AGP Executive Report

Climate & disasters in Samoa: A second fire in five days hit Vaitele after an earlier blaze in Tua, with investigators saying rubbish likely sparked the Faleata Golf Course fire in Tuanaimato and spread in windy conditions. Pacific climate finance: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments to about US$1 billion and could approve another US$1 billion, but demand is straining resources as countries push for faster, simpler access. El Niño warning: ChildFund New Zealand warns a strengthening El Niño could bring drought, heavier rain, and more pressure on drinking water, food and children’s health across the Pacific. Disaster preparedness: Samoa and Australia tested tsunami response together in Exercise Longreach in Apia, focusing on coordination, information sharing and rapid, Pacific-led support. Food security & tuna: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, using a Pacific-wide cooking competition to spotlight tuna’s role in diets, livelihoods and resilience. Local resilience & youth: A new Oxford-linked project in Samoa and Aotearoa is exploring how sleep and circadian rhythms can improve Pacific youth mental wellbeing. Regional governance: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau ended with climate action pledges, but leaders’ absences left “empty chairs” and highlighted ongoing geopolitical pressure.

Rising climate pressure on Samoa: The Green Climate Fund says it’s doubling Pacific climate finance and could approve another US$1 billion, with reforms aimed at making funding easier to access for projects that protect food security and tuna livelihoods. Disaster readiness in action: Samoa and Australia tested tsunami response together in Exercise Longreach in Apia, focusing on coordination, information sharing, and rapid support for coastal communities. El Niño risks: Pacific neighbours are bracing for a strong El Niño, with warnings of drought, heavier rain, and growing pressure on safe drinking water, food, and children’s health. Blue Pacific politics with real impacts: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau ended with leaders issuing climate commitments, while China–Taiwan tensions and “wolf warrior” diplomacy left several Pacific leaders absent, including Samoa’s head of government. Food, culture, and tuna: The FFA and SPC launched the “Tuna Bites” campaign for World Tuna Day, spotlighting tuna’s role in Pacific diets and food security, including Samoa. Local environment watch: Samoa’s Vaitele fire is the second blaze in five days, blamed on rubbish burning and spreading in dry, fire-prone conditions.

Disaster Preparedness: Samoa and Australia tested joint response plans in Apia during Exercise Longreach, running a tsunami scenario to improve coordination, information sharing, and resource deployment across Pacific agencies. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments and is pushing to simplify access as demand rises, with Duarte warning resources are under pressure. El Niño & Water Security: ChildFund New Zealand warns a strengthening El Niño could bring drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, raising risks for drinking water, food supplies, and children’s health. Biodiversity Solutions: NatureFiji-MareqetiViti urges Pacific communities to lead responses to biodiversity, climate, and pollution crises, stressing local action backed by funding and technical support. Food & Tuna Livelihoods: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, spotlighting tuna’s role in Pacific food security and culture, including a Samoa culinary competition. Local Environment Risk: Firefighters responded to a blaze at Faleata Golf Course in Tuanaimato, believed to have started from burning rubbish and spread in windy conditions. Housing (Resilience at Home): Samoa Housing Corporation’s $6M Housing Assistance Scheme supported 97 first-home and renovation loans at 5% interest to ease overcrowding and improve safer living.

Climate Finance & Food Security: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments and is pushing reforms to make climate money easier to access, with a major focus on protecting tuna fisheries, forecasting, and food security as climate shifts fish movements. Disaster Preparedness: Samoa and Australia tested tsunami response together in Exercise Longreach in Apia, running coordination drills and resource planning to strengthen a Pacific-led emergency hand. El Niño & Water Worries: Pacific communities facing a fuel crisis are also bracing for a stronger El Niño, with drought risks for some islands and heavier rain for others—raising alarms for drinking water, food, and children’s health. Biodiversity Solutions Locally Led: NatureFiji-MareqetiViti urges Pacific people to move from “victims” to “solutions,” backing community-led biodiversity action with better access to funding and know-how. Samoa Housing Support: Samoa’s $6M Housing Assistance Scheme is funding 97 first-home and family renovation loans through the Samoa Housing Corporation to improve safer, healthier living. Tuna Culture Spotlight: The FFA and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” across Pacific countries, including Samoa, using a cooking competition to celebrate tuna’s role in diets and livelihoods.

