AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Safety Tragedy: A crocodile handler died after a brutal mauling at Adventure Park in Port Moresby on Sept 5, with video showing the worker’s legs trapped in the jaws for more than an hour as bystanders tried to help; the park has closed indefinitely. Climate Risk for the Pacific: Pacific communities are being urged to prepare for a powerful El Niño, with warnings of drought in some areas, heavier rain in others, and mounting pressure on drinking water, food and children’s health. Pacific Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund backed the Pacific Resilience Facility, describing it as a Pacific-led way to strengthen delivery of climate finance and resilience support. Coral Reef Protection: Palau and other Pacific Forum members backed a global push to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs, linking reef protection to biodiversity, food and coastal protection. PNG Digital Leap: Papua New Guinea cleared the way for 5G by making 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum available for licensing, aiming to boost faster speeds and capacity. Biodiversity Discovery: Researchers report the rare Spinach Pipefish has been caught again in PNG’s Sepik River after decades, with local fishers helping confirm the species.

Community-led climate solutions: NatureFiji-MareqetiViti director Nunia Thomas-Moko urged Pacific Islanders to lead responses to the biodiversity, climate and pollution crises, saying local knowledge plus access to funding and technical support can turn communities into “the solution.” Wildlife safety in PNG: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby left a wildlife worker mauled; police shot the crocodile to free him and he was taken to hospital. Biodiversity rediscovery in the Sepik: Researchers and local fishers helped confirm the rare Spinach Pipefish in the Sepik River system after decades without records, showing how village knowledge can revive conservation science. Climate finance for PNG forests: Prime Minister James Marape backed the Green Climate Fund and highlighted PNG’s GCF support, including a major REDD+ results payment tied to verified emissions reductions from deforestation and forest degradation. PNG 5G rollout: NICTA cleared spectrum for 5G licensing in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands, aiming to boost faster speeds and capacity, with early focus on urban areas. Pacific ocean protection push: Pacific leaders backed stronger action on climate-resilient coral reefs and ocean governance, calling for coordinated regional steps on fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution.

Wildlife Safety: A crocodile mauled a worker at Adventure Park in Port Moresby, with police shooting the animal to free him and the victim rushed to 3 Mile General Hospital. Climate Finance: Prime Minister James Marape backed the Green Climate Fund, highlighting US$85.4m in PNG climate support so far, including a US$63.4m REDD+ payment tied to verified deforestation and forest degradation cuts. Coral Protection: Pacific leaders, including Palau, pushed a global commitment to protect climate-resilient coral reefs, linking reef survival to biodiversity, food and coastal protection. Regional Climate Resilience Funding: The Green Climate Fund said it is supporting the Pacific Resilience Facility’s setup through readiness funding, positioning it as a Pacific-led way to strengthen resilience delivery. Oceans & Fisheries: Forum leaders agreed to strengthen Pacific action on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, with preparations for the 2027 BBNJ talks. PNG 5G Push: NICTA cleared spectrum for 5G licensing in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands, aiming to boost faster speeds and capacity in urban areas. Biodiversity Rediscovery: Researchers confirmed the rare Spinach Pipefish was caught again in the Sepik River after decades, with local knowledge playing a key role. El Niño Watch: Reports say El Niño is strengthening and could bring major heat and weather impacts across the region, with climate change raising the stakes.

Rediscovered Wildlife: A rare freshwater Spinach Pipefish, last recorded in the 1980s, has been caught again in Papua New Guinea’s Sepik River—thanks to local villagers who recognized it from photos and helped researchers confirm the species. Climate Finance for Forests: Prime Minister James Marape backed the Green Climate Fund, highlighting PNG’s US$85.4m climate support and a landmark US$63.4m REDD+ results payment tied to verified emissions reductions from deforestation and forest degradation. Coral Reef Protection: Pacific leaders, including Palau, are pushing a global commitment to safeguard climate-resilient coral reefs—aiming to cut local pressures like overfishing and pollution while strengthening national climate and biodiversity plans. Pacific Security Meets Climate Reality: Experts warn Australia’s Pacific security commitments could be undermined if it doesn’t meet climate obligations, as leaders prepare for climate-focused talks ahead of COP31. Regional Climate Resilience Funding: The Green Climate Fund says it is supporting the setup of the Pacific-led Pacific Resilience Facility through readiness funding, positioning it as a complementary mechanism for delivering resilience and climate finance. PNG 5G Rollout: PNG cleared 5G spectrum licensing (2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz), a move expected to boost connectivity in urban areas and support faster, lower-latency mobile services.

