In this bulletin:
1. FIJI — Fiji’s PM: Emergency won’t affect polls
2. SOL — Appeal Court to decide if Solomon Islands PM must call parliament to face no-confidence vote
3. GUAM — Guam Senator sounding an alarm on Japan nuclear waste plan
4. PACIFIC — Samoa highlights Pacific priorities at Women Deliver 2026
5. B/VILLE — NZDF assists Bougainville in destruction of WWII-era bombs
6. TONGA — New leadership appointed to Tonga electoral commission
7. VAN — MP Ngwele: I plead not guilty
8. PACIFIC — Tuvalu addresses climate crisis and gender violence link
9. FIJI — Drone ban enforced near correctional facilities in Fiji
10. FIJI — Charting a course: strategic vision for sustainable communities
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Vanuatu steps up maritime voice at IMO climate talks in London
12. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG Marape reinforces relation with China through trade
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Air NZ axes regional flights right as winter and school break begins
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — From Barana to the Provinces: Rangers share knowledge to protect biodiversity
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — Decade-long whale shark study highlights need to protect broader habitat across the Indo-Pacific
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — FAO unveils new data domain tracking agricultural research and development trends
FIJI – ELECTION: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 3: Fri 01 May 2026
Fiji’s PM: Emergency won’t affect polls
SUVA, 01 MAY 2026 (FIJI SUN) — The 2026 General Election will not be delayed even if a State of Emergency is declared to tackle Fiji’s drug crisis, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed Thursday.
He gave his word following a National Security Council meeting in Suva.
“It’s got nothing to do with elections,” Rabuka said, adding that elections would proceed “as far as we are concerned.”
This comes as concerns mount over whether emergency powers — which allow certain constitutional rights to be limited could disrupt the election.
The earliest election date remains 07 August 2026 with the latest being 06 February 2027…. PACNEWS
SOL – POLITICS: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 3: Fri 01 May 2026
Appeal Court to decide if Solomon Islands PM must call parliament to face no-confidence vote
HONIARA, 01 MAY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — The Solomon Islands Court of Appeal is expected to release its decision Friday on whether the prime minister has to call parliament and face a vote of no confidence.
The political impasse in the Melanesian nation began last month after a mass defection of government ministers to the opposition.
The opposition and the defectors formed a new coalition commanding a majority of MPs in the 50-seat House but have not been able to capiatalise on their numerical superiority because Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has refused to call parliament.
The opposition coalition then took the matter to the High Court to try and force Manele to call parliament and face their no-confidence motion.
Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer ruled in their favour and ordered Manele to convene parliament, at the same time instructing the Governor-General to do so if he did not.
But the government filed an application against the ruling and secured a stay of execution.
Manele told local media earlier this week the government will maintain strict respect for the independence of the judiciary.
The three judges on the Appeal Court bench – Howard Lawyry, Gibbs Salika and Gina Nott – are expected to hand down their judgement at 11:30am local time (12:30pm NZT).
Solomon Islands police said they are providing “high visibility” security at the High Court complex in Honiara ahead of the decision…. PACNEWS
GUAM – NUKE WASTEWATER: GUAM DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Fri 01 May 2026
Guam Senator sounding an alarm on Japan nuclear waste plan
HAGATNA, 01 MAY 2026 (GUAM DAILY POST) — A Guam lawmaker is pushing Japan for meaningful consultation on a proposal to bury high-level radioactive waste on Minamitorishima, also known as Marcus Island, Japan’s easternmost island territory roughly 800 to 950 miles from Guam, saying territorial status should not silence Guam’s voice on a matter with potentially grave consequences for the region.
Sen. William Parkinson sent a formal letter in March to Consul General Susumu Ueda of the Consulate-General of Japan in Hagåtña, raising concerns about Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry requesting that Ogasawara Village consider allowing a literature survey to evaluate Minamitorishima as a possible final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste.
Japan responded through the consulate on 21 April. The cover letter noted that on 20 April, the mayor of Ogasawara Village told Japan’s trade minister the village would accept a literature survey if the national government proceeds.
Parkinson reviewed Japan’s responses to his five formal requests and came away unsatisfied.
“I’m not really that satisfied with the response just because I want more,” he told The Guam Daily Post. “I want more opportunities to be involved in this conversation and to have some sort of meaningful input.”
Japan confirmed the process has not yet reached the literature survey stage and that no decision has been made to place a disposal facility on the island. A literature survey is a desk-based review of existing geological records with no on-site investigation. Moving beyond it requires consent from both the prefectural governor and the municipal mayor.
But for Parkinson, the early stage is precisely why engagement needs to begin now.
“I’m just partially concerned that we might be running into one of these situations like similar to what we’re running into with the deep-sea mining, where any prioritisation of outreach happens after the decision has been made,” he said. “I want to make sure we don’t have any situations where the outreach on the effects of these decisions happen after the decision has been made, when we still have time to potentially affect the outcome.”
Japan’s response confirmed the waste inventory is substantial. The country already holds the equivalent of approximately 27,000 canisters of high-level radioactive waste, with plans for a facility capable of holding more than 40,000 canisters and more than 19,000 cubic meters of transuranic waste, all requiring isolation at least 300 meters underground.
On the physical challenges of Minamitorishima, a low-lying coral island of about 1.4 square kilometers with typhoon exposure and a maximum elevation of roughly 9 meters, Tokyo said measures such as seawalls and salt-damage countermeasures could be implemented, but site-specific assessments are premature before a literature survey begins.
Parkinson called that insufficient, writing in a follow-up statement that the people of the region deserve more than a generic assurance that protective measures could be designed later.
On regional consultation, Japan said it would “prefer to refrain from making any premature statements” about future investigation stages. Parkinson said that left Guam without the assurances it needs and pointed to limits on the island’s diplomatic reach as a U.S territory.
“This may already be a problem way too big for a local senator in the Legislature, and we may need the assistance of federal partners and the full weight of the United States diplomatic corps to make some sort of changes here,” he said.
Parkinson argued that a nuclear waste incident near Guam would threaten both its residents and the island’s strategic value to the U.S military.
