AGP Executive Report

New Species Discovery: Scientists have identified a new “walking shark” off southeastern Papua New Guinea, naming Hemiscyllium dudgeonae (Dudgeon’s walking shark) after researcher Christine Dudgeon. Divers found it during a nighttime reef survey, and researchers say it may live in a very small area—making reef protection even more urgent. Climate-Resilient Development: The U.S. is building climate-resilience requirements into its PNG infrastructure funding, pushing environmental planning and designs meant to handle sea-level rise and other future shocks. El Niño Prep: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to prepare now as El Niño is declared underway, warning impacts will vary by country but could be significant. Biodiversity Funding: PNG secured approval for a community-led biodiversity project covering 700,000 hectares in three Highlands provinces, led by CEPA with FAO support. Cleaner Transport: PNG launched its first electric vehicle pilot in Port Moresby, with plans to expand toward Lae if results are successful. WWII Ordnance Cleanup: Multinational teams wrapped up disposal of unexploded World War II bombs in Rabaul, reducing ongoing risks to local communities. Bilateral Trade: A New Zealand envoy visited Lae to strengthen cooperation on trade, education, skills and sustainable growth.

Unexploded WWII ordnance: Multinational teams finished Australia-led Operation Render Safe in Rabaul, destroying 330 wartime explosive items and reducing risks to communities more than 80 years on. Biodiversity funding: PNG secured Global Biodiversity Framework Fund approval for a community-led project to support Indigenous and local stewardship across 700,000 hectares in Enga, Chimbu and Jiwaka. New shark for PNG reefs: Researchers formally described a new “walking shark” species, Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, found off Milne Bay—highlighting how little is still known and why reef protection matters. El Niño preparations: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare as El Niño is declared underway, while PNG institutions like UPNG activated contingency steps for water and services. Cleaner transport: PNG launched its first electric vehicle pilot in Port Moresby, aiming to build real-world evidence before expanding to Lae. Fisheries transparency: 15 countries, including PNG, backed the Mombasa Declaration to strengthen fisheries data sharing and fight illegal fishing. Bougainville mining: The ABG revoked BCL’s Panguna exploration licence and moved to a new 25-year lease under Bougainville Minerals, reshaping control of the historic copper-gold project.

Walking shark breakthrough: Scientists have formally named a new “walking” shark from Milne Bay as Hemiscyllium dudgeonae (Dudgeon’s walking shark), a rare find that underscores how much PNG’s reef flats still hold—and how vulnerable such a small-range species could be. Biodiversity spotlight: ExxonMobil PNG marked 10 years of its PNG LNG biodiversity partnership, highlighting local conservation work and the link between PNG’s natural heritage and livelihoods. El Niño readiness: PNG’s weather service says El Niño conditions are established, with UPNG activating campus contingency plans like water tanks and backup power to handle likely dry impacts. Cleaner transport pilot: PNG launched its first electric vehicle pilot in Port Moresby, testing light vehicles, trucks and buses with charging support, with plans to expand toward a national EV corridor. Fisheries transparency push: Papua New Guinea backed the Mombasa Declaration to improve fisheries data and crack down on illegal fishing through better vessel information sharing. Disaster relief: PNG committed K5 million to Manus after undersea volcanic activity spread pumice ash, disrupting fishing and threatening safe water and food access. Resource conflict in Bougainville: The Autonomous Bougainville Government revoked the Panguna exploration licence tied to Bougainville Copper Limited and moved to a new state-backed mining lease, reigniting debate over mining’s legacy and control of benefits.

