Mangrove Monitoring: Conservation International Samoa’s Kiwa RESTORE project has launched mangrove health and structure field work, training local trainers and running two weeks of assessments across eight Upolu communities to strengthen community-led coastal protection and biodiversity monitoring. Clean Energy Push: Pacific energy experts at the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue say the fuel crisis was predictable and must drive faster, locally led renewable energy—especially for rural and low-income households—plus urgent action on decarbonising shipping. Climate Outlook: SPREP warns El Niño conditions are set, pointing to drier-than-usual conditions in the Western Pacific and urging proactive water management planning to reduce drought risk. Plastic Reduction: Samoa’s styrofoam cups and plates ban is set to take effect, with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment warning importers and retailers to comply ahead of enforcement. Disaster Resilience Funding: The World Bank’s PREPARE Samoa programme is backing a $35m Salelologa township transformation on Savai’i, including market upgrades and a waterfront plan designed to boost livelihoods and disaster readiness. Community Compensation: NEOC says more than 6,000 Safata residents are set to receive compensation linked to the HMNZS Manawanui sinking, using a streamlined MOU-to-payment process. Regional Tuna Cooperation: Samoa is among countries backing a memorandum to strengthen sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna, aiming for better regional advocacy and science-based fisheries decisions. Local Food & Biodiversity: A new regenerative bioeconomy initiative will support women entrepreneurs in Fiji and Samoa to turn local food traditions and biodiversity into market-ready products for hospitality and retail. Minimum Wage Update: Samoa’s minimum wage rises from WST$4.84 to $5.24 per hour from 1 July 2026, with staged increases planned to reach $6.05 by July 2028.