In this bulletin:
1. FIJI — Fiji Military backs end to constitutional immunity: Commander Kalouniwai
2. PACIFIC — SG Waqa backs Forum Chair, calls for unity to drive Pacific agenda
3. TAIWAN — Taiwan, Marshall Islands deepen economic and diplomatic partnership, says President Lai
4. PACIFIC — At Climate Innovation Forum, Minister Regenvanu reminds that Loss and Damage is an issue of fairness and climate justice
5. PACIFIC — Pacific youth call for child-centred climate action at Vanuatu forum
6. PNG — Australian Dr Nicole Haley is new PNG Electoral commissioner
7. PACNEWS BIZ — New Zealand warns Pacific missing out as tuna fleets avoid access fees on the high seas
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Cook Islands and FFA renew aerial surveillance partnership to strengthen fisheries monitoring
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji signs landmark South Pacific pact to protect Albacore Tuna
10. PACNEWS DIGEST — ‘We carry our people’s lived experiences,’ voices of Ni-Vanuatu women inspire push for climate action
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Pacific Indigenous Leaders Gather in Cook Islands to Strengthen Traditional Governance and Inclusive Conservation
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — Vanuatu HeartCare app brings first-of-its-kind mobile health screening to the Pacific
FIJI – IMMUNITY/MILITARY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Fiji Military backs end to constitutional immunity: Commander Kalouniwai
SUVA, 03 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has backed ending constitutional immunity provisions, saying accountability is essential for lasting peace and constitutional reform.
In a landmark submission to the Constitution Review Commission Thursday, RFMF Commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai acknowledged the military’s role in shaping Fiji’s turbulent political history and said the institution was prepared to accept the consequences of reform.
“We come before this commission carrying the weight of our own history,” he said.
“The systemic institutionalised pattern of political instability that has fractured this nation since 1987 was not merely witnessed by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. At points, it was built and maintained by our own hands.”
Major-General Kalouniwai said the RFMF was voluntarily stepping away from legal protections that had shielded the institution for decades.
He acknowledged such a move could expose soldiers and officers to legal consequences, but said Fiji’s future depended on confronting its past.
“The survival of any single institution can no longer be purchased at the expense of this nation’s soul,” he said.
The military also supports reforms to strengthen civilian supremacy and establish a truth and reconciliation process.
He said Fiji cannot achieve lasting national healing without confronting the military’s role in decades of political instability.
The RFMF accepted responsibility for contributing to Fiji’s cycle of coups and constitutional disruption, describing the country’s political history as one that had fractured its “moral soul”.
“We do not say this lightly, nor without genuine remorse for the part our institution has played,” Major-General Ro Jone said.
The Commander acknowledged the military’s involvement in Fiji’s major political upheavals, including the 1987 coups, the military intervention during the 2000 crisis, and the 2006 takeover.
He said Fiji had lived with a fragile peace built on silence rather than justice.
“We have watched national stability become a phrase used to bypass the law.”
Major-General Ro Jone said infrastructure development and economic progress alone could not heal the country’s deeper wounds.
“Beneath the surface of new roads and new technology, there is a restless spirit in Fiji.”
He argued that many Fijians remained uneasy because truth and accountability had been sacrificed in favour of political stability.
The RFMF proposed establishing a national truth and reconciliation process guided by United Nations principles to allow victims and institutions to confront the past openly.
Major-General Ro Jone said Fiji had reached a point where future generations deserved a country governed by integrity rather than fear.
The military also proposed a constitutional right to truth and reforms to dismantle what it described as a “machinery of silence”.
The submission said the Constitution should ensure no institution or individual stood above the law, regardless of rank.
Major-General Ro Jone acknowledged the reforms could expose members of the military to greater accountability.
“We accept the risk this submission carries to our own institution because the alternative, a nation of perpetual drifting, is a cost future generations should never have to bear.”
Meanwhile, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has proposed the establishment of an independent Military Court of Fiji as part of its submission to the Constitution Review Commission.
Director of Army Legal Services Colonel Kitione Tuinaosara made the submission during the commission’s consultation, saying the proposed Military Court would replace the current General Court Martial system while operating alongside Fiji’s civilian courts.
He said the reform would strengthen transparency, fairness and accountability within the military justice system.
Colonel Tuinaosara said discussions on the proposal began in 2019 when drafting of the court’s rules commenced.
Implementation would require approval from the High Court following further consultations within the RFMF.
“We intend to have it for independence, transparency and fairness. We intend to have a Military Court of Fiji here at the camp,” he said.
Under the proposed model, a military judge would preside over proceedings with a panel of military personnel, similar to the current court martial system. However, the panel would comprise senior officers, warrant officers and other ranks instead of being made up exclusively of senior officers.
Colonel Tuinaosara said the reforms are intended to address longstanding concerns about the perceived independence of military justice and improve public confidence in the system.
He said the Military Court could operate separately from the civilian courts, with discussions also exploring the possibility of holding military court sessions after civil court sittings conclude.
The proposal forms part of the RFMF’s broader recommendations to the Constitution Review Commission as Fiji considers reforms to its constitutional and legal framework……PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Jul 2026
SG Waqa backs Forum Chair, calls for unity to drive Pacific agenda
SUVA, 03 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)—Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretary General Baron Waqa has reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to supporting new Chair, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale, saying unity, service and collective action will be critical as the region faces climate, economic and security challenges.
Speaking on Thursday at the inaugural welcome ceremony for the Forum Chair at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, Waqa welcomed Prime Minister Wale and Tonga’s Lord Fakafanua to the Secretariat.
