AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” ocean areas inside the world’s largest marine protected zone, banning all human activity over a bigger stretch and adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Waste & Pollution Warning: Fiji Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya marks World Environment Day with a hard message: Fiji can’t claim climate resilience while plastic and poor waste management keep choking rivers, reefs and ecosystems; the ministry is also finalising a National Integrated Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy and launching Fiji’s first National Plastics Inventory. Waste-to-Energy Rejection: Fiji’s Department of Environment rejects a proposed Vuda waste incinerator and private port facility after the Environmental Impact Statement failed key legal and technical standards, with unresolved issues flagged. Recycling Gains in Ba: The Pacific Recycling Foundation opens a new recycling hub in Ba with partners to divert recyclables from landfill and expand access beyond major towns. Public Health Law Debate: Parliament hears concerns that Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill could allow compulsory vaccinations and medical treatment without requiring scientific evidence, while environmental health officers say they face abuse and assault doing inspections. Climate Diplomacy & Funding: Australia adds $24m to Fiji’s school and health infrastructure via the Fiji Social Infrastructure Programme, and Australia-New Zealand reaffirm Pacific-led climate and security cooperation ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Waste & Pollution: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji can’t claim climate resilience while plastic and poor waste management are choking rivers and reefs, urging behaviour change and pointing to a National Integrated Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy plus a first National Plastics Inventory. Incineration Rejected: Fiji’s Department of Environment has rejected an Australian-backed waste-to-energy and private port proposal in Vuda after the environmental impact statement failed legal and technical standards. Recycling Push: A new recycling hub in Ba, backed by the Pacific Recycling Foundation, aims to divert recyclables from the Ba dumpsite and expand access beyond major towns. Community Action: More than 1,200 people joined a World Environment Day roadside campaign in Nadi to back ocean conservation and waste management, highlighting public pressure after the Vuda waste-to-energy rejection. Coastal Climate Impacts: Yasawa-i-Rara residents report worsening coastal erosion and rising seas since 2019, calling for urgent adaptation support. Chemicals & Health: Fiji is preparing its Stockholm Convention POPs Sixth National Report and strengthening hazardous chemicals management, while Parliament heard environmental health officers face abuse and calls grew to include noise pollution in the Public Health Amendment Bill.

Waste & Pollution Pushback: Fiji’s Environment Ministry rejected a Vuda waste-to-energy incinerator proposal after the environmental impact statement failed legal and technical standards, as Minister Lynda Tabuya renewed calls for better waste disposal and a cleaner future amid World Environment Day. Community Mobilisation: Over 1,200 people in Nadi backed ocean and environmental protection in a World Environment Day/World Oceans Day roadside campaign, with organisers pointing to the Vuda EIA rejection as proof public participation matters. Hazardous Chemicals & “Forever Chemicals”: Fiji opened a Suva workshop to prepare its Sixth National Report under the Stockholm Convention on POPs, while outlining steps toward joining Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions and expanding local lab testing. Public Health Law & Enforcement: Parliament heard environmental health officers face abuse and assault while doing inspections, and the Fiji Institute of Environmental Health urged Parliament to include noise pollution in the Public Health Amendment Bill so officers can enforce standards. Ocean Governance: The new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) is consolidating support for its Palau-based mandate, with leaders stressing independence and coordination for the region’s growing ocean policy needs. Climate Adaptation at Home: Yasawa-i-Rara residents urgently seek help as coastal erosion and rising seas since 2019 threaten homes, movement and daily life. Chemicals Safety & Water Infrastructure: Water Authority of Fiji launched an Environmental and Social Management System to improve how major projects manage environmental and social risks from planning through construction.