“Guam is the lynchpin for the United States military mission here in the Pacific,” he said. “If we were to have some sort of nuclear waste incident destroy the waters of Guam, not only would there be a huge humanitarian crisis directly affecting Americans, but it would compromise our ability to live on Guam, not just for the citizens of Guam, but for the United States military as well.”
He said he believes he is the first local official to track the issue.
“That’s kind of why I’m sounding the alarm on this,” Parkinson said. “If people don’t know about it, they should know about it,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – WOMEN: NIT PACNEWS 3: Fri 01 May 2026
Samoa highlights Pacific priorities at Women Deliver 2026
CANBERRA, 01 MAY 2026 (NIT) — Samoa has used Women Deliver 2026 in Naarm (Melbourne) to push for Pacific-led climate finance, disability inclusion, gender equality and community-based development to reach frontline communities.
The conference, held from 27 to 30 April at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, brought together 5,990 participants from 189 countries and 246 languages.
It is the first Women Deliver conference hosted in the Oceanic Pacific region, bringing greater focus to Pacific priorities, Indigenous knowledge, First Nations leadership, climate justice and community-led solutions.
The official opening ceremony brought together leaders and advocates including the Governor-General of Australia, the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the leadership of Women Deliver, and United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J Mohammed.
Samoa was represented by Associate Minister for Women, Community and Social Development Tilafono David Joseph Hunter, Chief Executive Officer Loau Donina Tili Vaa and Mataafa Faatino Utumapu, Manager of Nuanua o le Alofa and Samoa’s candidate for the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Hunter said Samoa’s approach to gender equality was grounded in local communities.
“For Samoa, gender equality is not only a global commitment — it is lived in our villages, families, churches, councils and communities,” he said.
“Women Deliver provides an important space to gather, listen, learn and strengthen partnerships that support real change for our people.”
On the opening day, Samoa took part in a high-level Pacific Talanoa on the gendered impacts of climate change, hosted by Australia’s Minister for International Development Anne Aly and moderated through the Pacific Women Lead programme.
Pacific Ministers and leaders, including Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo, discussed priorities ahead of a pre-COP31 initiative expected to be hosted by Australia in partnership with the Pacific.
Those priorities included ocean resilience, access to climate finance, stronger accountability and improved monitoring of climate impacts across the region.
The Government said women, children, persons with disabilities and vulnerable communities are often among those most affected by climate shocks, disasters, food insecurity and loss of livelihoods.
The talanoa reinforced calls for climate finance to reach communities in ways that are accessible, timely and responsive to Pacific realities, including village-based systems of resilience.
Hunter also joined Pacific Ministers and civil society leaders for a high-level side event on climate financing for women and girls.
The event, hosted by the Pacific Resilience Facility in partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum, focused on how climate finance can reach the “last mile” in rural, remote and maritime communities.
Hunter described Samoa’s government philosophy as people-centred, including support across all stages of life.
He said Samoa viewed support as a lifelong responsibility “from the womb to the tomb”.
Hunter also noted Samoa’s commitment to allocating 20 per cent toward gender equality, disability and social inclusion priorities.
Samoa also met with Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Nita Green to discuss progress in gender equality, early childhood development, disability inclusion and community-led development.
The discussions included Samoa’s District Development Programme, which the Government described as a platform for communities to identify and respond to their own development priorities.
Samoa also highlighted women’s participation in village and district governance and the strong representation of women in senior public sector roles.
Women hold more than 57 per cent of senior roles across Samoa’s public service.
The discussions also covered Samoa’s upcoming Child Wellbeing Benefit, which will support young children while linking families to services, referrals, protection pathways and early childhood development support.
The delegation also highlighted the candidacy of Utumapu for the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the 2027-2030 term.
Utumapu’s work in disability advocacy, inclusive development and regional leadership includes her role as Co-Chair of the Pacific Disability Forum.
Across six high-level engagements at Women Deliver 2026, Utumapu contributed to discussions on disability inclusion, gender equality and community-led development.
Those sessions directly reached more than 1,000 participants.
The delegation also met Lemau Pala’amo, who is facilitating the Para Social Workers Training Programme through a partnership between Samoa’s Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development and UNICEF.
The programme is described as the first of its kind in the Pacific and is aimed at strengthening community-based social service delivery.
It is designed to build a frontline workforce able to support vulnerable children, families, women, persons with disabilities and communities needing early intervention and protection support.
Representing SoulTalk Samoa Trust, the EFKS Mission Office and the Spotlight Initiative Global Reference Group, Pala’amo said the work had brought hidden issues into public discussion.
“When Spotlight came to Samoa, it was like a light shining across the country — bringing forward issues that were often hidden within our homes,” she said.
The discussion highlighted Samoa’s whole-of-family and whole-of-village response through collaboration between government agencies and civil society organisations.
The Government said churches and village councils played a central role in shaping behaviour, guiding values and holding communities accountable.
The discussion also focused on psychosocial support and personal responsibility as part of preventing harm before it occurs.
“We are the custodians of our emotions,” Pala’amo said.
“If we can learn to manage them, we can prevent harm before it begins.”
The Government said Samoa would continue engaging with Pacific partners, development partners, disability leaders, youth advocates and global gender equality champions as the conference continued…. PACNEWS
B/VILLE – WWII BOMBS: NZDF PACNEWS 3: Fri 01 May 2026
NZDF assists Bougainville in destruction of WWII-era bombs
BUKA, 01 MAY 2026 (NZDF) — Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel deployed to Bougainville to dispose of a 1000lb (454kg) bomb discovered at Aropa Airfield and a 500lb bomb found at Kieta Primary School.
The six-person EOD team, equipment and aid packages were flown to Bougainville on a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules and then on to Aropa Airfield via an NH90 helicopter from No.3 Squadron.
The helicopter and crew were already in PNG delivering aid to areas hit by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
An earlier reconnaissance trip found the bombs were too dangerous to move and had to be destroyed in-place. Sandbags were placed around the sites and large cordons set up before the disposal.
