AGP Executive Report

Climate Science at Bonn: Pacific leaders, including Fiji’s Dr Sivendra Michael, warned that attempts to weaken climate science and the 1.5°C limit put Pasifika lives at risk, calling scientists “our closest allies.” Coral Survival Research: New studies highlight where heat-tolerant reefs may withstand or recover from warming, boosting hope for reef restoration. El Niño Prep: SPREP urged communities to start preparing after WMO declared El Niño underway, stressing early action and practical risk reduction. Drug Trafficking at Sea: Fiji police are testing suspected cocaine parcels washed ashore across Lau, Kadavu and Qamea, with authorities urging people not to open items and to report immediately. Health Tech & Labs: Fiji’s medical laboratory sector is pushing back against brain drain, with a conference spotlighting modern diagnostics, retention, and the vital role of lab professionals. Ocean Protection: Fiji and Panama helped launch a global “Mesopelagic Zone Conservation Challenge” to protect the ocean’s twilight zone from threats like fishing and deep-sea mining. AI & Cyber Risks: A Pacific peace and security dialogue flagged how AI and digital tools can spread misinformation and online harm alongside new opportunities.

Drug Trafficking at Sea: Fiji police are investigating more than 60 packages washed ashore across Lau, Kadavu and other islands, with some parcels already testing positive for cocaine; communities are being urged not to touch suspicious items and to report immediately as forensics work continues in Suva. Maritime Security Push: Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka says Fiji’s vast ocean routes are exploited by well-funded international cartels, calling for stronger national unity and smarter border monitoring beyond just patrol boats. Climate Science Under Fire: At UN talks in Bonn, Fiji’s environment chief warned that countries trying to weaken references to climate science and the 1.5°C limit “are not our friends,” while UN climate chief Simon Stiell cautioned against backsliding as adaptation and emissions-cutting divides remain unresolved. El Niño Preparedness: SPREP urged Pacific communities to start practical preparations after the WMO declared El Niño underway, stressing early action to reduce risks. Health Tech & Labs: Fiji’s medical laboratory sector is spotlighted as professionals face brain drain; a regional conference focuses on modern diagnostics, partnerships, and retaining lab staff. Ocean Conservation: Fiji and Panama are helping launch a global Mesopelagic Zone Conservation Challenge to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” from threats like fishing and deep-sea mining.

HIV Treatment Update: South Africans may soon access lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV drug given as just two injections a year, but questions remain for countries like Fiji over cost, supply, and rollout. Health Systems: Fiji’s laboratory sector is under strain from brain drain, even as local and regional experts stress that lab professionals are the “linchpin” for diagnostics, outbreak detection, and quality care. Maritime Drugs: Police recovered suspected cocaine parcels washing ashore in Qamea and Kadavu, with more Lau Group packages awaiting forensic testing. Ocean Conservation: Fiji and Panama are helping launch a global Mesopelagic Zone Conservation Challenge to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” from fishing, deep-sea mining, and knowledge gaps. Climate Science at Bonn: Pacific leaders warned that attempts to weaken climate science in UN talks threaten vulnerable communities, with Bonn ending in gridlock over adaptation and emissions cuts. Cyber & Youth Risks: A Suva panel highlighted how AI and digital tools bring both opportunity and misinformation, online harm, and mental health risks across the Pacific. Fiji Lab Conference: The Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Science seminar opened in Nasinu, focusing on modernising diagnostics and strengthening regional lab networks. Earthquake Report: A 5.0-magnitude quake hit the Fiji Islands region, according to GFZ.

