AGP Executive Report

US–Palau Compact: The U.S. and Palau signed a renewed Compact Free Association deal worth US$890m over 20 years, now awaiting U.S. congressional approval—an important Pacific stability and development signal. Healthcare & capacity: A Bulolo Hospital story raises alarms over “world class” medical equipment sitting unused because no doctors are available, turning investment into preventable risk. Food systems & trade: PNG’s agriculture push is on display at APEC, with fresh produce value-chain research underway and a focus on fixing gaps in mechanisation, irrigation, storage, processing, transport and cold chains. Climate-smart cocoa & palm: Indonesia is exploring deeper cocoa and palm value-chain ties with Malaysia and PNG, explicitly linking sustainability to climate impacts and biodiversity loss. Land rights for conservation-linked growth: Prime Minister Marape urges Milne Bay customary landowners not to sell land, backing tourism and small business plans tied to registered land groups. Maritime mapping: HMAS Leeuwin completes a hydrographic survey in Morobe to improve navigation safety and support PNG maritime sovereignty. Deep-sea mining safeguards: A Pacific report warns investor-state dispute rules could chill stronger environmental protections as deep-sea mining interest grows. Biodiversity & hunting pressure: New global maps show hunting expanding into tropical “refuges,” with Papua New Guinea flagged among areas still more resistant. Regional disaster resilience: Pacific nations meet in Honiara to strengthen geohazard and tsunami early-warning coordination for 2026–2030. Fisheries transparency: PNG is among signatories to the Mombasa Declaration, with transparency groups stressing implementation must be verifiable and stakeholder-led.

Deep-sea mining sovereignty risk: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns that Investor-State Dispute Settlement rules could let foreign investors sue Pacific governments if they tighten or reverse environmental and regulatory decisions on deep-sea mining—raising a “chilling effect” on stronger protections, with Papua New Guinea named among those exposed. Biodiversity under pressure from hunting: New global maps show hunting pressure in tropical forests expanded from 2000–2015, reaching even remote areas once seen as wildlife refuges; the study flags “empty forests” risk and notes Papua New Guinea as among the more resistant refuges. Regional disaster resilience push: Pacific states met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami and volcanic preparedness, backing priorities for better seismic data sharing, monitoring interoperability, workforce development and investment in critical infrastructure for 2026–2030. El Niño planning for food security: PNG stakeholders endorsed a 2026–27 El Niño Plan of Action for Agricultural Drought, outlining preparedness, anticipatory action, response and recovery steps to protect rural livelihoods. Fisheries transparency momentum: FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency welcomed international moves like the Mombasa Declaration, but stressed that real progress will depend on verifiable, stakeholder-driven implementation. Tourism and environment-linked land use: PNG showcased its travel offering at Singapore’s NATAS fair, while Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport was framed as a tourism boost tied to customary landowners keeping land rights and building eco-friendly visitor businesses.

Deep-sea mining sovereignty: A new Pacific Network on Globalisation report warns that Investor-State Dispute Settlement rules could let foreign investors sue Pacific governments if they tighten environmental or regulatory protections for deep-sea mining—raising fears of “chilling effects” on future safeguards, with Papua New Guinea named among the exposed countries. El Niño drought planning: PNG stakeholders have endorsed actions under the El Niño Plan of Action for Agricultural Drought 2026–27, reviewing preparedness, anticipatory steps, response and recovery roles as conditions could worsen into 2027. Biodiversity finds: Researchers have rediscovered PNG’s spinach pipefish in the Sepik River after nearly four decades, with local fishers’ knowledge helping confirm the species’ survival. Conservation & invasive species: A PNG-linked conservation story from the region highlights saltwater crocodiles in Australia eating toxic cane toads without apparent harm—offering clues for managing invasive impacts. Tourism + environment: Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport is set to boost tourism, with PM Marape urging customary landowners to keep land rights and build eco-friendly visitor businesses. Climate diplomacy: Pacific leaders are pushing for COP31 funding to translate climate and biodiversity promises into specific, implementable goals.