Special Operations Component Commander, Colonel Grant Scobie, said that the EOD squadron was highly trained for these tasks.
“Disposal of explosive remnants of war is something we do regularly. Our personnel have completed recent disposal operations in Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Nauru.
“We would like to acknowledge the leadership of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the support and assistance of communities in Kieta and Aropa, which enabled us to successfully carry out the operation.”
Members of the EOD team will also be speaking at a community education event about how to safely mark and report unexploded ordnance when they are found.
This task rounds out a two-week mission in Papua New Guinea, as the NZDF worked with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), Australian Defence Force, International Organisation for Migration and Mission Aviation Fellowship under the guidance of the Papua New Guinea National Disaster Centre to distribute aid to areas hit by Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Two NH90 helicopters had arrived with HMNZS Canterbury into Port Moresby on 15 April to carry out training with the PNGDF, but following a request from the PNG Government pivoted to aid delivery missions.
A C-130J was also subsequently deployed with aid supplies from New Zealand.
The training programme will resume this week.
The deployment to Bougainville has built on more than 25 years of New Zealand support to its peace, security and development, including through the Kirapim Stongpela Bougainville Polis Service, delivered by New Zealand Police, which provides capacity-building to the Bougainville Police Service, and helped to develop the Bougainville Auxiliary Police.
The NZDF’s Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott, said No. 3 Squadron especially had a long-standing relationship with Bougainville.
In 1990, the squadron deployed UH-1H Iroquois helicopters to transport PNG and Bougainville delegations negotiating the Endeavour Accord, and again the squadron deployed with the NZDF-led international Truce Monitoring Group in 1997-1998.
“We value our long-standing friendship with Bougainville and so it was great for the 3 Squadron team to be able to head back to provide this support and further enhance our relationship,” Air Commodore Scott said…. PACNEWS
TONGA – APPOINTMENT: KANIVA TONGA PACNEWS 3: Fri 01 May 2026
New leadership appointed to Tonga electoral commission
NUKU’ALOFA, 01 MAY 2026 (KANIVA TONGA) — The Tonga Electoral Commission has announced the appointment of two new commissioners, marking a significant leadership transition within the body responsible for overseeing the Kingdom’s electoral processes.
The Commission confirmed that Police Magistrate Penisimani Lupeitu’u Ma’u has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Tonga Electoral Commission, effective from 29 April 2026.
Ma’u will serve a term of five years.
Ma’u succeeds the former Chairman, Rt Lord Dalgety KC, who has recently retired from the Commission after his tenure.
In a concurrent appointment, Honorary Consul ‘Amelia Fakahikuo’uiha Helu has been named as a new Commissioner of the Tonga Electoral Commission.
Her appointment also took effect on 29 April 2026, and she will likewise serve a five-year term. Helu replaces Ma’u, who previously held a position as a Commissioner before assuming the chairmanship.
In an official press release issued on 30 April 2026, both appointments were made with the formal consent of His Majesty, acting on the advice of His Majesty’s Privy Council, in accordance with Section 4(1)(a) of the Electoral Commission Act of the Kingdom of Tonga.
The Electoral Commission expressed confidence in the new leadership, noting that both appointees bring valuable skills and experience to their respective roles.
The announcement was released by the Acting Supervisor of Elections…. PACNEWS
VAN – COURT: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Fri 01 May 2026
MP Ngwele: I plead not guilty
PORT VILA, 01 MAY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — The principal accused in allegations of misappropriating government imprest funds of VT1 million (US$8,420) and daily subsistence allowance of VT710,000 (US$5,979), Malcom Tarileo, pleaded not guilty Thursday afternoon in the Supreme Court in Port Vila. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ambae, Jay Ngwele, also pleaded not guilty to the two principal counts.
It is alleged that between 3 and 5 August 2022, Tarileo, who had been entrusted with public funds in the sum of VT1 million (US$8,420) as accountable imprest for official travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), dishonestly misappropriated the funds by converting them for the use of another person, namely MP Ngwele.
Tarileo pleaded not guilty to misappropriation contrary to sections 123 and 125(b) of the Penal Code [CAP 135]. It is also alleged that he had been entrusted with public funds in the sum of VT710,000 (US$5,979) as daily subsistence allowance for official travel to the UAE and dishonestly misappropriated the funds by converting them to his own use while remaining in Vanuatu.
The principal accused also pleaded not guilty to improper use of public resources contrary to the Public Finance and Economic Management (PFEM) Act.
It is alleged that Tarileo engaged in improper use of public resources contrary to section 64(2)(a) of the PFEM Act.
He likewise pleaded not guilty to improper use of public resources under the PFEM Act.
It is alleged that he improperly used public funds by using the daily subsistence allowance of VT710,000 (US$5,979) for personal purposes while not undertaking the official travel.
The defendant told the court he is not guilty of transfer of imprest contrary to the PFEM Regulation Order (No. 88 of 2021). Tarileo is accused of transferring accountable imprest of VT1 million (US$8,420) entrusted to him for official travel to the UAE to MP Ngwele, who was not authorised to receive or use the funds.
Tarileo is also alleged to have used public funds contrary to the Leadership Code Act. He is accused of misusing public funds by converting accountable imprest of VT1 million (US$8,420) for MP Ngwele.
The principal accused also pleaded not guilty to misuse of public funds contrary to the Leadership Code Act. He is accused of using daily subsistence allowance of VT710,000 (US$5,979) for personal purposes.
Tarileo pleaded not guilty to failure to comply with and observe the fundamental principles of the Leadership Code Act by demeaning his office and position, contrary to the Leadership Code.
He is alleged, as a leader, to have demeaned his office and position by giving accountable imprest of VT1 million (US$8,420) to MP Ngwele, which was entrusted to him for official travel to the UAE.
Tarileo further pleaded not guilty to failure to comply with and observe the fundamental principles of leadership contained in Article 66 of the Constitution, contrary to the Leadership Code Act.
He is alleged, as a leader, to have demeaned his office and position by retaining daily subsistence allowance for personal use and benefit, contrary to the duties and standards expected of a leader.
