AGP Executive Report

Climate Justice Anniversary: One year after the ICJ’s landmark climate advisory opinion, Vanuatu-backed youth and Pacific leaders are pushing for stronger climate obligations and child-focused adaptation finance. Drought Watch: Vanuatu has declared a first-stage drought alert as dry conditions and El Niño-linked rainfall shortfalls threaten water supplies, farming and health, with communities urged to conserve. Cyclone Recovery Funding: The UN’s CERF approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu after twin Category-4 cyclones, targeting food security, WASH and emergency shelter for the most affected. Ocean Protection: Fiji and Panama launched a push to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” (200–1,000m) from threats like fishing and deep-sea mining—an effort that matters for Pacific food webs and climate regulation. Biodiversity & Biosecurity: Cruise passengers missed a Vanuatu port call after “night travel” rules were applied to prevent spread of an invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle. Regional Fisheries Policy: The Pacific Islands Forum urged WTO action discouraging subsidies that fuel fishing of overfished stocks and IUU activity. Health Preparedness: Vanuatu ran a national measles simulation to keep surveillance, vaccination response and outbreak coordination ready for imported cases. Governance Tensions: Vanuatu’s government demanded an apology after chiefs criticized the appointment of Dr Anna Naupa as MSG DG, calling the stance discriminatory.

MSG Leadership Clash: Vanuatu’s government hit back at the Malvatumauri chiefs after reports they demanded the immediate revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as the first woman to lead the MSG Secretariat, calling the move regressive and divisive. Cyclone Recovery Funding: The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu after twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin, targeting food security, WASH, and emergency shelter for the most affected. Biosecurity at Sea: Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Vanuatu port call to Mystery Island after biosecurity rules blocked travel after dark due to an invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle risk. Ocean Protection Push: Fiji and Panama launched a global push to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” (200–1,000m), urging action against threats like fishing and deep-sea mining. Health Preparedness: Vanuatu ran a national measles simulation in Port Vila with WHO support to test surveillance, vaccination response, and outbreak coordination across islands. Community Voices: Ni-Vanuatu women met Pacific ministers ahead of the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment to push for women’s priorities to be built into regional climate talks. Marine Conservation Corridor: Melanesian nations moved toward a massive transboundary marine protected area corridor (MOCOR), with Vanuatu, PNG, Fiji and Solomon Islands signing on. Tourism-Agriculture Link: Vanuatu’s tourism and agriculture ministries met operators in Port Vila on boosting local sourcing, citing unreliable supplies of vegetables and eggs as a key constraint.

Climate justice push after ICJ ruling: Save the Children marks one year since the ICJ advisory opinion on states’ climate responsibilities, urging more child-focused climate adaptation financing, with Vanuatu highlighted for helping drive the UN resolution endorsing the court’s binding duty. Drought alert in Vanuatu: Vanuatu has declared a first-stage drought alert as dry conditions cut rainfall and water availability, with communities urged to conserve water and prepare for possible escalation as El Niño strengthens. Cyclone recovery support: The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu after twin Category-4 cyclones, targeting food security, WASH, and emergency shelter for the most affected. Ocean protection momentum: Fiji and Panama launched a global push to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” (200–1,000m), calling for action against threats like fishing and deep-sea mining. Biosecurity hits tourism plans: Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Vanuatu port after Mystery Island stop was cancelled at night due to invasive beetle biosecurity rules that protect coconut trees. Marine conservation corridor: Solomon Islands joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), expanding a transboundary marine protected area across Melanesia to safeguard biodiversity. Health preparedness: Vanuatu ran a national measles simulation exercise with WHO support to strengthen surveillance, vaccination response, and outbreak coordination ahead of potential imported cases. Women’s voices in climate talks: Ni-Vanuatu women met Pacific ministers ahead of the Pacific Innovation Forum for Climate and Environment to push for stronger inclusion in climate decision-making.

Climate Justice & Children: One year after the ICJ’s landmark climate advisory opinion, Save the Children is pushing for more child-focused climate adaptation funding, arguing the ruling makes climate protection a legal duty and not optional. Drought Watch in Vanuatu: Vanuatu has declared a first-stage drought alert as dry conditions intensify, urging communities to conserve water and prepare for possible escalation linked to strengthening El Niño patterns. Cyclone Recovery Support: The UN’s CERF has approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu after twin Category-4 cyclones, targeting food security, WASH, and emergency shelter for the most affected. Biosecurity in Action (Cruise Impact): Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Vanuatu port call after Mystery Island was skipped at night due to biosecurity rules aimed at stopping spread of an invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle. Ocean Protection: Fiji and Panama launched a global push to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” (200–1,000m), calling out threats like fishing and deep-sea mining. Marine Conservation in Melanesia: Solomon Islands has joined Vanuatu, PNG and Fiji in planning the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a large transboundary marine protected area. Health Preparedness: Vanuatu held a national measles simulation to test outbreak response systems, including surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination planning, and risk communication. Women’s Voices in Climate Talks: Ni-Vanuatu women met Pacific ministers ahead of the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment to ensure their priorities shape the agenda. Clean Energy Context: Sungrow opened a Solar & Battery Experience Hub in Australia, highlighting practical renewable tech education and community training.