Tourism & Nature Promotion: Air Niugini and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority returned to Singapore’s NATAS Travel Fair, spotlighting PNG’s “pristine environment” and cultural heritage through a national pavilion and live performances. Deep-Sea Mining & Sovereignty: A new Pacific report warns Investor-State Dispute Settlement could let foreign mining firms sue Pacific governments over efforts to regulate or protect the environment, raising risks to Pacific sovereignty as deep-sea mining interest grows. El Niño Preparedness: PNG stakeholders backed the El Niño agricultural drought plan (2026–27), with agencies and partners aligning on preparedness, anticipatory action, response and recovery for rural livelihoods. Biodiversity Rediscovery: Scientists rediscovered the spinach pipefish in the Sepik River after nearly 40 years, with local fishers’ knowledge helping confirm the species’ survival. Climate-Resilient Schools: PNG launched a Resilient School Infrastructure Policy to strengthen disaster- and climate-risk standards across planning, construction, maintenance and management. Marine Protection Push: A Pacific-focused climate diplomacy piece argues Australia should use the Blue Corridors idea to connect ocean protection across borders and the high seas. Wildlife Sector Collaboration: The Zoo & Aquarium Association held a record 2026 conference in Auckland, drawing PNG delegates and putting sustainability and Indigenous engagement at the centre.

El Niño hits PNG food security: PNG stakeholders have endorsed a 2026–27 El Niño agricultural drought plan after a national consultation workshop, with agencies and partners aligning on preparedness, anticipatory action, response and recovery as conditions could worsen into 2027. Climate-health squeeze in the Pacific: A new regional look at a “global syndemic” links climate change with undernutrition and obesity, warning Pacific leaders meeting on health that food and water disruptions are driving multiple health risks at once. Resilient schools for disaster risk: PNG has launched a Resilient School Infrastructure Policy to strengthen planning, design, construction and maintenance so schools can keep learning through earthquakes, floods, landslides and cyclones. Biodiversity rediscovery in the Sepik: Local knowledge helped researchers rediscover the spinach pipefish in the Sepik River after nearly 40 years, offering hope for the species’ survival and better understanding of its ecology. Conservation and invasive species: A Pacific-focused wildlife story notes cane toads being eaten by saltwater crocodiles without apparent harm, adding a twist to how predators respond to toxic invasives. Nature restoration costs: Research suggests letting tropical forests regrow naturally—where supported—can cut restoration costs and deliver major carbon and biodiversity gains. Police election integrity: Ahead of national elections, Police Minister Sir John Pundari warned officers against political interference, stressing impartial policing as a core duty. PNG biosecurity upgrade: A PNG engineer is gaining hands-on experience delivering the Biosecurity Authority’s new PCR suite in Port Moresby to better detect pests and diseases affecting crops, livestock and trade. Education digital push: Port Moresby Business College launched a new website as part of PNG’s broader push to modernise education access and services. New species named for Slash: Scientists named a newly discovered New Guinea snake species Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, highlighting PNG’s ongoing biodiversity discoveries.

El Niño Response: PNG’s local MPs and provincial leaders have been handed up to PGK15 million from existing development funds to respond to climate impacts as El Niño bites. Disaster-Ready Schools: A new Resilient School Infrastructure Policy sets standards for disaster-resilient PNG schools, aiming to keep learning going through earthquakes, floods, landslides and cyclones. Biosecurity Upgrade: A young PNG engineer is helping deliver the country’s first specialised PCR suite for the PNG Biosecurity Authority, strengthening pest and disease detection that affects crops, livestock and trade. River Life Returns: Scientists have rediscovered the spinach pipefish in the Sepik River after nearly 40 years, with local fishers and community knowledge playing a key role. Biodiversity Spotlight: A newly discovered New Guinea snake has been named Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, adding to the region’s growing list of species discoveries. Forest Restoration Costs: Research suggests letting tropical forests regrow naturally—where conditions fit—can cut restoration costs dramatically while boosting carbon and biodiversity gains. Coral Under Pressure: New findings warn rising seas may outpace coral reefs’ ability to build upward, weakening coastal protection. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Pacific authorities detained Chinese and Indonesian boats for illegal fishing, as leaders prepare to push for stronger regional fisheries protections. Infrastructure for Resilience: PNG launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk information and engineering requirements for safer transport links.

