AGP Executive Report

Waste-to-Energy Push: Fiji clean energy firm Infinite Power Clean proposes a US$138m plan for three non-incineration waste-to-energy plants at Naboro, Lautoka and Labasa to cut landfill expansion and generate 19MW of power. Marine Protection Drive: Fiji says it will designate up to 15% of its waters as marine protected areas by end of 2026, aiming for 30% by 2030, with stronger governance and community involvement. Yaqona Traceability Tech: A new public-testing platform, yaqona.net, links Fiji kava farmers to global buyers using verified profiles and QR codes to “scan the source” and reduce middlemen. Regional Climate Risk for Voyagers: The Polynesian Voyaging Society changes course for its Moananuiākea voyage after forecasts warn of a high chance of El Niño conditions. Pacific Migration & Border Tech: Fiji’s immigration minister warns record global migration is reshaping security and development, calling for modern border systems and faster regional cooperation. Deep-Sea Discovery: Researchers filmed goblin sharks in Pacific habitats near Jarvis Island and the Tonga Trench, adding rare new sightings to what’s known about the elusive species. Sports Science Pathway: Fiji’s Lautoka Seals Swim Club seeks a long-term academy partnership with the American Swimming Coaches Association to build coach education and aquatic development. Human Rights Call: Amnesty International says allegations of police and military brutality in Fiji leading to Sakiasi Ose Radravu’s death match historic patterns, urging independent accountability.

Swimming & Sports Science: Fiji’s Lautoka Seals Swim Club could link up with the American Swimming Coaches Association to set up a Seals Swim Club Academy, aiming to make Fiji a Pacific hub for coach education, aquatic development and competitive swimming science. Waste-to-Energy: Fiji-registered Infinite Power Clean proposes a US$305m plan for three waste-to-energy facilities (Naboro, Lautoka, Labasa) to cut landfill expansion and generate 19MW using non-incineration technology. Climate Tech & Governance: A new policy debate argues for a legal framework like ecocide law to rein in risky geoengineering ideas as “cooling credits” and stratospheric proposals move closer to reality. Marine Protection: Fiji plans to designate up to 15% of its waters as marine protected areas by end of 2026, supporting its 30% by 2030 goal. Biodiversity Discovery: Researchers filmed goblin sharks in native Pacific habitats for the first time, including sightings near Jarvis Island and the Tonga Trench southeast of Fiji. Health & Aid: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations top 1 million doses, with more than half a million delivered to Fiji. Digital Trade for Farmers: yaqona.net is launching public testing for a QR-code platform that gives kava farmers verifiable identities and direct buyer connections.

Trade & Investment: Australia, UK and Pacific partners are pushing rules-based trade and resilience as global energy shocks ripple through supply chains, with ministers spotlighting fuel security planning and investment cooperation. Pacific Partnership (Fiji): Fiji’s PM Rabuka visited a Nabua Village schoolhouse build with U.S. Navy Seabees under Pacific Partnership, aiming for safer learning infrastructure. Climate Risk (El Niño): Polynesian voyaging crews are rerouting after forecasts point to a high chance of El Niño, with WMO warning of more extreme weather. Agriculture & Health (Fiji): Fiji’s agriculture ministry is seeking more funding for livestock disease surveillance and monitoring, including stronger links with research groups. Migration & Borders: Fiji’s immigration leadership says record global migration demands modern technology, faster information sharing, and tougher regional cooperation against trafficking, smuggling and cyber-enabled crime. Human Rights: Amnesty International alleges police and military brutality in Fiji tied to the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu, calling for independent accountability. Tech for Farmers (Yaqona): A new yaqona.net platform is trialling QR-linked verified profiles to connect Fiji kava farmers directly with global buyers. Ocean Protection (Fiji): Fiji targets up to 15% marine protection by end-2026, building toward 30% by 2030. Maritime Tech (OFC): LiveU delivered remote VAR to the Pacific for the first time, using remote deployment to overcome fibre and customs barriers. Research & Heritage: Fiji digitised 60,000+ pages of Girmit-era immigration records, with plans to expand public online access.