Drought Watch in Vanuatu: Vanuatu has declared a first-stage drought alert as dry conditions intensify, urging communities to conserve water while El Niño-linked rainfall shortfalls are expected to strengthen. Cyclone Recovery Support: The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu after Cyclones Judy and Kevin, targeting food security, water and sanitation hygiene, and emergency shelter for the most affected. Biosecurity and Tourism Impacts: Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Vanuatu port call after Mystery Island was cancelled at night due to biosecurity rules aimed at stopping spread of an invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle. Ocean Protection Push: Fiji and Panama launched a global commitment to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” (200–1,000m), calling for action against threats like fishing and deep-sea mining. Climate Finance to Projects: Pacific countries moved to turn climate finance promises into bankable projects, aiming to speed up real-world delivery. Women’s Voices in Climate Talks: Ni-Vanuatu women met Pacific ministers ahead of the Pacific Innovation Forum to push for stronger inclusion of women’s priorities in climate and environment decisions.

Cyclone recovery support: The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu after twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin, targeting food security, WASH, and emergency shelter for the most affected communities. Biosecurity and tourism impacts: Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Vanuatu port call to Mystery Island after a delay and night-travel biosecurity rules tied to an invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle risk. Health preparedness: Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health, with WHO support, ran a national simulation in Port Vila to sharpen response to a potential imported measles case, strengthening surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination planning, and risk communication. Ocean protection push: Fiji and Panama launched a global commitment to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” (200–1,000m), calling for action against threats like fishing and deep-sea mining. Community connectivity for resilience: A new report highlights how community-run internet networks can help remote islands stay connected, stressing sustainability tests that include environmental factors. Vanuatu voices in climate talks: Ni-Vanuatu women met Pacific ministers ahead of the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment to push for women’s priorities to be integrated into regional decisions.

Cyclone recovery support: The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu after twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin, targeting food security, WASH, and emergency shelter for the most affected and vulnerable. Health preparedness: Vanuatu sharpened its measles outbreak response with a Port Vila national simulation on handling an imported case spreading to outer islands—testing surveillance, lab coordination, vaccination response, infection control, risk communication, logistics, and cross-sector response. Ocean protection push: Fiji and Panama launched a global commitment to protect the ocean’s “twilight zone” (200–1,000m deep), calling for action against threats like fishing and deep-sea mining and for better knowledge of this climate-linked ecosystem. Biosecurity and tourism impacts: Thousands of Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Vanuatu port call at Mystery Island after the visit was cancelled under rules designed to prevent spread of an invasive coconut beetle. Community voices in climate talks: Ni-Vanuatu women met Pacific ministers ahead of the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment, pushing for women’s priorities to be integrated into regional decision-making. Local tourism-agriculture link: Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism and MALFB met hospitality operators in Port Vila to discuss barriers to using local produce, especially unreliable supplies of vegetables and eggs. Digital inclusion lessons: A new report highlights community-run internet networks across the Pacific and includes Vanuatu, stressing that local participation and environmental sustainability tests help projects last.

Cyclone recovery funding: The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund has approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu after twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin, targeting food security, WASH, and emergency shelter for the most affected and vulnerable. Biosecurity and tourism impacts: Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Mystery Island stop after a delay meant the ship couldn’t berth overnight, because Vanuatu’s rules aim to prevent spread of an invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle. Climate and health pressure: A Lancet Countdown report warns climate change is driving a worsening health crisis in small island states, with more extreme heat, food insecurity, poorer air quality, and higher infectious disease risk. Marine protection push: Melanesian nations are moving toward a massive transboundary marine protected area, the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), to safeguard biodiversity—while stressing the need for real management, not “paper parks.” Local tourism-agriculture link: Vanuatu’s tourism and agriculture/biosecurity departments met hospitality operators in Port Vila to tackle the gap in reliable local produce supply, especially vegetables and eggs. Community connectivity: A new report highlights community-run internet networks as a lifeline for remote islands, including Vanuatu, but says sustainability must cover financial, social, organisational, operational, regulatory, and environmental needs. Vanuatu in climate law: Commentary notes the ICJ’s climate ruling—driven by Vanuatu—strengthens the idea of climate action as a legal duty, opening the door to climate accountability claims.