Concerning MP Ngwele, who is an accomplice in the alleged misappropriation of VT1 million (US$8,420) and VT710,000 (US$5,979), he similarly pleaded not guilty in the Supreme Court Thursday afternoon to complicity in misappropriation contrary to the Penal Code.
The particulars of the offence allege that MP Ngwele procured or counselled Tarileo to commit the offence of misappropriation of VT1 million (US$8,420) by instructing him to give the accountable imprest money to him, stating words to the effect of: “Darekta, nao ia bae yu no save travel so bae yu givim imprest blong yu bae mi iusum from imprest we mi karem hemi smol tumas blong mi travel wetem.”
MP Ngwele is accused of procuring or counselling Tarileo to improperly use public resources and commit the offence of misappropriation of VT710,000 (US$5,979) by advising and encouraging him to retain and use the daily subsistence allowance for personal purposes.
MP Ngwele told the Supreme Court Thursday that he is not guilty of complicity in improper use of public resources contrary to the PFEM Regulation Order No. 88 of 2021.
He is accused of procuring Tarileo to improperly use public resources by instructing him to give his accountable imprest of VT710,000 (US$5,979) and encouraging him to retain and use the daily subsistence allowance for personal purposes.
MP Ngwele pleaded not guilty to complicity in transfer of imprest contrary to the PFEM Regulation Order.
He is accused of knowingly procuring or counselling Tarileo to transfer accountable imprest of VT1 million (US$8,420) entrusted for official travel to the UAE to him, knowing he was not authorised to receive or use the funds.
Ngwele also pleaded not guilty to failure to comply with and observe the fundamental principles of leadership contained in Article 64 of the Constitution.
He is accused, as a leader, of demeaning his office and position by procuring or counselling Tarileo to give him accountable imprest of VT1 million (US$8,420) entrusted for official travel to the UAE, and by receiving the funds despite knowing he was not authorised to receive or use them, thereby using his position to improperly obtain a personal benefit from public funds.
MP Ngwele told the court, “I plead not guilty” to failure to comply with and observe the fundamental principles of leadership contained in Article 66 of the Constitution.
He is accused, as a leader, of demeaning his office and position by advising and encouraging Tarileo to retain and use daily subsistence allowance for personal purposes.
The events occurred in 2022 while MP Ngwele was Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities and Tarileo was a director of the ministry.
They appeared for plea Thursday following a complaint lodged with police by the current MP for Malekula, Marcellino Telukluk, who succeeded MP Ngwele as Minister of MIPU.
The Supreme Court has listed a pre-trial for 9am on 6 July 2026…. PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE/GENDER: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 3: Fri 01 May 2026
Tuvalu addresses climate crisis and gender violence link
CANBERRA, 01 MAY 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) — Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo has argued that environmental instability and gender-based violence are deeply interconnected crises rather than separate issues.
Drawing on Tuvalu’s lived realities, he explained that climate-driven economic hardship and displacement are already reshaping household and community conditions, increasing risks for women and girls.
“The two often-overlooked impacts of climate change: the trauma of staying, where communities live daily with uncertainty about their future, and the trauma of moving, where women lose critical protections when migrating.”
To address these challenges, Teo outlined Tuvalu’s progress, including the recently endorsed We Care Guidelines, a national framework to respond to violence against women and girls, built through strong regional partnerships.
He was speaking at the Women Deliver 2026 Conference (WD2026), hosted in Melbourne, Australia.
While further calling for a shift in global financing approaches, he emphasised,” Women’s safety is not a social objective competing with climate investment… It is a measure of whether climate investment is working.”
The discussion during the conference reinforced a strong message from Tuvalu: climate action must be people-centred, and any meaningful response must address the realities faced by women and communities on the frontline…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DRONE BAN: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 3: Fri 01 May 2026
Drone ban enforced near correctional facilities in Fiji
SUVA, 01 MAY 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has issued a strict prohibition on the use of drones in and around all correctional facilities, warning that immediate enforcement action will be taken against those who breach the directive.
In a statement, FCS said the ban applies to all areas of operation, including divisional headquarters, correctional institutions, officers’ quarters and surrounding zones.
“The flying, operation, or use of drones within and around all Correctional Areas of Operation is strictly prohibited with immediate effect,” the statement said.
The move follows repeated detections of unauthorised drone activity near the Naboro Complex in recent weeks, raising serious security concerns.
“Such actions pose a significant threat to the security of inmates, the safety of members of the public, as well as unlawful surveillance of secure facilities,” FCS said.
Authorities warned that correction officers have the power to act swiftly against offenders under the law.
“Correction Officers are empowered under Section 9(1)(f) of the Corrections Act 2006 to arrest, without warrant, any person suspected of committing an offence that threatens the security and good order of correctional facilities,” the statement added.
FCS is urging members of the public to comply with the directive and avoid operating drones near correctional premises.
“Members of the public are strongly urged to refrain from engaging in any drone-related activities near correctional facilities,” it said.
The Service has also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drone activity to the nearest correctional facility or law enforcement authorities.
The warning underscores heightened security measures as authorities move to prevent potential breaches involving aerial surveillance technology…. PACNEWS
FIJI – ENVIRONMENT: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 3: Fri 01 May 2026
Charting a course: strategic vision for sustainable communities
SUVA, 01 MAY 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) — The Soko ni Nuinui (Voyage of Hope), launched earlier this month, outlined a strategic framework for a faith-based climate initiative that utilises a maritime journey to engage diverse island communities.
Organisers prioritised a holistic approach, balancing spiritual reflection and scripture with practical environmental action and logistical safety planning.
To ensure inclusivity, the strategy addressed potential obstacles, including low attendance, heated discussions, trauma-sensitive situations, language barriers, weather disruptions, transport needs, safety planning, and coordination across a 50-day, eight-location sailing schedule around Fiji.
Climate Change Commissioner at the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia, Fe’iloakitau Kaho Tevi, said that while there was no exact timeline or duration for planning the entire programme, there was evidence of at least a year of commission-level preparation and development. Still, there is no precise planning timeline for the voyage itself.