Walking Shark Discovery: Scientists have identified a new “walking shark” species, Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, from Milne Bay—an animal that can move across shallow reef flats using its fins, and may already be highly vulnerable because it’s tied to limited coastal habitat. Biodiversity Partnership: ExxonMobil PNG marked a decade of biodiversity work under the PNG LNG project, highlighting “acting locally for global impact” and renewed commitment to conservation alongside development. El Niño Watch: PNG’s National Weather Service says El Niño conditions are established and could persist through at least end-2026, with drier conditions expected—prompting UPNG to activate water and power contingency plans. Cleaner Transport Pilot: PNG launched its first electric vehicle pilot in Port Moresby, testing light vehicles, trucks and buses with charging support, with plans to expand toward a national corridor. Fisheries Transparency Push: Papua New Guinea is among countries adopting the Mombasa Declaration to improve fisheries data sharing and crack down on illegal fishing. Disaster Relief: PNG committed K5 million in emergency support for Manus after undersea volcanic activity spread pumice ash and disrupted fishing and safe water access.

El Niño Readiness: PNG’s National Weather Service says El Niño conditions are established and could last through 2026, with UPNG activating water tanks, bore plans, and backup power to protect campus services. New Marine Species: Scientists have identified a new “walking shark” (Hemiscyllium dudgeonae) in Milne Bay, a reef-dependent animal that underscores how much biodiversity still remains to be discovered—and why coastal protection matters. Biodiversity Partnership: ExxonMobil PNG marked 10 years of its PNG LNG biodiversity partnership, highlighting local stewardship and “acting locally for global impact” at the Port Moresby Nature Park. Cleaner Transport: PNG launched its first EV pilot in Port Moresby, testing light vehicles, trucks and buses with charging support, with plans to expand toward a national EV corridor. Fisheries Transparency Push: Papua New Guinea is among countries backing the Mombasa Declaration to improve vessel data sharing and crack down on illegal fishing. Disaster Relief: PNG committed K5 million to Manus after undersea volcanic activity spread pumice, disrupting fishing and access to safe water. Education Connectivity: BbP partnered with Lightspeed PNG to connect 16 Library Learning Centres with secure internet, boosting digital learning for children and teachers. Safe Schools Update: PNG is revising its Behaviour Management Policy with PNG–Australia support to better tackle bullying, gender-based violence, and online harms. Community & Environment: Youth cleanathon efforts around Morauta Haus in Waigani show local civic action for cleaner public spaces. Sports (Local Host): Divine Word University in Madang confirmed as host of the 2026 National University Soccer Games.

Biodiversity Milestone: ExxonMobil PNG marked 10 years of the PNG LNG project’s biodiversity partnership with a mini-expo at the Port Moresby Nature Park, reaffirming a “balance development with environmental stewardship” message. New Marine Discovery: Australian researchers confirmed a new “walking” shark species, Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, found in Milne Bay—locals call it “kadedekedewa”—and warn its reef habitat is increasingly pressured. Climate Watch: PNG’s National Weather Service says El Niño conditions are established and expected to persist into 2026, prompting preparations like UPNG’s water-tank purchases and backup power planning. Cleaner Transport: PNG launched its first EV pilot in Port Moresby (cars, trucks and buses) to gather real-world performance data in local conditions, with plans to expand toward Lae. Ocean Governance: Papua New Guinea joined 15 countries adopting the Mombasa Declaration to boost fisheries transparency and tackle illegal fishing, including better vessel data sharing. Community & Learning: Buk bilong Pikinini partnered with Lightspeed PNG to connect 16 library learning centres with secure internet, supporting digital education across multiple provinces.

Climate Preparedness: UPNG has activated contingency measures after the PNG National Weather Service declared El Niño conditions, warning a strong event could persist to end-2026; the university has bought water tanks, is exploring bore development, and strengthened backup power and digital systems. Clean Transport: Turra Holdings, Odesh Motors and Sahul Energy launched PNG’s first EV pilot in Port Moresby, covering light vehicles, trucks and buses with charging points, aiming to prove performance in PNG’s climate before expanding to Lae. El Niño Reality Check: Global forecasts are intensifying, with WMO and US agencies warning of a possible “very strong” El Niño, urging urgent climate readiness as rainfall and temperature patterns shift. Marine Biodiversity: Scientists confirmed a new “walking shark” species, Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, from Milne Bay—locally known as kadedekedewa—highlighting PNG’s rich reef life and the need to protect it. Ocean Governance: Papua New Guinea joined 14–15 countries adopting the Mombasa Declaration to boost fisheries transparency and crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Community & Environment: Youth in West New Britain held a cleanathon around Morauta Haus in Waigani, tying civic service to cleaner public spaces.

