AGP Executive Report

El Niño and drought watch: Samoa is bracing for another three months of below-normal rainfall as El Niño strengthens, with an 80–90% chance of drier conditions. The Ministry of Health has issued a public health advisory warning of hotter weather, shifting rainfall, pressure on water and food supplies, higher mosquito-borne and heat-related illness risks, and an increased chance of bush and forest fires. Climate science in local waters: A new study is tracking ocean acidification signals in the Savaia Village marine protected area on Upolu, finding lower-than-typical total alkalinity and a mean pH of 8.06—raising concerns for coral reefs, biodiversity, and fishery livelihoods. Community-led recycling: Pacific grassroots recyclers from Samoa and across the region are set to help shape waste and recycling policy at a co-design workshop in Vanuatu (Sept 16–18), pushing for decisions that reflect real community conditions and the dignity and safety of people doing the work. Marine and biodiversity monitoring: The same marine focus continues with the Savaia carbon-chemistry monitoring project, aimed at better understanding how climate impacts may flow through coastal ecosystems. Traditional knowledge at sea: A traditional stitch-plank va’a folau has returned to Samoa after more than a century, with a project turning a tree planted nearly 25 years ago into a new canoe—supporting cultural knowledge and maritime heritage.

El Niño Watch: Samoa is bracing for another three months of below-normal rainfall as El Niño strengthens, with an 80–90% chance of drier conditions. The dry spell is already hitting crops and prices, and it’s also raising wildfire risk after fires in Vaitele and Faleata. Public Health Advisory: The Ministry of Health is warning that El Niño could worsen mosquito-borne illness, water- and food-borne disease, and heat stress, while also noting possible water shortages and pressure on marine ecosystems and food sources. Climate Science in the Sea: A new study is tracking ocean acidification signals in Samoa’s Savaia Village marine protected area, finding lower-than-typical alkalinity and a potential threat to coral reefs, biodiversity, and fisheries. Waste & Recycling Voices: Pacific grassroots recyclers from Samoa and across the region will help shape recycling policy at a Vanuatu workshop, pushing for community-led, practical solutions. Traditional Knowledge Returns: A traditional stitch-plank va’a folau has been launched in Samoa after decades of work, helping revive canoe-building skills tied to the sea.

El Niño & Water Security: Samoa is bracing for another three months of below-normal rainfall as El Niño strengthens, with an 80–90% chance of drier conditions. The forecast is already hitting farms and pushing up food prices, while dry grass and vegetation raise wildfire risk, following blazes at Vaitele and Faleata. Public Health Advisory: Samoa’s Ministry of Health has issued guidance for El Niño impacts, warning of hotter, drier weather, water and food supply stress, higher mosquito-borne and heat-related illness risks, and possible increases in heavy rain and cyclone activity. Ocean Acidification Research (Samoa): A new study is monitoring seawater carbon chemistry in the Savaia Village marine protected area on Upolu, finding lower total alkalinity and pH that could signal acidification pressure on coral reefs, biodiversity, and fishery livelihoods. Community Waste Voices: Grassroots recyclers from across the Pacific, including Samoa, are set to help shape recycling and waste policy at a Vanuatu workshop, pushing for community-led decision-making. Traditional Knowledge at Sea: A traditional stitch-plank va’a folau has returned to Samoa after more than a century, reviving canoe-building knowledge for a new generation. Regional Weather Readiness: Pacific meteorological leaders report early progress on Weather Ready Pacific and stronger early warning systems, while still flagging gaps in warning communication and integrated forecasting.

El Niño & Water Security: Samoa is bracing for another three months of below-normal rainfall as El Niño strengthens, with an 80–90% chance of drier conditions. Farmers warn crops are already suffering, prices are rising, and dry grass is increasing fire risk after blazes in Vaitele and Faleata. Public Health Advisory: Samoa’s Ministry of Health says El Niño could mean hotter, drier weather, shifting rainfall, pressure on water and food supplies, and higher bushfire risk—while also raising concerns for mosquito-borne illness, water/food-borne disease, and heat stress, alongside dengue response. Marine Life Under Pressure: New research on the Savaia Village marine protected area (Upolu) finds low seawater pH and reduced total alkalinity, pointing to early ocean acidification pressures that could affect coral reefs, biodiversity, and fishery livelihoods. Community Recycling Voice: Pacific grassroots recyclers from Samoa and across the region are set to shape waste and recycling policy at a Vanuatu workshop, pushing for decisions that reflect real community conditions. Traditional Knowledge at Sea: A traditional stitch-plank va’a folau has returned to Samoa after more than a century, reviving canoe-building skills and linking a long-planted tree to a new generation of learners. Regional Weather Readiness: A Pacific Meteorological Council update highlights progress on Weather Ready Pacific, including stronger observation networks and early improvements in forecasting foundations.

