AGP Executive Report

Reef Protection Push: Tonga, the Federated States of Micronesia, and French Polynesia signed the High-Level Climate-Resilient Coral Reefs Commitment at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, aiming to safeguard reefs that can better survive warming—while tackling local pressures like overfishing and pollution, with French Polynesia pointing to rāhui as a centuries-old community management tool. Pacific Forum Outcomes: Leaders wrapped up the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with the “Belau Declaration” calling for urgent climate action toward 1.5°C, plus new security and regional governance moves including annual police ministers meetings and a clearer two-tier approach for external powers. Water & Wastewater Planning in French Polynesia: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), focusing on climate-resilient water services, governance, and sustainable financing. Ocean of Peace, Local Threats: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson used a Palau roundtable to stress that the Blue Pacific “Ocean of Peace” faces deep sea mining, plastic pollution, and climate change—and needs a regional response rooted in the ocean’s role for food, connection, and transport. Wildlife Conservation Spotlight: A long-running effort tied to Marlon Brando’s Tetiaroa Atoll work is reporting 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings in a season, underscoring French Polynesia’s conservation momentum.

Pacific Islands Forum wrap-up: Leaders meeting in Palau issued the “Belau Declaration” calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep warming within 1.5°C, while also “registering concern” over China’s July missile test near the region. Regional security debate: Civil society urged a pause on plans to integrate police, military and intelligence agencies into a new Pacific security architecture. French Polynesia in the spotlight: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson used the Palau forum to warn that the Blue Pacific “Ocean of Peace” faces threats including deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change, calling for regional action. Coral reef protection: Palau and other Pacific Forum members backed a landmark commitment to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Biodiversity on the move: A long-running conservation effort is sending hundreds of Partula snails back to Tahiti, restoring endangered native species after invasive predators collapsed wild populations. Local water resilience: A Pacific Resilience Facility grant helped Palau women revive traditional taro farming that traps sediment and protects coastal coral reefs. Wildlife milestone: At Tetiaroa Atoll in French Polynesia, researchers recorded 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings in a season, building on Marlon Brando’s conservation legacy.

Pacific Islands Forum diplomacy: China’s pressure on Taiwan allies is spilling into Palau’s 55th Pacific Islands Forum, with several leaders skipping key talks over Taiwan’s presence and Beijing warning of “consequences.” Security & climate action at the summit: Leaders wrapped with the “Belau Declaration” calling for urgent, inclusive climate action toward 1.5°C, while also “registering concern” over China’s July missile test near the region. Local climate resilience funding: Palau’s women’s groups used a Pacific Resilience Facility grant to revive traditional wet taro farming that helps trap sediment and protect coastal coral reefs. Coral protection push: Palau and other Pacific Forum members back a global commitment to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs, linking reef protection to food security, biodiversity, and storm protection. French Polynesia water focus: French Polynesia will host the Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting in Papeete, aiming to strengthen climate-resilient water and wastewater services across the region. Wildlife conservation in Polynesia: A long-running Partula snail rescue effort is sending hundreds of endangered snails to Tahiti after decades of breeding work. Ocean governance debate: French Polynesia’s president warned that the “Blue Pacific” faces threats from deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and climate change, calling for regional action.

Biodiversity Rescue in French Polynesia: The Detroit Zoo has begun shipping 500 Partula snails—raised since 1989—to Tahiti, aiming to restore endangered native populations after invasive predators wiped them out. The program has already returned more than 17,000 snails and helped bring back 11 Partula species once thought extinct in the wild. Reef Protection Push: Palau and other Pacific Islands Forum members are backing a landmark commitment to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs, with leaders stressing reefs’ role in food, coastal protection, and biodiversity ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Regional Climate Action at PIF: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders adopted the “Belau Declaration” calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep warming within 1.5°C reach, while also moving the region toward a renewable-energy funding push and a new police ministers meeting. Ocean of Peace Under Threat: French Polynesia’s president Moetai Brotherson warned that deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and climate change threaten the “Blue Pacific” and urged a regional response to protect the ocean that sustains island life. Water Security Meeting in Papeete: French Polynesia will host the Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and PWWA conference, focusing on climate-resilient water and wastewater infrastructure and sustainable financing.