Climate Diplomacy: Australia’s Chris Bowen is set to lead energy security talks in Bonn, Germany, ahead of COP31, with Pacific priorities pushed to the front. Public Health & Rights: Fiji’s environmental health officers told Parliament they face abuse and assault while enforcing community protection duties under the Public Health Amendment Bill, while the Consumer Council urged Parliament to limit compulsory vaccinations and treatment to cases backed by scientific evidence and independent review. Waste & Pollution Fight: Fiji rejected a controversial $1.4billion waste-to-energy incinerator plan for Vuda after the environmental impact statement failed key standards, and Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya called for shared responsibility as Fiji launches a National Integrated Waste Management and Pollution Control Strategy and its first National Plastics Inventory. Community Action: More than 1,200 people in Nadi backed roadside environmental protection and ocean conservation for World Environment Day and World Oceans Day. Water & Infrastructure Safeguards: WAF launched an Environmental and Social Management System to improve how major projects manage risks and protect communities and the environment. Chemicals & Safer Futures: Fiji began work on its Stockholm Convention POPs Sixth National Report and moves to join Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions, including building a scientific lab for testing. Ocean Governance: Pacific Ocean Commissioner office transition support is building toward Palau, as regional ocean policy coordination needs grow. Coastal Climate Impacts: Yasawa-i-Rara residents seek urgent help as erosion and rising seas threaten homes and daily life. Recycling Jobs: Return and Earn expanded with a new Nasinu centre, aiming to grow collection centres nationwide while creating local employment. Marine Protection Elsewhere: Papua New Guinea announced a major Western Manus marine protected area with a total fishing ban over about 200,000 km².

Hazardous chemicals & waste: Fiji opened a two-day workshop in Suva to prepare its Sixth National Report under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, while also moving toward joining the Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata chemicals conventions and expanding in-house lab testing for water, air and chemicals. Coastal climate impacts: Yasawa-i-Rara residents say coastal erosion and rising seas have worsened since 2019, with seawater pushing inland and calling for urgent adaptation support like evacuation infrastructure and coastal vegetation. Ocean governance: The new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner is consolidating support for its Palau base, with calls to protect the office’s independence to coordinate ocean and policy needs across the region. Waste & jobs: Return and Earn is expanding in Nasinu with a new collection centre, aiming to cut litter while creating local employment through recycling. Noise pollution law: Fiji’s environmental health body wants noise pollution explicitly included in the Public Health Amendment Bill so officers can set standards and enforce action. EU seafood compliance: Fiji joined regional efforts to meet new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules affecting most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU. Climate finance push: Fiji urged faster, simpler climate finance for small island states at the Global Environment Facility Assembly, warning risks are intensifying faster than approvals.

Coastal Climate Impacts: Yasawa-i-Rara residents say coastal erosion and rising seas have worsened since 2019, with seawater now flooding areas inland and daily routines disrupted—yet they report no formal support for adaptation like evacuation infrastructure and coastal vegetation. Chemicals & Waste Safety: Fiji is ramping up hazardous chemicals and waste management ahead of its Stockholm Convention POPs Sixth National Report, including moves to accede to Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions and building a national scientific lab for water, air and chemical testing. Noise Pollution Law: The Fiji Institute of Environmental Health wants Parliament to add noise pollution to the Public Health Amendment Bill so officers can enforce standards and act on common public complaints. Ocean Governance: The new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) is consolidating support for its Palau base, with calls to protect the office’s independence to coordinate ocean and policy needs across the region. Recycling Jobs: Return and Earn expands in Nasinu with a new collection centre, aiming to cut litter and create local employment as Fiji plans more centres nationwide. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji and other Pacific states trained in new EU freezer-vessel food safety rules that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels. Climate Finance Push: Fiji urges faster, simpler climate finance for small island states, warning approval delays and complex processes are leaving countries exposed as risks intensify. Waste-to-Energy Watch: Fiji’s Environment Ministry says another waste-to-energy proposal is being explored after TNG’s EIA was rejected, but it won’t review it until required EIA steps are completed. Coral Protection by Youth: Students at the Veivueti Kids Ocean Conference are raising alarm about threats to coral reefs and pushing for urgent conservation action.

