AGP Executive Report

Ocean Protection & Fisheries: Fiji says it will fully protect 15% of its ocean territory by end of 2026, targeting illegal unreported and unregulated fishing and declining stocks, with community-led conservation and the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) in the mix. COP31 Climate Leadership: Fiji’s Inia Seruiratu has been appointed Pacific Ocean Envoy for COP31, alongside envoys for Oceania (1.5°C) and climate finance access—aimed at keeping Pacific priorities central in Türkiye. Clean Shipping Pact: Seven Pacific transport ministers (including Fiji) have signed the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership to coordinate a low-carbon maritime transition, backed by climate funding for vessels, resilient ports and skills. Border Security & Illicit Trade: Fiji is moving toward stricter high-tech passenger screening using linked travel data to disrupt drug smuggling and other illegal activity. Environment Law Enforcement: Fiji’s amended Environment Management Act 2025 is pushing agencies to identify and apply environmental safeguards before approvals, with EIA requirements treated as early and non-negotiable. Waste Incineration Rejection: Fiji has rejected an Australian-backed plan to ship waste for burning, warning against becoming the Pacific’s “ashtray.” Energy & Cost Pressure: Fiji’s consumer watchdog says don’t expect immediate fuel price cuts even after reports of a US-Iran peace deal, noting pricing lags and wider supply-chain impacts. Agriculture Research Upgrade: A $1.3m upgrade at Koronivia Research Station opens new chemistry and crop information facilities to help farmers tackle climate stress, soil fertility decline, pests and rising input costs. Tourism Investment: Accor and Fiji’s Yavu Collective have signed a deal for three new hotels in Denarau and Nadi, expanding Fiji’s accommodation pipeline. Health & Solar Resilience: Tailevu’s Nayavu Health Centre has reopened after a $400k renovation with full solarisation to keep services running through fuel shocks.

Ocean Protection: Fiji will place 15% of its ocean territory under full protection by end of 2026, aiming to curb illegal fishing and help rebuild declining fish stocks, with the push linked to regional cooperation like the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Climate Diplomacy: Fiji MP Inia Seruiratu has been appointed Pacific Ocean Envoy for COP31, alongside envoys for 1.5°C and climate finance, to lift Pacific priorities on ocean protection, coastal resilience and climate funding. Climate Finance at Bonn: Fiji is pressing for fair, accessible climate finance and simpler readiness support at Bonn talks, warning that complex funding rules are delaying urgent adaptation. Environment Law: Fiji’s amended Environment Management Act 2025 is set to tighten development approvals, with agencies reminded that environmental safeguards must be identified and applied before decisions are made. Fuel Pressure: The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission says people shouldn’t expect immediate fuel and LPG price cuts, noting Fiji’s pricing uses an international cost lag. Rural Support: A $1.3m upgrade at Koronivia Research Station boosts agricultural research for farmers, while a $400k Nayavu Health Centre renovation adds solar power and improved maternal, child and emergency services. Waste Fight: Fiji rejected an Australian-backed plan to ship waste for incineration, with officials warning against becoming the Pacific’s “ashtray.”

Waste & Health: Fiji rejected Australia’s plan to ship waste to burn for energy, with officials warning Fiji must not become the “Pacific’s ashtray,” after concerns the project could raise emissions. Climate Finance: Fiji pushed hard at Bonn for fair, accessible climate funding for frontline communities, calling for simpler eligibility, long-term readiness support, and science-led decisions. Environment Law: Fiji’s amended Environment Management Act 2025 is tightening project approvals, with agencies told to identify and apply environmental safeguards before decisions are made. Fuel Crisis & Economy: Fiji’s growth outlook was revised down to 1.5% as fuel and food price pressures lift inflation, underlining how quickly global shocks hit tourism and daily costs. Tourism Pressure Points: Tourism Fiji urged investment beyond traditional hubs, plus more mid-range hotels and attractions to spread benefits and ease infrastructure strain. Waste-to-Energy Proposal: A clean energy firm proposed $305m for three waste-to-energy plants to cut landfill expansion and protect marine and tourism areas. Child Protection Online: Fiji ministers agreed to strengthen collaboration and enforcement to better protect children from online exploitation and harmful digital content.

