AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection: Papua New Guinea will protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus by banning fishing and other harmful activities, creating a Western Manus Marine Protected Area linked to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Climate & Biodiversity Action: NCD Governor Powes Parkop used World Environment Day to call for urgent climate action, warning that deforestation, endangered species and marine biodiversity loss could cause irreversible damage. Youth for the Environment: Parkop also announced six scholarships next year for environmental science—marine biology, botany and entomology—to build local expertise. Nature-Based Solutions: 321 Group joined World Environment Day with mangrove planting at Koke Hanua, donating tools to help restore coastal ecosystems. Clean Water Push: The EU and EIB Global backed a Water Wise Communities project with €25m concessional loan plus €16.4m in grants, aiming to improve drinking-water access for about 400,000 people. Waste to Value: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long “Trash to Treasure” sculpture festival, turning discarded materials into art with university and school participation.

World Environment Day push: NCD Governor Powes Parkop used World Environment Day in Port Moresby to call for urgent climate action, warning that deforestation, species endangerment and marine biodiversity loss could become irreversible without immediate steps. Marine protection: PNG announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area covering about 200,000 km², with a total fishing ban, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Clean water funding: The EU and EIB Global backed a Water Wise Communities project with €25m concessional loan plus €16.4m in grants, aiming to expand drinking-water networks and benefit about 400,000 people. Waste-to-value festival: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long “Trash to Treasure” sculpture festival, turning discarded materials into art with support for university and school participants. Mangrove restoration: 321 Group joined World Environment Day mangrove planting at Koke Hanua, donating tools to help grow and maintain coastal seedlings. Learning for future scientists: Parkop also announced six NCD scholarships next year for marine biology, botany and entomology students to build local environmental expertise. Water safety spotlight: A global drinking-water assessment highlighted unsafe water risks worldwide, pointing to how infrastructure and sanitation gaps—often worsened by environmental degradation and climate pressures—keep communities exposed. Coral Triangle conservation context: Coverage tied PNG’s marine move to the Coral Triangle’s high biodiversity and the need to protect ocean “highways” for both wildlife and livelihoods.

World Environment Day push: NCD Governor Powes Parkop used World Environment Day in Port Moresby to call for urgent climate action and protect PNG’s forests, coral reefs and threatened species, backing practical steps like tree planting and waste management. Green skills for biodiversity: Parkop also announced six new NCD scholarships next year for environmental science—marine biology, botany and entomology—to grow local expertise. Mangrove restoration by business: 321 Group marked the day with mangrove planting at Koke Hanua, donating tools to help nursery teams grow seedlings and protect coastal shorelines. Marine protection milestone: PNG announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area of about 200,000 km², with a total fishing ban, aimed at safeguarding Coral Triangle biodiversity and food security. Clean water investment: The EU and EIB backed a Water Wise Communities project to expand drinking-water networks, targeting an extra 400,000 people and climate-resilient urban water systems. Trash-to-treasure culture: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival, turning discarded materials into public art with student participation.

Marine Protection: Papua New Guinea will ban fishing across a new Western Manus Marine Protected Area covering about 200,000 km², aiming to safeguard biodiversity in the Coral Triangle and feed local communities while the plan is formalised nationally. Ocean Governance & Resilience: A new study flags that subsea telecom cables serving small islands are most vulnerable near coastlines, underlining the need for resilience planning as climate and human pressures grow. Clean Water Push: The EU and EIB are backing PNG’s Water Wise Communities project with €25m in concessional loan support plus €16.4m in grants, targeting safer drinking water for an extra 400,000 people. Sustainable Seas & Food Safety: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with PNG and regional authorities training to meet the new requirements. Climate Watch: Warnings point to possible El Niño mid-2026, with food security and water stress highlighted as urgent risks for PNG’s rural communities. Community Action: Port Moresby’s Nature Park launched its Trash to Treasure festival for World Environment Day, turning waste into student-made sculptures.