Forest restoration costs: A new global study says letting tropical forests regrow naturally—while doing limited support like seed help, invasive control, and fire or grazing protection—can be up to 96% cheaper than planting, while still delivering major carbon and biodiversity gains. Coral reef risk: Research warns rising seas may outpace reef growth, leading to “reef drowning” that weakens wave protection even if individual corals survive. Biodiversity discovery: Scientists have named a newly described New Guinea groundsnake “Lielaphis slashi” after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, highlighting how much wildlife in the region still remains poorly studied. PNG climate-ready schools: Papua New Guinea launched a revised Resilient School Infrastructure Policy setting stronger standards for disaster- and climate-risk planning, design, construction, and maintenance. Disaster resilience engineering: PNG also released an updated seismic design manual for bridges, using newer earthquake risk information to guide safer infrastructure. Illegal fishing crackdown: Pacific authorities detained Chinese and Indonesian boats for illegal fishing, with PNG among the places involved, as leaders prepare to discuss protecting tuna rights and revenue. Education for environment: UPNG hosted a science fair featuring environmental science and climate-change solutions, with industry sponsors backing student research.

Deep-Sea Discovery: Off Papua New Guinea, a remotely operated robot found a hot hydrothermal vent sitting just centimeters from a methane seep near Lihir—an unusual pairing that could reshape how scientists understand underwater volcanic systems and the life they support. Forest Restoration: New research says letting tropical forests regrow naturally (with limited help like invasive removal and protection from fire and grazing) can cut restoration costs dramatically—up to 96%—while boosting carbon storage and biodiversity. Climate Impacts on Reefs: Scientists warn rising seas may outpace coral reefs’ ability to build upward, increasing “reef drowning” risk and weakening coastal protection. Disaster-Ready Schools: PNG has launched a revised Resilient School Infrastructure Policy with stronger standards for planning, building and maintaining schools against earthquakes, floods, landslides and cyclones. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Pacific authorities detained Chinese and Indonesian boats for illegal fishing or licence breaches, including vessels taken to port in Papua New Guinea, as regional surveillance targets tuna poaching. New Species Spotlight: A newly described New Guinea groundsnake has been named Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, adding another biodiversity win for the region’s still-undersurveyed forests. El Niño Water Stress: A warning flags slow government response to El Niño impacts, saying drying freshwater sources could threaten livelihoods and food security across PNG.

Disaster-Ready Schools: PNG’s new Resilient School Infrastructure Policy sets stronger standards for planning, design, construction and maintenance so schools can keep teaching through earthquakes, floods, landslides and cyclones, with adaptable designs for different regions. Community Recycling Voice: The Pacific Recyclers Alliance is pushing for grassroots recyclers to have a bigger say in recycling decisions, warning they’re often treated as “stakeholders” instead of the people who’ve run collection and processing for decades. Water Security Warning: A call for faster action on El Niño impacts says slow government response and lack of funding are drying up freshwater sources, threatening livelihoods, food security and basic services. Forest Recovery for Climate: New research argues natural regeneration can be far cheaper than tree planting while boosting carbon storage and biodiversity—an approach that could guide restoration spending in tropical regions. Biodiversity Spotlight: Scientists named a newly discovered New Guinea groundsnake “Lielaphis slashi” after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, highlighting how much biodiversity still remains undocumented. Coral Reef Risk: Evidence suggests rising seas may outpace reef growth, weakening coastal protection as reefs sink deeper. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Pacific authorities detained Chinese and Indonesian boats for illegal fishing or licence breaches, as a regional surveillance push targets tuna poaching. PNG Infrastructure Engineering: PNG launched a revised seismic manual for bridge design, updating earthquake risk inputs and engineering requirements for safer crossings. Local Education Support: Australia granted K223,000 for Siassi Lutheran Secondary School renovations on Umboi Island, improving safer facilities including water storage and solar power.