Climate Finance Push: Fiji’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Lynda Tabuya urged donors to deliver faster, simpler, more flexible climate finance for small island states, warning the world is moving too slowly as sea-level rise and extreme weather intensify. Disaster Preparedness: A Centre for Disaster Protection report says many countries still treat disasters like surprises, calling for pre-arranged financing so funds are ready before storms hit. Waste & Public Health: Fiji’s Environment Ministry rejected TNG’s Vuda waste-to-energy EIA, citing unresolved risks around hazardous ash, toxic emissions, public health exposure, and gaps in the hazardous waste pathway; the Vuda-Saweni taskforce says it’s open to scaled, better-located alternatives. Clean Recycling in Nasinu: The Nasinu Town Council launched the Return and Earn scheme to cut litter and help residents earn cash by returning bottles and cans. Coral Protection by Students: An 11-year-old student used the Veivueti Ocean Conference to spotlight threats to coral reefs and push urgent conservation action. Fisheries Market Access: Fiji met new EU food safety rules for fish storage and traceability, aimed at improving freezer vessel performance and reducing poisoning risks. EU Trade Focus: Pacific trade officials met in Suva to shape the region’s trade agenda, including labour mobility and regional trade coordination. Solar Investment Dialogue: ISA and the World Bank held a Pacific SIDS solar dialogue in Bali, focusing on investment-ready solar and storage pipelines for island nations including Fiji.

EU Fisheries Safety: Fiji has met new EU fish export rules on storage and traceability, after auditors flagged freezer vessels failing to reach -18°C brine-freezing standards—Fiji will now trace catch, vessel, processing and trip dates through ministry e-platforms. Waste & Public Health: Fiji’s Environment Department has rejected TNG’s Vuda Point waste-to-energy and private port EIA, citing unresolved risks around hazardous ash, toxic emissions, public health exposure, water supply, and social and tourism impacts; TNG has until July 3 to appeal. Community Waste Alternatives: The Vuda-Saweni taskforce says it’s open to smaller, better-located waste solutions, arguing the original plan was oversized and near tourism and cultural sites. Local Recycling Incentives: Nasinu has launched “Return and Earn” to reward residents for returning beverage containers, aiming to cut litter and protect drains, rivers and oceans. Food, Health & Climate Resilience: Fiji’s agriculture ministry urged families to grow backyard food to improve health, reduce costs and strengthen resilience when storms disrupt supply chains. Climate Finance Voice: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji and the Pacific must be represented in climate funding decisions, warning vulnerable communities risk being overlooked. Climate Adaptation & Water Safety: A Fiji-linked initiative is improving sanitation and stormwater systems in informal settlements to reduce health risks for children as heavy downpours worsen contamination.

Waste & Energy Decision: Fiji’s Department of Environment has rejected The Next Generation Holdings (TNG) Environmental Impact Assessment for a Vuda Point energy-from-waste plant and private port, citing unresolved issues on project scale, imported waste, hazardous ash disposal, water supply, public health risks, road/port impacts, and social, cultural and tourism consequences; Legal Pathway: TNG has until July 3 to appeal to the Environmental Tribunal, with the Ministry saying there’s no resubmission route and that the rejection is about whether the EIA met legal and technical standards; Community Climate Resilience: Research in Ra shows traditional knowledge and community-led governance are strengthening resilience in coastal fisheries as warming seas, coral bleaching and stronger cyclones disrupt fish populations; Public Health & Climate Link: A Fiji-focused report highlights how heavier downpours worsen sanitation in informal settlements, with new infrastructure like drains, toilets and wetlands aiming to cut water contamination risks; Water Security: Gusuisavu Village completed a borehole and upgraded water infrastructure, adding three water sources to ease long-running shortages and improve health and sanitation; Youth Ocean Action: International School Suva’s Veivueti Kids Ocean Conference expanded to 14 schools nationwide, building a wider network of young ocean advocates; Regional Climate Readiness: Cambodia launched a multi-hazard early warning project (with Fiji among participating countries) to improve preparedness for storms, floods, droughts and lightning.

