AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security & Crime Response: PNG Police Commissioner David Manning told a Pacific Islands Forum side event that intelligence-sharing is slowed by “process of clearing” delays, calling for streamlined procedures and regional mechanisms to share information faster. Regional Unity Amid Climate Pressure: Prime Minister James Marape urged Pacific leaders to stay united as geopolitics and climate change drive fragility and imported inflation, pointing to PNG’s fuel-cost support as a sign of how global shocks hit small economies. PNG–Niue Cooperation: Marape and Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi signed a framework agreement covering trade, health, agriculture and climate resilience, including environmental protection and natural resource management. Off-Grid Power for Health: A new review highlights PNG mini hydropower, using Kudjip Nazarene Hospital’s system as proof that community ownership and local skills keep renewable power running long-term. Climate Finance to Communities: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to pre-COP events and COP31, with themes including water security, coastal restoration, sanitation and renewable energy. Deep-Sea Mining Caution: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says seabed mining should stay in research mode until science and answers are ready, warning of legal risks from stronger environmental rules. Land, Environment & Customary Tenure: A call urges Parliament to fund Incorporated Land Group registration so customary landowners can directly participate in resource decisions and sustainable environmental management. Biodiversity Notes: A rare black bass “ikan kanai” was spotted again in Penang waters after 15 years, with the species linked to estuaries and mangrove habitats also found in PNG. Hydropower Safety & Climate Impacts: PNG’s revised seismic design manual is pushing bridge redesigns as climate change and earthquake impacts raise safety concerns, including the Markham bridge. Gold Exploration Update: Great Pacific Gold reported broad, shallow gold intercepts from its Wild Dog Project drilling, adding detail for future mine planning in East New Britain.

Pacific Climate Finance: The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) is taking 14 community projects to the global climate stage, with funding aimed at water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy and resilience ahead of Palau pre-COP meetings and COP31. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says seabed mining will stay cautious and science-led, warning that stronger environmental rules could trigger costly investor-state disputes—an issue flagged for PNG and other Pacific states. PNG Infrastructure Safety: PNG’s revised seismic design manual is pushing redesigns for hazardous bridges, including Markham Bridge, as climate impacts and higher traffic loads from projects like Wafi-Golpu raise safety concerns. Biodiversity & Nature: A rare ikan kanai (black bass) was spotted again in Penang waters after 15 years, with the species linked to estuaries and mangrove habitats also found in PNG. Marine Life Discovery: Scientists have identified a new fuzzy fish species from PNG waters—Solenostomus snuffleupagus—highlighting how much biodiversity still remains to be found. Mining & Land Benefits: The revised Hidden Valley CDA has been signed, clearing the way for landowners and communities in Morobe to access benefits tied to the gold operation.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting opened amid major absences and fresh China–Taiwan tension, with Australia saying the forum decides attendance after Beijing warned of “consequences” for Taiwan’s presence and questioned leaders’ no-shows. Deep-sea mining safeguards: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged caution on seabed mining, saying extraction won’t move ahead until science and answers are in hand, as a new report warns stronger rules could trigger costly investor-state disputes. PNG infrastructure safety: PNG Works and Highways says climate change is affecting bridges, flagging Markham Bridge as a safety hazard and pointing to redesigns/reconstruction needs as traffic rises toward Wafi Golpu. Fisheries and biodiversity: A rare black bass/ikan kanai (Lutjanus goldiei) was reportedly caught in Penang waters after about 15 years, highlighting the species’ link to estuaries and mangrove habitats. Ghost nets cleanup: Indigenous ranger groups in Australia’s north are removing “ghost nets” that keep killing marine wildlife, using drones and AI as funding continues. PNG finance protection: Nasfund and partners signed the PNG Empower Finance Code to tackle financial abuse and coercion, especially as digital channels grow. Hidden Valley CDA signed: Morobe’s revised Community Development Agreement for the Hidden Valley mining project is now signed, clearing the way for landowners to access community benefits.