Coral Reefs vs Rising Seas: New research warns coral reefs may be “reef drowning” faster than they can build upward, weakening wave protection and fish habitat as sea levels rise. Forest Protection That Pays People: A study-backed idea says direct cash to Indigenous communities can help them resist logging and mining offers, with Papua New Guinea named among frontline areas where forests remain largely intact. PNG Bridge Safety Update: Papua New Guinea launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk data and engineering requirements for safer infrastructure nationwide. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Pacific authorities detained Chinese and Indonesian boats for illegal fishing, including vessels taken to port in Papua New Guinea, as a regional surveillance push targets tuna poaching. El Niño Water Stress: Slow government action on El Niño impacts is said to threaten freshwater supplies, food security, and livelihoods across PNG. Biodiversity Spotlight: Scientists described a new New Guinea snake species, Lielaphis slashi (“Slash’s groundsnake”), named after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash—another reminder of how much PNG’s wildlife is still being discovered. Digital Sovereignty: PNG is set to inaugurate Kumul Cloud Infinity’s sovereign cloud and AI datacenter to keep critical data and AI workloads hosted in-country.

New Guinea Biodiversity: Scientists have named a newly discovered non-venomous groundsnake, Lielaphis slashi, after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, highlighting how much of PNG’s wildlife still remains undocumented. Forest Protection Strategy: A new explainer argues that paying Indigenous communities directly can be a powerful defense against rainforest loss, with examples including work in Papua New Guinea. Climate & Water Security: Commentators warn PNG’s slow response to El Niño is drying up freshwater sources, threatening livelihoods, food security and everyday services. Coral Reefs Under Pressure: Research says rising seas may outpace reef growth, weakening coastal protection as reefs “drown” and lose wave-breaking ability. Fisheries & Illegal Fishing: Pacific authorities detained Chinese and Indonesian boats for illegal fishing, with PNG among the ports involved in the crackdown. PNG Infrastructure Resilience: PNG launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk guidance for safer construction nationwide. Digital Sovereignty: PNG will inaugurate Kumul Cloud Infinity, a sovereign cloud and AI datacentre aimed at keeping critical data and workloads inside the country. Community Voices & Land Rights: Separate reports spotlight Indigenous communities using media and local organising to push back against development pressures and mining-driven environmental damage.

New Species, Big Spotlight: A newly discovered non-venomous groundsnake from New Guinea has been named Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, highlighting how much biodiversity in PNG’s forests still remains undocumented. Climate Threats to Coasts: Research warns coral reefs may be “reef drowning” as rising seas outpace their ability to grow upward, weakening wave protection and fish habitat. Water Security Under El Niño: A slow government response to El Niño is drying up freshwater sources, threatening drinking water, food security, and livelihoods across PNG. Earthquake Safety Update: PNG has launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk data and engineering requirements to better protect critical infrastructure. Fisheries & Cleaner Processing: FAO, via the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, is rolling out a smaller, fuel-efficient “Portable Drum Fish Dryer” to make smoked fish safer and reduce harmful, inefficient open-fire smoking. Digital Sovereignty: PNG is set to inaugurate Kumul Cloud Infinity, a sovereign cloud and AI datacenter aimed at keeping critical data and workloads hosted in-country. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Pacific authorities detained Chinese and Indonesian boats for illegal fishing or licence breaches, as regional surveillance targets IUU tuna fishing. Community Voices vs Land Loss: Indigenous communities in PNG are using community radio to push back against mining-driven deforestation, polluted rivers, and weak consultation.

Digital Sovereignty: PNG will inaugurate Kumul Cloud Infinity—its Sovereign Cloud and AI Datacenter—in Port Moresby on 21 August, aiming to keep critical data and AI workloads hosted and managed inside the country. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Pacific authorities detained Chinese and Indonesian boats for illegal fishing or licence breaches, including vessels taken to port in Kiribati, Palau and Papua New Guinea, as climate pressure threatens tuna stocks. Water Security & El Niño: A slow government response to El Niño impacts is drying freshwater sources, threatening livelihoods and food security for communities that rely on safe water for daily life and smallholder farming. Biodiversity Discovery: A newly discovered New Guinea ground snake has been named Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, highlighting how much of the region’s wildlife remains undocumented. Ocean Adaptation for Fishers: A UNSW-led program is using ocean temperature sensors on fishing vessels to help Pacific fishers track shifting tuna behaviour and support fisheries management. Conservation & Restoration: Research suggests natural forest regeneration can deliver major carbon and biodiversity gains and may be far cheaper than tree-planting alone. Governance & Integrity: PNG’s ICAC is urging provincial leaders to fight corruption as services depend on integrity and public trust. Community Resilience: Solomon Islands and PNG leaders are pushing stronger economic partnerships, including investment and jobs that can support long-term resilience.