Forensic Drug Testing: Police recovered suspected cocaine parcels on Qamea and Kadavu, with 27 Lau Group packages awaiting lab results and more parcels retrieved near Munia Island as investigations continue. Health Lab Spotlight: Fiji’s medical laboratory sector is under strain from brain drain, but a new push is underway—FIMLS conference leaders stress labs as the backbone of diagnosis, outbreak response, and quality assurance. Pacific Cyber & AI Risks: A Suva panel warned that AI and social media bring both opportunity and threats like misinformation and online harm, urging stronger regional cybersecurity awareness. Ocean Protection Push: Fiji and Panama are helping launch a Mesopelagic Zone Conservation Challenge to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” from fishing, deep-sea mining, and knowledge gaps. Climate Talks Backlash: Pacific negotiators at Bonn warned against attempts to sideline climate science, calling it a threat to vulnerable communities and the 1.5°C goal. El Niño Water Readiness: Government says water emergency funding and mitigation are already in place, with weekly monitoring and infrastructure upgrades guided by Water Plan 2050. Earthquake Report: A 5.0-magnitude quake hit the Fiji Islands region, according to GFZ.

Ocean Protection: Fiji and Panama have launched a new Mesopelagic Zone Conservation Challenge to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” (200–1,000m deep), warning that fishing, deep-sea mining and climate change threaten this key food-web and carbon role. Health & Labs: Fiji’s medical laboratory sector is facing a serious brain drain, with experts urging better support and modern diagnostics as the Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Science holds its annual seminar on partnerships and retention. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders at Bonn are pushing back hard against attempts to weaken climate science in UN talks, with Fiji’s delegation calling out “science-blocking” moves as a threat to vulnerable communities. Cyber & Society: A Pacific peace and security dialogue in Suva highlighted how AI and digital tools bring both opportunity and rising risks like misinformation and online harm. Public Health Skills: Fiji’s first Pacific Dermatology Conference in Suva is spotlighting neglected skin health, including plans to expand specialist training and access. Preparedness: Fiji says water emergency planning for El Niño is already funded and being monitored weekly, using satellite support for hydrological checks. Earthquake Update: A 5.0 quake hit the Fiji Islands region, according to GFZ.

Ocean Protection: Fiji and Panama have launched a Mesopelagic Zone Conservation Challenge to protect the “twilight zone” (200–1,000m deep), urging action against threats like fishing and deep-sea mining and pushing countries to close knowledge gaps. Earth & Risk: A 5.0-magnitude earthquake hit the Fiji Islands region, reminding communities to stay prepared. Health Labs & Skills: Australian expert Dr Donna Rudd says Fiji’s laboratory professionals are “linchpin” healthcare workers but face under-resourcing and brain drain; Fiji’s medical lab community is meeting in Nasinu to modernise diagnostics and strengthen regional lab networks. Public Health Governance: Fiji’s FMA strengthens medical oversight in public health law, while separate reporting highlights ongoing concerns about health system support and specialist capacity. Climate Science at Bonn: Pacific leaders warn that attempts to weaken climate science at UN talks risk blocking action; Bonn ended in gridlock on adaptation and emissions-cutting. Cyber & AI: Pacific peace and security discussions in Suva flag that AI and social media bring both opportunity and rising misinformation and online harm. Agriculture Research: Koronivia’s research director Prasad calls for more investment to boost technologies and productivity, linking funding to resilience against future shocks. Maritime Security Tech: Fiji, the Philippines and Sri Lanka are expanding drone use to improve maritime surveillance and emergency response. Water Preparedness: Government says El Niño water emergency funds and mitigation are already in place, with weekly monitoring and satellite-supported hydrological surveys.

UN Climate Gridlock in Bonn: Two weeks of UNFCCC talks ended in “gridlock,” with diplomats unable to agree on adaptation and emissions-cutting. Science Under Attack: Pacific negotiators say “coordinated attacks” on climate science and the 1.5°C limit are being used to weaken texts, with Fiji’s delegation warning vulnerable communities are paying the price. Cyber & AI Risks in the Pacific: At Suva’s Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue, leaders warned that AI and social media bring misinformation and online harm, even as they power education and cultural work. Fiji Health Tech & Labs: Fiji’s medical laboratory science community is convening at FNU, focusing on genomic surveillance for antimicrobial resistance and strengthening regional lab networks. El Niño Readiness: Fiji has activated an El Niño Watch and says water emergency funding and monitoring are already in place, using satellite support and weekly checks. Ocean Tech & Conservation: Fiji and Panama launched a global push to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” (mesopelagic layer), targeting threats like fishing and deep-sea mining. Maritime Security Drones: Fiji, the Philippines and Sri Lanka are expanding drone operations to boost maritime surveillance and emergency response. Agriculture Research Pressure: Fiji’s Koronivia Research Station is highlighted as key for import substitution and resilience, even as agriculture budget cuts loom.