5G Spectrum Unlock: Papua New Guinea’s regulator NICTA has cleared the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands for licensing, paving the way for 4G/5G rollout starting with urban areas and commitments from Vodafone PNG to expand service in the National Capital District and beyond. Climate-Resilient Reefs: Pacific leaders, including Palau and other Forum members, are backing a global commitment to protect climate-resilient coral reefs, ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31, as reefs face both climate and local pressures. Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG strongly supports the Green Climate Fund, highlighting approved funding including a major REDD+ results payment tied to verified emissions reductions from deforestation and forest degradation. El Niño Watch: New reporting warns El Niño is strengthening and could bring major heat and rainfall swings across the region, with PNG and nearby areas already seeing shifts in cloud and rainfall patterns. Ocean Governance at the Forum: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau tightened positions on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, calling for coordinated action as sea-level rise and illegal fishing strain resources. Corruption & Justice: PNG’s Law Society stresses that tackling corruption and financial crime needs a competent, ethical legal profession and ongoing continuing education.

Pacific Climate & Unity Push: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed major regional reforms, stronger collective security, and stepped-up climate action, with funding support for the Pacific Resilience Facility and a move to implement the 2050 Blue Pacific Continent strategy. El Niño Warning for PNG: Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology says the strengthening El Niño is likely to break heat records, with UN warnings of major impacts—raising the stakes for drought and cyclone risk across the Pacific, including PNG. Earthquake Shakes PNG: A 5.7 quake hit Papua New Guinea at about 2004 GMT, with a shallow depth reported by GFZ. Carbon Market Momentum: PNG is strengthening its carbon trading rules and advancing jurisdictional REDD+ under ART-TREES, aiming to turn standing rainforests into a credible export of carbon value. Customary Land & Environment: A call for “concentric constitutionalism” argues PNG’s environmental law should balance people, family, village, land and the state—especially where customary landowners hold the key to sustainable resource management. Renewables for Communities: A new review highlights how PNG’s off-grid mini hydropower can deliver reliable renewable power when local ownership and skills are built in. Mining Pressure on Power: Concerns are rising that alluvial gold mining could disrupt electricity supply in PNG’s Ramu grid region, adding environmental risk to already fragile power systems. Aviation Emissions Policy: Singapore deferred a green jet fuel levy for air cargo for a year, while passenger SAF levies continue—an indirect signal of how aviation decarbonisation is evolving.

Earth & Disaster Watch: A powerful 5.7 quake struck Papua New Guinea (about 10 km deep), adding to a recent run of damaging earthquakes worldwide. Community Power & Clean Energy: A new PNG review spotlights off-grid mini hydropower, with Kudjip Nazarene Hospital’s system in Jiwaka still powering critical healthcare after more than a decade—showing why local ownership and skills matter. Climate Resilience in the Pacific: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to global climate talks, including water security, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy and food production—funding up to US$20,000 per project. PNG Governance & Environment: PNG’s customary land system is again in focus, with calls to fund Incorporated Land Group registration so landowners can directly shape resource and environmental decisions. Aviation Emissions Policy: Singapore’s SAF levy is set to start for passenger tickets sold from Oct 1, 2026 (with cargo levy delayed), a reminder of how aviation policy is shifting toward cleaner fuels. Mining & Biodiversity Risk: New gold drilling updates from Woodlark reinforce ongoing extractive interest in PNG—raising the stakes for strong environmental safeguards.

Pacific climate & community funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to global climate stages, with small grants (up to US$20,000 each) for water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy and resilience—showcased at PIF pre-COP events and COP31. Customary land & environment governance: A call for Parliament to fund Incorporated Land Group (ILG) registration argues landowners must be at the centre of sustainable resource management, so they can negotiate directly and avoid disputes that stall environmental protection. Renewable power for health: A new PNG mini-hydropower review highlights how off-grid mini hydro can keep healthcare running, with Kudjip Nazarene Hospital’s long-running system credited to community ownership and local skills. Mini hydropower sector review: The report aims to improve performance and expand PNG’s mini hydro role in renewable, reliable electricity. Aviation skills for safer operations: PNG’s civil aviation regulator received commendation after inspectors certified on the Airbus A220, strengthening local oversight capacity. Resource education lessons: Research on Porgera and Lihir education investments looks at how mine-linked funds and governance can better support long-term prosperity for resource communities. Seabed mining legal risk: Pacific leaders are warned that stronger environmental rules or licence changes in deep-sea mining could trigger costly investor-state disputes.