Climate Finance Push: Fiji is pressing for fair, accessible climate funding at Bonn, warning that Pacific nations need tangible outcomes for frontline communities, including easier eligibility, long-term readiness support, and science-led decisions. Environment Law Enforcement: Fiji’s amended Environment Management Act 2025 is now under tighter implementation, with agencies told to identify and apply environmental safeguards before any project approvals. Waste & Pollution Solutions: A Fiji-registered clean energy firm has proposed $305m for three waste-to-energy facilities to cut landfill expansion and protect marine ecosystems, including a planned Naboro, Lautoka and Labasa rollout. Tourism Pressure & Planning: Tourism Fiji says investors should look beyond traditional hotspots for higher-end experiences and mid-range hotels, spreading benefits to other provinces and easing strain on water and sewerage. Fuel Crisis Reality Check: Business and policy discussions highlight Fiji’s slowing growth and fuel shock vulnerability, reinforcing calls to accelerate renewable energy delivery. Marine & Fisheries Support: Rotuma fishers received eight new fishing licences to strengthen sustainable management and reduce overexploitation risks. Child Labour Alarm: A new report links poverty to child labour, with many children leaving school due to financial hardship—raising the stakes for education and social protection.

Climate Action Push: Fiji climate warriors are urging the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate meeting, arguing Pacific leaders must speed up the shift away from coal, oil and gas. Renewables on the Ground: Solar Scholars Training in Nadi helped install two community solar systems in Fiji—one supporting disaster risk reduction in Lautoka and another cutting power costs at a Sigatoka kindergarten—showing how communities are responding to fuel shocks. Waste & Landfill Pressure: A Fiji-registered clean energy firm has proposed a $305m plan for three waste-to-energy facilities at existing landfills (Naboro, Lautoka and Labasa) to generate electricity and reduce landfill expansion and pollution impacts. Fisheries & Marine Stewardship: Rotuma fishers received eight new fishing licences to support livelihoods while regulating effort to protect marine biodiversity. Energy Security Context: A Pacific fuel-price shock story highlights how diesel dependence leaves islands with tiny reserves and rising costs, reinforcing the need for faster renewable delivery. Governance & Safety: Fiji ministers discussed strengthening online child protection measures, focusing on better coordination and enforcement against harmful digital content.

Climate Action & Fossil Fuels: Fiji climate warriors are urging Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate meeting, arguing the region must accelerate a just transition away from coal, oil and gas. Energy Security & Renewables: Pacific leaders and communities are turning to solar as fuel price shocks expose how diesel dependence leaves islands exposed; Fiji’s Solar Scholars training in Nadi backed community solar installs in Lautoka and Sigatoka. Waste & Landfill Pressure: A Fiji-registered clean energy firm has proposed $305m for three waste-to-energy facilities to cut landfill expansion and protect marine ecosystems, including a planned Naboro plant. Marine & Fisheries Management: Rotuma fishers received eight new fishing licences to support livelihoods while regulating effort and protecting marine biodiversity; Fiji also plans to expand marine protection, with targets flagged for 2026. Governance & Accountability: Fiji’s Environment Minister Tabuya is pushing to end the “slow suicide” of pollution and waste, as tramline closure plans for sugarcane transport spark debate over COP climate commitments. Online Safety for Children: Fiji ministers agreed on stronger online child protection measures, focusing on enforcement and safer digital environments.

Online Safety: Fiji ministers discussed strengthening online child protection, with a focus on better agency coordination, enforcement, and safer digital governance for children and vulnerable groups. Climate Advocacy: 350.org Pacific Climate Warriors urged Pacific governments to back the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ahead of the Bonn climate meeting, arguing the region must lead a just transition to renewables. Marine & Energy Risks: Pacific leaders and communities are turning to solar as fuel shocks expose diesel dependence, including new community solar installations in Fiji to cut electricity costs and support disaster risk reduction. Waste & Landfill: A Fiji-registered clean energy firm proposed a $305m plan for three waste-to-energy facilities to reduce landfill expansion and protect marine ecosystems and tourism. Sugar Transport Emissions Debate: Farmers and the National Farmers Union challenged Fiji Sugar Corporation’s proposal to close tramlines, warning it could increase diesel truck use and undermine carbon goals. Fisheries & Livelihoods: Rotuma fishers received eight new fishing licences to support regulated, sustainable commercial fishing while protecting marine biodiversity. Ocean Security: Fiji’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change is among those travelling for pre-COP and ocean-focused forums, as Fiji pushes climate and ocean priorities.

