AGP Executive Report

Green Finance Push: Bank of PNG Governor Elizabeth Genia urged urgent action to turn green finance policy into real investments as climate risks hit communities now, not later, as France also pledged about K75 million to expand green lending for PNG SMEs, renewables and sustainable agriculture. Biodiversity Spotlight: ExxonMobil PNG marked a decade of biodiversity work under the PNG LNG project at Port Moresby Nature Park, reaffirming partnership-led conservation. Ocean Protection & Resilience: Oro Governor Gary Juffa used World Oceans Day to warn against pollution, illegal fishing and deep-sea mining, while Fiji moved to fully protect 15% of its ocean territory by end-2026 and Bougainville launched four new vessels to help atoll communities reach health care and markets safely amid climate pressures. Climate Leadership at COP31: Pacific COP31 envoys were appointed, including PNG’s Ruel Yamuna for access to climate finance and Fiji’s Inia Seruiratu for ocean priorities. Community Clean-Up: Team PNG and students joined a World Environment Day beach cleanup, collecting at least 200 bags of rubbish to protect waterways ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Digital Safety & Access: PNG rolled out website restrictions to improve internet safety for children, and Starlink arrived at Kerema Coronation Secondary School to boost learning connectivity. Governance Modernisation: DPMNEC launched an Electronic Funds Transfer system to move government payments from cheques to electronic transfers.

World Environment Day Cleanup: Team PNG athletes joined Hagara Primary School students for a beach cleanup at Mobil Idubada terminal in Port Moresby, collecting at least 200 bags of rubbish and linking the effort to protecting oceans and waterways for the Motu Koitabu community. AI in Education: A UPNG student survey finds AI is already part of daily learning, with 42% using AI tools daily and 30% weekly—raising questions about how universities should guide responsible use. COP31 Climate Leadership: Pacific COP31 Envoys were formally appointed, including Papua New Guinea’s Ruel Yamuna (climate finance access) and Fiji’s Inia Seruiratu (ocean), aiming to elevate Pacific priorities at COP31. Biodiversity Partnership Milestone: ExxonMobil PNG marked 10 years of its PNG LNG biodiversity partnership at Port Moresby Nature Park, reaffirming local conservation commitments. Ocean Protection Push: Fiji announced plans to fully protect 15% of its ocean territory by end-2026 while targeting illegal fishing and declining stocks, with regional cooperation highlighted. Marine Safety for Atolls: Bougainville launched four new passenger vessels for remote atoll communities to improve transport, emergency access, and trade links amid climate risks. PNGFA Communication Support: PNG Forest Authority received EU-funded communication and video-conferencing tools to strengthen climate, forestry, and biodiversity outreach. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Australia, Indonesia and PNG authorities carried out cross-border maritime patrols targeting organised crime and illegal fishing threats. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: Oro Governor Gary Juffa urged PNG to apply the precautionary principle against deep-sea mining, citing past Solwara One losses and risks to undiscovered marine life.

Climate & Health: A new study warns heat stress is already cutting working time and livelihoods, with outdoor workers in Asia facing the highest exposure risks. Biodiversity & Conservation: The GEF has approved a PNG conservation push to protect 700,000 hectares of highland ecosystems by backing Indigenous and local land stewardship, aiming to strengthen biodiversity corridors and improve protected-area management. Marine Protection: World Oceans Day coverage highlights Oro Governor Gary Juffa’s call to defend PNG’s seas from pollution, illegal fishing and deep-sea mining, urging a precaution-first approach. Forestry Governance: PNG Forest Authority received EU-funded communication and video tools to boost knowledge sharing under its Forestry-Climate Change-Biodiversity work. Regional Security & Environment: Australia and Indonesia, with PNG, carried out cross-border maritime patrols targeting illegal fishing and trafficking. Climate Outlook: JAMSTEC says El Niño has set in, with a likely positive Indian Ocean Dipole by July and possible stronger conditions later in 2026. Community & Waste: NCDC and Bomana Correctional Service ran a Port Moresby clean-up with detainee participation to improve civic cleanliness and environmental responsibility. Education & Access: Starlink arrived at Kerema Coronation Secondary School in Gulf, improving learning opportunities with high-speed internet.