El Niño & fire risk in Samoa: A second fire in five days broke out in Vaitele after El Niño-linked dry conditions, with investigators saying rubbish on the golf-course grounds likely sparked the blaze and wind helped it spread. Climate finance for Pacific resilience: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments to about US$1b and could approve another US$1b, while pushing reforms to make access simpler for countries facing climate impacts. Tuna, food security & climate adaptation: GCF executive director Mafalda Duarte highlighted a major tuna-focused programme (with Conservation International) to protect livelihoods and improve forecasting as climate change shifts tuna movement. Disaster preparedness in action: Samoa and Australia tested tsunami response coordination in Exercise Longreach in Apia, including tabletop simulations and better information-sharing across agencies. Pacific-led solutions for biodiversity: NatureFiji-MareqetiViti urged communities not to see themselves only as victims, backing community-led conservation supported by regional knowledge and funding. Pacific youth mental health: An Oxford sleep scientist’s visit to Samoa and Aotearoa is helping shape Pacific-led research linking sleep/circadian rhythms to youth wellbeing. Regional climate science coming to the Pacific: Solomon Islands will host the POPCCC climate science conference (Sept 14–18) at SINU, with partners including Samoa’s National University.

Pacific Islands Forum fallout: The 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting in Palau ended with big climate talk and donor pledges, but also a headline-grabbing “empty chairs” problem as several heads of government skipped the summit, leaving foreign ministers to carry the message. Disaster readiness in Samoa: Samoa and Australia ran Exercise Longreach in Apia, testing a tsunami response through tabletop drills and simulations to strengthen coordination, information sharing, and recovery support. Climate finance pressure: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments over three years (to about US$1b) and may approve another US$1b, but rising demand is straining available resources. Fuel + El Niño warning: Pacific communities facing fuel stress are being urged to prepare for a strengthening El Niño that could bring drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, with knock-on risks for water, food, and children’s health. Samoa housing boost: Samoa’s $6m Housing Assistance Scheme (5% loans via the Samoa Housing Corporation) supported 97 families to build, buy, or renovate homes, aiming to ease overcrowding and improve wellbeing. Tuna sustainability spotlight: FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, using a Pacific-wide cooking competition to highlight tuna’s role in food security and livelihoods, including in Samoa.

Disaster Preparedness: Samoa and Australia put their plans to the test in Apia with Exercise Longreach, a tsunami-focused drill that strengthened coordination, information sharing, and resource allocation across defence and emergency agencies. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments over three years and may approve another US$1 billion, but rising demand is straining resources—pushing for simpler, faster access for island countries. Biodiversity & Community Solutions: NatureFiji-MareqetiViti calls for Pacific communities to lead the response to biodiversity, climate, and pollution crises, backed by local knowledge plus better access to funding and technical support. Food Security & Tuna Culture: FFA and SPC launch the “Tuna Bites” campaign for World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, featuring country tuna-dish competitions across Samoa and other Pacific states. El Niño Warning: ChildFund New Zealand urges Pacific preparations for a strong El Niño—fuel shortages plus extreme weather could hit water, food, and children’s health. Samoa at PIFLM55: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister outlined regional priorities including digital/AI governance, renewable energy, climate leadership, and stronger support mechanisms. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoan traditional healers and government agencies move toward a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge and set clearer referral pathways. Local Incident: Firefighters tackled a rubbish-fuelled blaze at Faleata Golf Course in Tuanaimato; the cause is still under investigation.

Disaster Preparedness: Samoa and Australia boosted disaster response readiness in Apia through Exercise Longreach, running tabletop and simulation drills for a tsunami scenario to test coordination, information sharing, and rapid, Pacific-led support—an urgent reminder of the 2009 earthquake and tsunami lessons. Climate Finance Pressure: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments over three years and could approve another US$1 billion, but rising demand is straining resources; reforms aim to simplify access and cut barriers for Pacific countries. El Niño Warning: Pacific neighbours facing a prolonged fuel crisis are also being urged to prepare for a strengthening El Niño—bringing drought risk in some areas, heavier rain in others, and added pressure on drinking water, food supplies, and children’s health. Pacific-Led Climate Science: Solomon Islands will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) at SINU (Sept 14–18), spotlighting ocean-and-climate research and practical action toward the 1.5°C goal. Samoa’s Traditional Knowledge Safeguarding: Samoan traditional healers and government agencies are working on a national framework to protect healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways between doctors and traditional healers. Tuna & Food Security: FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, using country tuna-dish competitions to highlight tuna’s role in Pacific diets, livelihoods, and food security—Samoa included. PIF Climate Action, Amid Tensions: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau wrapped with leaders backing urgent climate action in the Belau Declaration and creating new resilience and energy initiatives, even as geopolitical pressure over Taiwan and China’s missile test cast a shadow.

