Cocoa Downstream Push: Papua New Guinea inaugurated upgraded cocoa processing and chocolate-making capacity at Paradise Foods’ Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, with EU-STREIT PNG and FAO support, aiming to double output and keep more value-add in-country. Coastline Waste Warning: Communities along the Motu-Koitabu coastline say rubbish and plastic are piling up across beaches, mangroves and waterfronts, harming marine life, public health and livelihoods, and calling for stronger waste management support. Gas Project Local Benefits: The Pasca A Gas Project cleared its National Content Plan, setting out training, jobs and more procurement opportunities for PNG-owned businesses. Climate Resilience at the Coast: In Bougainville’s Carteret Islands, IOM is working with Iagain communities to map climate risks like sea-level rise, erosion and saltwater intrusion and identify locally led adaptation options. SPREP Environment Focus: SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa reaffirmed work tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, with priorities shaped by Pacific member needs. Digital Safety for the Pacific: Pacific Ministers backed regional principles for AI governance and safer digital spaces as connectivity expands across the region. Energy Access Story: A Central province student pursuing electrical engineering under PNG’s STEM scholarship highlights how unreliable rural power limits study and opportunity. Freshwater Security in the Region: Solomon Islands launched PacFresH2O to strengthen freshwater resilience across Solomon Islands and PNG.