Animal Health Funding: Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture is seeking more money for livestock disease surveillance, monitoring, prevention and faster response to protect farmers and food security. Migration Pressure: Pacific immigration leaders warn global migration has hit a record 304 million people, pushing Fiji to modernise border systems with stronger tech and regional cooperation. Human Rights Scrutiny: Amnesty International says allegations of police and military brutality in Fiji match “historic patterns” after the death of Sakiasi Ose Radravu, calling for independent accountability. Queer Pasifika Milestone: Former NRL player Kane Evans coming out as gay is framed as a landmark for Pasifika and Māori athletes and visibility in sport. Maritime Tech & Minerals: QUAD partners unveiled initiatives for maritime surveillance, critical minerals supply chains and port expansion across the South Pacific, including Fiji. Yaqona Traceability: A new public-testing platform, yaqona.net, links Fiji kava farmers to global buyers using verified profiles and QR codes. Marine Protection Goal: Fiji targets up to 15% marine protected areas by end of 2026 to support its wider 2030 conservation commitment. Remote VAR for OFC: LiveU delivered the first remote VAR deployment across the Pacific for the OFC Pro League, overcoming customs and connectivity barriers. Solar for Remote Resorts: NZ-backed solar and battery upgrades shield three remote Fiji resorts from major diesel price shocks. Land Law Reform: Fiji’s land legislation review reaches a final stage after reports on the State Lands Act and Land Use Act are handed over for drafting next steps.

Nuclear Justice & Decolonisation: Pacific leaders and advocates say the anti-nuclear and independence struggles still have unfinished business, linking decades of nuclear testing to colonial control, environmental harm, and disputes over who benefits from ocean resources. Wheelchair Rugby in Fiji: A Fiji National University student’s exchange in France helped spark Fiji’s first national wheelchair rugby push, with plans for international competition. COP31 Electrification Push: Türkiye’s COP31 president-designate proposes a “35 by 35” goal—raising electricity’s share of final energy demand to 35% by 2035—while warning fossil fuel dependence fuels instability. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: New reporting spotlights apple-sized metal-rich nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone and the race to extract battery metals from one of the least-studied ecosystems. Fiji Marine Protection Target: Fiji aims to designate up to 15% of waters as marine protected areas by end of 2026, as part of a 30% by 2030 goal. Digital Heritage: Fiji digitised 60,000+ pages of Girmit-era Indian immigration records, with plans to expand access online. Migration & Border Tech: Fiji’s immigration leaders warn that climate shocks and cross-border crime are rising, calling for faster information sharing and modern border systems. Solar for Remote Resorts: New Zealand-backed solar and battery upgrades shield three remote Yasawa resorts from major diesel price spikes. VAR Comes to the Pacific: LiveU enabled remote VAR for the OFC Pro League, overcoming customs and connectivity barriers across island nations. Fiji Land Law Reform: Final reports on the State Lands Act and Land Use Act have been handed over, moving Fiji’s land legislation review into drafting stages. Coastal Climate Adaptation: ADB-linked work highlights “green-gray” protection—seawalls plus mangrove restoration—to tackle sea level rise and erosion. Education Tech & Power: An all-female solar installation team helped bring 24/7 electricity to a Waya Island school, aiming to boost women’s pathways into technical trades. Agriculture Timing: Sugar farmers are being urged to shift from planting to harvest preparations and replant planning as conditions may turn drier with El Niño. Security Watch: Police are investigating suspected drug containers found floating near Ogea Island, with lab testing underway.