Indigenous-led conservation: The Global Environment Facility has approved a PNG project to protect 700,000 hectares of highland ecosystems, with FAO support and Indigenous Peoples and local communities at the centre of managing ancestral lands. Forest Authority support: PNGFA received EU-funded communication and video-conferencing tools under the Forestry-Climate Change-Biodiversity programme to strengthen knowledge sharing and visibility. Cross-border crackdown: Australia and Indonesia, with PNG, carried out joint maritime patrols targeting organised crime, illegal fishing and cross-border trafficking. Marine protection push: Oro Governor Gary Juffa urged stronger safeguards for PNG’s seas on World Oceans Day, warning that climate change, pollution, illegal fishing and deep-sea mining could cause irreversible damage. El Niño watch: Japan’s weather agency says El Niño has set in, with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole likely by July and some forecasts pointing to a stronger “super” El Niño later in 2026—raising drought concerns for PNG’s Highlands. Used vehicle warning: A citizen calls for tighter rules on used vehicle imports to prevent unsafe, hard-to-maintain cars from becoming an environmental and safety burden. Education and connectivity: Starlink has arrived at Kerema Coronation Secondary School in Gulf Province, boosting access to high-speed learning resources. Health security cooperation: A regional Indo-Pacific health security summit in Malaysia highlighted civil-military planning, including input from PNG Defence Force.

Marine Protection Push: Oro Governor Gary Juffa used World Oceans Day to urge stronger protection of PNG’s seas, warning that climate change, pollution, illegal fishing and deep-sea mining could cause irreversible damage, and pointing to the costly Solwara One failure. Indigenous-Led Conservation: The Global Environment Facility approved a new PNG conservation initiative to protect 700,000 hectares of highland ecosystems by putting Indigenous Peoples and local communities at the centre, with FAO leading and support for biodiversity corridors and better environmental management. Climate Risk Watch: JAMSTEC says El Niño has set in, with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole likely by July, raising drought concerns for PNG’s highlands as “El Niño Watch” covers all Highlands provinces. Food & Biodiversity via Highlands: PNG’s push to protect 700,000 hectares of highlands also links conservation with peacebuilding and sustainable practices, aiming to strengthen protected areas and corridors. Used Vehicle Imports: A citizen calls for tighter rules on used vehicle imports to prevent unsafe, hard-to-maintain cars from becoming an environmental and safety hazard. World Environment Day in Schools: PNG Forest Authority and partners ran a mini expo at Papa Junior High School to teach students about climate change, forestry, biodiversity and the carbon cycle. Digital Access for Learning: Starlink arrived at Kerema Coronation Secondary School in Gulf Province, boosting education opportunities with high-speed internet. Finance for Resilience: The IMF approved about $163 million for PNG under its reform programme, including climate-risk support through the Resilience and Sustainability Facility.

Biodiversity Protection: The Global Environment Facility has approved USD 6.4 million for a PNG initiative to protect 700,000 hectares of highland ecosystems, with Indigenous Peoples and local communities leading conservation and management, plus support for biodiversity corridors and peacebuilding. Climate Risk Watch: Japan’s weather agency says El Niño has set in, with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole likely by July, raising drought concerns for the region and PNG’s highlands. Marine Conservation Push: Oro Governor Gary Juffa used World Oceans Day to warn against deep-sea mining, citing past seabed project losses and urging a precaution-first approach to protect marine ecosystems. Clean Energy Urgency: A Pacific fuel-price shock story highlights how imported oil dependence is still driving inflation and hurting sectors like tourism, strengthening the case for faster renewable energy delivery. Governance & Environment: A community clean-up in Port Moresby involved detainees and NCDC staff, aiming to boost environmental responsibility while supporting rehabilitation. Education & Digital Access: Starlink has arrived at Kerema Coronation Secondary School, improving learning opportunities with high-speed internet. Transport & Safety: A call urges PNG to tighten rules on used vehicle imports to prevent unsafe, polluting “dumping ground” outcomes.