Pacific Climate & Resilience: Pacific leaders wrapped up the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau with an “urgent and inclusive climate action” push to keep global warming within 1.5°C, while also moving the region’s resilience finance forward as the Green Climate Fund doubled Pacific commitments and warned demand is outpacing available resources. Samoa Disaster Preparedness: Samoa and Australia tested tsunami response coordination in Exercise Longreach in Apia, focusing on faster, Pacific-led emergency support and stronger warning and response systems after the 2009 disaster lessons. El Niño Threat: ChildFund New Zealand says fuel shortages plus a strengthening El Niño could trigger a polycrisis—drought in some places, heavier rain in others—raising pressure on safe water, food and children’s health. Biodiversity Solutions: NatureFiji-MareqetiViti urged Pacific communities to lead their own biodiversity, climate and pollution solutions, backed by access to funding, technology and shared know-how. Tuna & Food Security: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for World Tuna Day, spotlighting tuna’s role in Pacific diets through a multi-country culinary competition including Samoa. Samoa Traditional Knowledge: Samoan traditional healers and government agencies are working on a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways between doctors and healers. Regional Science: Solomon Islands will host the POPCCC climate science conference at SINU (Sept 14–18), aiming to amplify Pacific-led research and practical action for 1.5°C. Geopolitics Over Taiwan: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the PIF opening, while several leaders skipped the summit—raising concerns that big-power rivalry could crowd out climate and security priorities.

Pacific Climate Leadership: Pacific communities were urged to lead the response to the region’s linked biodiversity, climate and pollution crises, with NatureFiji-MareqetiViti calling for community-led action backed by access to funding, technology and technical knowledge. Disaster Preparedness: Samoa and Australia tested tsunami emergency coordination in Exercise Longreach in Apia, focusing on faster Pacific-led response, multi-agency information sharing and rapid support requests. Climate Finance Push: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments to about US$1 billion and may approve another US$1 billion, as demand rises and countries ask for simpler, faster access to climate money. Tuna & Food Security: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, using a country-by-country culinary competition to spotlight tuna’s role in Pacific diets and livelihoods, including Samoa. Samoa at PIFLM55: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister outlined priorities for digital and AI governance, renewable energy transition, climate leadership and stronger regional support mechanisms during Leaders’ Dialogue in Palau. Local Environment Risk: Firefighters tackled a rubbish-related blaze at Faleata Golf Course in Tuanaimato, with windy conditions raising fears of spread while authorities investigate the cause.

UN Fallout & Health: A UN meeting on victim assistance and environmental remediation heard testimony from Salt Lake City downwinder Mary Dickson, whose thyroid cancer is linked to Nevada nuclear weapons fallout—highlighting long-running health and cleanup responsibilities. Food Security & Fisheries: FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with a country-by-country tuna dish competition planned in Samoa and other Pacific states. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments to about US$1b and may approve another US$1b, as demand surges and access reforms aim to cut costs and delays. Disaster Preparedness: Samoa and Australia tested tsunami response coordination in Exercise Longreach in Apia, stressing faster, Pacific-led emergency support after the 2009 tsunami lessons. Marine Conservation & Tuna Governance: Samoa-linked work at WCPFC science meetings continues to push for stronger, science-based tuna management across the Western and Central Pacific. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoa’s traditional healers and government agencies are drafting a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge and set clearer referral pathways. Local Environment Risk: Firefighters tackled a Faleata Golf Course blaze in Tuanaimato believed to have started from burning rubbish, with investigations ongoing. Pacific Forum Climate Action: PIF leaders in Palau backed urgent climate action in the “Belau Declaration,” while the summit’s geopolitics (Taiwan-China tensions) threatened to distract from climate and resilience priorities.

Pacific Climate Action at PIF: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau wrapped a week of talks and backed an “urgent and inclusive climate action” push to keep global warming within reach of 1.5°C, while also “registering concern” over a recent China missile test. Samoa’s Disaster Readiness: Samoa and Australia tested tsunami response together in Exercise Longreach in Apia, focusing on faster, Pacific-led coordination and warning lessons from the 2009 disaster. Climate Finance Pressure: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments to about US$1b and may approve another US$1b, but demand is straining resources and countries want simpler access. Sustainable Tuna Governance: Samoa-linked fisheries work continues after WCPFC Scientific Committee SC22 in Apia, with emphasis on turning strong science into better tuna management. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoan traditional healers and government agencies are building a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways. Renewables and Resilience Funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility is moving from pledges toward community delivery, with Cook Islands PM urging money to reach people hit hardest by climate impacts. Biodiversity Angle: A major ocean-conservation push is highlighted by the Waitt Foundation’s $70m+ investment in marine protection and research. Local Fire Safety: Firefighters battled a Faleata Golf Course blaze after rubbish caught alight, with cause still under investigation. Sports (low priority): OFC U-16 Women’s Championship kicks off in Solomon Islands with Samoa among the teams.