Drought Watch for Bougainville: The Autonomous Bougainville Government has placed the region on Drought Alert as El Niño-linked below-normal rainfall (80–90% probability) threatens water supplies, food gardens, health and logistics for outer-island communities. Climate and Children’s Water Crisis: Nepal’s flash-flood aftermath is leaving children in overcrowded shelters at higher risk of illness as families struggle to access clean drinking water. Marine Life and Pollution Cleanup: Indigenous ranger groups in northern Australia are pulling “ghost nets” from the sea to stop turtles, dugongs and sharks being killed by abandoned fishing gear. Biodiversity Update for PNG: The Spinach Pipefish has been rediscovered in the Sepik River after more than 40 years, with local fishers helping scientists confirm the species. Fisheries Transparency Push: Sixteen nations, including Papua New Guinea, backed the Mombasa Declaration to improve fisheries transparency and curb illegal fishing through better sharing of vessel and licensing information. Pacific Forum in Palau: Leaders gather in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum as climate integrity, security and regional priorities take centre stage.

El Niño Watch for PNG and the region: Bougainville has been placed on drought alert as El Niño-linked below-normal rainfall is forecast for Sep–Nov 2026, raising alarms for water supplies, food gardens, health and remote island logistics. Climate integrity push: Transparency International Pacific chapters are urging Pacific leaders heading to Palau to strengthen integrity safeguards in climate governance ahead of COP31 milestones. Fisheries transparency fight: Sixteen nations, including Papua New Guinea, backed the Mombasa Declaration to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing using low-cost transparency reforms like better vessel and licensing information. Climate mobility in action: Fiji launched a NZ-funded Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships Programme to relocate vulnerable communities through rights-based planning, with IOM and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat leading implementation. Nature and biodiversity: PNG’s Sepik River spinach pipefish was rediscovered after more than 40 years, with local fishers and communities helping scientists confirm the species. Community environment work: Students at UPNG joined a campus cleanathon, while Kundiawa police led a town clean-up to improve waste disposal and public spaces. Health security with environmental links: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO, bringing together health, agriculture, environment and security sectors to map gaps and plan preparedness.

Drought Watch for Bougainville: The Autonomous Bougainville Government has placed the region on Drought Alert as El Niño raises the odds of below-normal rainfall (80–90% probability) through Sep–Nov, with warnings for water supplies, food gardens, health risks and pressure on remote communities. El Niño and Pacific Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau are expected to push Australia on climate action and emissions, with a record El Niño looming and security concerns tied to the region’s future. PNG Health Security Upgrade: Papua New Guinea has completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing capacities across health, agriculture, environment, security and finance to strengthen preparedness and response. Biodiversity Rediscovery: The Spinach Pipefish, unseen in scientific records since 1985, has been rediscovered in the Sepik River after a community-led survey. Deep-sea Mining Legal Risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten deep-sea mining rules, creating a “chilling effect” on environmental protections. PNG Energy Deal Moves Ahead: Papua LNG has signed three agreements aimed at triggering a Final Investment Decision by Dec 15, 2026, reshaping risk-sharing and long-term energy security. Maritime Safety Mapping: A PNG-Australia hydrographic survey has produced fresh navigational data off Morobe to improve charting and safer passage. Conservation Science in PNG: A newly identified New Guinea groundsnake species has been named Lielaphis slashi, highlighting threatened forest habitat and ongoing discoveries. Rural Livelihood Support: TISA and the Kyeema Foundation signed a partnership to expand rural livelihoods and sustainable development through financial inclusion.

