AGP Executive Report

Climate diplomacy: Nepal convened a “Sagarmatha to the Sea” UN meeting linking glacier melt and rising seas, with Samoa and other island states pushing for one united climate response. Renewables & disaster resilience: India’s External Affairs Minister co-chaired FIPIC talks in New York with Samoa’s Deputy PM/Finance Minister, focusing on renewable energy, climate action, disaster resilience, healthcare and capacity building. PIF partnership boost: India was placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “Strategic Partner Stream,” with cooperation framed around people-centred development. Court action on fossil fuels: Fiji’s AG opened a regional writeshop for Pacific submissions to the ICJ climate advisory case, arguing for climate justice and urgent cooperation. Media for loss & damage: SPREP and Pacific editors adopted a Savusavu Loss and Damage media declaration, urging stronger reporting on climate, biodiversity loss and pollution. Local conservation funding: Samoa CARES granted $3.12m to 62 community groups for coral reef and mangrove work, solar lighting, and sustainable livelihoods. Ocean & digital connectivity: Pacific leaders discussed safer, affordable digital spaces and sovereignty, while media training in Savusavu focused on reaching remote communities.

Climate Justice & Fossil Fuels: UN chief António Guterres urged governments to adopt national plans to phase out fossil fuels with clear timelines and support for workers and communities, warning climate shocks threaten energy and human security. Legal Climate Push: Fiji’s AG opened a regional writeshop for 16 Pacific states, including Samoa, preparing submissions to the ICJ on climate change—framing the case as a demand for climate justice. Pacific Media & Loss/Damage: SPREP and Conservation International-backed media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Declaration, calling for stronger reporting on climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Community Conservation Funding: Samoa CARES grants delivered $3.12m to 62 community groups for reef and mangrove work, solar lighting to cut diesel use, and sustainable agriculture like hydroponics and school gardens. Regional Partnerships for Nature: SPREP and Conservation International signed a five-year MOU to boost Pacific-led conservation science, innovative finance, and climate resilience. Samoa in Regional Climate Science: Samoa strengthens climate science partnership with SPC. Digital Access for the Blue Pacific: Pacific leaders discussed affordable, safer digital connectivity and cyber protections, with Samoa’s Deputy PM attending a UNGA81 side event.

Climate Justice in the Courts: Fiji’s Attorney General Siromi Turaga opened a Pacific writeshop in Nadi for 16 Pacific countries and territories preparing submissions to the ICJ on climate change, urging urgent global action so small islands aren’t left to “bear the brunt” of extreme weather. Regional Climate Messaging: The 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara wrapped with a Talanoa on ten takeaways, pushing Pacific agency and keeping 1.5°C “alive” through adaptation and science already in the region. Community Conservation Funding (Samoa): Samoa CARES awarded $3.12m in environmental grants to 62 community groups, backing coral reef conservation, mangrove rehabilitation, solar lighting to cut diesel use, and climate-smart agriculture like hydroponics and school gardens. Nature & Resilience Partnership: SPREP and Conservation International signed a five-year MOU to boost Pacific-led nature conservation, climate resilience, and conservation finance across marine and land ecosystems. Ocean & Media Reach: Pacific editors adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Declaration, stressing journalists’ role in amplifying Pacific voices on climate, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Ocean Protection Gap: A new global study says only about 10% of the world’s oceans are designated for conservation, with far less effectively protected—highlighting the need for real safeguards, not just labels. Digital Connectivity (Pacific): Pacific leaders discussed affordable, safer digital spaces and cyber-security at a UNGA side event, with Samoa’s Deputy PM attending. Fisheries Priorities: Pacific countries pressed for stronger international support for Pacific-led fisheries strategies at FAO COFI37 in Rome, highlighting science-based management and tuna sustainability.