“The eight locations and parishes coordination model combines diocesan leadership, local parish leadership, and embedded facilitator training,’’ Tevi said.
“The programme mentions leadership from (Anglican) Archbishop Sione (Ulu’ilakepa) and diocesan champions, parish priests leading local cohorts, and cross-diocesan coordination for consistent delivery, and the sail plan adds that facilitator workshops are embedded at each location, with common themes, resources, and action-planning tools.”
Tevi said local communities played an important role in preparing for each stop. Local communities were not passive hosts; they were central to preparation and delivery.
“Facilitators are told to consult elders, gather local ocean stories, identify language needs, adapt examples to each place, plan culturally appropriate openings, and ensure accessibility and local safety arrangements,’’ he said.
“The programme also expects parish-led actions at each stop, which shows strong local ownership.”
Ensuring both spiritual and practical goals were balanced, the organisers have built this directly into the weekly format, with every session including prayer, scripture, talanoa, skills practice, action planning, commitment cards, and follow-up.
“The programme is therefore structured so that theological reflection always leads to concrete action in the community,’’ Tevi said.
He added that teamwork behind the scenes for the programme, like this voyage, was essential.
“The guide assumes a whole support team: co-facilitators, youth helpers, worship leaders, pastoral care contacts, transport support, safety planning, and communications planning.
“The wider programme also depends on diocesan champions, parish priests, partner parishes, and ongoing network support. In other words, the voyage is built as a collaborative ministry, not a solo effort,” he said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
VAN – MARITIME: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 01 May 2026
Vanuatu steps up maritime voice at IMO climate talks in London
PORT VILA, 01 MAY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — Vanuatu has once again strengthened its international maritime presence through active participation at International Maritime Organisation (IMO) meetings held recently in London, where the country’s delegation strongly advocated for urgent action on shipping decarbonisation, climate resilience, and equitable maritime transition measures for Pacific Island nations.
The Vanuatu delegation participated in the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG 21) from 20–24 April 2026, followed by the 84th Session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84) from 27 April to 1 May 2026.
Leading the delegation was Minister of Climate Change Ralph Regenvanu, serving as Head of Delegation in his capacity as Special Envoy for Climate Change under the Ministry of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, Environment, and National Disaster Management. Supporting him as Alternate Head of Delegation was the Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, John Less Napuati of the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA), alongside Seiloni Akanete Toakuru, Manager, Policy and Regulatory for Maritime Affairs.
During the high-level discussions, Vanuatu joined other progressive maritime nations in calling for decisive action on reducing emissions from international shipping.
In its official statement to the IMO, Vanuatu stressed that the decarbonisation of international shipping is not optional but “a strategic necessity for the Pacific,” noting the immense vulnerability of Pacific Island countries to climate change impacts.
In one of the most powerful moments of the session, Vanuatu declared: “Vanuatu is not here to help sink the ship, but to help man it.”
The delegation strongly supported the implementation of the IMO’s proposed Net Zero Framework and opposed further delays that could weaken or water down agreed climate measures.
Vanuatu emphasised that Pacific nations have consistently pushed for binding regulations to achieve a just and equitable transition to zero-emission shipping and that the responsibility to act lies both legally and morally with the IMO.
The statement also highlighted the importance of establishing a Net Zero Fund to support developing countries and ensure that the Global South benefits fairly from the transition to cleaner shipping technologies.
Commissioner Napuati described the meetings as a major achievement for Vanuatu and the wider Pacific region.
He noted that Vanuatu’s continued participation at the IMO demonstrates the country’s commitment to maritime safety, environmental protection, and international cooperation.
“These meetings are very important because shipping is the lifeline of small island states like Vanuatu,” Napuati said. “The decisions made at IMO will affect our trade, our economy, our environment, and the future of our people. Vanuatu must continue to ensure that the voices of Pacific Island countries are heard clearly at the international level.”
The Commissioner also acknowledged the leadership shown by Minister Ralph Regenvanu in championing Pacific climate concerns within the maritime sector and reaffirmed Vanuatu’s commitment to supporting a fair and sustainable transition towards greener shipping.
The successful participation of the Vanuatu delegation at the IMO meetings reflects the country’s growing influence in international maritime affairs and reinforces its position as a vocal advocate for climate justice and sustainable ocean governance…. PACNEWS
PNG – TRADE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 01 May 2026
PNG Marape reinforces relation with China through trade
PORT MORESBY, 01 MAY 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — PNG Prime Minister James Marape has reinforced the country’s longstanding One-China policy while seeking more trade, investment, industrial development and partnerships with Guangdong province.
On Tuesday, in Guangzhou, Marape met with a Guangdong delegation led by governor Meng Fanli and discussed strengthening economic ties, improving connectivity, advancing clean energy cooperation, promoting downstream processing and creating long-term commercial opportunities between PNG and Guangdong.
It was one of China’s most powerful provinces economically.
Marape said PNG was among the countries to recognise the One-China policy early after Independence in 1975.
“The One-China policy remained the central pillar of relations between our two nations, and it would continue to guide our friendship into the future.”
He said the province was also an important bridge between PNG and China.
Marape also highlighted the direct flight between Guangzhou and Port Moresby, which had expanded from one-weekly to three-weekly services.
He thanked President Xi Jinping for the respect and friendship consistently shown to PNG, including previous bilateral meetings in Beijing and China’s senior-level representation during PNG’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations last year.
Marape praised China’s remarkable national development journey, particularly the lifting of hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and the rapid transformation of Chinese cities, industries and infrastructure.
“From the perspective of developing nations, China’s progress gives hope that transformation is possible through planning, discipline, investment and leadership,” he said.
He proposed the establishment of a special economic zone for Guangdong enterprises in PNG, supported by land access, competitive incentives, reliable energy and export-oriented industrial planning.
“PNG could be a safe production base for Chinese enterprise,” he said.
Marape added that PNG’s vast clean energy resources made it ideal for industrial expansion and value-added manufacturing.
He also held talks with the Shenzhen Energy Group regarding possible partnerships in hydroelectricity, waste-to-energy systems, and other clean energy technologies.