Marine Conservation: Fiji says it will designate up to 15% of its waters as marine protected areas by end of 2026, aiming for 30% protection by 2030, with stronger governance and community involvement. Digital Heritage: Fiji’s National Archives has digitised 60,000 pages of Girmit-era Indian immigration records, with plans to expand the collection and bring public access online. Land Reform: Fiji’s land law overhaul moves forward after final reports on the State Lands Act 1945 and Land Use Act 2010 were handed to the Attorney-General’s Office for drafting Bills and Cabinet papers. Climate Adaptation: A new approach pairs seawalls with mangrove restoration to protect coastal villages as sea levels rise, using “green-gray” infrastructure supported by ADB-linked work. Health Tech for Mosquito Control: Fiji will roll out a chemical-free dengue program using mosquito lamps, electric traps, bed nets, and rapid test kits nationwide. Migration & Security: Pacific immigration leaders warn that conflict, climate change, and tech-enabled crime are driving new migration pressures, calling for faster information sharing and modern border systems. Local Research: Researchers suggest a mangrove-ringed Fiji island may have formed from centuries of discarded shellfish waste, offering a rare look at ancient coastal life.

Climate Adaptation: Fiji is moving toward “green-gray” coastal protection, pairing seawalls with mangrove restoration as sea levels rise and flooding/erosion hit low-lying villages. Remote Clean Power: New Zealand-backed solar and battery systems have shielded three remote Fiji resorts from an 80% diesel price shock after Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Health Tech (Vector Control): Fiji’s new chemical-free dengue control program will roll out mosquito lamps, bed nets, rapid test kits and fly traps nationwide. Sports Tech: LiveU delivered the Pacific’s first remote VAR deployment for the OFC Pro League, solving customs and connectivity barriers across island nations. Public Health Policy: Fiji’s Consumer Council is pushing Parliament to require scientific support before compulsory vaccinations and medical treatment powers are used under a Public Health Amendment Bill. Land Governance: Fiji’s Law Reform Commission has submitted final reports reviewing the State Lands Act and Land Use Act, moving draft bills to the Attorney-General’s review stage. Security & Trade: PNG and the EU reaffirmed investment and sustainable development ties at a business forum in Port Moresby with 300+ participants and 170+ meetings. Regional Risk Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific agencies kept tsunami monitoring on alert; New Zealand says there’s no threat. Ocean & Education: Students and partners from Fiji-linked marine projects are running fieldwork and ocean science activities, including nautilus habitat surveys.

Renewables & Gender in Tech: It’s Time Foundation and partners installed Fiji’s first all-female solar system team at Ratu Naivalu Memorial School on Waya Island, delivering 24/7 power with panels and backup batteries, plus leadership and industry training for students. Land Law Update: Fiji Law Reform Commission has reached the final stage of reviewing the State Lands Act 1945 and Land Use Act 2010, handing reports to the Attorney-General’s Office ahead of draft Bills and Cabinet papers. Public Health Tech: Fiji is rolling out a chemical-free dengue control program using mosquito lamps that attract and electrically trap mosquitoes, supported by bed nets, rapid test kits, and fly traps. Ocean & Safety Monitoring: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific coastal monitoring was placed on alert; New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to it, but advisories cover Fiji and many Pacific islands. Regional Ocean Governance: The new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) is consolidating support for its Palau-based mandate as it transitions from the PIF Secretariat. Hazardous Chemicals & Waste: Fiji opened a national reporting workshop to prepare its Sixth National Report under the Stockholm Convention on POPs, including steps toward joining Basel, Rotterdam, and Minamata conventions and building local lab capacity. Drugs at Sea: Police are investigating suspected illicit drugs found in sealed containers floating near Ogea Island in Lau, with lab testing underway.