Pacific Climate & Media: Pacific Editors and news leaders wrapped up the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Declaration, urging action to keep 1.5°C “alive and thrive” while highlighting the media’s role in covering climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Samoa Environment Grants: Samoa CARES delivered $3.12m in environmental grants to 62 community groups, backing coral reef conservation, mangrove rehabilitation, solar lighting and safer, lower-diesel community energy, plus hydroponics, poultry and better land management. Regional Nature Conservation Deal: SPREP and Conservation International signed a five-year MOU to boost Pacific-led conservation science, innovative finance and community solutions for nature protection and climate resilience. Samoa Climate Science Boost: Samoa’s SROS and SPC agreed a long-term science partnership to strengthen climate loss-and-damage research, monitoring, lab capability and data collection for better national decisions. Ocean Protection Gap: A new global study says only about 10% of the world’s oceans are designated for conservation, with far less effectively protected—raising the stakes for stronger marine safeguards. UN Fossil Fuel Push: UN chief António Guterres urged governments to adopt fossil-fuel transition plans with clear timelines and worker/community protections. India–Pacific Cooperation: On UNGA sidelines, India’s FIPIC foreign ministers reaffirmed cooperation on renewables, climate action and disaster resilience, with Samoa’s Deputy PM and Finance Minister among participants.

Community Grants for Nature: Samoa CARES has awarded $3.12m to 62 community groups for coral reef conservation, mangrove rehabilitation, solar lighting, and farm support like hydroponics and poultry—backed by Australia, UNDP and Samoa’s environment ministry. Climate Science in Samoa: SROS and the Pacific Community (SPC) signed a long-term partnership to strengthen Samoa’s climate research, including better methods for assessing loss and damage, plus monitoring, lab capability and ecosystem work. Ocean Protection Reality Check: A new global study finds only about 10% of the world’s oceans are designated for conservation, with far less effectively protected—highlighting the gap between “paper” protection and real safeguards. Pacific Climate Voice: The 5th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference in Honiara wrapped with ten takeaways focused on Pacific agency, keeping 1.5°C alive, and pushing Pacific priorities into global climate processes. Fisheries Focus: Pacific countries pressed for stronger international support for Pacific-led tuna strategies at FAO COFI37 in Rome, stressing science-based management and regional cooperation. Digital News Capacity: A PACMAS-supported digital skills workshop in Savusavu trained Pacific newsrooms on mobile-first content and audience needs, ahead of the Pacific Media Summit.

Ocean Protection Gap: A new global study finds only about 10% of the world’s oceans are designated for conservation, with just 3.5% effectively protected—raising alarms that “paper parks” aren’t enough to stop damage. Community Climate Action (Samoa): Samoa CARES grants have gone to 62 community groups, including reef and mangrove work plus solar lighting to cut reliance on diesel generators. Nature & Climate Partnerships (Pacific): SPREP and Conservation International signed a five-year deal to boost Pacific-led conservation science, climate resilience, and conservation finance. Samoa Climate Science Boost: Samoa and the Pacific Community (SPC) are strengthening research capacity through a new partnership focused on climate data, monitoring, and better methods for assessing loss and damage. Fisheries Leadership (Pacific): Pacific countries pushed for stronger international support for Pacific-led tuna strategies at FAO’s COFI37 in Rome, highlighting science-based management and monitoring. Weather Ready Pacific: Pacific Ministers renewed commitment to Weather Ready Pacific, aiming to strengthen early warning systems and align investments across the region. Samoa in Parliament: Samoa is set to add a sixth woman MP after two by-elections, following the constitutional process under Article 44. Local Development (Savaii): A US$35 million township plan for Salelologa includes market and hospital upgrades and new government branches for easier services on Savai‘i.