“If Chinese companies help us generate affordable and reliable energy, industries can follow,” he said.
“That can support downstream processing in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining and manufacturing sectors.”
Marape also updated Guangdong leaders on several major Chinese-linked investments already progressing in PNG.
These include the proposed Frieda River Copper and Gold Project, expansion plans for the Ramu Nickel Mine, and broader cooperation in agriculture through Juncao technology pioneered by Professor Lin Zhanxi…. PACNEWS
PAC – TRAVEL: PMN PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 01 May 2026
Air NZ axes regional flights right as winter and school break begins
WELLINGTON, 01 MAY 2026 (PMN) — If you were planning to fly the family to see friends and loved ones or take a winter break between late June and July, you need to check your inbox.
Air New Zealand has confirmed another round of “consolidations”, cutting dozens of flights right in the middle of the July school holiday period.
The airline says the move is a response to the “ongoing impact of high fuel costs” from the war in Iran.
But for families on the ground, the timing couldn’t be worse.
With the school break running from 4 to 19 July, these cuts hit at the exact moment travel demand peaks and could likely drive up the price of the few seats that are left.
Nelson in the South Island is bearing the brunt of the latest axe.
Mayor Nick Smith said on Thursday that 70 flights are being pulled across the Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch routes between 29 June and 26 July.
He says this is the third time the region has been hit since the war in Iran started, bringing the total number of lost seats to a staggering 12,000.
“This is likely to affect seat availability and prices as well as reduce Air NZ’s ability to manage disruptions including weather-related delays and cancellations,” Smith said in a statement.
The mayor warned that for Nelson, this isn’t just about holidays. It’s about people being able to “access healthcare” and do their jobs.
For Pacific families in the region, losing these flights makes it even harder to stay connected with “aiga” across the country during the one time of year the kids are off school.
It’s a similar story in the Bay of Plenty. MP Tom Rutherford confirmed to the media that 44 return flights are being removed from Tauranga during the same four-week period.
While the airline claims most people can still travel on the same day, the loss of these services makes it much harder for families to find “cheap seats” that usually make a family trip possible.
Air New Zealand told RNZ that these changes only affect about “two per cent of passengers”.
The airline claims they have targeted the cuts to ensure most people can still fly on their intended day.
“We’ve targeted the consolidations to minimise disruption and to ensure that the vast majority of impacted customers can still travel on the same day,” the airline says.
But with no sign of the oil crisis slowing down, Mayor Smith says the news is “disappointing” but “understandable.”
For Pacific families in the regions, the fear is that these “temporary” holiday cuts will price families out of the sky entirely.
While Air New Zealand cuts its domestic services, a much bigger crisis is unfolding across the Pacific.
From Fiji to Vanuatu, the cost of flying and even putting petrol in the car is skyrocketing as the Middle East conflict hits home.
The region’s biggest carrier, Fiji Airways, has been forced to suspend its Nadi to Dallas service from 7 September.
CEO Paul Scurrah says the decision is due to the “ongoing impact of high jet fuel prices and changes in passenger demand.”
He noted that fuel prices have “more than doubled since the start of the year,” putting massive pressure on every flight.
Solomon Airlines is bringing in a temporary fuel levy and has pushed international fares up by as much as 17 per cent.
CEO Matthew Findlay has said the moves are a necessary response to “sustained fuel cost pressures,” with fuel costs alone jumping by 70 per cent on the airline’s domestic routes.
On the ground in Vanuatu, families were hit with a massive 34 per cent jump in petrol prices this month.
In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Jotham Napat said: “These developments are beyond the control of the government and are affecting countries worldwide, not Vanuatu alone.”
With fuel costs making many Pacific routes “loss-making,” more cancellations and fare hikes are likely throughout the winter months, making the dream of a trip home even harder for our community…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
From Barana to the Provinces: Rangers share knowledge to protect biodiversity
HONIARA, 01 MAY 2026 (SPREP) — Invasive species remain the leading driver of biodiversity loss in the Pacific, undermining ecosystem resilience and limiting the ability of communities to adapt to climate change.
To confront this challenge, conservation rangers from Guadalcanal, Malaita, Western, and Rennell provinces gathered at the Barana Community Nature and Heritage Park in Honiara for a Rangers Knowledge Exchange and Learning Programme.
This initiative was led by the Government of the Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology and its Environment and Conservation Division (ECD).
Supported by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) led Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) Resilient Ecosystems, Resilient Communities (RERC) programme, the learning exchange provided a platform for collaboration, practical training and coordinated action to strengthen invasive species management across the Solomon Islands in a sustainable way.
The exchange equipped rangers with skills in safe and effective weed management and site-based restoration. BirdLife International, as co-technical lead of the PRISMSS RERC programme, contributed expertise on predator control of managing rats, feral pigs, and cats, that pose significant threats to biodiversity and food security.
The PRISMSS RERC programme in an identified Barana community conservation area has already shown how community rangers can lead the fight against invasive species. A community capacity building programme was undertaken at the Barana conservation site by the PRISMSS RERC programme in 2025, where the community were provided with tools, resources and trained on how to properly use them to manage invasive weeds within identified management zones.
The Barana community showcased its own progress, demonstrating how tools, training, and community-led approaches have reduced invasive weeds within identified management zones since 2025 and how it could be replicated in other provinces. The exchange programme engaged rangers from across various provinces in knowledge sharing sessions and enabled hands on weed and predator management training while learning and using safe herbicide use and application methods.
Through hands-on exercises, rangers developed site-specific action plans to address invasive species in affordable and sustainable ways, while reinforcing the importance of inclusivity, traditional knowledge and community ownership.
Jerry Mane, Park Coordinator of the Barana Community Nature & Heritage Park in Honiara said: “We are grateful to the PRISMSS RERC programme for its support and thanks to this partnership we are already seeing positive results within the management zones at the Barana Community Conservation Area.
“The rangers knowledge exchange enabled us to showcase our success stories and share practical experience in invasive species management with rangers from provinces across the Solomon Islands.”