Cyclone recovery support: The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund approved US$1.7m for Vanuatu after twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin, targeting food security, WASH, and emergency shelter for the most affected communities. Marine protection push: Melanesian nations including Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji are moving toward a Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), with Solomon Islands joining—aimed at protecting biodiversity across shared waters, but with calls for real management so it doesn’t become “paper parks.” Biosecurity and tourism impacts: Thousands of Carnival Adventure passengers missed a Vanuatu port call to Mystery Island after the stop was cancelled under biosecurity rules tied to an invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle that’s attracted by light at night. Climate-health warning: A Lancet Countdown report says climate change is worsening health crises in small island states, driving heat stress, food insecurity, poorer air quality, and higher infectious disease risk. ICJ climate ruling relevance: Commentary highlights how the ICJ’s climate decision—prompted by Vanuatu—strengthens the idea of climate duties under international law, opening the door to future climate accountability claims. Tourism-agriculture link: Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism met hospitality operators to discuss why local produce supply (especially vegetables and eggs) is still unreliable, affecting sustainable tourism value chains.

Health & Climate: A new Lancet Countdown report warns that climate change is driving a worsening health crisis in small island states, with more extreme heat, food insecurity, poorer air quality and higher infectious-disease risk hitting infants, the elderly and vulnerable communities hardest. Ocean Protection: Melanesian nations are moving toward a massive transboundary marine protected area, the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), aiming to safeguard biodiversity across shared waters—while researchers stress it must be properly managed to avoid “paper parks.” Vanuatu Tourism–Ag Link: Vanuatu’s tourism and agriculture ministries met operators in Port Vila to tackle weak, unreliable local produce supply—especially vegetables and eggs—highlighting a key environment-linked challenge for sustainable tourism growth. Climate Law: Commentary spotlights Vanuatu’s role in the International Court of Justice climate ruling, which strengthens the idea of climate duties under international law and could shape future climate accountability. Nature-Based Disaster Warnings: Reporting from Fiji highlights how Indigenous observations—like plant and insect behaviour—can complement modern cyclone forecasting as storms intensify.

Marine Protection: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary network of marine protected areas backed by PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji, aiming to protect a biodiversity hotspot—though observers warn it could become “paper parks” without strong management, enforcement and community buy-in. Tourism & Food Systems: Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism met hospitality operators in Port Vila with agriculture and biosecurity officials to tackle weak, unreliable local produce supply—especially vegetables and eggs—highlighting how climate and logistics pressures can ripple into tourism sustainability. Digital & Climate Resilience: A UNDP piece points to Vanuatu’s Digital Readiness Assessment work as groundwork for AI adoption across the Pacific, framing it as a way to improve services for remote communities. Environment & Law: A major climate ruling led by Vanuatu at the International Court of Justice is discussed as a turning point—climate action now treated as a legal duty, with potential for climate-related accountability claims. Biodiversity & Wildlife Risk: Research from Australia challenges claims that pet cats are the main driver of threatened wildlife injuries, finding cat-attributed incidents were under 1% of cases—fueling a more nuanced debate on conservation threats. Disaster Safety: Tuvalu’s Operation Render Safe found over 11 tonnes of World War II munitions in Nanumea’s lagoon, underscoring how explosive remnants can threaten marine environments and future development.

Ocean Protection: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary marine protected area planned by Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji, aiming to protect a biodiversity hotspot in the Coral Triangle—but details on size, enforcement and community consultation remain thin, raising the risk of “paper parks.” Digital Resilience: A new report highlights how community-run internet networks can help the 2.2bn people still offline, including projects in Kiribati and Vanuatu, stressing that local participation and long-term sustainability (financial, social, environmental and regulatory) are what make connectivity last. Tourism & Local Food Systems: Vanuatu’s tourism and agriculture ministries met hospitality operators in Port Vila to tackle weak, unreliable supplies of local produce—especially vegetables and eggs—showing how environment and agriculture link directly to tourism sustainability. Climate Justice in Court: A commentary spotlights the International Court of Justice climate ruling, noting Vanuatu’s role in pushing climate responsibility into binding international law—fueling wider climate litigation debates. War Remnants & Marine Safety: Australia and Pacific partners’ EOD work continues to uncover World War II munitions in the region, including operations in Tuvalu aimed at reducing risks to lagoons, communities and the marine environment. Adventure Tourism Push: ATTA shared findings from Vanuatu’s adventure tourism index, arguing the biggest challenge is global awareness—while kastom culture, volcano landscapes and dive sites offer strong growth potential.