Value-adding push in Ra: iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu urged Ra’s leaders to diversify and build value-added industries to create jobs, warning that resources alone won’t deliver prosperity. Sugar transport emissions row: Farmers and the Sugar Cane Growers Council are pushing back on Fiji Sugar Corporation’s plan to close tramlines at Rarawai and Lautoka mills, fearing a shift to diesel lorries will raise costs and emissions. Waste-to-energy proposal: A Fiji clean energy firm has put forward a $305m plan for three waste-to-energy facilities to cut landfill expansion and protect marine and tourism areas. Fuel shock and renewables: Coverage highlights how Pacific diesel dependence leaves islands exposed to global oil spikes, with community solar projects in Fiji and across the region offered as a practical resilience step. Marine and fisheries governance: Rotuma fishers received eight new licences, while Tokelau’s exit from the PNA tuna scheme raises questions for regional tuna management and revenue. Eco-mortuaries after Kadavu claims: Fiji plans 10 eco-mortuaries after social media allegations about mishandling of remains, including a baby’s body stored in an ice-filled esky. Ocean stewardship and climate risk: A voyaging route is being changed due to looming El Niño conditions, underscoring rising weather uncertainty for Pacific communities.

Energy & Climate Resilience: Pacific communities, including in Fiji, are turning to community-owned solar as fuel price shocks expose fossil fuel dependence; Solar Scholars training in Nadi led to new solar installations for disaster risk reduction and a Sigatoka kindergarten. Ocean Stewardship: Fiji is pushing to designate up to 15% of waters as marine protected areas by end of 2026, aiming to lift marine protection toward 30% by 2030, with stronger governance and community participation. Biodiversity Planning: Fiji’s Environment Ministry is consulting on the Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity, warning biodiversity faces climate change, pollution, invasive species and unsustainable use, and feeding into a 2026–2030 strategy. Marine Conditions & Risk: A major Pacific voyaging route is changing course due to looming El Niño forecasts, highlighting how shifting ocean conditions can disrupt travel and livelihoods. Governance & Costs: At Fiji’s State of the Economy dialogue, leaders warned the country is running out of fiscal room as debt nears 85% of GDP and growth slows; calls included cutting Cabinet size and travel, and tightening spending to create space for climate resilience. Health Infrastructure: Fiji plans 10 eco-mortuaries after distressing claims about handling of human remains on Kadavu, with tenders approved and solar-powered backup containers set aside in the budget.

Eco-mortuaries Rollout: Fiji will install 10 eco-mortuaries after distressing claims on Kadavu about bodies reportedly stored in ice-filled eskies and other handling issues, with tenders approved but final sign-off still pending. Marine Protection Push: Fiji targets 15% marine protection by end of 2026, aiming to reach 30% of its marine environment protected by 2030, with stronger governance and community participation. Biodiversity Report Consultations: Fiji’s Environment Ministry is gathering input for its 2026–2030 biodiversity strategy and action plan, warning biodiversity is under pressure from climate change, pollution, invasive species and unsustainable use. Livestock Health Funding: The Agriculture Ministry is seeking more budget for animal health and disease surveillance to protect farmers’ livelihoods and food security. Tourism Sustainability Signals: The Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 report highlights record engagement and growing focus on sustainable tourism development, including women-led business showcases. Energy Transition at COP31: COP31 president-designate Murat Kurum proposes a “35 by 35” electrification goal by 2035, framed as a faster route to cut fossil fuel use and emissions. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: A new report spotlights the Clarion-Clipperton Zone’s mineral-rich nodules and the environmental stakes as mining interest grows.

Marine Protection: Fiji targets 15% marine protected areas by end of 2026, aiming to conserve and sustainably manage 30% of its marine environment by 2030, with stronger governance and community participation. Biodiversity Planning: Fiji’s Environment Ministry is consulting across divisions for its Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity, warning biodiversity faces climate change, pollution, invasive species and unsustainable use. Coastal Adaptation: A new “green-gray” approach pairs seawalls with mangrove restoration to protect low-lying villages as sea levels rise and flooding and erosion worsen. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A report highlights the Clarion-Clipperton Zone’s battery-metal nodules and the environmental and geopolitical stakes as mining moves closer. Waste & Pollution Push: Environment Minister Tabuya says Fiji must end “slow suicide” from pollution and waste, as Fiji rejects waste-to-energy and incineration plans tied to “waste colonialism.” Health Infrastructure: Fiji will install 10 eco-mortuaries after Kadavu claims about bodies being kept in ice-filled eskies, with solar-powered units planned where grid power is limited. Energy Resilience: New Zealand-backed solar and battery systems shield three remote Yasawa resorts from diesel price shocks. Economy Pressure: The State of the Economy Dialogue flags weak growth, rising debt and limited fiscal buffers, with calls for tighter spending and better delivery—key for climate and environmental resilience.