Community Environment Funding: Samoa’s CARES programme has awarded $3.12 million to 62 community groups for coral reef conservation, mangrove rehabilitation, solar lighting, hydroponics, poultry, school gardens and better land management—backed by UNDP and Australia. Climate Science for Samoa: Samoa has signed a long-term partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) to strengthen national climate research capacity, including better methods for assessing climate-related loss and damage, plus monitoring, lab capability and ecosystem work. Nature Conservation Partnership: SPREP and Conservation International have launched a five-year MOU to boost Pacific-led nature conservation, conservation finance and climate resilience, linking regional science with community solutions. Weather and Early Warnings: Pacific Ministers have renewed political commitment to Weather Ready Pacific, aiming to align investments for stronger multi-hazard early warning systems, with Samoa and others set to follow Tonga’s radar upgrades. Ocean Storytelling for Resilience: Journalists at a Pacific media summit in Fiji focused on reaching remote communities and using digital tools to share ocean and climate adaptation stories. Fisheries Leadership at COFI37: Pacific countries pressed for stronger international support for Pacific-led tuna strategies at FAO’s fisheries meeting in Rome, highlighting science-based management and regional cooperation.

Community Grants: Samoa CARES has awarded 62 community organisations $3.12m for coral reef conservation, mangrove rehabilitation, solar lighting, and farm support like hydroponics and school gardens. Climate Science: Samoa is boosting climate research capacity through a new SROS–SPC partnership, targeting better methods for assessing climate loss and damage, plus monitoring, labs, and ecosystem work. Nature & Resilience Partnerships: SPREP and Conservation International signed a five-year MOU to accelerate Pacific-led conservation and climate resilience, linking biodiversity protection with community solutions. Weather & Early Warning: Pacific Ministers renewed commitment to stronger, integrated weather, climate, ocean and early warning services under the Weather Ready Pacific push. Fisheries Leadership: Pacific countries pressed for stronger international support for Pacific-led tuna fisheries strategies at FAO COFI37 in Rome, highlighting science-based management and monitoring. Digital Safety at UNGA81: Pacific leaders at UNGA81 discussed digital connectivity, cybersecurity, and safer digital spaces, with Samoa’s Deputy PM in the mix. Disaster Preparedness: Habitat for Humanity says communities in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are taking practical steps ahead of cyclone season, from safer shelter planning to safer access like solar-lit footpaths.

Community Environment Funding: Sixty-two Samoan community organisations have received grants under the Samoa CARES programme, backed by UNDP’s GEF Small Grants Programme and supported by Australia, with a total investment of $3.12 million for coral reef conservation, mangrove rehabilitation, and safer solar lighting to cut diesel reliance, plus agriculture projects like hydroponics, poultry, school gardens, and improved land management. Climate Science for Samoa: Samoa is strengthening its climate research capacity through a new long-term partnership between the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) and the Pacific Community (SPC), focused on better methods for assessing climate-related loss and damage, climate data and environmental monitoring, and support for labs, ecosystems, and agriculture. Regional Nature Partnerships: SPREP and Conservation International have signed a five-year MOU to accelerate Pacific-led nature conservation and climate resilience, combining regional leadership with biodiversity science and innovative conservation finance. Early Warning Focus: Pacific Ministers have renewed commitment to stronger, more integrated weather, climate, ocean, and water services, reaffirming the Weather Ready Pacific programme as the Pacific-led path to “Early Warnings for All,” with Samoa among countries slated for radar and observing-station upgrades. Resilience Ahead of Cyclones: Habitat for Humanity says community-led resilience work in Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga is helping households prepare for severe weather through safer shelter planning, improved access to safe water, and practical local upgrades like solar lighting and construction skills.

Climate & Water Watch: Samoa’s Meteorology Division warns El Niño is strengthening, with an 80–90% chance of below-normal rainfall over the next three months—raising alarms for water supplies, farm output, and wildfire risk. Nature Conservation: SPREP and Conservation International sign a five-year deal to boost Pacific-led conservation science, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience through community-led solutions and innovative finance. Climate Science for Samoa: SROS and SPC launch a long-term partnership to strengthen Samoa’s climate research and monitoring, including better methods for assessing climate-related loss and damage. Early Warning Systems: Pacific Ministers renew commitment to Weather Ready Pacific, backing stronger, integrated weather, climate, ocean and water services and multi-hazard early warning for the region. Marine Protection (Regional): National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a baseline expedition in Tokelau to map nearshore reefs, offshore and deep-sea biodiversity—supporting future ocean policy and marine spatial planning. Resilience on the Ground: Habitat for Humanity reports community-led shelter and safe-water upgrades across Fiji, Samoa and Tonga ahead of cyclone season. Fisheries: Pacific delegations press fisheries priorities at FAO COFI37, calling for stronger support for Pacific-led tuna management and regional cooperation.