Climate Science at Bonn: Pacific negotiators, including Fiji’s Dr Sivendra Michael, warned that fossil-fuel interests are trying to weaken climate science language and the 1.5°C limit, calling it a threat to climate justice as talks end in gridlock on adaptation and emissions-cutting. El Niño Readiness in Fiji: Government says water emergency funds and mitigation are already in place, with weekly monitoring and an El Niño Watch activated to keep communities informed as dry conditions loom. Fiji Research for Resilience: Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel highlighted Koronivia Research Station as key to local alternatives to imports, from cassava flour blending to organic composting, as agriculture faces climate and pest pressures. Maritime Tech & Security: Fiji, Philippines and Sri Lanka are expanding drone and unmanned tech for maritime surveillance and emergency response, while Operation Ika Moana is back to strengthen Pacific-led maritime monitoring. Ocean Governance: Fiji and Panama launched a “twilight zone” mesopelagic protection push at Our Oceans, and a new study warns ocean acidification governance is lagging behind food-security needs. Health & Skills: Fiji’s Health Minister says skin health is still neglected, and iTaukei Affairs reports 539 traditional titles filled in Ra (about 81% completion). Local Safety: Police and the National Fire Authority are investigating suspected arson that destroyed three machines worth about $750,000 in Savusavu. Science & People: A study maps Denisovan DNA variants still active in modern Oceanians’ immune systems, but researchers say the “why” remains unclear.

Climate Diplomacy: UN climate chief Simon Stiell warned COP31 prep talks are being undermined by “geopolitical tensions,” with countries urged not to reopen or weaken Paris Agreement commitments. El Niño Preparedness (Fiji): Fiji has activated an El Niño Watch and is ramping up monitoring and public awareness, while officials say water mitigation is already funded through existing plans and upgrades. Water Security: Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau said emergency water resources are already set aside via WAF and ministries, with satellite-supported hydrological monitoring and new reservoirs/treatment plants. Ocean Protection: Fiji and Panama launched a global “twilight zone” (mesopelagic) conservation push at the Our Oceans Conference, aiming to protect the ocean’s food web and carbon role. Maritime Tech: Fiji, the Philippines and Sri Lanka are expanding drone and unmanned systems for maritime security and emergency response. Local Research & Agriculture: Koronivia Research Station is highlighted as key to building local alternatives to imported inputs and boosting resilience for farmers. Budget Pressure: Fiji’s Agriculture Ministry faces possible 2026-27 cuts tied to the fuel crisis, despite calls to grow agriculture’s GDP contribution. Science at UN Talks: Fiji and others accused fossil-fuel interests of attacking climate science language in Bonn negotiations. Regional Fisheries: Fiji backs a tuna management MOU to strengthen science-based cooperation across Pacific nations.

Maritime Tech & Security: Fiji, the Philippines and Sri Lanka are expanding drone and other unmanned systems to boost maritime surveillance, emergency response and ocean-wide awareness without scaling up traditional forces. Food & Climate Resilience: Koronivia Research Station is spotlighted as Fiji’s science hub for import substitution and farm resilience, as agriculture faces rising climate pressures and possible budget cuts. Climate Science at COP31: Fiji and other nations accuse fossil-fuel interests of “attacks” on climate science language in UN talks in Bonn, pushing to keep IPCC-backed decisions central. El Niño Monitoring: Fiji has activated an El Niño Watch, urging communities to follow official updates as models point to drier conditions and drought risk. Ocean Protection: Fiji and Panama launch a global push to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone,” while new coral reef research suggests more reefs may survive warming than previously thought. Health & Society: FWCC condemns social media victim-blaming after rape charges, stressing survivors are not to blame. Marine Life Discovery: Studies suggest female bull sharks off Fiji may return to the same breeding waters year after year. Public Safety: Police and the National Fire Authority investigate an alleged arson that destroyed $750,000 worth of machinery in Savusavu.