El Niño Water Crisis: PNG faces a slow government response to El Niño impacts, with freshwater drying up and threatening livelihoods, food security and everyday services that depend on clean water. Biodiversity & Discovery: A newly identified New Guinea snake species has been named “Lielaphis slashi” in honour of Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, highlighting ongoing wildlife research. Natural Regeneration: New research says letting tropical forests regrow naturally can deliver major carbon and biodiversity gains and may be far cheaper than planting programs. Freshwater & Climate Resilience: A Pacific freshwater security initiative (PacFresH2O) is rolling out to strengthen water management and WASH services, supporting PNG and Solomon Islands as climate pressures intensify. Digital Sovereignty: PNG will inaugurate Kumul Cloud Infinity, a sovereign cloud and AI datacentre, aiming to keep critical data and digital workloads hosted in-country. Conservation Spill Response Training: Disaster and humanitarian responders in Lae trained for search, medical response and oil spill action, including coastal protection techniques. Governance & Corruption Watch: ICAC held a briefing for provincial leaders stressing integrity and anti-corruption duties in service delivery. Fisheries Safety Upgrade: FAO introduced safer, fuel-efficient portable fish smoking drums for Sepik processors to improve health and reduce environmental harm.

Digital Sovereignty: PNG will inaugurate Kumul Cloud Infinity — its sovereign cloud and AI datacenter — on 21 August in Port Moresby, aiming to keep critical data and AI workloads hosted and managed inside the country. Disaster Readiness: In Lae, PNG and international partners ran a field training exercise covering search and extraction, medical response, camp management and oil spill response. Fisheries & Health: FAO, via the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, is rolling out safer, fuel-efficient portable fish drying drums for women fish processors in the Sepik, replacing hazardous open-fire smoking. Community Resilience: Solomon Islands is planning shelter recovery for cyclone Maila-affected communities, with costs and housing options still being assessed. Corruption Watch: ICAC held a breakfast with provincial leaders, stressing integrity and warning that corruption will be treated as a criminal matter. Environment & Land: A community radio account from Minahasa highlights mining-driven river pollution, mercury contamination and forest loss, linking environmental damage to dignity and survival. Wildlife Story: A stowaway brown tree snake is discussed as a reminder of how invasive species can trigger ecological domino effects.

Digital Sovereignty: PNG is set to inaugurate Kumul Cloud Infinity, a “sovereign cloud and AI datacenter” in Port Moresby, aiming to keep critical data and AI workloads hosted and controlled inside the country. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: China’s refusal to sign the Mombasa Declaration is a setback for efforts to improve fisheries transparency and curb IUU fishing, with PNG among the countries that did sign. Disaster Readiness: In Lae, PNG and partners ran a field training exercise covering search and extraction, medical response, site security and oil spill response. Cyclone Recovery Planning: Solomon Islands officials say shelter recovery for communities hit by Cyclone Maila could cost about a million, with implementation projected to begin next year. Water Security: A new PacFresH2O initiative launched in Honiara will strengthen freshwater security and climate-resilient WASH services across Solomon Islands and support PNG. Health & Neglected Diseases: PNGDF and Australia helped deliver one million yaws treatment tablets to West Sepik to stop spread of the bacterial skin disease. Electricity Theft: PNG Power is rolling out smart meters and monitoring upgrades to tackle widespread electricity theft and reduce losses. Biodiversity Threats: A stowaway brown tree snake story highlights how invasive species can trigger cascading ecological damage.