Used Vehicle Imports: A concerned citizen urges PNG to tighten rules on used vehicle imports, saying many are too old and unreliable, with spare parts shortages driving abandoned cars, safety risks, and environmental harm. Aviation & Agriculture Exports: Work has begun on a K39.4 million runway upgrade at Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen, positioning the Highlands as an agriculture export hub for Asia-Pacific markets. World Oceans Day & Deep-Sea Mining: Oro Governor Gary Juffa calls for stronger protection of PNG’s marine territory, warning that climate change, pollution, illegal fishing, and deep-sea mining could cause irreversible damage. Education & Connectivity: Starlink has arrived at Kerema Coronation Secondary School in Gulf, bringing about 100 Mbps internet to support digital learning. Education Milestone: The International Education Agency (IEA PNG) marks 50 years, highlighting teacher training and responsible AI use in classrooms. Health & Population Gains: UNFPA reports major progress in maternal and reproductive health and population data collection despite funding cuts. Climate Outlook: JAMSTEC says El Niño has set in, with a likely positive IOD by July and possible strengthening later in 2026. Highlands Conservation Funding: The GEF approved USD 6.4 million to help protect 700,000 hectares of highland ecosystems by backing Indigenous and local community-led conservation. World Environment Day at Schools: Papa Junior High in Central hosted a mini expo to boost student awareness on climate change, forestry, biodiversity, marine issues, and the carbon cycle.

Climate & Energy Risk: A surge in global oil prices after the US-Iran conflict is showing how exposed Pacific economies—including PNG—remain to fuel supply shocks, pushing up transport and service costs and raising inflation risks, with renewables scaling still uneven. Biodiversity Protection: The GEF has approved USD 6.4m for a PNG initiative to protect 700,000 hectares of highland ecosystems by putting Indigenous Peoples and local communities at the centre, strengthening biodiversity corridors and environmental management. El Niño Watch: JAMSTEC says El Niño has set in, with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole likely by July, raising drought concerns for PNG’s highlands and the need for early planning. Community Environment Education: World Environment Day activities in Central Province included a mini expo at Papa Junior High School, with students learning about climate change, forestry, biodiversity and the carbon cycle. Coral Reef Leadership: Saudi Arabia chaired the ICRI meeting and pushed five recommendations aimed at linking reef commitments to real national implementation and sustainable financing. Local Waste & Reuse: Forbes Shire moved decommissioned Apex Park barbecues to Forbes Pool as part of a waste-reduction push, keeping useful gear in community use. Governance & Independence: Bougainville’s dispute with PNG deepened as PNG defended constitutional voting rules for independence, keeping political uncertainty in the background of environmental planning.

Conservation Funding: The Global Environment Facility has approved US$6.4 million for a Papua New Guinea initiative to protect 700,000 hectares of highland ecosystems by putting Indigenous Peoples and local communities at the centre of managing ancestral lands. Climate Resilience: Australia-backed work in Morobe is helping validate a Climate-Resilient Green Growth strategy, with a pipeline of projects aimed at renewable energy, climate-proof infrastructure, and better water and waste systems. Biodiversity & Land Protection: PNG’s push to safeguard ecosystems also includes strengthening biodiversity corridors and improving management across protected and productive landscapes. El Niño Watch: PNG’s Highlands provinces are under “El Niño Watch,” with forecasts pointing to potentially prolonged drought—raising the stakes for early planning. Coral Triangle Pressure: A new report says many major insurers still won’t rule out covering LNG expansion in the Coral Triangle, despite calls to treat the region as a no-go zone for new fossil gas. World Environment Day on the Ground: Papa Junior High in Central hosted a mini expo to teach students about climate change, forestry, biodiversity, marine environments and the carbon cycle. Indigenous Stewardship: A separate PNG story highlights bets on Indigenous communities to protect 700,000 hectares in the Highlands. Governance & Regional Priorities: A PNG diplomat cautioned that Pacific unity is under pressure from great power competition and externally driven initiatives, including tensions over climate priorities. Energy Transition Gap: Pacific fuel crisis coverage underlines the gap between renewable targets and delivery, as imported fuel dependence keeps countries exposed to global shocks. Digital & Data Systems: Comrade Trustee Services in PNG has gone live with Smartstream’s Air to automate reconciliations, cutting processing from hours to minutes—an efficiency win that can support better service delivery. Community Clean-Up: NCDC and Bomana Correctional Service ran a Port Moresby clean-up with detainees, linking civic responsibility with rehabilitation. Education & Access: Buk Bilong Pikinini continues donating school library kits and learning resources to expand reading access across PNG. Mining Resistance in Focus: A documentary, “Sukundimi Walks Before Me,” spotlights grassroots opposition to the Frieda River gold-copper project and its proposed tailings dam.