Pacific Security & Crime Response: PNG Police Commissioner David Manning told a Pacific Islands Forum side event that intelligence-sharing is slowed by “process of clearing” delays, calling for streamlined procedures and regional mechanisms to share information faster. Regional Unity Amid Climate Pressure: Prime Minister James Marape urged Pacific leaders to stay united as geopolitics and climate change drive fragility and imported inflation, pointing to PNG’s fuel-cost support as a sign of how global shocks hit small economies. PNG–Niue Cooperation: Marape and Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi signed a framework agreement covering trade, health, agriculture and climate resilience, including environmental protection and natural resource management. Off-Grid Power for Health: A new review highlights PNG mini hydropower, using Kudjip Nazarene Hospital’s system as proof that community ownership and local skills keep renewable power running long-term. Climate Finance to Communities: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to pre-COP events and COP31, with themes including water security, coastal restoration, sanitation and renewable energy. Deep-Sea Mining Caution: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says seabed mining should stay in research mode until science and answers are ready, warning of legal risks from stronger environmental rules. Land, Environment & Customary Tenure: A call urges Parliament to fund Incorporated Land Group registration so customary landowners can directly participate in resource decisions and sustainable environmental management. Biodiversity Notes: A rare black bass “ikan kanai” was spotted again in Penang waters after 15 years, with the species linked to estuaries and mangrove habitats also found in PNG. Hydropower Safety & Climate Impacts: PNG’s revised seismic design manual is pushing bridge redesigns as climate change and earthquake impacts raise safety concerns, including the Markham bridge. Gold Exploration Update: Great Pacific Gold reported broad, shallow gold intercepts from its Wild Dog Project drilling, adding detail for future mine planning in East New Britain.

Pacific Climate Finance: The Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) is taking 14 community projects to the global climate stage, with funding aimed at water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy and resilience ahead of Palau pre-COP meetings and COP31. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown says seabed mining will stay cautious and science-led, warning that stronger environmental rules could trigger costly investor-state disputes—an issue flagged for PNG and other Pacific states. PNG Infrastructure Safety: PNG’s revised seismic design manual is pushing redesigns for hazardous bridges, including Markham Bridge, as climate impacts and higher traffic loads from projects like Wafi-Golpu raise safety concerns. Biodiversity & Nature: A rare ikan kanai (black bass) was spotted again in Penang waters after 15 years, with the species linked to estuaries and mangrove habitats also found in PNG. Marine Life Discovery: Scientists have identified a new fuzzy fish species from PNG waters—Solenostomus snuffleupagus—highlighting how much biodiversity still remains to be found. Mining & Land Benefits: The revised Hidden Valley CDA has been signed, clearing the way for landowners and communities in Morobe to access benefits tied to the gold operation.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting opened amid major absences and fresh China–Taiwan tension, with Australia saying the forum decides attendance after Beijing warned of “consequences” for Taiwan’s presence and questioned leaders’ no-shows. Deep-sea mining safeguards: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown urged caution on seabed mining, saying extraction won’t move ahead until science and answers are in hand, as a new report warns stronger rules could trigger costly investor-state disputes. PNG infrastructure safety: PNG Works and Highways says climate change is affecting bridges, flagging Markham Bridge as a safety hazard and pointing to redesigns/reconstruction needs as traffic rises toward Wafi Golpu. Fisheries and biodiversity: A rare black bass/ikan kanai (Lutjanus goldiei) was reportedly caught in Penang waters after about 15 years, highlighting the species’ link to estuaries and mangrove habitats. Ghost nets cleanup: Indigenous ranger groups in Australia’s north are removing “ghost nets” that keep killing marine wildlife, using drones and AI as funding continues. PNG finance protection: Nasfund and partners signed the PNG Empower Finance Code to tackle financial abuse and coercion, especially as digital channels grow. Hidden Valley CDA signed: Morobe’s revised Community Development Agreement for the Hidden Valley mining project is now signed, clearing the way for landowners to access community benefits.

Drought Watch for Bougainville: The Autonomous Bougainville Government has placed the region on Drought Alert as El Niño-linked below-normal rainfall (80–90% probability) threatens water supplies, food gardens, health and logistics for outer-island communities. Climate and Children’s Water Crisis: Nepal’s flash-flood aftermath is leaving children in overcrowded shelters at higher risk of illness as families struggle to access clean drinking water. Marine Life and Pollution Cleanup: Indigenous ranger groups in northern Australia are pulling “ghost nets” from the sea to stop turtles, dugongs and sharks being killed by abandoned fishing gear. Biodiversity Update for PNG: The Spinach Pipefish has been rediscovered in the Sepik River after more than 40 years, with local fishers helping scientists confirm the species. Fisheries Transparency Push: Sixteen nations, including Papua New Guinea, backed the Mombasa Declaration to improve fisheries transparency and curb illegal fishing through better sharing of vessel and licensing information. Pacific Forum in Palau: Leaders gather in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum as climate integrity, security and regional priorities take centre stage.