“By promoting these community led approaches and encouraging replication across the isles, we can scale up local action and strengthen national resilience.”
Laneck Piziki, a ranger from the Kolombanara Island Biodiversity Conservation Association (KIBCA), Western Province shared that, “this exchange reinforced that resilience is built when science and tradition work together.”
“Inclusive decision-making and local practices are the backbone of long-term biodiversity conservation and building resilient islands and communities and what inspired me most was seeing how Barana community uses safe, targeted, affordable and sustainable practices to manage invasive species.”
“These are methods we can realistically apply in our own communities without needing huge budgets.”
A ranger with the Ensuring Resilient Ecosystems & Protected Areas (EREPA), Sabino Mele from the Kakabona Community Guadalcanal Province, reflected that “inclusivity is key and at Barana, everyone, from elders to youth was involved in managing invasive species.”
“That level of community ownership is something we want to replicate in our provinces, and I also realised that invasive species management is about protecting culture.”
“Our heritage, traditions and way of life depend on healthy ecosystems, and this training reinforced that connection. Knowledge shared here is like seeds. We will plant these lessons in our provinces, nurture them with community involvement and watch resilience grow across our Solomon Islands.”
A community ranger for the Ono Tribal Land Conservation, Samson Gravin Wa’arimae from the Malaita Province reflected that, “I am thankful that I was able to attend this rangers exchange programme and agree that managing invasives is not a one-time effort but a lifelong commitment.”
“The practical exercise of setting up management zones for invasive weed management and predator control gave us confidence. It showed us that we can take immediate, targeted steps to protect our ecosystems once we return to our provinces and this mindset will guide us as we plan long-term strategies for our own conservation areas.”
Geroge Tauika, ranger for Lake Tengano World Heritage Site, Renell Province shared, “this exchange showed us the power of collaboration. With the shared experiences and learnings across provinces and the knowledge gained from this training we can build resilient ecosystems and resilient communities across Solomon Islands together.”
“The Barana community showed us that coordinated and properly structured ongoing invasive species management is the only way to protect native species and keep our ecosystems healthy.”
A Senior Conservation Officer with ECD, Melvin Zama, shared that, “our ancestors taught us to read the land, and blending that wisdom with modern techniques gives communities ownership of invasive species management solutions.”
“Traditional and cultural practices are powerful tools against invasive species when everyone is included. The knowledge shared over these four days of the Rangers Exchange will help us work more closely with communities across the provinces as we move together toward a more resilient Solomon Islands.”
Assistant Chair Lady of the Barana Community Nature & Heritage Park, Alice Buko, reflected that, “invasive species management must be inclusive and here in Barana, women actively lead forest conservation efforts, and our youth bring energy and new ideas and together they strengthen resilience and sustainability.”
“When our communities, government, ranger networks and stakeholders work as one, sharing resources, training and traditional knowledge, we create affordable, long-term solutions through community owned monitoring, locally appropriate predator control and sustainable restoration.”
The PRISMSS RERC programme has produced a Pacific Invasive Species Battler series titled Build Resilient Ecosystems and Communities by Managing Invasive Species in High-Priority Sites (https://brb.sprep.org/content/build-resilient-ecosystems-and-communities-managing-invasive-species-high-priority-sites), which supports environmental conservation, led by communities on site-based efforts, to restore ecosystems and manage invasive species.
SPREP Invasive Species Adviser, David Moverley shared that, “the process of ecological restoration provides an objective approach to increase the resilience of species, ecosystems and communities through the protection of natural assets which assist in the adaptation to the impacts of climate change.”
“A site-led approach to manage multiple invasive species and re-introduce lost native species and ecosystem structure over a longer period of time is the last remaining option to restore and maintain these ecosystems.”
“Site-based action can be used to control multiple invasive species to support the natural regenerative processes of native ecosystem structure and function, and our communities directly benefit from resilient ecosystems and are an essential part of ecological restoration as site-based management aligns well with traditional Pacific land ownership practices.”
The PRISMSS RERC programme, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Kingdom International Development, has completed rangers’ network and learning exchange programmes in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands with a scheduled programme upcoming for the Federated States of Micronesia and more planned within the region in later 2026…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Decade-long whale shark study highlights need to protect broader habitat across the Indo-Pacific
JAKARTA, 01 MAY 2026 (CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL) — A major new study, has highlighted a handful of sites in Indonesia as critical conservation priorities, representing the only known places that sustain whale sharks year-round. It also details the range of the Indo-Pacific whale shark population – which represents over 60 percent of the global population – spans 13 countries, territories, and the high seas, areas where these endangered animals remain largely unprotected, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated international conservation.
Published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Marine Science today, the research – led by Konservasi Indonesia, the Elasmobranch Institute Indonesia, Conservation International, and partners –provides one of the most comprehensive pictures to date of how the world’s largest fish uses the ocean — and where conservation efforts must focus.
The paper culminates over a decade of research, representing one of the largest satellite tag datasets for whale sharks ever studied. Seventy whale sharks were tracked, averaging over 400 days per tag, with the longest tag lasting 990 days.
The research revealed:
– Whale sharks move across 13 national boundaries and into the high seas, with males spending 40 percent of their life in the high seas where they are unprotected.
– Indonesia’s Saleh Bay and Cendrawasih Bay host whale sharks year-round, a rare observation, as aggregation areas are usually seasonal.
– Indonesia is a regional connectivity hub: positioned at the center of Indo-Pacific movement corridors, Indonesia plays a critical role in linking coastal habitats with the high seas.
– Male and female whale sharks — and younger versus older animals — use the ocean in different ways, so conservation needs to be designed to suit these differences, not treated all the same.
International collaboration needed
The research details the sharks’ extensive seasonal movements across 13 countries and territories – including Australia, Christmas Island, Guam, Gilbert Islands, Indonesia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste – and into extensive Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, demonstrating the species’ highly transboundary nature and that the Indo-Pacific population—representing around 60 percent of the global total—spends most of their lives in largely unprotected waters.
Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra, Focal Species Conservation Senior Manager at Konservasi Indonesia and lead author said: “We now understand not only where whale sharks aggregate, but also when, where and why they move across the ocean. This shifts our species management perspective—from isolated sites in Indonesia to a fully interconnected pelagic system.”
Putra added “What’s clear is whale shark conservation cannot stop at national borders. We found over 40 percent of adult male habitat is in the high seas—areas that function as migration corridors and opportunistic feeding zones linked to seamounts, canyons, and eddies. Protecting these habitats is critical to maintaining connectivity and sustaining the population.”
“Whale sharks have ancient ocean pathways, and we are only just starting to understand them,” said Dr. Edy Setyawan, the lead conservation scientist of the Elasmobranch Institute Indonesia. “From aggregation sites in the Indonesian archipelago, they travel huge distances, guided by food, currents, and environmental cues. Many of these journeys take them into international waters and high seas, where protections are limited. That’s where these Endangered animals face the biggest dangers from unsustainable fisheries and busy shipping routes.”
Indonesia is a connectivity hub
Dr Setyawan further added “Our research shows where whale sharks go, how they feed, and the places they spend the most time. This new knowledge provides key insights that can guide marine spatial planning and design proper protected areas, to reduce risks to whale sharks and keep them safer. With this, we can collaborate locally and internationally to improve tourism practices, make fisheries more sustainable, and possibly adjust marine traffic to reduce the risks to this species that continue to decline.”
The study identifies Indonesia as a global stronghold for whale sharks, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, with locations such as Cenderawasih Bay and Saleh Bay supporting the sharks year-round.
Putra said “Our research shows that Indonesia plays a central role in whale shark connectivity across the Indo-Pacific, while also revealing how limited their year-round habitat truly is. Only a handful of large bay systems consistently support the sharks—likely serving as important nursery areas and habitat for young sharks. Protecting these high-value habitats is critical to sustaining the wider population.”
Putra noted “Konservasi Indonesia is currently working with communities and government partners to establish Indonesia’s first whale shark-focused marine protected area in Saleh Bay. This bay supports year-round feeding aggregations, and it is now recognised as an Important Shark and Ray Area, plus our recent discovery of neonates (newborns) there has underscored its likely function as a nursery habitat.”
The findings overall show that site-based protection is vital, but not enough on its own.
“Effective conservation must connect aggregation sites with migration corridors and seasonal feeding areas across national waters and the high seas,” said Putra.
The findings follow the Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, in March 2026, where a resolution was made to prioritise the conservation of seamount ecosystems. The resolution encourages coordinated international action and aims to strengthen cooperation across ocean governance bodies to better protect migratory species and their ocean habitats…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
FAO unveils new data domain tracking agricultural research and development trends
ROME, 01 MAY 2026 (FAO) — Publicly-oriented agricultural research and development (R&D) systems have been growing at an average annual rate of 1.8 percent in the past two decades, reaching $50.4 billion in 2023, while the number of agricultural researchers has grown even faster, new data presented today by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
The figures encompass a relative surge since 2009 after sluggish expansion in the first decade of the millennium.
The findings come from a new data domain available to all on FAO’s FAOSTAT portal, the world’s most comprehensive data base for agricultural themes. The new service represents the development, expansion of coverage and frequency, and technical improvements of a service that began in 1981 as a joint venture between the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the former International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) to collect agricultural research data. It is now brought back to FAO in an effort to institutionalise it with our Member countries, thanks to a grant from the Gates Foundation.
Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI), such as those contained in FAOSTAT’s new domain, are in demand to assess research performance and impact, and to set policy and investment priorities to increase agricultural growth and productivity. Agricultural R&D is associated with lowering food prices and high economic returns, and it is increasingly central to improving the efficiency of resource utilisation, lowering carbon footprints and producing more output with fewer inputs such as land, labour and chemicals, and enabling key food crops to adapt to changing environmental conditions
“This new domain will strengthen evidence-based policymaking and advocacy for more effective agricultural research systems. It addresses a longstanding gap by providing, for the first time, a regular, globally agreed framework to monitor agricultural R&D. This represents an important milestone, enabling countries to set and track commitments on investment and research capacity through a harmonised measure of national efforts that generate benefits for all, recognising science and technology as global public goods.” said FAO Chief Statistician José Rosero Moncayo.
The data can be accessed here and here, while an accompanying analytical brief presents global, regional and country-level trends in public agricultural R&D from 2004 to 2023. Data is present for more than 120 FAO Member states, with more to be added later in the year.
The brief also highlights changes over time in both research capacity and expenditure, as well as persistent disparities in the scale and intensity of investment across national agricultural research systems.
Key findings
Globally in 2023, the equivalent of 316 000 full-time experts were engaged in public agricultural R&D systems, up from 204 000 in 2004.
Measured in constant 2015 purchasing power parities, global public expenditure in this sector amounted to $50.4 billion, up from $35.9 billion in 2004.
Asia accounts for the largest share, home to 45 percent of the world’s agricultural researchers in 2023, followed by Europe at 24 percent, Americas at 14 percent, Africa at 13 percent and Oceania with 3 percent.
Trends in this sector vary sharply, the highest growth rate over the period was in Central Asia reporting with the largest decline in Southern Africa .
Spending on public agricultural R&D shows a broadly similar pattern, with Asia accounting for 48 percent of the global total, followed by Americas at 22 percent, Europe at 20 percent, Africa at 8 percent and Oceania at 3 percent.
The fastest growth in expenditures over the period was in Central Asia, followed by East and South Asia; while Southern Europe recorded the largest decline.
The ratio of agricultural researchers per 100 000 agricultural workers varies considerably around the world, ranging from 5 to 1 692, while countries spent on average around 1.3 percent of the value-added generated in their agricultural sectors on agricultural research, with a median of 0.6 percent. Countries with the highest values included Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Republic of Korea, and Slovenia.
Between-country variation reflects a host of variables including national income levels, the size of a country’s agricultural sector, trade dynamics, and issues of scale. The granular FAO data will allow for closer and more contextually robust analysis of needs and best practices in the pursuit of sustainable agrifood systems…. PACNEWS