El Niño Watch: All seven PNG Highlands provinces are now under an “El Niño Watch,” with forecasts pointing to potentially prolonged drought that could stress water, farming and livelihoods. IMF Boost: The IMF has approved about $163 million for Papua New Guinea after programme reviews, including $82 million under EFF/ECF and $81 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility aimed at climate-related balance-of-payments risks. Climate-Resilient Planning: Australia-backed Climate FIRST support helped Morobe validate its Climate-Resilient Green Growth strategy, mapping priority investments across agriculture, transport and water for bankable projects by 2027. Sustainable Tourism Tension: PNG’s tourism authority rejected the new international “Green Fee,” saying it was introduced without consultation and that collected funds have not reached tourism projects. Coral Triangle LNG Cover: A coalition says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG expansion coverage in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity and livelihood risks for PNG and the wider region. World Environment Day: Ok Tedi marked World Environment Day with native tree planting and community sustainability initiatives. Offshore Energy Move: PNG’s first ultra-deepwater well, Mailu-1, is set to begin drilling within two months, with environmental safeguards and stakeholder engagement highlighted in consultations.

Climate-Resilient Growth: Australia-backed support helped Morobe validate a Climate-Resilient Green Growth strategy, mapping investments across agriculture, transport, and water to turn local plans into bankable projects by 2027. Green Finance Push: PNG’s Green Finance Summit 2026 drew 240 delegates and pushed new commitments to “green” the financial system, with the Bank of Papua New Guinea calling the country well placed for resilient investment. Coral Triangle LNG Cover: A coalition says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG expansion in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks—PNG sits inside the threatened region. EU–PNG Business Ties: The EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby brought 300+ participants and more than 170 meetings, with leaders linking investment to sustainable development and jobs. Sustainable Aviation: ATR delivered the first ATR 42-600 to PNG Air, starting fleet renewal aimed at more reliable, fuel-efficient service for remote communities. Tourism Fee Backlash: PNG’s tourism authority rejected a new international “Green Fee,” saying it was introduced without consultation and may hurt visitor growth. World Environment Day: Ok Tedi marked World Environment Day with native tree planting and community sustainability activities. Protected Ocean Move: PNG is set to protect a huge swath of ocean by banning fishing, adding momentum for marine conservation. Governance for Resources: PNG CORE appointed Richard Kassman as executive director, framing it as stronger advocacy for sustainable development. Nuclear Legacy Debate: Pacific leaders renewed calls that decolonisation remains unfinished decades after nuclear testing, linking environmental harm to self-determination.

Climate-Resilient Growth in PNG: Australia-backed Climate FIRST support helped Morobe validate a Climate-Resilient Green Growth strategy, mapping bankable investments by 2027 across agriculture, transport, and water. EU–PNG Sustainable Investment: The 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby drew 300+ participants and pushed partnerships aimed at sustainable development and responsible investment. Coral Triangle LNG Cover Under Fire: A coalition says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG expansion across the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks—PNG sits at the heart of the region. Green Finance Push: PNG’s Green Finance Summit 2026 attracted 240 delegates and highlighted growing momentum to attract investment while greening financial systems. Marine Protection & Eco-Tourism: PNG moved to ratify the BBNJ ocean biodiversity agreement, with fisheries minister linking it to healthier seas, livelihoods, and resilience. World Environment Day on the Ground: Ok Tedi marked the day with native tree planting and community sustainability work, while NCD governor Parkop urged residents to back climate action with tree planting. Forestry Governance: PNG Forest Authority workshop focused on rolling out the timber legality standard and building a timber legality verification system. PNG Air Renewal: ATR delivered the first ATR 42-600 to PNG Air, starting fleet renewal to improve reliable, fuel-efficient service to remote communities. Education Access: Buk Bilong Pikinini continued School Library Kit donations to expand books and learning resources in remote areas.