Climate Science Under Fire (UN Bonn): Fiji and other countries say fossil-fuel interests are trying to weaken climate science language in UN talks, with Fiji’s delegation warning that “science is not negotiable” as drafts face pressure around the 1.5°C limit and IPCC references. El Niño Watch (Fiji): Fiji Meteorological Service has issued an El Niño Watch for June–August, pointing to a higher risk of below-normal rainfall and drought, while noting impacts can vary by location. Agritech Upgrade (Koronivia): Fiji commissioned a $1.3m upgrade to the Fiji Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory and Crop Research Information Centre to improve testing accuracy and speed disease and chemical analysis for farmers. Border Tech for Security (Immigration): Fiji is finalising a high-tech inbound screening system using APIS and PNR data to flag high-risk travellers before aircraft arrive. Ocean & Fisheries Cooperation (Fiji): Fiji backs a regional tuna cooperation MOU for sustainable management of South Pacific albacore, aiming to strengthen science-based fisheries decisions. Blue Pacific Security (Suva): Fiji Police are seeking funding for patrol boats and new maritime bases to boost surveillance across Fiji’s ocean territory. Coral Reef Resilience (Global): A major “50 Reefs+” study maps climate-resilient reefs, including implications for coastal economies and a big protection funding gap. AI in Travel (Hawaii): Leilani, a multilingual AI travel concierge, shows how tourism is moving toward smarter, on-the-go assistance. Local Incident (Savusavu): Three heavy machines worth about $750,000 were allegedly set on fire in Naveria, with police and the National Fire Authority investigating.

Maritime Security Upgrade: Fiji Police is seeking funding for new patrol boats and full maritime bases in Lakeba, Savusavu, Levuka and Denarau to boost surveillance across 1.3 million sq km of ocean. Ocean Governance & Fisheries: Fiji backed a regional MOU for sustainable South Pacific albacore tuna management, bringing Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga closer on science-based fisheries and negotiations. Tourism Investment & AI Buzz: AHICE Fiji’s record 420+ delegates wrapped up in Nadi, with sessions including an AI essentials masterclass under Chatham House Rules. Climate Watch: Fiji is on El Niño watch for June–August, with experts warning of higher odds of below-normal rainfall and drought risk, while noting local variation. Coral Reef Resilience Research: New global mapping suggests far more coral reefs may survive future warming than previously thought, using satellite imagery and AI to target protection. Agriculture Lab Boost: A $1.3m upgrade reopened Fiji’s Koronivia Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory and Crop Research Information Centre to improve testing accuracy and disease/pest detection. Border Tech for Drug Busts: Immigration is finalising a high-tech inbound screening system using APIS and PNR data to flag high-risk travellers before aircraft land. Tourism Tax Tech: Counterpoint Group’s CP VMS platform helps hotels meet FRCS VAT Monitoring System deadlines without costly hardware upgrades. Cyber Safety Reminder: An opinion piece warns that smartphones are now the “front door” for cybercriminals, making everyday scams a major risk.

Climate Watch: Fiji is on an El Niño watch for June–August, with higher odds of below-normal rainfall and possible drought, though local weather systems could still bring uneven rain across the islands. Health & Science: A new study in Cell Press Blue finds people who live together share a large share of oral and gut microbes, with romantic partners sharing even more oral strains—plus links between more transmissible microbes and type 2 diabetes. Maritime Security: Fiji Police want funding for patrol boats and full maritime bases in Lakeba, Savusavu, Levuka and Denarau to better monitor Fiji’s 1.3 million sq km ocean area. Ocean Conservation: Fiji targets protecting 15% of its ocean territory by end of 2026 to tackle illegal fishing and safeguard fish stocks. Agricultural Tech: A $1.3m upgrade reopens the Fiji Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory at Koronivia, improving modern testing for crops, livestock feed, food and water. Border Tech: Fiji is finalising a high-tech inbound passenger screening system using APIS and PNR data to identify drug-mule risks before aircraft land.