Coral Protection Push: Palau and other Pacific Forum members are backing a landmark commitment to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs, ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, aiming to cut local pressures like overfishing and pollution while boosting science-led protection and new funding. Pacific Islands Forum Climate Agenda: Leaders wrapped up the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau with the “Belau Declaration,” calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep warming within reach of 1.5°C, while also setting future host plans that include French Polynesia in 2031. Blue Pacific Threats: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson used the Palau talks to warn that the “Ocean of Peace” faces deep sea mining, plastic pollution, and the existential threat of climate change—calling for a regional response. Local Conservation Wins: A long-running Partula snail rescue effort is sending 500 tiny snails from the Detroit Zoo back to Tahiti, part of a program that has already returned thousands of endangered snails to their native islands. Wildlife Milestone at Tetiaroa: Biologists at Marlon Brando’s Tetiaroa Atoll recorded an estimated 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings in a season, highlighting the atoll’s ongoing role as a protected sanctuary.

Coral Reefs Commitment: Palau and other Pacific Forum members are backing a landmark pledge to protect climate-resilient coral reefs, ahead of Pre-COP31/COP31, as reefs face both warming and local pressures like overfishing and pollution. Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders wrapped up the 55th Pacific Islands Forum with the “Belau Declaration” calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep warming within 1.5°C, while also navigating regional security tensions after China’s missile test. French Polynesia sovereignty push: Oscar Temaru says a statement on Maohi Nui’s full sovereignty will be presented at the UN in October, aiming to end political dependence on France. Blue Pacific threats: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson warned that deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and climate change threaten the “Ocean of Peace,” calling for stronger regional protection. Water security planning: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting in Papeete, focusing on climate-resilient water and wastewater services. Wildlife conservation in French Polynesia: New reporting highlights Tetiaroa Atoll’s conservation success, with biologists estimating 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings in a season. Coral repair research: A study suggests damselfish can speed up healing of wounded corals, pointing to fish habitat protection as part of reef management. Deep-sea mining debate: American Samoa activists and Greenpeace raised concerns with NOAA’s deep-ocean mapping linked to potential commercial deep-sea mining.

Pacific Islands Forum Climate Push: Leaders wrapped up in Palau with the “Belau Declaration,” calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep global warming within 1.5°C, while also Geopolitics & Security: registering concern over China’s July missile test near the region and debating how far to go in condemning it. Pacific Resilience Funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility treaty entered into force, with pledges backing a new $2bn energy prospectus aimed at making the region 100% renewable-powered. French Polynesia Sovereignty: Tavini Huiraatira president Oscar Temaru says a UN push will seek full sovereignty for Maohi Nui, including ending political dependence on France. Ocean Protection & Wildlife: At French Polynesia’s Tetiaroa Atoll, researchers recorded about 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings in a season, highlighting long-running conservation efforts tied to Marlon Brando’s legacy. Coral Recovery Research: A new study finds damselfish can speed healing of wounded corals, pointing to fish-habitat protection as part of reef restoration. Water & Wastewater Planning in French Polynesia: Papeete hosts the Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting to strengthen climate-resilient water services across the region.

Marine Conservation Spotlight: Biologists at Tetiaroa Atoll in French Polynesia report an estimated 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings in a single season, with 113 nesting females and about 161 nests tracked—an ongoing conservation success tied to Marlon Brando’s long-term protection vision. Ocean Funding & High-Seas Protection: Bloomberg Philanthropies pledged an additional $260M to expand the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative, bringing total support to $635M, aiming to turn ocean protection targets into enforceable protected areas across international waters. Blue Pacific Policy at the PIF: At the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson warned that the “Ocean of Peace” faces threats including deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change, calling for a regional response. Coral Recovery Research: A new study suggests coral-dwelling damselfish can speed up healing of wounded corals, pointing to fish habitat protection as part of reef resilience. Water Security Planning: French Polynesia will host the Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and Expo in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), focusing on climate-resilient water and wastewater services.