El Niño Health Alert: Samoa’s Ministry of Health has issued a public health advisory as El Niño conditions are expected to bring hotter, drier weather, shifting rainfall, and higher risks for dengue and other water- and food-borne illnesses, plus heat stress and bush/forest fires. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Pacific nations are strengthening weather services and early warning systems through PMC-8, with examples like Tonga’s multi-hazard centre, Kiribati’s upgraded stations, and Tuvalu’s faster forecasting using AI. Waste & Recycling Voices: Grassroots recyclers from across the Pacific, including Samoa, will help shape regional waste policy at a Vanuatu workshop, pushing for systems that reflect community realities and better recognition for collection workers. Marine Science in Samoa: A new study is monitoring seawater carbon chemistry in the Savaia marine protected area on Upolu, flagging low pH and alkalinity that could signal acidification pressures for coral reefs and fisheries. Traditional Knowledge at Sea: A traditional stitch-plank va’a folau has returned to Samoa after more than a century, reviving canoe-building knowledge and linking a long-planted tree to a new generation of learners. Regional Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund says its tuna- and food-security work aims to protect livelihoods as climate change shifts fish movements, using better forecasting and stronger community access. Community Resilience on the Ground: Samoa’s Housing Assistance Scheme is helping 97 families with affordable loans for first homes and renovations—supporting safer, healthier living as climate pressures mount.

El Niño Health Alert: Samoa’s Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory as El Niño conditions are expected to bring hotter, drier weather, shifting rainfall, and higher risks for mosquito-borne illness, water- and food-borne disease, and heat stress—along with drought pressures, possible electricity shortages, and a higher chance of bush and forest fires. Waste & Recycling Policy: Pacific recycling groups are set to feed grassroots realities into a Vanuatu workshop on circular waste policy, with Samoa among the represented countries—pushing for safer, more dignified recognition of recyclers and practical collection systems. Marine Science in Samoa: New research is tracking ocean acidification signals in the Savaia Village marine protected area on Upolu, finding lower-than-typical total alkalinity and pH that could affect coral health and fishery livelihoods. Traditional Knowledge at Sea: A traditional stitch-plank va’a folau returned to Samoa after more than a century, reviving canoe-building knowledge and linking a long-planted tree to a new generation of craft learners. Disaster Readiness: Samoa and Australia tested tsunami response coordination in Exercise Longreach, focusing on information sharing and recovery support during major emergencies.

Ocean Acidification Watch: A new Samoa study tracks seawater carbon chemistry in the Savaia Village marine protected area on Upolu, finding mean pH around 8.06 and lower-than-typical total alkalinity—signals that could mean more acidification pressure on coral reefs, biodiversity, and fishery livelihoods. Climate & Fire Risk: Samoa faces heightened hazard as El Niño-driven dryness follows a second fire in five days, raising concerns for land and coastal ecosystems. Disaster Preparedness: Samoa and Australia ran Exercise Longreach in Apia with a tsunami scenario, testing coordination and resource sharing to strengthen a Pacific-led response. Traditional Knowledge at Sea: A traditional stitch-plank va’a folau returned to Samoa after more than a century, with a tree-to-canoe project helping revive canoe-building skills and keep maritime knowledge alive. Community Resilience & Food Systems: The Green Climate Fund highlights climate-proofing for tuna, agriculture, and food security, including improved fisheries forecasting and community access to tuna. Housing & Sustainability: Samoa’s $6M Housing Assistance Scheme supported 97 families with affordable loans for first homes and renovations, aiming for safer, healthier living conditions.

Ocean Acidification Watch (Samoa): A new study monitoring seawater chemistry in the Savaia Village marine protected area on Upolu found mean pH of 8.06 and unusually low total alkalinity, pointing to acidification pressure that could affect coral reefs, biodiversity, and fishery livelihoods. Climate & Disaster Readiness (Samoa): Samoa and Australia tested disaster coordination in Exercise Longreach in Apia, using a tsunami scenario to stress information sharing, resource allocation, and a Pacific-led response. El Niño Risk (Pacific): ChildFund New Zealand warns a strong El Niño is likely to intensify drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, raising pressure on safe drinking water, food supplies, and children’s health. Fuel Crisis + Polycrisis (Pacific): The same outlook links ongoing fuel shortages and rising costs with extreme weather, urging early preparation to avoid cascading impacts. Food Security & Tuna (Pacific): The Green Climate Fund says its tuna-focused work aims to protect Pacific food security and livelihoods as climate change shifts tuna movement, including better forecasting and stronger community access. Housing for Resilience (Samoa): Samoa’s $6M Housing Assistance Scheme via the Samoa Housing Corporation supported 97 families with affordable loans for first homes and renovations, backing safer, healthier living conditions. Community Conservation (Fiji-led): NatureFiji-MareqetiViti highlights community-led biodiversity solutions through a Fiji Country Hub that connects local groups with regional conservation knowledge and support.