Agricultural Science Upgrade: Fiji commissioned a $1.3m upgrade at the Koronivia Research Station, reopening the Fiji Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory and a Crop Research Information Centre to improve testing accuracy and speed up disease and chemical analysis for farmers. Border Tech & Security: Fiji is rolling out stricter high-tech airport screening for inbound travellers, using an electronic intelligence system that links APIS and PNR data to flag high-risk patterns before aircraft land. Tourism Tax Tech: A new digital platform (CP VMS via Hotel Link) is set to help hotels meet FRCS VAT Monitoring System compliance without costly hardware changes or manual reporting. Ocean Protection: Fiji plans to fully protect 15% of its ocean territory by end of 2026 as it targets illegal fishing and declining stocks, building toward 30% by 2030. Climate Finance Push: Fiji is urging fair, accessible climate funding at Bonn talks, calling for better access for SIDS and science-led, practical outcomes for frontline communities. Digital Safety Warning: A new piece highlights how smartphones are now the “front door” for cybercriminals, stressing everyday risks from scams and malicious links. Connectivity & Inclusion: Telecom Fiji’s ATxEnterprise update points to a mix of fibre, satellite, 4G and 5G, plus AI and IoT services, to expand digital inclusion across Fiji’s islands. Waste-to-Energy Proposal: A Fiji-registered clean energy firm proposes $305m for three waste-to-energy facilities using non-incineration tech, aiming to cut landfill expansion and protect tourism and marine ecosystems.

Agricultural Tech Upgrade: Fiji commissioned a $1.3m upgrade at Koronivia, reopening the Fiji Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory and a Crop Research Information Centre to improve testing accuracy, reduce contamination risk, and speed up responses to pests, diseases, and climate-driven farm challenges. Border Tech & Security: Fiji is rolling out strict high-tech airport screening for inbound travellers, using linked APIS and PNR data to build traveller profiles and flag high-risk patterns before aircraft land. Ocean Protection Push: Fiji plans to fully protect 15% of its ocean territory by end of 2026 to tackle illegal fishing and declining stocks, aligning with the 30x30 goal. Digital Tax Compliance: A new digital platform aims to help hotels and resorts meet FRCS VAT Monitoring System deadlines without costly hardware upgrades, automating reporting through a secure conduit to the FRCS tax portal. Trade & Connectivity: A 37-delegate New Zealand business mission arrives in Fiji (June 15–18) focusing on tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, ICT, health, logistics and professional services. Tech in Aviation: Fiji Airways launched its FlyWell program for business-class passengers, offering onboard wellness products to help reduce jet lag on routes via Los Angeles and San Francisco. Waste Policy: Fiji rejected Australia’s plan to export waste for incineration, with officials warning Fiji must not become the Pacific’s “ashtray.”

Agricultural Testing Upgrade: Fiji reopened the Koronivia Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory after a $1.3m upgrade, aiming for more accurate results and better disease detection for crops, livestock feed, food and water. Ocean Protection Push: Fiji plans to place 15% of its ocean territory under full protection by end of 2026 to tackle illegal fishing and declining stocks, building toward 30% by 2030. Waste Incinerator Rejection: Fiji rejected Australia’s proposal to ship waste for incineration, with officials warning Fiji must not become the region’s “ashtray.” Climate Finance at Bonn: Fiji urged fair, accessible climate funding at UN talks in Bonn, calling for practical outcomes, stronger readiness support and science-led decisions. Tourism Tax Tech: A new FRCS VMS compliance platform is set to help hotels and resorts meet VAT monitoring deadlines without costly hardware upgrades. Cyber Safety Warning: A fresh opinion piece argues smartphones are now the “front door” for cybercriminals, making everyday scams a major risk. Digital Inclusion in Fiji: Telecom Fiji’s infrastructure and digital transformation plans were discussed at ATxEnterprise, highlighting fibre, satellite, 4G/5G and AI-driven improvements. Livestock Surveillance Funding: Fiji’s agriculture ministry is seeking more funding to strengthen animal health programs and disease monitoring. Archives for Girmit Descendants: National Archives digitised and expanded Girmit name indexes to help descendants trace ancestors via immigration passes and ship records.