Nature & Climate Partnership: SPREP and Conservation International signed a five-year MOU to boost Pacific-led conservation science, innovative finance, and community solutions to tackle biodiversity loss and climate resilience. Climate Science for Samoa: Samoa’s Scientific Research Organisation (SROS) and the Pacific Community (SPC) launched a long-term partnership to strengthen climate research and monitoring, including methods to assess climate-related loss and damage. Fisheries Leadership at COFI37: Pacific countries pushed for stronger international recognition and support for Pacific-led tuna strategies at FAO’s Committee on Fisheries in Rome, highlighting science-based management and regional cooperation. Weather Ready Pacific Momentum: Pacific Ministers renewed commitment to Weather Ready Pacific and early warning systems, with Samoa and others set to follow Tonga’s radar rollout and upgrades to observing networks. El Niño Dry Spell in Samoa: Samoa faces a high chance of below-normal rainfall over the next three months, raising alarms for water, farming, and wildfire risk. Tokelau Marine Protection Planning: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a baseline study of Tokelau’s reefs and open ocean to guide future protection areas and a national ocean policy. Cyclone Season Preparedness: Habitat for Humanity reports community-led steps in Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga to strengthen shelters, safe water access, and disaster planning ahead of severe weather. Waste & Recycling Voices: Grassroots recyclers across the region are set to shape waste and recycling policy at a Vanuatu workshop, pushing for systems that reflect community realities.

Climate & water risk: Samoa is bracing for El Niño-driven dryness, with an 80–90% chance of below-normal rainfall over the next three months, raising alarms for crops, water supplies and wildfire risk, while the Ministry of Health warns of knock-on public health impacts like dengue risk from stored water, heat illness, and water- and food-borne disease. Disaster readiness: Habitat for Humanity says communities in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are taking practical steps ahead of cyclone season—safer shelters, better access to safe water, and local plans to cut disaster impacts. Science for climate action: Samoa has signed a new partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) to strengthen climate science capacity, including better methods for assessing climate-related loss and damage, plus environmental monitoring and data analysis. Regional early warning push: Pacific Ministers reaffirmed Weather Ready Pacific as the Pacific-led route to stronger weather, climate, ocean and early warning services, with Samoa and others set to follow radar and observing upgrades. Marine conservation: National Geographic Pristine Seas is launching a baseline study of Tokelau’s reefs and open-ocean environments to guide future protection planning and a national ocean policy. Waste & recycling voices: Pacific grassroots recyclers are set to help shape regional waste and recycling policy at a Vanuatu workshop, pushing for community-led, practical solutions.

Climate & Water Security: Samoa is bracing for El Niño-driven dryness, with an 80–90% chance of below-normal rainfall over the next three months—raising alarms for crops, water supplies, prices, and faster-spreading fires. Health Advisory: Samoa’s Ministry of Health links El Niño to hotter, drier conditions that can worsen mosquito-borne disease, water/food-borne illness, and heat stress, while also noting possible heavy rain and cyclone risk. Early Warning & Resilience: Pacific Ministers backed Weather Ready Pacific and early warning upgrades, including radar and observing-station improvements that Samoa is set to benefit from. Marine Conservation: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a baseline study of Tokelau’s reefs and open-ocean ecosystems to guide future protection, including a national ocean policy and marine spatial planning. Climate Science Capacity: Samoa and the Pacific Community (SPC) signed a partnership to strengthen climate research, monitoring, and methods for assessing climate-related loss and damage. Waste & Recycling Voices: Grassroots recyclers from across the Pacific, including Samoa, will shape regional waste and recycling policy at a co-design workshop in Vanuatu. Community Preparedness: Habitat for Humanity is supporting Fiji, Samoa and Tonga with community-led shelter, safe water, and disaster planning ahead of cyclone season.