Clean Water Push: The EU and EIB signed a Water Wise Communities deal in Port Moresby, backing water infrastructure and climate resilience to improve safe drinking water for 400,000 people in PNG. Ocean Protection: PNG announced plans for the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary of more than 214,000 sq km in the Bismarck Sea, aimed at protecting biodiversity and supporting long-term fisheries. Trash to Treasure: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its 2026 Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, turning discarded materials into art with university and school participation. Solar Investment Dialogue: ISA and the World Bank convened a Pacific SIDS solar dialogue in Bali, focusing on investment-ready solar and storage projects, including a new 220 MW solar-plus-storage pipeline tender in Mauritius that PNG is part of. Governance & Delivery: A commentary argues PNG’s biggest development bottleneck is weak implementation in the public service, calling for system reform and better delivery. Aviation & Infrastructure: NAC began runway rehabilitation at Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport to enable Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 operations by end-2026, with drainage and safety upgrades. Community Clean-Up: NCDC and Bomana Correctional Services ran a Port Moresby sanitation drive with detainees, targeting litter removal along key city streets. Climate Risk Alert: Commentary warns PNG to prepare for a possible mid-2026 El Niño, stressing food security, early warning, and disaster readiness. Marine Life Research: New satellite-tracking research finds reef manta rays in Milne Bay dive deeper during storm events to feed, offering hope for a vulnerable species.

Ocean protection: Papua New Guinea is set to create the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary of more than 214,000 sq km in the Bismarck Sea—described as nearly the size of the UK and a major step for the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Coral Triangle stewardship: World Environment Day coverage highlights community-led marine and coastal resilience work in the Coral Triangle, including mangrove rehabilitation and stronger links between local knowledge and marine protected area governance. Marine safety & resilience: New research flags that subsea telecom cables serving small islands are most vulnerable near coastlines, underlining the need for resilience planning and investment. Fisheries market access: EU food safety rules for freezer vessels are rolling out after EU audits found brine temperatures not consistently reaching -18°C; Pacific Island-flagged vessels could be heavily affected, with regional training in Suva aimed at keeping seafood exports compliant. Climate risk: PNG is bracing for possible Super El Niño impacts, but provinces say they haven’t received preparedness funding. Clean cities: NCDC and Bomana Correctional Services ran a Port Moresby sanitation drive with detainees to remove litter and improve public spaces. Aviation infrastructure: Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport runway rehab begins, aiming to support Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 operations by end-2026.

Marine Protection: Papua New Guinea plans the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed 214,000 sq km no-take sanctuary in the Bismarck Sea—set to become the largest in Melanesia and a key part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Wildlife Research: Reef manta rays in Milne Bay are diving deeper during storm events to feed, according to new satellite-tracking research—good news for a vulnerable species. Climate Risk: El Niño warnings are intensifying, with MPs noting provinces in the Highlands are still waiting for dedicated preparedness funding even as drought threats grow. Forest Climate Finance: PNG has launched a $63.4m Green Climate Fund project to protect forests and support communities, tied to verified emissions reductions. Water Security: The EU–PNG Business Forum backed a Water Wise Communities loan and grant package to expand potable water for an extra 400,000 people. Ocean Governance: PNG moves ahead on ratifying the UN ocean biodiversity deal for areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Water Security: EIB Global and the EU back a major drinking-water expansion, funding new connections and cutting losses to reach an extra 400,000 people, including in Port Moresby. Maternal Health WaSH: NCDPHA and WaterAid sign ToR to strengthen Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services for mothers across NCD, building on earlier WaSH care guidelines. Climate Risk & Food Security: Parliament hears warnings that a possible “Super El Niño” could hit mid-2026, but provinces under El Niño watch say they’ve received little or no preparedness funding. Forest & Carbon Finance: PNG secures $63.4m in climate finance via Green Climate Fund results-based payments to protect forests and support communities. Biodiversity Protection: A GBFF-backed Highlands project aims to recognize and sustain Indigenous stewardship for species like tree kangaroos and birds-of-paradise. Species Discovery: A feature highlights how “new” species are still being found—often in places and DNA once thought familiar. Aviation for Access: Mt Hagen Kagamuga Airport begins runway rehabilitation to enable Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 operations by end-2026, improving transport links for the Highlands. Marine Governance: PNG advances steps toward ratifying the UN ocean biodiversity deal for areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Climate Risk Watch: PNG says provinces under “El Niño watch” haven’t received dedicated preparedness funding, even as a possible “Super El Nino” threatens drought and food security. Water Security: EIB Global and the EU back a major drinking-water expansion, with new connections and lower losses expected to add potable supply for 400,000 more people, including in Port Moresby. Forest & Carbon Finance: PNG launched a $63.4m climate finance push (Green Climate Fund) to protect forests and support communities, tied to verified emissions reductions. Green Finance Rules: The Bank of PNG unveiled new green finance standards and tools, including updated green loan classification and reporting, plus a Green Finance Academy to mobilize climate-resilient investment. Biodiversity Funding Spotlight: A new GBFF project aims to strengthen Indigenous forest stewardship in the Highlands, including habitats for tree kangaroos and other unique species. Ocean Governance: PNG advanced steps toward ratifying the UN ocean biodiversity deal for areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). Community Resilience: A Morobe ward launched a locally owned five-year disaster risk plan after a deadly landslide, prioritizing 23 projects to reduce future impacts. Media Resilience: DICT called for a stronger, trusted, cyber-secure PNG media sector as misinformation and digital disruption grow.