Waste & Public Health: Fiji’s Department of Environment has rejected The Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port plan, citing unresolved concerns over project scale, imported waste, hazardous ash disposal, water supply, public health risks, and knock-on impacts for tourism, roads/ports, social and cultural effects, and overall economic viability. Climate Resilience & Early Warning: Cambodia launched a five-year “Advancing Early Warning for All” project (2026–2030) to strengthen multi-hazard early warning for storms, floods, droughts and lightning, with Fiji among participating countries. Community Water Security: A new borehole and upgraded water infrastructure in Gusuisavu Village has added two more water sources, easing long-running shortages and improving health and sanitation. Public Health Governance: Suva City Council urged stronger coordination in Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill, warning that public health can’t be handled by one agency and must link councils, water authorities and environmental services—while MPs also flagged the risk of penalties hitting informal settlement residents without basic infrastructure. Youth & Oceans: International School Suva’s Veivueti Kids Ocean Conference expanded to a two-day national event with students from 14 schools, pushing ocean conservation and sustainable development. Transport Costs: Fiji bus operators warned of a widening fuel-driven monthly shortfall, threatening service reductions nationwide.

Marine Conservation & Climate: About 300 delegates from 30+ island nations met in Tokyo for the inaugural Island States Ocean Summit, pushing for action on climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and a treaty to tackle plastic pollution. Invasive Species Warning: Fiji’s coconut pest-control story is a cautionary tale—an invasive parasitic fly was introduced, but the program is linked to the extinction of a native insect species, raising alarms about biological control risks. Fisheries Restoration (Lau): Four Lau villages (Susui, Sawana, Levukana, Uruone) joined a community-led Fish Smart Learning Site to monitor catches, protect priority qoliqoli species, and restore fish stocks. Public Health & Informal Settlements: MPs raised concerns that Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 could penalise informal settlement residents who lack sewerage and drainage, urging enforcement to be paired with community support and awareness. Climate Commitments: Fiji’s third Nationally Determined Contribution is described as ambitious but “unguaranteed,” with implementation needing stronger partnerships, technology access, and support for vulnerable communities. Ocean Security: Fiji Navy officer stories highlight regional IUU fishing patrols under Operation Tui Moana 2026, aimed at protecting tuna and livelihoods. Energy Costs Context: Pacific ministers are backing a low-carbon shipping push, seeking climate finance to cut diesel dependence and support low-carbon vessels.

Public Health & Rural Resilience: Fiji MPs and Suva City Council raised concerns that the proposed Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 could impose penalties on informal settlement residents who lack basic services like sewerage and drainage, urging enforcement to be paired with community engagement and support, while the Rural, Maritime and National Disaster Management ministry asked Parliament to plug its provincial and divisional offices into the bill’s coordination mechanisms and align it with the National Disaster Risk Management Act 2024. Marine Recovery in Lau: Four Lau villages (Susui, Sawana, Levukana and Uruone) joined the 4FJ Fish Smart Learning Site initiative to monitor catches, protect priority species in qoliqoli, and strengthen community-led fisheries management through training and data collection. Climate Action & Monitoring: Fiji’s climate commitments were reiterated as “ambitious” under its third NDC, while separate training helped government agencies use satellite data to track land-use and ecosystem change for more reliable, evidence-based climate resilience decisions. Low-Carbon Shipping Push: Pacific transport ministers moved toward a regional shipping alliance aimed at unlocking climate finance and transitioning domestic fleets toward low-carbon vessels. Youth Climate Voice: Pacific youth launched a talanoa series in Suva, saying they will take a unified regional voice to COP31 and push for loss and damage accountability.

Satellite monitoring: Fiji government agencies trained to use satellite data and digital mapping to track land-use and ecosystem change, aiming for better evidence for climate resilience and sustainable development. Energy resilience: Pacific community leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu completed hands-on solar technology training to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels and keep power running during outages. Climate advocacy: Pacific youth launched a three-part climate talanoa series in Suva, saying they’ll push a unified voice into COP31 and demand loss-and-damage accountability. Urban risk: A Pacific-focused piece warns that fast-growing cities face cyclones, floods and sea-level rise, and need real governance and systems work—not shelf plans—to build resilience. Standards for trade: Fiji and Standards Australia moved to strengthen national standardisation, metrology and conformity systems to support safer, more sustainable export growth. Biosecurity: New Zealand confirmed an Auckland scorpion find linked to overseas travel, highlighting ongoing biosecurity risks for the Pacific. Media for climate: Regional media leaders met in Port Moresby to strengthen resilient Blue Pacific storytelling, including safety in journalism and better regional cooperation. Israel-Fiji ties: Fiji’s embassy opening in Suva and Israel’s Suva mission were framed as development and security cooperation, drawing condemnation from pro-Palestine groups.