Climate Litigation: The International Court of Justice ruling—driven by Vanuatu—strengthens the idea that countries have legal duties to prevent climate harm, opening the door to climate accountability claims. Disaster Preparedness: Pacific communities are urged to blend modern cyclone forecasting with Indigenous nature-based early warnings as El Niño conditions build and storms intensify. Digital Sustainability: Community-run internet networks are highlighted as a lifeline for remote islands, but only when local people help design, run, and maintain services—plus environmental and regulatory support. Tourism & Local Food: Vanuatu tourism and hospitality operators say unreliable local produce supply (especially vegetables and eggs) is a major bottleneck, pushing calls for stronger agriculture–tourism linkages. Adventure Tourism: ATTA shares findings from Vanuatu’s adventure tourism index, pointing to a big awareness gap—and opportunities in kastom culture, volcano landscapes, and dive sites. Environmental Protection & UXO Safety: Tuvalu’s lagoon safety push found over 11 tonnes of WWII munitions, underlining ongoing risks to marine life and development. Wildlife & Public Debate: A study challenges claims that pet cats are major threats to native wildlife, finding cat-caused incidents are under 1% in NSW rescue data.

Climate Justice in Court: The ICJ’s climate ruling—driven by Vanuatu—reframed climate action as a legal duty and opened the door to climate-related reparations claims, with the fallout now spreading beyond the Pacific. Disaster Risk & Early Warning: Pacific communities are being urged to keep listening to National Meteorological offices as cyclone season continues, while Fiji’s farmers show how traditional nature signals can complement modern forecasting. Emergency Broadcasting: Research highlights a “recognition without resources” problem: national broadcasters are relied on for cyclone and disaster warnings, but funding and capacity gaps can limit how fast and clearly alerts reach people. Tourism + Local Food Supply: Vanuatu’s tourism and agriculture ministries met operators in Port Vila to tackle weak, unreliable supplies of local produce—especially vegetables and eggs—showing how environment and resilience link to livelihoods. Community Connectivity: A new report on community-run internet networks includes Vanuatu, stressing that local participation and environmental sustainability tests can make rural and island connectivity last. Wildlife & Health: A study challenges claims that pet cats are a major driver of harm to threatened wildlife, and a second bird flu case in NSW underlines the need for ongoing wildlife surveillance.

ICJ Climate Ruling: Vanuatu’s climate case helped push the International Court of Justice to say states must prevent climate harm and avoid environmentally damaging conduct, opening the door to climate accountability and litigation. Biodiversity & Wildlife: A new study finds pet cats are blamed for under 1% of threatened animals taken to NSW wildlife carers over 11 years, reigniting debate over domestic vs feral cat impacts. Biosecurity: NSW reports a second H5 bird flu case after a giant petrel tested positive at Hawks Nest, with officials stressing low human risk and the value of public reporting. Tourism & Local Food: Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism met hospitality operators to tackle unreliable local produce supply—especially vegetables and eggs—aiming to strengthen sustainable tourism value chains. Climate Resilience & Early Warning: A Fiji-focused piece highlights how farmers use nature—like wild yam vine behaviour, bees and hornets—to spot cyclone signals months ahead. Youth Climate Solutions: Young Pacific leaders shared innovation work at PIFCE in Port Vila, tackling the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Vanuatu-France Partnership: President Vurobaravu praised France’s support for climate resilience, disaster preparedness and environmental protection.

Sustainable Tourism Reform in Vanuatu: Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism has kicked off a national consultation on sustainable tourism reform in Luganville (Santo), with sessions running 6–7 July and continuing in Port Vila, supported by SPTO, SPREP and EU STEP/Global Gateway partners—aimed at modernising tourism governance so it better serves communities and the environment. Pacific Cyclone Early Warnings: Fiji farmers and Indigenous communities are using nature-based signals—like wild yam vine behaviour, plus bees and other observations—to spot cyclone risk earlier, as climate change intensifies storms and scientists increasingly pair traditional knowledge with modern forecasting. Cyclone Season Preparedness Push: SPREP’s Pacific Meteorological Desk urges Pacific countries to stay vigilant through the remaining cyclone season, stressing that even weaker systems can bring damaging rain and that people should follow daily updates from national meteorological offices. Climate, Security and the Nuclear-Free Pacific: Vanuatu has voiced grave concern over China’s nuclear-capable ballistic missile test in the Pacific, saying it undermines the region’s peace and nuclear-free commitments and noting worries about limited consultation and transparency. Disaster Alerts Need Trust and Reach: Research highlights a “recognition without resources” problem: broadcasters are relied on to carry emergency warnings during cyclones, but funding and capacity gaps can stop alerts from reaching people in time, in the right language and through trusted channels. Young Leaders on the Triple Planetary Crisis: Emerging Pacific leaders at Vanuatu’s PIFCE (1–3 July) shared solutions tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—showing how young people are driving innovation and policy action.