Marine Biodiversity: Scientists have identified a new, highly vulnerable “walking” shark from Milne Bay—Hemiscyllium dudgeonae—adding to PNG’s marine riches and raising conservation alarms for a species locals have long known as “kadedekedewa.” Climate & Disaster Risk: PNG’s Weather Service confirms El Niño has developed, with drier conditions likely through 2026 and drought impacts expected in Highlands and other vulnerable areas. Volcanic Relief: PNG has released K5 million in emergency support for Manus after undersea volcanic activity in the Bismarck Sea brought pumice ash ashore, disrupting fishing, travel and safe water access. Ocean Governance: Papua New Guinea joined 15 countries signing the Mombasa Declaration to improve fisheries transparency and crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Youth & Environment: Young people in Waigani cleaned around Morauta Haus, turning a government milestone into a visible community push for cleaner public spaces. Regional Security & Tech: Pacific leaders warn that fast-spreading AI and digital tools can also fuel misinformation and online harm, stressing stronger cyber safety for communities.

Fisheries Transparency Push: Fifteen countries signed the Mombasa Declaration at the Our Ocean Conference, pledging better data sharing, modern vessel registries and stronger enforcement to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing—PNG included. Climate Mobility: PNG Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew joined global leaders at the Berlin Climate Mobility Forum, aiming to endorse “Global Climate Mobility Principles” and turn them into real partnerships. New Walking Shark for PNG: Scientists identified a new-to-science “walking” shark, Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, found in Milne Bay—locals already knew it as kadedekedewa. El Niño Watch: NOAA says El Niño has begun and could become very strong, with knock-on risks for floods, droughts and wildfire across the Pacific and beyond. Climate Hits Kids’ Access to School: UNICEF reports half the world’s children face overlapping climate hazards; in PNG, children swim a crocodile-filled river after a bridge washed away in 2012. Pacific Fuel Security: PNG says it wants to boost oil and gas output and explore smaller refineries to help ease the region’s fuel crisis and protect economic security. Regional Response Drills: PNG Defence Force personnel took part in Exercise MARARA 26, strengthening disaster-response coordination across Pacific nations.

Pacific Energy Security: PNG says it wants to boost oil and gas output and even build smaller refineries to help fuel-dependent Pacific island neighbours as the region reels from the Iran-linked fuel shock and rising living costs. Regional Security Cooperation: Australia and PNG back a Solomon Islands proposal to explore a Pacific security pact, while stressing regional stability through Pacific Islands Forum frameworks. Biodiversity Discovery: Scientists have identified a new “walking shark” species in PNG waters, raising fresh concern for a creature that may be at risk. Fisheries Transparency: Fifteen countries, including PNG, signed the Mombasa Declaration to improve vessel data sharing and crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing that damages marine ecosystems and livelihoods. Climate Impacts on Children: UNICEF reports nearly half the world’s children face at least three climate hazards, with PNG children forced into dangerous river crossings after climate-linked infrastructure failures. Food Resilience: A breadfruit project backed by FAO aims to lift production of a high-yield, nutritious tree that could help communities cope with climate-driven food shortages.

Fisheries Transparency Push: Fifteen countries signed the Mombasa Declaration at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, pledging better data on fishing vessel ownership, licensing and activity to crack down on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing—PNG is among the signatories. Child Climate Fallout: UNICEF reports that in Papua New Guinea, children are facing compounding climate threats—some must swim across a crocodile-infested river to reach school after a footbridge washed away in 2012. New Walking Shark for PNG: Scientists identified a new walking shark species, Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, found in shallow waters off Milne Bay, raising concerns because its range appears tiny. Blue Pacific Ocean Stewardship: Te Ipukarea Society attended the inaugural State of the Pacific Ocean convening in Suva, urging Pacific-led action rooted in indigenous knowledge to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Fuel Security in the Pacific: PNG finance minister Thomas Opa says the region’s fuel crisis is hitting remote communities hard, and PNG is exploring smaller refineries to support fuel security for itself and neighbours. Digital Learning Rollout: PNG’s EDUNEX program, backed by Starlink and stricter online safety rules, is set to expand AI-supported digital education while blocking harmful content.

Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF says 1 in 2 children worldwide face overlapping climate threats, and in Papua New Guinea many kids are forced to swim a crocodile-infested river to reach school after a footbridge washed away in 2012. Green Finance Push: Bank of PNG Governor Elizabeth Genia urges moving from green finance talk to real investment, as France pledges EUR15m (K75m) to expand green lending for SMEs, renewables and sustainable agriculture. Biodiversity Spotlight: ExxonMobil PNG marks 10 years of biodiversity work under the PNG LNG project, while scientists identify a new walking shark species (Hemiscyllium dudgeonae) found only off Milne Bay. Digital Safety for Learning: PNG’s EDUNEX rollout uses Starlink-backed secure internet access with strict online safety rules for schools. Bougainville Mining Justice: A Panguna community calls for justice over mining’s “toxic legacy,” with legal action pushing remediation promises. Fuel as a Security Issue: Pacific leaders warn PNG and neighbours face an energy transition challenge that’s now tied to economic security as fuel prices bite.

Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF warns that in Papua New Guinea, climate change is stacking hazards on top of each other—half the world’s children face at least three overlapping climate threats, and PNG children are among those hit hardest, including cases where a washed-out footbridge forces kids to swim across crocodile-infested rivers to reach school. Digital Safety for Learning: PNG’s education ministry is rolling out EDUNEX, a national digital learning platform using Starlink, with strict school-by-school online safety rules to block harmful content and social media. Green Finance Moves to Implementation: Bank of PNG Governor Elizabeth Genia says green finance must become real investment, not just policy, as France commits K75 million (EUR15m) to expand green lending and guarantees for renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Biodiversity Discovery: Scientists have identified a new walking shark species from PNG waters—Hemiscyllium dudgeonae—raising new questions about how vulnerable small-range marine life is to habitat damage and climate change. Ocean and Community Resilience: Bougainville launches four new passenger vessels for remote atoll communities, improving access to health care, education and markets as climate risks make sea travel more dangerous. Clean-Up and Plastics: Team PNG joins a World Environment Day coastal clean-up, collecting at least 200 bags of rubbish and pushing efforts to remove plastics from waterways. Agriculture Partnership: FAO PNG and China’s ambassador discuss strengthening agrifood systems to boost food security, jobs and climate resilience.

Climate risk for children: UNICEF says half the world’s children face at least three overlapping climate hazards, with PNG footage showing kids swimming a crocodile-filled river after a footbridge washed away. Agriculture and resilience: FAO PNG and the Chinese Ambassador discussed strengthening agrifood systems, noting farming supports most livelihoods and must better withstand climate and economic shocks. Green finance moves to action: PNG’s Green Finance Summit heard calls to turn policy into real investment, with France backing K75 million to expand green lending for SMEs, renewables and sustainable agriculture. Biodiversity under the spotlight: ExxonMobil PNG marked 10 years of its PNG LNG biodiversity partnership, highlighting local conservation work at Port Moresby Nature Park. Ocean protection and COP31 push: Pacific leaders appointed PNG’s Ruel Yamuna as Envoy for Access to Climate Finance and Fiji’s Inia Seruiratu as Ocean Envoy ahead of COP31, while Fiji plans to fully protect 15% of its ocean by end-2026. Community clean-up: Team PNG and students joined a World Environment Day coastal cleanup, collecting 200 bags of rubbish and urging stronger protection of waterways. Bougainville peace and environment: PNG Parliament debate continues over Bougainville’s political future, rooted in land and resource tensions tied to the Panguna era. Digital safety: PNG’s Office of Censorship rolled out website restrictions aimed at reducing harmful online content exposure for children and families.

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.