Ocean Acidification Watch (Samoa): A new study is tracking seawater carbon chemistry inside the Savaia Village marine protected area on Upolu, finding lower-than-typical total alkalinity and a mean pH around 8.06—signals that could mean acidification pressure on coral, biodiversity, and fishery livelihoods. Climate Resilience & Food Security (Pacific): The Green Climate Fund says its tuna-focused work aims to protect Pacific food security as climate change shifts tuna movement, backing better forecasting and stronger community access to the fish. Disaster Preparedness (Samoa): Samoa and Australia tested tsunami response coordination in Exercise Longreach, using tabletop and simulation drills to improve information sharing and recovery support. Biodiversity Solutions (Fiji-led, Pacific-wide): NatureFiji-MareqetiViti highlights community-led conservation as the way forward, calling for local action backed by access to knowledge, technology, and funding. El Niño Risk (Pacific): ChildFund warns a strengthening El Niño could bring drought in some areas and heavier rain in others, raising pressure on drinking water, food, and children’s health. Housing for Families (Samoa): Samoa’s $6M Housing Assistance Scheme is supporting 97 families with affordable loans for first homes and renovations, aiming for safer, healthier living conditions. Regional Diplomacy (PIF in Palau): Pacific leaders’ meeting outcomes were shaped by empty chairs and big-power pressure, with climate resilience and oceans still on the agenda.

Ocean Acidification in Samoa: A new study monitored seawater carbon chemistry in the Savaia Village marine protected area on Upolu for a year, finding mean pH of 8.06 and lower-than-typical total alkalinity—signals that could mean acidification pressure on nearby coral reefs, biodiversity, and fishery livelihoods. Pacific Climate Finance: In Palau, Green Climate Fund executive director Mafalda Duarte said the Fund has boosted Pacific commitments to about US$1 billion and is pushing to simplify access, with possible approval of another US$1 billion as demand strains resources. Disaster Preparedness: Samoa and Australia tested joint response readiness in Apia through Exercise Longreach, using a tsunami scenario to strengthen coordination, information sharing, and rapid support for affected communities. Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: The 55th PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau advanced climate and security steps, but also highlighted empty chairs and rising geopolitical pressure around China and Taiwan—an issue that could shape how outside partners engage the region. El Niño Warning for the Pacific: ChildFund New Zealand warns fuel shortages plus a strengthening El Niño could trigger a polycrisis, with drought risks in some areas and heavier rain in others—especially threatening safe drinking water, food, and children’s health. Samoa Housing Support: Samoa’s $6M Housing Assistance Scheme helped 97 families via 5% loans for first homes and renovations, aiming to reduce overcrowding and improve safer, healthier living.

Climate Science in Samoa’s Waters: A new study monitored ocean acidification signals in the Savaia Village marine protected area on Upolu, finding mean pH around 8.06 and unusually low total alkalinity that could mean higher acidification pressure on coral reefs, biodiversity and fishery livelihoods. Disaster Preparedness: Samoa and Australia tested joint tsunami response during Exercise Longreach in Apia, running tabletop and simulation drills to improve coordination, information sharing and resource allocation across agencies. Climate Finance for Pacific Food Security: The Green Climate Fund says it has doubled Pacific commitments and is pushing reforms to simplify access, while backing programmes aimed at protecting tuna, agriculture and food production as climate impacts shift fish stocks. Pacific Diplomacy & Climate Action: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders issued an “urgent and inclusive climate action” push for 1.5°C, while also registering concern over a July China missile test—showing how climate and security tensions are colliding. Samoa-Australia Mobility Policy: Coverage highlights how Australia-Pacific bilateral agreements increasingly treat migration as part of adaptation, including agreements involving Samoa. Local Housing Support: Samoa’s $6M Housing Assistance Scheme helped 97 first-time homeowners and larger families build, buy or extend homes through the Samoa Housing Corporation.

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.