Sepik biodiversity win: PNG’s Spinach Pipefish (Microphis spinachioides) has been rediscovered in the Lower Sepik after more than 40 years, found with help from local fishers and village knowledge at Imbando. Health security upgrade: Papua New Guinea completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing capacities to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats across sectors including environment and agriculture. Climate diplomacy pressure: Pacific leaders head to the Palau summit as Australia faces renewed calls to phase out coal and gas and deliver real climate action. Bird flu preparedness: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for avian influenza (H5N1) and strengthen One Health coordination linking human, animal and environmental health. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten rules on deep-sea mining. El Niño impacts: The strongest El Niño in a generation is already disrupting food and economies, with knock-on effects expected for agriculture and livelihoods. Blue carbon momentum: Pacific partners are pushing blue carbon policy and finance, focusing on practical governance conditions to turn plans into on-the-ground action.

Pacific Islands Forum climate showdown: Leaders head to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, with Australia facing renewed pressure to cut emissions fast, including calls to phase out coal and gas and stop new fossil fuel approvals. Bird flu preparedness: WHO urges Pacific countries to strengthen “One Health” readiness for avian influenza (H5N1) after detections in Australia and New Zealand raise spillover risks for people and livelihoods. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face investor-state lawsuits that may also discourage stronger environmental rules as deep-sea mining plans advance. Blue carbon push: Pacific partners are sharing practical approaches to blue carbon policy and finance, focusing on what it takes to turn mangrove and ocean protection into real funding. PNG biodiversity find: Scientists describe a newly discovered New Guinea groundsnake, highlighting threatened forest habitat and the need to protect biodiversity hotspots. El Niño impacts on food systems: Coverage flags El Niño’s growing disruption effects, from agriculture stress to wider economic shocks that can hit food and farming across the region. PNG agriculture and trade: PNG’s Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka brings farmers, standards bodies and trade agencies together to boost market access for local commodities. PNG health security upgrade: PNG completes its first Joint External Evaluation to strengthen preparedness and response to public health emergencies, with WHO-led recommendations feeding into a national action plan. PNG energy deal momentum: Papua LNG signs three key agreements with ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies to support a Final Investment Decision by December 15, 2026, aiming to improve long-term energy security.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders from across the region will meet Aug. 30–Sept. 4, with the big test being whether island nations can keep a shared voice as China, the US and partners compete over security, Taiwan, and ocean resources. Bird flu preparedness: WHO urges Pacific countries to step up avian influenza (H5N1) readiness, stressing One Health coordination across human, animal and environmental health. Blue carbon push: Pacific-wide peer learning highlights how blue carbon policy and finance can turn mangrove and coastal protection into real projects, but only if rights, governance and local delivery are in place. Deep-sea mining legal risks: A new report warns Pacific governments could face investor-state lawsuits that may also “chill” stronger environmental rules. PNG health security upgrade: Papua New Guinea completes its first Joint External Evaluation to strengthen public health emergency preparedness, with recommendations feeding a national action plan. PNG LNG momentum: Government and Papua LNG developers ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies sign three agreements aimed at triggering a Final Investment Decision by Dec. 15, 2026. Rural livelihoods partnership: TISA and Kyeema Foundation sign a three-year MOU to expand financial inclusion and sustainable development in rural PNG. New Guinea biodiversity find: Scientists describe a newly identified New Guinea groundsnake, living in threatened forest habitat.

Pacific diplomacy & security: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese heads to the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau, touting a stack of new defence and policing deals that deepen its role across the region, including closer ties with PNG and a stronger regional security push. Deep-sea mining risk: Pacific governments are warned they could face costly investor-state lawsuits if they change course on deep-sea mining, with PNG named among countries exposed to arbitration “chilling effects” on stronger environmental rules. PNG energy push: Papua LNG signed three landmark agreements with the PNG government and developers ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies, aiming to unlock the Final Investment Decision by Dec 15, 2026 and improve long-term energy security. Climate mobility: A New Zealand-backed Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships Programme was launched to help islands plan people-centred responses to climate-driven displacement and relocation. Biodiversity discovery: Scientists described a new New Guinea groundsnake species, highlighting threatened forest habitat and the value of protecting PNG’s wildlife. El Niño pressure: PNG agriculture is preparing for El Niño impacts as traders and planners look for ways to manage disruption and protect food systems.

