AGP Executive Report

Disability Inclusion: Fiji’s Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran condemned a tertiary students’ video mocking sign language, saying it harms Deaf people and reinforces discrimination—calling for accountability and attitude change. Marine Governance: Rewa chief Ro Naulu Mataitini criticised Parliament’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025, arguing it fails to restore qoliqoli ownership promised to iTaukei customary owners. Plastics Transition: Fiji identified five pathways for a circular plastics economy, focusing on cutting avoidable/problem plastics, expanding reuse and refill, improving collection and sorting, and strengthening partnerships and data transparency. Waste & Water Risks: Denarau’s wastewater rising main has burst repeatedly, raising foul-odour, environmental and marine-life concerns and questions about ageing infrastructure maintenance. Youth & Climate Voice: Minister Lynda Tabuya said young Pacific leaders will be included in Fiji’s COP31 preparations with real responsibilities, not token observer roles. Drugs Update: Police warn meth is increasingly showing up in coloured pressed pills, with youth exposure and mental health impacts rising.

Marine governance dispute: Fiji Parliament’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025 passed this week, but Rewa chief Ro Naulu Mataitini says it fails to restore qoliqoli proprietary ownership promised to iTaukei customary owners. Youth climate voice: Environment and Climate Change Minister Lynda Tabuya urged Pacific youth leaders to join COP31 work as party delegates with real responsibilities, not token observers, after RCOY Oceania 2026 in Suva produced a youth position statement. Plastics transition: Fiji is co-designing a circular plastics pathway plan with UNIDO and Japan funding, refining five pathways focused on preventing problematic plastics, expanding reuse/refill, improving collection and data transparency. Waste and enforcement: Fiji is set to increase littering fines fivefold to $200 from next month, with calls for fair, consistent enforcement to protect beaches, drains and wildlife. Denarau wastewater risk: Repeated wastewater rising-main bursts near Denarau have raised foul-odour and environmental fears, including possible impacts on the Denarau River and marine life. Drugs shift in schools: Police warn methamphetamine is increasingly showing up in coloured pressed pills, with more youth exposed to multiple substances and mental health impacts. Early warning focus: A reminder that Fiji’s hazard alerts must reach the “last mile” so communities can act before cyclones and floods strike.

Marine governance and customary rights: Rewa chief Ro Naulu Mataitini says Fiji’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill fails to restore qoliqoli ownership promised to iTaukei customary owners, calling it a repeat of historical injustice. Regional environment planning: SPREP’s Fifth Executive Board Meeting in Samoa approved its 2027 supplementary work programme and budget, pushing a resilient Pacific environment built with shared priorities. Youth voice for COP31: Environment and Climate Change Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji’s COP31 prep must include young Pacific leaders as party delegates with real responsibilities, not token observers. Plastics transition: Fiji identified five pathways for a circular plastics economy under a UNIDO-backed plan, focusing on cutting avoidable plastics, expanding reuse and improving collection and data transparency. Waste and litter enforcement: Fiji is moving to tougher littering fines, with calls for fair enforcement and behaviour change to protect beaches, waterways and wildlife. Denarau wastewater risk: Repeated wastewater main bursts near Denarau are raising alarms about foul odours, environmental harm and possible sewage entering the Denarau River. Early warning focus: A new look at disaster preparedness stresses the “last mile” challenge—getting warnings to remote and vulnerable communities in time to act. Health workforce pipeline: Fiji expects 121 new doctors to finish internships by July 2027 and another 121 interns to start in January 2027, as workforce planning ramps up.