Solar energy push: 350.org Pacific and the Institute of Climate and Sustainable Cities trained community leaders in solar PV installation to cut fuel costs and keep lights on during outages, with two systems installed in Sigatoka and Lautoka. Waste and methane cuts: Lautoka market received support to divert organics from landfill, including a tip truck, wheelie bins and compost bins, aiming to reduce methane and expand composting. Climate accountability from youth: Pacific youth launched a Suva talanoa series saying they won’t wait for outside direction as they prepare a unified voice for COP31. COP31 prep: Pacific senior officials met to coordinate priorities and plan Fiji and Tuvalu-hosted pre-COP31 meetings in October. El Niño impacts on Pacific voyaging: The Moananuiākea canoes adjusted plans due to a developing El Niño pattern and higher cyclone risk, with a revised route targeting Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Sea-level rise risk: Fiji’s environment minister warned sea-level rise could cost up to 2.6% of GDP annually through erosion, flooding, saltwater intrusion and damage to infrastructure. Food and export resilience: Fiji’s trade minister said export growth depends on consistent, sustainable supply from agriculture, fisheries and forestry, while agriculture moves to reduce reliance on imported rice amid higher oil-driven costs.

Climate & Oceans: Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia are adjusting the Moananuiākea voyage as El Niño signals point to hotter, wetter-then-wilder conditions and a higher cyclone risk, with a revised departure from Aotearoa planned for late August and an arrival in Fiji around mid-October for pre-COP events. COP31 Prep: Pacific senior officials have stepped up coordination for COP31, including Fiji and Tuvalu hosting pre-COP meetings (5–8 Oct 2026) to sharpen shared climate priorities. Energy & Resilience: As fuel costs bite, Fiji and other Pacific communities are training locals to install and maintain solar systems through the Solar Scholars Initiative—pushing for energy sovereignty, not just short-term savings. Waste & Pollution: Fiji’s composting push is gaining momentum: Lautoka received equipment under Canada-backed support to divert organics from landfill and cut methane, while a separate initiative says composting could cut Fiji’s landfill waste by more than half. Marine Protection: Fiji has imposed a four-month ban on kawakawa (grouper) and donu (coral trout) fishing, sale and export during peak breeding (1 Jun–30 Sep), with rules for any pre-ban stock. Food & Costs: Diesel and LPG prices jumped again in Fiji’s latest review, hitting households and transport hard as global fuel volatility continues. Tourism Governance: Fiji’s Tourism Act 2026 is now in force, aiming to modernise oversight, strengthen sustainability requirements, and widen community participation.

Waste & Landfill: Canada-backed composting support in Lautoka could divert over half of Fiji’s waste from landfills, with a new truck, wheelie bins and compost bins aimed at cutting methane and boosting local compost sales. Local Waste Services: Lautoka market received a $146k package to manage 3.2 tonnes of daily waste, using separation to turn organics into compost. Energy Independence: As fuel costs bite, Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu reps trained on installing and maintaining solar systems through a community-focused Solar Scholars programme. Fuel Shock: Fiji’s June 1 fuel review pushed petrol and diesel up by around 80 cents a litre, with LPG cylinders also jumping sharply—outer islands hit hardest. Marine Protection: Fiji’s four-month kawakawa and donu ban starts today (June 1–Sept 30), covering fishing, sale, transport and export, with rules for any pre-ban stock. Fisheries Livelihoods: The beche-de-mer harvesting season is extended by eight months (June 1, 2026–Jan 31, 2027) to support rural and maritime incomes. Climate Risk & Economy: Minister Lynda Tabuya warned sea-level rise could cost Fiji up to 2.6% of GDP annually, while Fiji is urged to stay present at Pre-COP and COP31 to secure funding. Water Crisis: Over 4,200 people in southern Taveuni have lacked reliable water for more than a decade, with residents still waiting on promised solutions. Tourism Governance: Fiji enacted the Tourism Act 2026, expanding regulation to hotels, tour operators, community tourism and short-term rentals, with sustainability and community participation built in.