Agriculture & Trade: PNG’s Agriculture and Trade Festival 2026 in Goroka (28–30 Aug) is bringing farmers, processors, government and business together to push market access, standards and trade talks, including consultations on the Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE. Finance Reform: Bank of PNG outlined a reform agenda aimed at stability, inclusion and investment, with price stability and green finance flagged as key parts of the push. Deep-sea Mining Risks: A Pacific report warns that changes to deep-sea mining rules could trigger investor-state disputes, creating a “chilling effect” on stronger environmental protections in PNG and other countries. Climate Mobility: A NZ-backed Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships Programme (NZ$17.9m) was launched to help islands plan people-centred responses to climate-driven displacement and relocation. Blue Carbon Policy: Pacific partners held peer learning on blue carbon policy and finance, focusing on how safeguards, tenure and local governance shape whether projects deliver real benefits. PNG LNG Deal: PNG signed three landmark agreements with ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies to support a Final Investment Decision by 15 Dec 2026, including a risk-sharing price stabilization mechanism. Environment Litigation: A legal forum in PNG zoomed in on environmental litigation and the need for stronger judicial capacity to handle disputes. Maritime Safety: PNG and Australia completed a joint coastal charting survey off Morobe, improving navigation data and supporting PNG maritime sovereignty.

Bougainville Decision: A new call urges PNG Parliament to respect the 2019 Bougainville independence vote while rejecting secession, arguing for a renewed “national compact” built on autonomy, resource justice and partnership inside a united PNG. Whale Protection & Blue Corridors: WWF and partners highlight “blue corridors” for whale highways, pushing for safeguards in international waters where whales migrate beyond national boundaries. Blue Carbon Policy: The Pacific Working Group on blue carbon met to dig into blue carbon financing and governance, stressing that tenure, rights and local implementation determine whether projects deliver real outcomes. Disaster Response (Nepal): Save the Children reports flash-flood devastation in Northern Nepal, with families cut off, clean water disrupted and rescue slowed by blocked roads. Customary Land & Tourism (Milne Bay): Prime Minister Marape warns landowners not to sell customary land, urging proper registration under ILGs and using land for tourism and eco-businesses. Fisheries Transparency: FiTI and CFT back global moves to improve vessel data transparency, but warn implementation must be verifiable and stakeholder-driven. Deep-Sea Mining Risks: A report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten environmental rules around deep-sea mining. Food Security & Resilience (APEC): APEC ministers adopt principles linking innovation and digital tools to strengthen food systems against extreme weather and supply shocks.

US–Palau Compact: The U.S. and Palau signed a renewed Compact Free Association deal worth US$890m over 20 years, now awaiting U.S. congressional approval—an important Pacific stability and development signal. Healthcare & capacity: A Bulolo Hospital story raises alarms over “world class” medical equipment sitting unused because no doctors are available, turning investment into preventable risk. Food systems & trade: PNG’s agriculture push is on display at APEC, with fresh produce value-chain research underway and a focus on fixing gaps in mechanisation, irrigation, storage, processing, transport and cold chains. Climate-smart cocoa & palm: Indonesia is exploring deeper cocoa and palm value-chain ties with Malaysia and PNG, explicitly linking sustainability to climate impacts and biodiversity loss. Land rights for conservation-linked growth: Prime Minister Marape urges Milne Bay customary landowners not to sell land, backing tourism and small business plans tied to registered land groups. Maritime mapping: HMAS Leeuwin completes a hydrographic survey in Morobe to improve navigation safety and support PNG maritime sovereignty. Deep-sea mining safeguards: A Pacific report warns investor-state dispute rules could chill stronger environmental protections as deep-sea mining interest grows. Biodiversity & hunting pressure: New global maps show hunting expanding into tropical “refuges,” with Papua New Guinea flagged among areas still more resistant. Regional disaster resilience: Pacific nations meet in Honiara to strengthen geohazard and tsunami early-warning coordination for 2026–2030. Fisheries transparency: PNG is among signatories to the Mombasa Declaration, with transparency groups stressing implementation must be verifiable and stakeholder-led.