Marine Pollution & Infrastructure: Denarau’s wastewater rising main has burst again, with residents and the Nadi Chamber warning of foul odours and possible impacts on the Denarau River and marine life. Climate Governance (COP31): Fiji hosted the Pacific COP31 process kick-off in Nadi, bringing communities, Indigenous Peoples, youth, farmers and chiefs to set priorities for global climate talks. Youth Climate Voice: Pacific youth wrapped up the Regional Conference of Youth for Oceania, sharpening a statement from 5 to 9 priorities and pushing for real decision-making power, not token consultation. Disability Inclusion in Climate Action: GEDSI officer Sabina Moce says climate policy must be shaped by people with disabilities through meaningful participation, not just representation. Marine Areas Law: Parliament passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025, creating a process for customary owners to gain financial benefits and greater control over qualifying commercial marine areas. Littering Crackdown: Fiji will raise littering fines fivefold to FJ$200 from Sept 1, backed by stronger enforcement and Litter Prevention Officers. Agriculture & Climate Risk: El Niño is expected to persist, and Fiji’s sugarcane farmers are urged to prepare for worst-case impacts on water and yields. Food Exports: Fiji shipped its first pilot consignment of 54 boxes of locally grown produce to Nauru, showing potential to expand beyond domestic markets. Tourism Regulation Shift: The Tourism Act 2026 replaces the 1973 framework, moving toward a common regulatory system and standards for accommodation and tourism operators.

Marine Governance: Parliament has passed the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill 2025, setting a process for qualifying commercial marine areas to be vested in iTaukei customary owners, with the iTaukei Fisheries Commission assessing applications and existing leases continuing until resolved. Plastic & Waste Enforcement: Fiji will increase littering fines fivefold to FJ$200 from Sept 1, backed by stronger enforcement through Litter Prevention Officers across councils, police and the Land Transport Authority. Climate Inclusion at COP31: Fiji hosts the Pacific COP31 process in Nadi, with communities and Indigenous Peoples pushing for Pacific priorities; youth and disability advocates also stress meaningful participation in climate decisions, not just representation. Agriculture & Food Security: Fiji exported its first pilot shipment—54 boxes of produce—to Nauru, showing potential to expand beyond the domestic market. Maritime Environment: Fiji launched a US$1m initiative to remove 17 derelict, high-risk vessels from Suva Harbour to protect marine ecosystems and improve safety. School Safety: The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission called for prompt police and education investigations into allegations of a teacher assaulting a 16-year-old student.

Maritime & Marine Pollution: Fiji has launched a US$1m initiative to remove 17 high-risk derelict vessels from Suva Harbour, aiming to cut navigation hazards and protect marine ecosystems, with support from the Captain Johnathan Smith Fund and legal reforms to prevent future abandonment. Waste & Litter Enforcement: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji’s littering fine will rise five-fold to $200 from September 1, with trained Litter Prevention Officers across councils, police and the Land Transport Authority, while officials stress enforcement must pair with better waste collection. Climate & Agriculture: With El Niño expected to persist, Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna warns sugarcane farmers to prepare for severe impacts, citing water stress and higher irrigation costs, and urges sustainable water management. Youth Climate Voice: Pacific youth leaders at the Regional Conference of Youth for Oceania in Suva demand faster emissions cuts, an end to fossil fuel expansion, and a meaningful seat in climate decision-making. Community Resilience: Youth in Lomaiviti, still affected by Cyclone Winston’s trauma, call for stronger grassroots engagement so climate discussions include real community stories. Biodiversity & Wildlife Safety: Viral shark-bite footage is reigniting debate over “shark selfie” trends and the risks to both people and wildlife. Food Security & Farming in Schools: Opposition MP Hem Chand urges agriculture shows and practical farming programmes in schools, while the agriculture ministry highlights climate-smart farming and value-add opportunities.