Climate resilience in PNG: Australia-backed Morobe validated its Climate-Resilient Green Growth strategy in Lae, mapping bankable investments across agriculture, transport and water through 2027. Sustainable investment push: PNG and the EU held a 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby with 300+ participants and 170+ B2B/B2G meetings, with leaders stressing stable rules for responsible, environment-respecting investment. Green finance momentum: PNG’s Green Finance Summit 2026 drew 240 delegates and new investment commitments, positioning the country to lead in green finance across the Pacific. World Environment Day action: NCD Governor Parkop urged residents to take personal climate action and join tree-planting in Port Moresby, while Ok Tedi marked the day with 900+ native trees and community sustainability work. Marine protection & eco-tourism: PNG reaffirmed plans to protect a vast ocean area and says it can use marine biodiversity for eco-tourism and jobs, alongside ratifying the BBNJ ocean biodiversity agreement. Coral Triangle LNG debate: Insure Our Future says most major insurers still won’t rule out LNG support in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks. PNG governance & tech: PNG DataCo signed agreements with Morobe to expand telecom access and roll out a digital government platform. Disaster watch: A 7.8 quake hit the southern Philippines, triggering tsunami warnings across parts of the region including Papua New Guinea.

World Environment Day in PNG: Ok Tedi marked June 5 with tree planting of 900+ native trees in Tabubil and Bige, linking the work to biodiversity, climate action and community awareness. Urban climate push: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged Port Moresby residents to take personal climate action, backing tree planting and waste action during World Environment Day events, and announced six next-year scholarships for marine biology, botany and entomology. Green finance momentum: PNG’s Green Finance Summit 2026 drew 240 delegates and focused on greening financial systems, with hopes PNG can become a regional green finance model. Coral Triangle LNG debate: A coalition says most major insurers still haven’t ruled out LNG support in the Coral Triangle, despite biodiversity risks across the region including PNG. Marine conservation and jobs: Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong said PNG is positioned to use marine biodiversity for eco-tourism and livelihoods, pointing to ratification of the BBNJ ocean biodiversity agreement. Disaster watch: A 7.8 earthquake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings across parts of the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan and Papua New Guinea, with authorities urging coastal evacuations. PNG CORE leadership: Richard Kassman was appointed executive director of PNG CORE, tasked with strengthening policy advocacy for sustainable development. IMF support: The IMF approved reviews unlocking about US$163m for PNG, including funding tied to climate resilience.

Marine Protection: PNG will ban fishing across a new Western Manus Marine Protected Area covering about 200,000 km² in the Bismarck Sea, aiming to safeguard biodiversity and support the “Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves.” Water Security: The EU and EIB Global backed a Water Wise Communities project with €25m concessional financing plus €16.4m in grants to expand drinking-water networks for 400,000 more people, including Port Moresby. World Environment Day (NCD): NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged Port Moresby residents to take climate action at home, announcing tree planting and waste initiatives, plus six environmental science scholarships next year (marine biology, botany, entomology). Local Action: Alotau marked World Environment Day with a community litter-collection competition supported by JICA, while 321 Group joined mangrove planting at Koke Hanua. Disaster Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings across the region, including Papua New Guinea, as authorities urged coastal evacuations. Conservation Science: PNG CORE appointed Richard Kassman as executive director, strengthening policy advocacy for resources and sustainable development.

World Environment Day in Port Moresby: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged residents to move from talk to action, calling for tree planting and cleaner waste habits as climate pressure mounts. Bougainville’s Future: The political status of Bougainville remains PNG’s biggest challenge, with debates over constitutional process, security, and readiness for statehood. Marine Conservation Push: PNG says it’s well placed for eco-tourism after ratifying the BBNJ ocean biodiversity deal, and it’s also moving to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a total fishing ban. Water Security Funding: The EU and EIB Global backed a Water Wise Communities project to expand drinking-water networks, aiming to reach an extra 400,000 people and boost climate resilience. Timber Governance: PNG’s Forest Authority says the timber legality standard and verification system need strong coordination across government, industry, and civil society. Disaster Watch: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings across the western Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, with coastal communities urged to evacuate to higher ground. Deep-sea Mining Debate: Pacific leaders face rising pressure as seabed minerals become a new arena for geopolitics and deep-sea mining races. Community Cleanup: Alotau students and residents marked World Environment Day with a Japanese-inspired litter collection drive. Floating Volcanic Rock: Pumice from an undersea eruption has inundated Manus villages, trapping people and disrupting food and fishing.