Renewables & Gender Skills in Fiji: It’s Time Foundation and local solar businesses completed a 7-day all-female solar installation at Ratu Naivalu Memorial School on Waya Island, adding panels and backup batteries for 24/7 power and pairing the team with leadership and industry conference events. Public Health Tech (Dengue): Fiji’s Ministry of Health is rolling out a chemical-free dengue control program with mosquito lamps, electric traps, bed nets, rapid test kits and fly traps, aiming to cut mosquito populations nationwide. Hazardous Chemicals & Waste (POPs): Fiji opened a Suva workshop to prepare its 6th National Report under the Stockholm Convention, while also moving to join Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata and setting up a scientific lab for chemical testing. Ocean Governance: The new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) is consolidating support for basing in Palau, with Pacific leaders urging independence and better coordination for ocean policy. Regional Science & Safety: After a powerful Philippines quake, Pacific coastal monitoring stayed on alert; NZ says no tsunami threat, but advisories covered Fiji and many neighbours. Drugs at Sea: Police are investigating suspected meth and earlier cocaine-style container finds drifting near Ogea Island in Lau. Waste Policy: Fiji rejected an Energy-from-Waste incinerator proposal for unresolved environmental and technical issues. Education & Research Links: US marine biology students from Des Moines travelled to Fiji to survey nautiluses with local and regional partners including USP.

Tsunami Watch: A powerful earthquake in the southern Philippines has put Pacific coastal monitoring systems on alert, with Fiji and other Pacific islands included in a regional advisory; New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to Aotearoa and the US Tsunami Warning Centre expects waves under 0.3m above tides. Public Health Tech: Fiji is rolling out a chemical-free dengue control programme using mosquito lamps, electric traps, bed nets, rapid test kits and fly traps, aiming to cut mosquito populations and boost early detection. Drugs at Sea: Police are investigating suspected methamphetamine and earlier cocaine finds after sealed drug containers washed up near Ogea Island in Lau, with lab testing underway and authorities working out how they drifted in. Chemicals & Waste Governance: Fiji is strengthening hazardous chemicals and waste management ahead of its Stockholm Convention reporting, including plans to join Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions and building a national scientific lab for testing. Ocean Policy: The new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) is consolidating support for its base in Palau as it transitions from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to Europe. Health Policy Debate: Fiji’s Consumer Council urged Parliament to require scientific evidence before compulsory vaccinations and medical treatment under a Public Health Amendment Bill. Skills & Research: GX Foundation and Fiji National University signed an MoU to expand public health training, workshops and joint research. AI in Finance: Finnate was listed on Singapore’s MAS PathFin.ai Knowledge Hub after an independent review, highlighting safer AI adoption in regulated financial services. Climate Relocation: Pacific nations adopted the first regional climate relocation guidance to protect rights, culture and community decision-making when adaptation is no longer possible.

Hazardous Chemicals & Waste: Fiji is ramping up chemical safety ahead of its Sixth National Report under the Stockholm Convention on POPs, including plans to join Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata conventions and setting up a scientific lab for water, air and chemical testing. Ocean Governance: The new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) is consolidating support for its Palau base, with calls to protect the office’s independence to coordinate ocean policy across the region. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc, tightening cold-chain requirements. Public Health Law: Fiji’s Consumer Council urged Parliament to limit compulsory vaccinations and medical treatment under the Public Health Amendment Bill to cases backed by scientific evidence and independent review. Skills for Growth: Pacific Polytech graduates in Labasa were urged to plug Fiji’s skills gaps as migration and infrastructure investment increase demand for trades. Waste & Community Trust: Fiji rejected a Vuda waste-to-energy and port proposal, and local groups say the decision restores confidence in land rights and highlights the need for proper consultation.

AI in the workplace: An opinion piece argues “use AI or be replaced” is really about staying competitive as tools automate tasks and boost productivity across offices, classrooms, hospitals and finance. Public health law safeguards: Fiji’s Consumer Council urged Parliament to limit compulsory vaccinations and medical treatment under the Public Health Amendment Bill to cases backed by scientific evidence, proportionate risk, and independent review. Public health training partnership: GX Foundation and Fiji National University signed an MoU to expand public health and youth development through workshops, training, seminars and joint research. Hazardous chemicals push: Fiji is strengthening management of persistent organic pollutants ahead of its Stockholm Convention report, including setting up a scientific lab for water, air and chemical testing and moving toward Basel, Rotterdam and Minamata accession. Ocean governance update: Support is building for the new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner to be based in Palau, with calls to protect its independence and coordination role. Waste and jobs: Return and Earn expanded with a new Nasinu centre, aiming for more collection sites while creating local employment. EU seafood compliance: Fiji and other Pacific states trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect about 97% of eligible Pacific-flagged vessels exporting to the bloc. Climate relocation guidance: Pacific governments adopted regional planned relocation guidance to protect rights and cultural identity when communities can’t safely adapt in place. Skills for development: Pacific Polytech graduates were urged to help plug Fiji’s skilled workforce gaps as infrastructure and resilience projects ramp up.