Maritime Pollution & Safety: Fiji has launched a US$1m clean-up to remove 17 high-risk derelict vessels from Suva Harbour, aiming to protect marine ecosystems, improve navigation safety, and stop abandoned ships becoming a future burden. Climate Voices: Pacific youth at the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva are pushing for faster emissions cuts, a quicker shift away from fossil fuels, and real decision-making power at COP—calling climate action a survival issue, not a slogan. Waste & Litter Crackdown: Fiji’s Environment Ministry says littering fines will jump from $40 to $200 from September 1, with stronger enforcement via a network of litter prevention officers across councils, police and the Land Transport Authority. Circular Economy Push: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya is also urging people to see bottles, cans and cardboard as valuable resources, backing container deposit plans to cut litter and support recycling jobs. Food Security & Farming: Opposition MP Hem Chand wants agriculture taught in schools to grow future farmers, while Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna warns El Niño could hit sugarcane hardest and urges sustainable water management. Inclusion in Climate Policy: A GEDSI officer says disability voices must shape climate decisions beyond token representation, with meaningful participation needed for policies that reflect real ground conditions. Community Resilience: The Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project was launched in Labasa to back nature-based climate adaptation led by women, youth and people with disabilities, including mangrove restoration and resilient livelihoods.

Litter crackdown: Fiji will raise littering fines from $40 to $200 from 1 September, with a stronger enforcement network of municipal councils, the Fiji Police Force and the Land Transport Authority, plus tracking of notices and behaviour change. Youth climate push: Pacific Climate Warriors are urging an urgent end to fossil fuel expansion at the Regional Conference of Youth for Oceania, calling for clean energy investment and an end to fossil subsidies. Marine waste funding: Samoa is set to join a €6 million, four-country SPREP-backed project to tackle marine litter and improve plastic waste management, with Fiji, the Marshall Islands and Tonga also involved. Community-led adaptation: Fiji is leading the $11.8m Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project, putting women, youth and people with disabilities at the centre of nature-based solutions like mangrove regeneration and sustainable fisheries across four Pacific nations. River pollution checks: Fiji’s Environment Ministry tested Qawa River in Labasa after dead fish and stench allegations tied to cane-crushing wastewater discharge. Circular economy move: Fiji is rolling out container deposit plans to pay people back for returning bottles and cans, aiming to cut litter and shift from a throwaway to a circular economy.

Litter crackdown: Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya says Fiji’s litter fine will jump fivefold from $40 to $200 from 1 September, with stronger enforcement via a network of Litter Prevention Officers and tracking of where offences happen and whether behaviour changes. Circular economy push: Tabuya also says Fijians are already getting cash back through a container deposit scheme for empty bottles and cans, aiming to cut waste flowing into drains, rivers, beaches and the ocean. Climate action with inclusion: The Kiwa Pacific CIRCLE project launched in Labasa, putting women, youth and persons with disabilities at the centre of nature-based climate adaptation across Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Kiribati, including mangrove restoration and sustainable fisheries. River pollution concern: Fiji’s Environment Ministry tested Qawa River in Labasa after allegations of wastewater discharge during cane-crushing, following claims of dead fish and strong stench near Vulovi Bridge. Food security focus: PM Rabuka launched Fiji’s Horizon 2030 National Food System Pathway, highlighting a $1.106b food import bill versus $343.4m exports and setting out a $26.5m short-term investment plan to cut reliance on imports. Marine safety warning: Experts urged people to stop agitating sharks for social media videos after recent bite incidents, warning that close contact can trigger attacks.

Climate Risk to Daily Life: Japan’s Summer Koshien faces a new reality as extreme heat linked to human-caused climate change pushes stadium temperatures to dangerous levels, raising questions about whether beloved traditions can safely continue. Water Pollution Watch: Fiji’s Ministry of Environment tested Qawa River in Labasa after dead fish and strong stench claims during cane-crushing season, following calls for long-term fixes and talanoa with landowners. Fisheries & Illegal Fishing Enforcement: Operation Island Chief 2026 flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, covering about 27.5 million sq km and monitoring 3,000+ fishing vessels across 11 FFA members’ waters. Food Security & Imports: Fiji’s 2023 food import bill hit about $1.106b versus $343.4m exports, as leaders launch the Horizon 2030 food system pathway and short-term investment plan. Renewables & Skills: Fiji’s new KOICA-FNU simulation centre begins construction to strengthen health training, while Fiji Airports’ procurement reforms win international recognition for governance and sustainability. Governance & Accountability: Parliament approved a $200m Fiji Airways guarantee amid taxpayer risk concerns, while MPs also pressed for stronger discipline and performance in government ministries.

Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Operation Island Chief 2026 (OPIC26) flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four, covering about 27.5 million sq km and monitoring 3,000+ fishing vessels across 11 FFA members’ EEZs, with support from regional surveillance partners. Sharks & Safety: Fiji-linked incidents are driving fresh warnings to influencers to stop chasing “selfies with sharks,” after attacks tied to people getting too close and agitating animals. Climate Risk & Food: El Niño is expected to peak between September and December, with forecasts warning of major food insecurity impacts across dozens of countries, raising pressure for Pacific climate action and preparedness. Renewables for Energy Security: Kadavu’s Vunisea power station is cutting diesel use after a solar hybrid upgrade, saving about $336,000 a year and reducing reliance on imported fuel. Forestry Sustainability Questioned: Fiji Hardwood’s rising profits are being challenged in Parliament over whether reforestation can keep pace with harvesting. Fiji Airways Fuel Shock: Parliament approved a $200m government guarantee for Fiji Airways’ borrowing over soaring fuel costs, while MPs also renewed scrutiny of catering cuts and passenger service. Education & Resilience: Fiji National University is building a $22m simulation centre to strengthen healthcare training, while Fiji’s schools face renewed calls for zero tolerance on bullying.

Shark-safety warning: Fiji is urging influencers to stop “swim with wildlife” selfies after recent shark attacks, including a Fiji spearfishing case that left a Kiwi man needing four surgeries. Forestry sustainability: Fiji Hardwood Corporation’s push to expand mahogany output is being questioned by the Public Accounts committee over whether reforestation can keep up with harvesting. School safety and child protection: The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is calling for prompt police and Education Ministry action after an alleged teacher assault of a 16-year-old student, while Education Minister Aseri Radrodro reiterates zero tolerance for bullying and abuse. Renewable energy savings: Kadavu’s Vunisea power station has commissioned a solar hybrid upgrade, cutting diesel use from about 60 to 20 drums a month and saving roughly $336,000 a year. Food security and local value: Food Processors Fiji has opened a $635,000 processing centre in Batiri (Dreketi) to reduce spoilage and strengthen Vanua Levu supply chains. Climate support for youth: A Samoan student is among University of Waikato recipients of Tower Climate Change Scholarships, aiming to return home to tackle Pacific climate impacts. Bird flu watch: Pacific governments are seeking New Zealand advice as H5 avian influenza spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with wildlife risk flagged. Managed retreat: A new push for “managed retreat” as climate adaptation highlights Fiji’s Vunidogoloa as one of the places facing land-loss pressures. Mental health surge: Empower Pacific reports a 20% rise in referrals for child suicide and self-harm in 2025, calling for earlier intervention.

Climate Policy & Politics: Australia’s A$20m bill to host a UN Pre-COP31 climate summit in Nadi has triggered a political fight in Canberra, with the Opposition calling it a taxpayer “disgrace” amid cost-of-living pressure. Waste & Public Health: Fiji Medical Association treasurer Dr Ahmed Shariff says people can’t “love Fiji” while littering, urging more bins, regular collection (including green waste), and stronger community action to cut health risks like dengue. Renewable Energy & Cost Savings: Kadavu’s Vunisea power station is cutting diesel use after a LAKARO solar hybrid upgrade, saving about $336,000 a year and reducing dependence on imported fuel. Food Security & Local Jobs: Food Processors Fiji commissioned a $635,000 Batiri processing centre in Dreketi to help farmers sell and process produce locally with cold storage and reduced spoilage. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Live and Learn Fiji’s Kiwa EMPOWER nursery project in Visoqo, Macuata, is backing climate-smart agriculture and biodiversity restoration with shared garden tools. Wildlife & Biosecurity: Pacific governments are seeking advice from New Zealand as H5 bird flu spreads in Australia and New Zealand, raising risks to threatened seabirds and endemic wildlife. Community Resilience: FRIEND Fiji is doubling down on food security, organic farming training, and clean-energy-linked livelihoods as fuel and climate pressures bite households. Education & Safety: Fiji’s Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is calling for safe, violence-free schools after an alleged assault on a 16-year-old student, urging prompt police and education investigations.