Pacific Islands Forum Deadlock Watch: Leaders in Palau are meeting behind closed doors to agree the final communique, with language over China’s missile tests threatening consensus and raising the risk of another veto-style blockage. Security Architecture Debate: Civil society is urging a pause on plans to integrate police, military and intelligence agencies across the region, warning communities need a real chance to scrutinize the shift. French Polynesia Sovereignty Push: Oscar Temaru says a statement backing full sovereignty for Maohi Nui will be presented at the UN in October, alongside a petition to show public support for decolonization. Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson warns the “Ocean of Peace” faces deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change, calling for a regional response. Coral Recovery Help: A new study finds damselfish can speed healing of wounded corals, pointing to fish habitat protection as part of reef conservation. Tetiaroa Turtle Success: At Tetiaroa, biologists recorded 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings, highlighting ongoing marine protection gains in French Polynesia.

Ocean Health & Biodiversity: A new study reports damselfish can speed up coral healing—up to 55% faster for larger wounds—suggesting fish habitat protection could be a practical lever for reef recovery in warming seas. Sovereignty & Decolonization: Oscar Temaru, President of Tavini Huiraatira, says a statement on Maohi Nui’s full sovereignty will be presented at the UN in October, aiming to end political dependence on France and build a sovereign state. Blue Pacific Security & Resources: Leaders are meeting in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, with French Polynesia among participants, as debates intensify over climate threats, plastic pollution, deep-sea mining, and how to keep a united regional voice amid US-China competition. Water & Waste Infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and PWWA conference in Papeete, focusing on climate-resilient water services and sustainable financing across Pacific communities. Coral Conservation Story: A profile highlights Titouan Bernicot’s “coral gardening” approach—regrowing reef life in French Polynesia after discovering the damage firsthand while surfing a bleached reef. Climate Risk & Wildfire Lessons (France): France’s wildfire season, including a lightning-thundercloud event near Bordeaux, is reigniting debate over building into wildlands—an issue Pacific islands watch closely as extreme weather grows. Tourism & Travel (Local relevance): Seabourn opened bookings for a 138-day 2029 world cruise that includes Bora Bora and Nuku Hiva, underscoring how demand for remote Pacific destinations keeps rising.

Pacific Ocean Protection & Politics: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson used the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau to warn that the “Blue Pacific” faces deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and the existential threat of climate change, calling for a regional response to protect the ocean that sustains livelihoods and connects island communities. Regional Water Security: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), aiming to strengthen governance and climate resilience in water and wastewater services across Pacific communities. Climate & Biodiversity in the Pacific: On World Environment Day, the Pacific Community (SPC) pushed Nature-based Solutions to protect reefs and threatened species as rising temperatures and extreme weather keep reshaping Pacific land and marine ecosystems. Coral Conservation Story: A French Polynesia coral gardener, Titouan Bernicot, is spotlighted for growing “the rainforest of the sea” by restoring coral—an approach tied to reef survival and ocean health. Disaster Risk & Early Warning: Pacific nations met in Honiara to boost regional resilience to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic hazards, backing stronger seismic data sharing and monitoring capacity for 2026–2030.