Hazardous Chemicals Push: Fiji opened a two-day Suva workshop to strengthen management of hazardous chemicals and waste ahead of its Sixth National Report under the Stockholm Convention on POPs, with “forever chemicals” flagged as a health and ecosystem risk; Fiji is also moving to accede to 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 transitions away from the PIF Secretariat, Palau’s government backed the OPOC mandate in Koror while urging independence so it can coordinate the Pacific’s growing ocean and policy needs. Recycling Jobs: Return and Earn expanded in Nasinu with a new collection centre, aiming for 50+ centres nationwide and prioritising local jobs over heavy automation. EU Seafood Compliance: Fiji and other Pacific states trained in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, expected to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific-flagged vessels. Customs Tech Upgrade: At Fiji’s Oceania Customs Organisation conference, the World Customs Organization said AI and digital tools are helping customs administrations improve trade facilitation, enforcement and revenue collection. Waste-to-Energy Blocked: Fiji’s Department of Environment rejected the Vuda Point energy-from-waste and private port EIA, citing unresolved risks around scale, waste sourcing (including imports), hazardous ash, public health, infrastructure impacts and social/cultural/tourism effects. Drug Security Warning: Fiji warned the Pacific is shifting from a transit zone to a destination for illicit drugs, calling for stronger intelligence sharing and modernised border systems.

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.

Climate Finance Push: Fiji’s Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya urged faster, simpler climate funding for small island states, warning the world is moving too slowly as risks intensify. EU Fisheries Compliance: Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva to meet new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of Pacific vessels exporting to the bloc. Disaster Preparedness Gap: A new push argues governments should pre-arrange disaster financing so money is ready before storms, not scrambled during crises. Ocean Conservation by Youth: Students at Fiji’s Veivueti Kids Ocean Conference showcased coral-protection awareness, with the event expanding to more schools nationwide. Waste & Energy Setback in Vuda: Fiji’s Environment Department rejected TNG’s Vuda waste-to-energy and port EIA, citing major unresolved risks and gaps in the assessment. AI & Online Safety: University of Fiji vice-chancellor Shaista Shameem warned that AI use is hard to detect and should be addressed in the Online Safety Act review. Customs Tech Upgrade: At Fiji’s Oceania Customs Organisation conference, WCO officials said AI and digital tools are reshaping customs for faster trade and better enforcement. Regional Security/Infrastructure: Quad foreign ministers unveiled new Indo-Pacific initiatives, including a Fiji port infrastructure project and energy security efforts.

Customs & AI: The Oceania Customs Organisation conference in Fiji heard how artificial intelligence and digital tools are helping customs agencies speed up trade, improve enforcement, and raise revenue. Skills for growth: Pacific Polytech’s 73 graduates in Labasa were told their trades are vital as Fiji faces workforce gaps from overseas migration. Waste policy shock in Vuda: Fiji’s Environment Department rejected The Next Generation Holdings’ Vuda waste-to-energy and port EIA, citing unresolved risks around imported waste, hazardous ash, public health, and social/cultural impacts—prompting renewed calls for better-scaled alternatives. Ocean resilience & youth action: Research in Ra shows traditional knowledge and community governance strengthening coastal fisheries resilience; meanwhile, the Veivueti Kids Ocean Conference expanded to 14 schools nationwide. Regional tech & governance: New Zealand reaffirmed support for Fiji’s public enterprise development and social cohesion; Fiji’s Suva City Council urged clearer coordination in public health law amendments. Drug crackdown: Fiji Police reported destroying nearly 47,400 marijuana plants in Cakaudrove operations.