Deep-sea mining sovereignty risk: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns that Investor-State Dispute Settlement rules could let foreign investors sue Pacific governments if they tighten or reverse environmental and regulatory decisions on deep-sea mining—raising a “chilling effect” on stronger protections, with Papua New Guinea named among those exposed. Biodiversity under pressure from hunting: New global maps show hunting pressure in tropical forests expanded from 2000–2015, reaching even remote areas once seen as wildlife refuges; the study flags “empty forests” risk and notes Papua New Guinea as among the more resistant refuges. Regional disaster resilience push: Pacific states met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami and volcanic preparedness, backing priorities for better seismic data sharing, monitoring interoperability, workforce development and investment in critical infrastructure for 2026–2030. El Niño planning for food security: PNG stakeholders endorsed a 2026–27 El Niño Plan of Action for Agricultural Drought, outlining preparedness, anticipatory action, response and recovery steps to protect rural livelihoods. Fisheries transparency momentum: FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency welcomed international moves like the Mombasa Declaration, but stressed that real progress will depend on verifiable, stakeholder-driven implementation. Tourism and environment-linked land use: PNG showcased its travel offering at Singapore’s NATAS fair, while Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport was framed as a tourism boost tied to customary landowners keeping land rights and building eco-friendly visitor businesses.

Deep-sea mining sovereignty: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns that Investor-State Dispute Settlement rules could let foreign investors sue Pacific governments if they tighten environmental or regulatory protections for deep-sea mining—raising fears of “chilling effects” on future safeguards, with Papua New Guinea named among the exposed countries. El Niño drought planning: PNG stakeholders have endorsed actions under the El Niño Plan of Action for Agricultural Drought 2026–27, reviewing preparedness, anticipatory steps, response and recovery roles as conditions could worsen into 2027. Biodiversity finds: Researchers have rediscovered PNG’s spinach pipefish in the Sepik River after nearly four decades, with local fishers’ knowledge helping confirm the species’ survival. Conservation & invasive species: A PNG-linked conservation story from the region highlights saltwater crocodiles in Australia eating toxic cane toads without apparent harm—offering clues for managing invasive impacts. Tourism + environment: Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport is set to boost tourism, with PM Marape urging customary landowners to keep land rights and build eco-friendly visitor businesses. Climate diplomacy: Pacific leaders are pushing for COP31 funding to translate climate and biodiversity promises into specific, implementable goals.

Tourism & Nature Promotion: Air Niugini and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority returned to Singapore’s NATAS Travel Fair, spotlighting PNG’s “pristine environment” and cultural heritage through a national pavilion and live performances. Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: A new Pacific report warns Investor-State Dispute Settlement could let foreign mining firms sue Pacific governments over efforts to regulate or protect the environment, raising risks to Pacific sovereignty as deep-sea mining interest grows. El Niño Preparedness: PNG stakeholders backed the El Niño agricultural drought plan (2026–27), with agencies and partners aligning on preparedness, anticipatory action, response and recovery for rural livelihoods. Biodiversity Rediscovery: Scientists rediscovered the spinach pipefish in the Sepik River after nearly 40 years, with local fishers’ knowledge helping confirm the species’ survival. Climate-Resilient Schools: PNG launched a Resilient School Infrastructure Policy to strengthen disaster- and climate-risk standards across planning, construction, maintenance and management. Marine Protection Push: A Pacific-focused climate diplomacy piece argues Australia should use the Blue Corridors idea to connect ocean protection across borders and the high seas. Wildlife Sector Collaboration: The Zoo & Aquarium Association held a record 2026 conference in Auckland, drawing PNG delegates and putting sustainability and Indigenous engagement at the centre.