El Niño Watch: Samoa is heading into another three months of below-normal rainfall, with the Samoa Meteorology Division forecasting an 80–90% chance of dry conditions—raising alarms for water supplies, farm output, and wildfire risk. Public Health Advisory: The Ministry of Health warns El Niño could worsen mosquito-borne illness, water- and food-borne diseases, and heat stress, while drought may also strain electricity and pressure marine ecosystems. Climate Science Boost: Samoa has signed a long-term partnership between SROS and the Pacific Community (SPC) to strengthen climate research, monitoring, and data analysis—aimed at better understanding climate loss and damage and supporting national decision-making. Early Warning Push: Pacific Ministers reaffirmed Weather Ready Pacific as the path to stronger weather, climate, ocean, and multi-hazard early warning services, including upgrades to radar and observing networks. Marine Conservation in the Region: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a baseline study of Tokelau’s reefs and open-ocean ecosystems to guide future protection planning. Waste & Recycling Voices: Grassroots recyclers from Samoa and across the Pacific will help shape regional waste and recycling policy at a co-design workshop in Vanuatu. Community Resilience: Habitat for Humanity is supporting cyclone-season preparedness in Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga with safer housing, water access, and local disaster plans.

Marine Protection: National Geographic Pristine Seas is launching a first baseline survey of Tokelau’s nearshore reefs, open ocean and deepwater habitats, feeding plans for a future National Ocean Policy and marine spatial protection. Climate Science & Early Warnings: Samoa is strengthening climate research capacity through a new SROS–SPC partnership, while Pacific ministers reaffirmed Weather Ready Pacific to boost weather, climate and multi-hazard early warning services. El Niño Impacts: Samoa’s Ministry of Health issued an El Niño advisory warning of hotter, drier conditions that could strain water and food, worsen mosquito and heat risks, and raise bushfire danger. Drought Watch: Samoa is also facing a likely 80–90% chance of below-normal rainfall over the next three months, with farmers reporting crop and price pressure. Resilience for Cyclone Season: Habitat for Humanity says community-led shelter and safe-water upgrades in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are helping families prepare for severe weather. Waste & Recycling Voices: Pacific grassroots recyclers are set to shape regional waste policy at a Port Vila workshop, pushing for systems that reflect community realities. Biodiversity & Culture: A traditional stitch-plank va’a folau has returned to Samoa after more than a century, reviving canoe-building knowledge tied to the sea.

El Niño Watch for Samoa: Samoa is heading into another three months of below-normal rainfall as El Niño strengthens, with an 80–90% chance of drier conditions—raising alarms for water supplies, crop pressure, higher food prices, and a higher risk of bush and forest fires. Health Advisory: Samoa’s Ministry of Health warns El Niño could worsen mosquito-borne illness, water- and food-borne disease, and heat stress, urging households to manage standing water and prepare for shifting weather. Early Warnings for All: Pacific Ministers wrapped up the 4th Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology with renewed backing for Weather Ready Pacific and stronger, more integrated weather, climate, ocean and early warning services—Samoa is set to follow Tonga’s radar upgrades. Climate Knowledge for Policy: A new Pacific Climate Change Journal was launched at POPCCC in the Solomon Islands to get Pacific-made climate research into peer-reviewed literature and into decision-making. Cyclone-Season Preparedness: Habitat for Humanity says community-led resilience work in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga is improving shelter safety, safe water access, and local disaster plans ahead of the next cyclone season. Waste & Recycling Voices: Pacific grassroots recyclers are set to help shape regional waste policy at a Vanuatu workshop, pushing for systems that reflect real community conditions.