AGP Executive Report

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.

Marine Protection: Papua New Guinea will protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus by banning fishing and other harmful activities, creating a Western Manus Marine Protected Area linked to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Climate & Biodiversity Action: NCD Governor Powes Parkop used World Environment Day to call for urgent climate action, warning that deforestation, endangered species and marine biodiversity loss could cause irreversible damage. Youth for the Environment: Parkop also announced six scholarships next year for environmental science—marine biology, botany and entomology—to build local expertise. Nature-Based Solutions: 321 Group joined World Environment Day with mangrove planting at Koke Hanua, donating tools to help restore coastal ecosystems. Clean Water Push: The EU and EIB Global backed a Water Wise Communities project with €25m concessional loan plus €16.4m in grants, aiming to improve drinking-water access for about 400,000 people. Waste to Value: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long “Trash to Treasure” sculpture festival, turning discarded materials into art with university and school participation.

World Environment Day push: NCD Governor Powes Parkop used World Environment Day in Port Moresby to call for urgent climate action, warning that deforestation, species endangerment and marine biodiversity loss could become irreversible without immediate steps. Marine protection: PNG announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area covering about 200,000 km², with a total fishing ban, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Clean water funding: The EU and EIB Global backed a Water Wise Communities project with €25m concessional loan plus €16.4m in grants, aiming to expand drinking-water networks and benefit about 400,000 people. Waste-to-value festival: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long “Trash to Treasure” sculpture festival, turning discarded materials into art with support for university and school participants. Mangrove restoration: 321 Group joined World Environment Day mangrove planting at Koke Hanua, donating tools to help grow and maintain coastal seedlings. Learning for future scientists: Parkop also announced six NCD scholarships next year for marine biology, botany and entomology students to build local environmental expertise. Water safety spotlight: A global drinking-water assessment highlighted unsafe water risks worldwide, pointing to how infrastructure and sanitation gaps—often worsened by environmental degradation and climate pressures—keep communities exposed. Coral Triangle conservation context: Coverage tied PNG’s marine move to the Coral Triangle’s high biodiversity and the need to protect ocean “highways” for both wildlife and livelihoods.

World Environment Day push: NCD Governor Powes Parkop used World Environment Day in Port Moresby to call for urgent climate action and protect PNG’s forests, coral reefs and threatened species, backing practical steps like tree planting and waste management. Green skills for biodiversity: Parkop also announced six new NCD scholarships next year for environmental science—marine biology, botany and entomology—to grow local expertise. Mangrove restoration by business: 321 Group marked the day with mangrove planting at Koke Hanua, donating tools to help nursery teams grow seedlings and protect coastal shorelines. Marine protection milestone: PNG announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area of about 200,000 km², with a total fishing ban, aimed at safeguarding Coral Triangle biodiversity and food security. Clean water investment: The EU and EIB backed a Water Wise Communities project to expand drinking-water networks, targeting an extra 400,000 people and climate-resilient urban water systems. Trash-to-treasure culture: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival, turning discarded materials into public art with student participation.

Marine Protection: Papua New Guinea will ban fishing across a new Western Manus Marine Protected Area covering about 200,000 km², aiming to safeguard biodiversity in the Coral Triangle and feed local communities while the plan is formalised nationally. Ocean Governance & Resilience: A new study flags that subsea telecom cables serving small islands are most vulnerable near coastlines, underlining the need for resilience planning as climate and human pressures grow. Clean Water Push: The EU and EIB are backing PNG’s Water Wise Communities project with €25m in concessional loan support plus €16.4m in grants, targeting safer drinking water for an extra 400,000 people. Sustainable Seas & Food Safety: EU rules on freezer vessels are set to affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels, with PNG and regional authorities training to meet the new requirements. Climate Watch: Warnings point to possible El Niño mid-2026, with food security and water stress highlighted as urgent risks for PNG’s rural communities. Community Action: Port Moresby’s Nature Park launched its Trash to Treasure festival for World Environment Day, turning waste into student-made sculptures.

Clean Water Push: The EU and EIB signed a Water Wise Communities deal in Port Moresby, backing water infrastructure and climate resilience to improve safe drinking water for 400,000 people in PNG. Ocean Protection: PNG announced plans for the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary of more than 214,000 sq km in the Bismarck Sea, aimed at protecting biodiversity and supporting long-term fisheries. Trash to Treasure: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its 2026 Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day, turning discarded materials into art with university and school participation. Solar Investment Dialogue: ISA and the World Bank convened a Pacific SIDS solar dialogue in Bali, focusing on investment-ready solar and storage projects, including a new 220 MW solar-plus-storage pipeline tender in Mauritius that PNG is part of. Governance & Delivery: A commentary argues PNG’s biggest development bottleneck is weak implementation in the public service, calling for system reform and better delivery. Aviation & Infrastructure: NAC began runway rehabilitation at Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport to enable Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 operations by end-2026, with drainage and safety upgrades. Community Clean-Up: NCDC and Bomana Correctional Services ran a Port Moresby sanitation drive with detainees, targeting litter removal along key city streets. Climate Risk Alert: Commentary warns PNG to prepare for a possible mid-2026 El Niño, stressing food security, early warning, and disaster readiness. Marine Life Research: New satellite-tracking research finds reef manta rays in Milne Bay dive deeper during storm events to feed, offering hope for a vulnerable species.

Ocean protection: Papua New Guinea is set to create the Western Manus Marine Protected Area, a proposed no-take sanctuary of more than 214,000 sq km in the Bismarck Sea—described as nearly the size of the UK and a major step for the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Coral Triangle stewardship: World Environment Day coverage highlights community-led marine and coastal resilience work in the Coral Triangle, including mangrove rehabilitation and stronger links between local knowledge and marine protected area governance. Marine safety & resilience: New research flags that subsea telecom cables serving small islands are most vulnerable near coastlines, underlining the need for resilience planning and investment. Fisheries market access: EU food safety rules for freezer vessels are rolling out after EU audits found brine temperatures not consistently reaching -18°C; Pacific Island-flagged vessels could be heavily affected, with regional training in Suva aimed at keeping seafood exports compliant. Climate risk: PNG is bracing for possible Super El Niño impacts, but provinces say they haven’t received preparedness funding. Clean cities: NCDC and Bomana Correctional Services ran a Port Moresby sanitation drive with detainees to remove litter and improve public spaces. Aviation infrastructure: Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport runway rehab begins, aiming to support Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 operations by end-2026.