El Niño Watch for PNG and the region: Bougainville has been placed on drought alert as El Niño-linked below-normal rainfall is forecast for Sep–Nov 2026, raising alarms for water supplies, food gardens, health and remote island logistics. Climate integrity push: Transparency International Pacific chapters are urging Pacific leaders heading to Palau to strengthen integrity safeguards in climate governance ahead of COP31 milestones. Fisheries transparency fight: Sixteen nations, including Papua New Guinea, backed the Mombasa Declaration to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing using low-cost transparency reforms like better vessel and licensing information. Climate mobility in action: Fiji launched a NZ-funded Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships Programme to relocate vulnerable communities through rights-based planning, with IOM and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat leading implementation. Nature and biodiversity: PNG’s Sepik River spinach pipefish was rediscovered after more than 40 years, with local fishers and communities helping scientists confirm the species. Community environment work: Students at UPNG joined a campus cleanathon, while Kundiawa police led a town clean-up to improve waste disposal and public spaces. Health security with environmental links: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO, bringing together health, agriculture, environment and security sectors to map gaps and plan preparedness.

Drought Watch for Bougainville: The Autonomous Bougainville Government has placed the region on Drought Alert as El Niño raises the odds of below-normal rainfall (80–90% probability) through Sep–Nov, with warnings for water supplies, food gardens, health risks and pressure on remote communities. El Niño and Pacific Climate Pressure: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau are expected to push Australia on climate action and emissions, with a record El Niño looming and security concerns tied to the region’s future. PNG Health Security Upgrade: Papua New Guinea has completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing capacities across health, agriculture, environment, security and finance to strengthen preparedness and response. Biodiversity Rediscovery: The Spinach Pipefish, unseen in scientific records since 1985, has been rediscovered in the Sepik River after a community-led survey. Deep-sea Mining Legal Risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten deep-sea mining rules, creating a “chilling effect” on environmental protections. PNG Energy Deal Moves Ahead: Papua LNG has signed three agreements aimed at triggering a Final Investment Decision by Dec 15, 2026, reshaping risk-sharing and long-term energy security. Maritime Safety Mapping: A PNG-Australia hydrographic survey has produced fresh navigational data off Morobe to improve charting and safer passage. Conservation Science in PNG: A newly identified New Guinea groundsnake species has been named Lielaphis slashi, highlighting threatened forest habitat and ongoing discoveries. Rural Livelihood Support: TISA and the Kyeema Foundation signed a partnership to expand rural livelihoods and sustainable development through financial inclusion.

Sepik biodiversity win: PNG’s Spinach Pipefish (Microphis spinachioides) has been rediscovered in the Lower Sepik after more than 40 years, found with help from local fishers and village knowledge at Imbando. Health security upgrade: Papua New Guinea completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing capacities to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats across sectors including environment and agriculture. Climate diplomacy pressure: Pacific leaders head to the Palau summit as Australia faces renewed calls to phase out coal and gas and deliver real climate action. Bird flu preparedness: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for avian influenza (H5N1) and strengthen One Health coordination linking human, animal and environmental health. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten rules on deep-sea mining. El Niño impacts: The strongest El Niño in a generation is already disrupting food and economies, with knock-on effects expected for agriculture and livelihoods. Blue carbon momentum: Pacific partners are pushing blue carbon policy and finance, focusing on practical governance conditions to turn plans into on-the-ground action.

Pacific Islands Forum climate showdown: Leaders head to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, with Australia facing renewed pressure to cut emissions fast, including calls to phase out coal and gas and stop new fossil fuel approvals. Bird flu preparedness: WHO urges Pacific countries to strengthen “One Health” readiness for avian influenza (H5N1) after detections in Australia and New Zealand raise spillover risks for people and livelihoods. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face investor-state lawsuits that may also discourage stronger environmental rules as deep-sea mining plans advance. Blue carbon push: Pacific partners are sharing practical approaches to blue carbon policy and finance, focusing on what it takes to turn mangrove and ocean protection into real funding. PNG biodiversity find: Scientists describe a newly discovered New Guinea groundsnake, highlighting threatened forest habitat and the need to protect biodiversity hotspots. El Niño impacts on food systems: Coverage flags El Niño’s growing disruption effects, from agriculture stress to wider economic shocks that can hit food and farming across the region. PNG agriculture and trade: PNG’s Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka brings farmers, standards bodies and trade agencies together to boost market access for local commodities. PNG health security upgrade: PNG completes its first Joint External Evaluation to strengthen preparedness and response to public health emergencies, with WHO-led recommendations feeding into a national action plan. PNG energy deal momentum: Papua LNG signs three key agreements with ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies to support a Final Investment Decision by December 15, 2026, aiming to improve long-term energy security.