Eco-Health Infrastructure: Fiji will install 10 solar-powered eco-mortuaries after Kadavu families alleged a baby’s body was kept in an ice-filled esky, with officials also citing power limits and delays for final approvals. Marine Protection: Fiji targets up to 15% of waters as marine protected areas by end of 2026, aiming to conserve and sustainably manage 30% of its marine environment by 2030 with stronger governance and community involvement. Coastal Climate Adaptation: A new “green-gray” approach pairs seawalls with mangrove restoration to protect low-lying villages as sea levels rise and flooding and erosion worsen. Waste, Pollution & Tourism Health: Parliament is reviewing Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill, with tourism operators warning that unclear “nuisance” rules—especially around noise—could trigger community complaints. Budget Pressure & Debt: Fiji’s economy outlook is weakening, with growth forecasts cut and debt projected around $11.4b, while fiscal voices warn the country lacks buffers for major disasters. Energy Resilience: Solar and battery upgrades are helping remote Fiji resorts avoid an 80% diesel price shock, showing how renewables can cut costs and improve reliability. Illegal Fishing & Ocean Governance: Pacific partners, including France, are backing surveillance missions to fight IUU fishing, while experts warn Pacific and Global South voices are sidelined in some ocean and climate negotiations.

Climate Adaptation: Fiji’s coastal communities are getting a “green-gray” boost as a new approach pairs seawalls with mangrove restoration to cut flooding and erosion risks from rising sea levels. Renewables & Energy Security: New Zealand-backed solar and battery systems have insulated three remote Fiji resorts from an 80% diesel price shock, showing how clean power can protect tourism and local livelihoods. Water Stress: Lomaiviti islands like Batiki are still facing dry-season water shortages, with boreholes and support for village water committees underway. Public Health & Noise: Fiji’s Public Health Amendment Bill review is raising alarms for resorts hosting events, as “nuisance” could include noise and smoke based on an environmental health practitioner’s judgement. Waste & Environment Governance: Environment Minister Tabuya is pushing Fiji to stop the “slow suicide” of pollution and waste, while WAF is also moving to strengthen environmental and social management systems. Economy & Disaster Readiness: Fiscal Review Committee chair Richard Naidu warns Fiji lacks financial buffers for major disasters, while debt is projected to reach about $11.37b—tightening the space for climate and resilience spending. Cybercrime (Safety for Communities): Fiji is stepping up cybercrime laws and regional guidance after threats targeting officials and citizens, including work to finalise an online safety law.

Water & Public Health: The Water Authority of Fiji says people affected by contaminated water should be entitled to compensation, calling for stronger accountability in catchment and supply failures as Parliament reviews the Public Health Amendment Bill. Waste & Recycling: Nasinu Town Council is rolling out “Return and Earn” to cut litter and boost civic pride by refunding eligible beverage containers. Energy & Climate Resilience: Pacific leaders are pushing solar as fuel costs bite; in Fiji, the Solar Scholars programme trained community leaders and installed systems to support schools with more reliable power. Aquaculture Livelihoods: Fiji’s Fisheries Ministry expanded seaweed farming in Cakaudrove, deploying seedlings and cultivation lines to create coastal income and strengthen resilience. Water Security: Lomaiviti islands in the dry season are getting borehole support, with Batiki singled out as traditional sources are hit by changing weather. Economy & Debt Pressure: Fiji’s growth outlook is being revised down (RBF to 1.5%), while government debt is projected to reach about $11.37–$11.4b ahead of the election, raising pressure on budgets and services. Disaster Response: Rural and Maritime Development Minister Mosese Bulitavu says fuel price rises won’t disrupt disaster response and relocation plans. Cybercrime: Fiji is stepping up cybercrime work, finalising a regional handbook after talks in Nadi to strengthen laws and online safety.

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.