Climate Finance for Forests: Papua New Guinea has launched a $63.4 million climate finance project funded by the Green Climate Fund to protect forests and support livelihoods, using results-based payments for verified emissions reductions. Water Security: EIB Global and the EU are backing a major drinking-water push, with a $25 million concessional loan plus EU grants to expand water networks and deliver steady potable supply to an extra 400,000 people, including in Port Moresby. Biodiversity in Action: A new Global Environment Facility-backed GBFF project is spotlighting community-led forest stewardship in PNG’s Highlands, aiming to strengthen Indigenous conservation of unique species like tree kangaroos and birds-of-paradise. El Niño Watch: The WMO warns El Niño is developing with high chances through late 2026, raising risks of hotter conditions and disrupted rainfall that could hit PNG food and water systems. Green Finance Standards: PNG has rolled out updated green finance standards and tools, including new green loan classification and reporting rules, to attract climate-resilient investment. Community Disaster Planning: In Morobe, locals in Umbaku Ward have launched a community-driven five-year disaster risk management plan after a deadly 2024 landslide, with priorities set and owned by the ward. EU-PNG Business Forum: The 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby drew major deals and meetings, including the water project and discussions on sustainable investment and connectivity.

Water Security Push: EIB Global and the EU are backing a $25m (K109.4m) loan plus grants and technical help to expand drinking-water networks, aiming to add reliable potable water for 400,000 people and cut losses in Port Moresby. Climate Risk Alert: The WMO says El Niño has an 80% chance of developing June–August 2026, with higher heat and disrupted rainfall likely—raising stakes for PNG’s food and water planning. Green Finance Rollout: PNG launched new green finance standards and tools, including updates to its green finance taxonomy, green loan classification/reporting rules, environmental risk guidelines, and a Green Finance Academy to unlock climate-resilient investment. Forest Protection Funding: A $63.4m Green Climate Fund project will pay for verified REDD+ forest emissions reductions and route 60% of money to community livelihood activities. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: NCD Governor Powes Parkop renewed support for endangered tree kangaroos, backing community fundraising like conservation coffee and branded products. Biodiversity Research: Scientists have identified new “leaf-planking” praying mantis species and also recorded a PNG mantis species in Australia, highlighting how much biodiversity still needs documenting. Regional Media Resilience: NBC hosts the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient journalism and climate-related storytelling across the Blue Pacific.

Water Security: EIB Global and the EU are backing a K109.4 million Port Moresby drinking-water upgrade, aiming to add clean-water access for 400,000 more people and cut water losses. Climate Risk: PNG MPs are being urged to prepare for a mid-2026 El Niño, with warnings of drought and knock-on food security shocks. Forest Protection: PNG has launched a $63.4 million Green Climate Fund project to protect forests and fund community livelihoods, including results-based payments for verified emissions reductions. Green Finance Push: The IMF says PNG’s green finance reforms are strengthening climate resilience, while the World Bank highlights agriculture as a long-term growth engine. Biodiversity & Wildlife: NCD Governor Powes Parkop is rallying support to protect endangered tree kangaroos, using community fundraising ideas. Sustainable Fisheries: A West Sepik coastal fishing group is boosting catches and reducing waste after receiving boats, gear and training through an EU-supported programme. Primary Forests: A regional initiative is targeting primary forest conservation across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, with PNG included. Regional Media Resilience: PNG hosted a Pacific media summit focused on resilient journalism as climate and digital threats rise.

El Niño Food Security Watch: PNG is being urged to prepare for a likely mid-2026 El Niño, with warnings of drought and knock-on impacts for western Pacific rainfall and local food supplies. Forest Climate Finance: PNG has launched a $63.4 million Green Climate Fund project to protect forests and back community livelihoods, including results-based payments tied to verified carbon reductions under REDD+. Green Ports & Resilient Infrastructure: AFD is backing a €80m+ Rabaul “green port” redevelopment aimed at climate resilience and lower environmental impact, while Australia says climate resilience is being built into PNG infrastructure planning and delivery. Biodiversity Protection: NCD Governor Powes Parkop renewed calls to protect endangered tree kangaroos, highlighting community fundraising ideas ahead of World Environment Day. Community Conservation Milestone: The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Programme marked 30 years, spotlighting forest protection and livelihood support in Morobe and Madang. Sustainable Fisheries: In West Sepik, a coastal fishing group boosted catches and cut losses after EU-STREIT PNG support, including better gear and training. EU-Backed Business Finance: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund was launched to help Pacific small businesses access finance in blue, green and climate-resilience sectors, including PNG. Connect PNG (Island Links): PM Marape says the Connect PNG plan will be reviewed to better link island communities and address isolation worsened by cyclones and climate change.

