga roll out a practical booklet to help families build safer, cyclone-resistant houses before disasters hit. Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund announces US$25m for Pacific-led marine protection, including support for Tonga and plans for high-seas international marine protected areas. Tonga Underwater Change: New research details how the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai eruption reshaped Tonga’s seafloor and helped drive the tsunamis. Biodiversity & Food Tensions: Mangaia’s flying-fox rā‘ui reopening reignites debate over whether populations can sustain customary hunting without reliable monitoring. Fisheries Priorities: Pacific countries press at COFI37 for stronger international recognition and support for Pacific-led, science-based tuna management.

Weather & early warning push: Pacific Meteorological Ministers wrapped up PMMM-4 in Nuku’alofa with the Siu-i-Alaimoana Ki Likutapu Declaration, backing the Weather Ready Pacific plan for stronger multi-hazard early warning and climate services, with Tonga’s new radar and upgraded observing stations flagged as key steps. Cyclone-ready homes: Habitat for Humanity NZ and Tonga’s government released a plain-language booklet, Building a Resilient Home in Tonga, urging cyclone-resistant upgrades before damage happens. El Niño risks: Pacific climate briefings warn the current El Niño could be among the strongest since 1950, with below-normal rainfall in parts of the western Pacific and knock-on impacts for reefs and cyclone patterns. Hunga Tonga science: New research says a major seafloor collapse during the 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption helped drive the tsunamis, sharpening understanding of how sudden underwater changes translate into disaster. Tonga-US migration pressure: A new US rule could make permanent residence harder for some Tongans by widening discretion in the “public charge” assessment. Biodiversity & food debate (Mangaia): Mangaia’s brief reopening of a flying-fox hunt has reignited questions about whether populations can withstand harvesting without reliable monitoring. Social protection gap: A UN DESA policy brief says coverage is below 30% in Tonga and other Pacific SIDS, leaving communities more exposed to climate and economic shocks.

Cyclone-ready homes: Habitat for Humanity NZ, the Government of Tonga and partners released a plain-language guide to help Tongan families build and retrofit houses to better withstand cyclones and other hazards, with step-by-step roof-to-post and strapping advice plus help on choosing contractors and navigating permits. Weather and early warning push: Tonga hosted the 4th Pacific Meteorological Ministers Meeting, ending with the “Siu-i-Alaimoana Ki Likutapu” declaration to back Weather Ready Pacific and multi-hazard early warning, including Tonga’s new C-band radar as a first deliverable. Regional radar cooperation: Fiji welcomed Tonga’s plan to establish a weather radar in Vavaʻu, saying it could strengthen regional cyclone monitoring and early warning through closer Fiji–Tonga technical cooperation. El Niño risks for the Pacific: Pacific climate briefings warn the strengthening El Niño could bring below-normal rainfall in parts of the western Pacific and stress reefs and atoll ecosystems, with cyclone patterns already shifting. Tonga–SPC development ties: Tonga and SPC reaffirmed cooperation on health, education, agriculture, fisheries, climate change and disaster resilience, including a new WHO-linked MoU to deepen essential health services. Hunga Tonga science: New research details how the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai eruption reshaped the seafloor and helped drive tsunamis, adding to understanding of future volcanic hazards.

Weather & climate services: Pacific ministers backed stronger, more integrated weather, climate, ocean and water services, renewing political support for the Weather Ready Pacific Programme and multi-hazard early warning systems, with Tonga hosting the PMMM-4 in Nuku’alofa and calling for investments that reach communities. Regional radar push: Fiji welcomed Tonga’s plan for a weather radar in Vava’u, saying it could strengthen cyclone monitoring and early warnings across the region. El Niño risks: Pacific climate briefings warned the 2026 El Niño could be among the strongest on record, with rainfall and sea-level impacts that may expose reefs and disrupt lagoon circulation. Social protection for resilience: A UN DESA policy brief says Tonga and other Pacific SIDS need expanded social protection coverage to better handle climate and economic shocks. Hunga Tonga science: New research details how the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption involved rapid caldera collapse that reshaped the seafloor and helped drive tsunamis, while another study suggests the volcanic cloud may have destroyed some of the methane it produced. Cyclone preparedness: Habitat for Humanity reported community-led steps in Tonga, Fiji and Samoa to strengthen homes, safe water access and disaster planning ahead of cyclone season. Tonga development ties: Tonga and SPC reaffirmed cooperation on national development priorities, including climate change, disaster resilience and sustainable development.

Weather & Early Warning: Fiji welcomed Tonga’s plan for a Vavaʻu weather radar, saying it could strengthen regional cyclone monitoring and early warnings, alongside broader cooperation on forecasting, instrument calibration, training and data sharing. Pacific Climate Resilience: Pacific Ministers renewed commitment to the Weather Ready Pacific programme and “Early Warnings for All,” with Tonga’s new C-band radar flagged as a first deliverable and more observing upgrades planned. El Niño Risk: Pacific climate briefings warn the 2026 El Niño could be among the strongest since 1950, with below-normal rainfall likely in parts of the western Pacific and reef and lagoon impacts from falling sea levels. Disaster Preparedness on the Ground: Habitat for Humanity says communities in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are taking practical steps ahead of cyclone season, from safer shelter planning to safer water and local disaster action plans. Tonga Volcano Science: New research on the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai eruption details rapid caldera collapse and how it reshaped the seafloor, helping drive the tsunamis. Social Protection for Shocks: A UN DESA policy brief says social protection coverage is below 30% in Tonga and several other Pacific SIDS, leaving households exposed to climate and economic shocks. Fisheries & Oceans: Pacific countries pushed for stronger, more integrated fisheries solutions at COFI37, while Vanuatu moved to host a Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre for the region.

Weather & Early Warning: Pacific Ministers wrapped up the 4th Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology with a renewed push for stronger, more integrated weather, climate, ocean and water services, backing Weather Ready Pacific and “Early Warnings for All” (including Tonga’s new radar and upgrades across countries). El Niño Risk: The Pacific Meteorological Council heard forecasts that the 2026 El Niño could be the strongest since 1950, with below-normal rainfall likely in parts of the western Pacific and reef and lagoon impacts from falling sea levels. Cyclone-Season Preparedness: Families in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are taking practical steps to protect homes and livelihoods ahead of cyclone season through community-led resilience work, including safer shelters and safer access to water. Tonga Volcano Science: New research is clarifying how the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai eruption reshaped the seafloor, with rapid caldera collapse linked to the tsunamis that hit Tonga and the Pacific. Marine Safety & Warnings: Vanuatu’s ferry disaster is spotlighting a gap between issuing marine warnings and stopping vessels from going out, with calls for stronger marine forecasting, ocean observations and better warning delivery. Waste & Recycling Voices: Grassroots recyclers across the Pacific are set to help shape regional waste and recycling policy in Vanuatu, with lived experience at the centre of the discussions.