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.