Ocean Protection & Climate Threats: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson used the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau to warn that the “Blue Pacific” faces deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and the existential threat of climate change, arguing the ocean is both a “pantry” and the “second lung of humanity,” so protection needs a regional response. Water Security in the Pacific: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA conference in Papeete (Aug 31–Sept 4), aiming to strengthen governance, sustainable financing and climate resilience for water and wastewater services. Marine Biodiversity Spotlight: A feature on “deep reefs” highlights how little is known about coral ecosystems 30–150 meters down, while another story profiles Titouan Bernicot, a French Polynesia coral “gardener” growing reef life one coral at a time. Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific nations met in Honiara to push coordinated action on earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, backing priorities for better seismic data sharing and stronger monitoring capacity for 2026–2030. Nature-based Solutions: On World Environment Day, the Pacific Community (SPC) renewed its push for nature-based solutions to protect biodiversity and reduce climate risks across Pacific land and seas.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders meet Aug. 30–Sept. 1 in Koror under “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity,” with French Polynesia among the 18 members; the summit also highlights how major-power rivalry is pushing island states to seek more control over security and ocean resources, while some leaders miss key talks. Blue Pacific threats: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson warns the “Ocean of Peace” faces deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and the existential threat of climate change, arguing protection needs a regional response. Water security in Papeete: French Polynesia hosts the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting (Aug. 31–Sept. 4), aiming to strengthen governance, sustainable financing, and climate resilience for water and wastewater services. Geohazard resilience push: Pacific nations coordinate earthquake and tsunami preparedness in Honiara, endorsing priority actions for better seismic data sharing, monitoring, and early-warning capacity for 2026–2030. Coral conservation spotlight: A French Polynesia diver-turned-coral grower, Titouan Bernicot, is building a “rainforest of the sea” by restoring reefs one coral at a time.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson is in Koror for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (Aug. 30–Sept. 1), pushing a regional response to threats to the “Blue Pacific” — including deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and climate change — and stressing the ocean’s role as a “second lung” for humanity. Water security in Papeete: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the 17th PWWA Conference & Expo (Aug. 31–Sept. 4), aiming to strengthen governance and climate-resilient water and sanitation services across Pacific communities. Geohazard resilience coordination: Pacific nations met in Honiara to boost earthquake, tsunami, volcanic and landslide preparedness, agreeing on priority actions for 2026–2030 to improve seismic data sharing and monitoring capacity, including for French Polynesia. Coral as climate frontline: A French Polynesia coral grower is highlighted for restoring reefs one coral at a time, framing reef recovery as both biodiversity protection and coastal resilience.

Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson told the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau that the “Ocean of Peace” faces deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and the existential threat of climate change, calling for a regional response to protect the sea that feeds and connects Pacific communities. Water security push: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA conference in Papeete from Aug. 31–Sept. 4, aiming to strengthen governance and climate-resilient water and wastewater services across the region. Regional disaster readiness: Pacific Island nations met in Honiara to boost resilience to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, endorsing priority actions for better seismic data sharing, monitoring and early-warning capacity for 2026–2030. Marine life, coral restoration: A French Polynesia diver-coral gardener is spotlighted for “growing the rainforest of the sea,” using coral to rebuild damaged reefs. Whale sound science: A nature sound recordist describes new 3D underwater recordings of humpback whales made in French Polynesia, using spatial audio to better capture how whales communicate.

Wildfire risk and land-use lessons: A deadly wildfire season in France is forcing a hard rethink about building in or near forests, after a massive blaze near Bordeaux drove evacuations and destroyed homes—an issue many Pacific islands watch closely as climate extremes intensify. Pacific summit on security and ocean resources: Pacific leaders meet in Palau (Aug. 30–Sept. 4) to test whether they can keep a united regional voice amid US-China competition, while pushing for climate protection, infrastructure, and control over ocean minerals. Coral conservation as “rainforest of the sea”: In French Polynesia, a diver-coral gardener describes growing living coral in the ocean, highlighting reefs’ role in biodiversity, coastal protection, and oxygen production. Regional geohazard resilience: Pacific nations coordinate on earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides, agreeing on priorities for better seismic data sharing and stronger early-warning systems for 2026–2030. Ocean sound science: A sound recordist captures spatialized humpback whale songs, including expeditions to French Polynesia, using underwater audio tech to better reflect how whales “fill” their habitat.