Hazardous Chemicals & Waste: Fiji is ramping up chemical safety ahead of its Stockholm Convention POPs Sixth National Report, with a Suva workshop targeting an Aug 31, 2026 deadline; Fiji is also moving to join the Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions and has set up its own scientific lab for water, air and chemical testing. Ocean Governance: As the new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) transitions from the PIF Secretariat, Palau is backing the office in Koror and urging member states to protect its independence to coordinate the Pacific’s growing ocean policy needs. Recycling Jobs: Return and Earn is expanding in Nasinu with a new collection centre, aiming for 50+ centres nationwide while keeping the model people-centred to create local jobs. Public Health & Drugs: Fiji is being flagged as a “warning sign” for the region as meth traces appear in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” wash up in the Solomon Islands, alongside rising HIV and TB concerns. EU Seafood Rules: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, tightening cold-chain standards to prevent histamine poisoning. Disaster Readiness: A push for pre-arranged disaster financing argues countries can’t keep treating crises like surprises, with Fiji named among examples of faster response funding. Coral Protection: An 11-year-old student used the Veivueti Ocean Conference to spotlight coral reef threats and urge urgent conservation action. Waste-to-Energy Setback: Fiji’s Environment Department rejected the Vuda waste-to-energy and private port EIA, citing unresolved risks and standards gaps, while Vuda communities welcomed the decision. Customs Tech: At Fiji’s Oceania Customs Organisation conference, WCO leaders said AI and digital tools can improve trade facilitation, enforcement and revenue collection. Skills for Growth: Pacific Polytech graduates in Labasa were urged to fill Fiji’s skilled-worker gaps as migration and infrastructure investment increase demand.