Food Security & Agro-Processing: Food Processors Fiji commissioned a $635,000 Batiri processing centre in Dreketi, adding blast and cold storage to cut spoilage and help Vanua Levu farmers sell more locally grown vegetables, root crops and citrus. Climate Adaptation: Fiji is mapping flash-flood hotspots in Suva and Lami and setting rainfall triggers for earlier, more localised warnings, aiming to give communities more time to act. Biodiversity & Biosecurity: Pacific governments are seeking New Zealand guidance on H5 bird flu as the virus spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with wildlife—especially endemic seabirds—flagged as the biggest risk. Managed Retreat: A new look at climate adaptation highlights managed retreat as an option already being discussed in places including Fiji’s Vunidogoloa. Mental Health: Empower Pacific reports a 20% rise in child suicide and self-harm referrals, calling for stronger early support. Animal Welfare: SPCA Fiji says Police have launched an active investigation into severe animal cruelty reports, with legal action possible. Regional Environment Governance: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the SPREP Executive Board meeting in Apia, pushing for smaller territories’ environmental priorities to be heard.

Climate Adaptation: Fiji is mapping flash-flood hotspots in Suva and Lami and setting rainfall triggers for earlier warnings, aiming for more localised, impact-based forecasts. Disaster Risk & Early Warning: Japan has handed Fiji equipment and funding (up to FJ$27m) to strengthen regional weather forecasting and disaster risk reduction, including training and calibration centres. Biodiversity & Wildlife Health: Pacific governments are seeking New Zealand’s advice on H5 bird flu as the virus spreads in Australia and New Zealand, with the biggest threat flagged as impacts on wildlife and endemic seabirds. Food Security & Resilience: Live and Learn Fiji’s Kiwa EMPOWER nursery project is supporting Visoqo with climate-smart agriculture and biodiversity restoration tools. Managed Retreat: A new report highlights managed retreat as an increasingly mainstream climate adaptation option, including Fiji’s Vunidogoloa. Governance & Environment: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the SPREP Executive Board meeting, pushing to ensure smaller territories’ environmental challenges are represented. Health & Environment Link: Fiji’s HIV outbreak is described as a public health emergency, with regional action urged as prevention and treatment access lags.

Flood Preparedness: Fiji is mapping flash-flood hotspots in Suva and Lami and setting rainfall triggers for earlier warnings, aiming for more localised, impact-based forecasts. Climate & Water Security: With El Niño-linked drier conditions expected, Fiji is urging water conservation and careful management of supplies, including impacts on farmers and hydroelectric catchments. Renewables Push: Fiji’s National Solar Energy Roadmap is set to launch soon, targeting household solar, mini-grids for maritime areas, and grid-connected plants to cut diesel reliance. Disaster Warning Support: Japan is funding up to FJ$27m to strengthen Fiji’s role as a regional weather and disaster-risk hub, including training and equipment calibration. Food Security & Resilience: Live and Learn Fiji’s Kiwa EMPOWER nursery project is rolling out climate-smart agriculture and biodiversity restoration support in Visoqo, with community tools for shared land work. Marine Protection & Law: Fiji’s Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill faces a constitutional challenge over potential impacts on existing land and lease rights. Animal Welfare: SPCA Fiji says Police have launched an active investigation into severe animal cruelty reports, with legal action possible. Health System Capacity: Fiji National University is building a $9.8m clinical simulation centre to strengthen safe training before students enter hospitals. Regional Unity Test: Pacific leaders head to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, with divisions over how to respond to China’s recent missile test. SPREP Priorities: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the SPREP Executive Board meeting, focusing on Pacific environmental challenges tied to climate, biodiversity loss and pollution. Security Industry Reform: Security officers are seeking clearer legal powers on use of force and longer working hours to improve pay, as Fiji reviews the Security Industry Act.