Pacific Climate Action at PIF: Leaders wrapped up the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau with the Belau Declaration, pushing urgent, inclusive climate action to keep global warming within reach of 1.5°C, while also registering concern over China’s July missile test. Disaster Preparedness in Samoa: Samoa and Australia tested joint readiness in Exercise Longreach in Apia, running tsunami emergency simulations to strengthen tsunami response, coordination, and rapid support for coastal communities still mindful of the 2009 disaster. Climate Finance Pressure: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments and may approve another US$1 billion, but demand is straining resources—so it’s reforming to simplify access and cut barriers. Renewables Push: Palau launched a US$2 billion prospectus for energy projects aimed at powering the region with renewables, as the PIF agenda keeps circling back to energy security. Samoa at the Leaders Dialogue: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister highlighted practical regional priorities: digital and AI governance, renewable energy transition, climate leadership, and stronger support mechanisms. Marine & Tuna Sustainability: Samoa-based WCPFC work continues, with MMR backing science-led decisions to support sustainable tuna fisheries. Local Environment Incident: Firefighters worked to extinguish a blaze at Faleata Golf Course, believed to have started from burning rubbish, with windy conditions raising the risk of spread. Climate Science Event: Solomon Islands will host the POPCCC climate science conference at SINU (Sept 14–18), aiming to amplify Pacific-led research and action. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoa’s traditional healers are collaborating with government agencies to build a national framework to safeguard traditional healing knowledge.

Climate Finance Push: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments to about US$1b and may approve another US$1b, but rising demand is straining resources as Pacific leaders press for faster, simpler access to climate money. Pacific Climate Science: Solomon Islands will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference at SINU (Sept 14–18), with universities across the region including Samoa’s, focusing on action to stay within 1.5°C. Samoa at PIFLM55: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister held bilateral talks with partners including New Zealand, EU, Japan, Canada, Singapore, UK and China, aligning cooperation with the 2050 Blue Pacific agenda and climate leadership. Blue Pacific Funding: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged backers to fund the Pacific Resilience Facility so climate adaptation money reaches communities, not just treaties. Tuna Sustainability: Samoa-linked fisheries work continues ahead of WCPFC decisions, with MMR supporting science for sustainable tuna management. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoan traditional healers and government agencies are drafting a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways between doctors and healers. Local Environment Incident: Firefighters tackled a Faleata Golf Course blaze believed to have started from burning rubbish, with windy conditions raising fears of spread. EU Partnership: Pacific ACP leaders in Palau urged ratification of the Samoa Agreement to unlock practical outcomes with the European Union.**

Faleata Golf Course Fire: Firefighters worked to fully extinguish a blaze at Faleata Golf Course in Tuanaimato after rubbish collected during cleaning caught alight, with windy conditions raising fears of spread; the cause is still under investigation. Samoa at PIFLM55: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister led bilateral talks with partners including New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Japan, Singapore, the UK, Canada, the EU and China, reaffirming support for the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and people-centred regional priorities. Climate Finance Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown backed the Pacific Resilience Facility, saying it has moved from idea to funding and now needs money to reach communities hit hardest by climate change. Tuna Sustainability in Samoa: Samoa’s Ministry of Marine Resources returned from WCPFC Scientific Committee SC22 in Apia, supporting science-led management for sustainable tuna fisheries ahead of the next commission session. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoan Traditional Healers are working with government agencies to develop a national framework to safeguard traditional healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways between doctors and healers. PIF Geopolitics Overshadow: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau opened amid missing leaders and China’s “consequences” warning over Taiwan’s presence, while Samoa and others stressed climate and resilience remain urgent.

Pacific Climate Science: Solomon Islands’ SINU will host the 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) Sept 14–18, bringing Pacific-led research to the spotlight under the theme “Amplifying One Pacific Voice for Action on 1.5°C to Stay Alive,” with SPREP and the National University of Samoa among key organisers. Samoa at PIFLM55: Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister led bilateral engagements with partners including New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Japan, Singapore, the UK, Canada, the EU and China, tying cooperation to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and priorities like resilience and climate leadership. Blue Pacific Finance Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged backers to fund the Pacific Resilience Facility so adaptation money reaches communities, not just treaties. Tuna Sustainability: Samoa-based WCPFC Scientific Committee work continues to feed better tuna management decisions, with MMR reporting on the SC22 meeting in Apia. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Samoan traditional healers and government agencies are drafting a national framework to safeguard healing knowledge, including clearer referral pathways between doctors and healers. Water Security: French Polynesia hosts the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and PWWA Expo (Aug 31–Sept 4) to strengthen climate-resilient water and wastewater services across the region. Biodiversity/Marine Conservation: The Waitt Foundation’s $70 million ocean-conservation push highlights long-term marine protection and research support.