Connect PNG Update: Prime Minister James Marape says the Connect Papua New Guinea programme will be adjusted to better link isolated island communities after Cyclone Maila exposed coastal remoteness, including Sudest in the Louisiades and atolls plus Bougainville, Manus and New Ireland. Forest Climate Finance: PNG has launched a $63.4m Green Climate Fund project to protect forests and cut emissions under REDD+, with 60% of money aimed at community livelihoods and sustainable land use. Green Finance Reforms: The IMF says PNG’s green finance reforms under its Resilience and Sustainability Facility are strengthening climate resilience and long-term sustainability, while PNG banks prepare new green loan standards. Biodiversity Conservation: The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Programme marked 30 years, protecting YUS conservation lands and supporting community livelihoods and “One Health” work. Sustainable Fisheries: A West Sepik coastal fishing group in Lido village is boosting catches and reducing waste after receiving boats, gear and training through the EU-STREIT PNG fisheries programme. Green Infrastructure: AFD is developing a €80m Rabaul “green port” redevelopment focused on climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Regional Forest Protection: Leaders gathered for a Southeast Asia and Pacific push to conserve primary forests through integrated landscape approaches.

Green Finance Implementation: Papua New Guinea is moving from green finance policy talk to practical rollout, with Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu saying climate action is already hitting economies, communities and coastlines—and urging banks and partners to apply the Inclusive Green Finance Policy through the Bank of Papua New Guinea and the Green Finance Centre. Banking Standards Workshop: BPNG and the IFC trained regulators and commercial banks on PNG’s new green loan rules—how to classify green loans and assess environmental and social risks before financing. Funding Gap for Climate Plans: Climate Change and Development Authority acting MD Debra Sungi says PNG needs up to K7 billion over 10 years for climate plans, but can’t raise it alone; she points to a green taxonomy to unlock cheaper loans for communities and small businesses. EU Business Push for Sustainability: The EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby next week is set to draw 400+ participants and focus on European investment in sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, digital connectivity, extractives and agriculture value chains. Agriculture Exports to Europe: PNG trade officials say fisheries success under the EU deal should be matched by scaling cocoa, coffee, vanilla, coconut and palm oil—while preparing for EU deforestation-free and traceability rules. Climate Risk on the Ground: With drought across provinces, PNG faces heightened risk of climate-sensitive diseases, especially waterborne and enteric infections affecting children and other vulnerable groups. Marine Heat Threat: Scientists warn a growing North Pacific marine heatwave could help fuel a “super” El Niño, raising risks for fisheries and ecosystems across the Pacific.

Marine Heatwave/El Niño Watch: Scientists warn a huge North Pacific marine heatwave is teaming up with a rising chance of El Niño by July, raising fears of a “super” El Niño that could prolong marine heatwaves, disrupt fisheries, and stress ecosystems into 2027. Climate Finance Push in PNG: PNG is moving from green finance policy talk to practical rollout, with the Green Finance Summit hearing calls to implement frameworks now—plus estimates that PNG needs up to K7 billion over 10 years for climate plans, with banks and partners essential. EU-Backed Business and Green Growth: A new Sustainable Pacific Blue Circle Fund aims to help PNG and other Pacific countries’ small businesses access finance for the blue economy, green economy and climate resilience. EU–PNG Investment Forum: PNG is gearing up for the EU–PNG Business Forum, with focus on attracting European investment in sustainable infrastructure, renewables, digital connectivity, extractives, and agriculture—while PNG seeks to expand agricultural exports to Europe. Drought and Health Risks: With prolonged dry weather, PNG communities face heightened risk of climate-sensitive diseases, especially waterborne and enteric infections. Digital Government for Morobe: PNG DataCo signed agreements with Morobe to expand telecom access and roll out a digital government services platform to modernise operations and improve transparency. Women’s Rugby League Upgrades: PNGRFL wrapped a women’s conference to strengthen standards and player welfare, including a longer 10-week 2026 Santos Cup structure.