“It is both my honour and privilege, as Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, to welcome the Forum Chair, Matthew Wale, and Lord Fakafanua to your Secretariat, your regional home here in the heart of Fiji, Suva.”
Waqa said the ceremony represented more than a leadership transition.
“Today’s (Thursday)ceremony is both symbolic and significant.
It marks not only one of transition but also one of connection, a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to the Pacific Islands Forum as the preeminent political grouping for our Blue Pacific Continent,” he said.
He said the position of Forum Chair carried significant responsibility.
“The role of the Forum Chair is one of great responsibility and trust.
It is a role that calls for steady leadership, wisdom, and unity, to guide our collective priorities, to uphold what binds us together as Pacific peoples, and to help steer our region through a time of both challenge and opportunity,” said Waqa.
The Secretary General said the Pacific continues to face a rapidly changing environment shaped by climate change, economic pressures and security issues.
“Your region continues to navigate a dynamic and changing landscape, one shaped by climate change, evolving economic realities, security considerations, and the aspirations of our people for a better and more inclusive future.”
He said Pacific unity and the spirit of Talanoa remain the region’s greatest strengths.
“In such times, what anchors and binds us are our sense of togetherness, our spirit of Talanoa, and working together side by side.
It is this spirit that continues to guide the Forum as a space for dialogue, collective action, and shared purpose,” he stressed.
Waqa said the Pacific Islands Forum remains the region’s principal political platform.
“The Forum remains our primary platform, a place where we come together as one, one Blue Pacific, to advance our collective priorities, and to amplify the voice of our region on the global stage.”
He said the Secretariat stood ready to support the Chair and Forum members in advancing the regional agenda under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
“As we welcome the Forum Chair today, we do so with confidence and with goodwill, knowing that leadership in our region is strengthened by unity, humility, and service.
The Secretariat stands ready to walk alongside the Chair and all Members in advancing our shared agenda under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,” SG Waqa said.
Reflecting on last year’s Forum theme, Waqa said it highlighted the need for greater urgency in regional cooperation.
“As we reflect on our journey, we are reminded of last year’s theme, ‘Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent,’ which called on us to move together with urgency and purpose in strengthening our regional cooperation.”
He called on Forum members to renew their commitment to implementing the 2050 Strategy.
“As we mark this important occasion and formally receive the Forum Chair today, let us do so in the spirit of partnership and solidarity, fully committed to advancing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Let us renew our promise to continue to strengthen our work across our governments, our institutions, and our communities to realise a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Blue Pacific,” he emphasised.
Waqa welcomed the Forum Chair and reaffirming the Secretariat’s commitment ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
“On behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, I extend to you all a warm and heartfelt welcome.
We look forward to walking this journey together in the lead-up to the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and the important engagements ahead,” he said…. PACNEWS
TAIWAN – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Taiwan, Marshall Islands deepen economic and diplomatic partnership, says President Lai
TAIPEI, 03 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)— Taiwan President Lai Ching-te says Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to strengthen economic resilience and expand bilateral ties amid global political and economic challenges.
Meeting Marshall Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko and his delegation on Wednesday in Taipei, President Lai said Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share common values and have built strong cooperation across a range of sectors.
“Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share a profound connection through Austronesian culture and common values, including democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. In the past few years, cooperation between our two nations has continued to yield fruitful results in such areas as agriculture, medicine and public health, education, women’s empowerment, and climate change response,” he said.
President Lai said the changing international environment required closer collaboration between the two countries.
“Amidst the rapidly changing international political and economic landscape, many nations are now faced with the restructuring of global supply chains and other challenges,” he said.
Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across various domains so as to jointly bolster economic resilience and enhance our peoples’ well-being,” he said.
President Lai thanked Minister Kaneko for supporting Taiwan’s international participation and for strengthening relations between the two countries.
“Minister Kaneko, I would like to thank you for continuing to advance exchanges and cooperation between our countries over many years.
Throughout your time as minister of health and human services, and in your current role as minister of foreign affairs and trade, you have strongly advocated for Taiwan’s international participation and fully demonstrated your government’s regard and support for our diplomatic friendship,” he said.
President Lai also referred to Taiwan’s recent efforts to expand economic cooperation with the Marshall Islands.
“That is why, in April, I designated Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung as my special envoy to lead a trade and investment delegation to the Marshall Islands, the goal of which was to further facilitate economic, trade, and industrial exchanges between our nations and jointly expand our spheres of cooperation.”
He extended Taiwan’s sympathies following the fire on Ebeye Island and pledged continued support.
“Furthermore, on behalf of all in Taiwan, I would like to once again extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the devastating fire which broke out on Ebeye Island last month.
Beyond providing assistance for post-disaster reconstruction, we also stand ready to work with the Marshall Islands to strengthen disaster prevention and resilience, jointly protecting the public and safeguarding social stability,” President Lai said.
Looking ahead to the Pacific Islands Forum later this year, President Lai said Taiwan hopes to continue working with the Marshall Islands and other partners.
“We also look forward to our nations supporting each other and moving forward side by side in the international arena. This year’s Pacific Islands Forum will be held at the end of August.
With the backing of the Marshall Islands and other like-minded partners, I hope that Taiwan will be able to contribute even more to regional peace, prosperity, and development,” he stressed.
Lai expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would continue to grow.
“I am sure that, with your support, our alliance will continue to deepen and grow even stronger.”
In response, Minister Kaneko conveyed greetings from Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine and thanked President Lai and the Taiwan government for their hospitality.
He said the two countries were marking 28 years of diplomatic relations built on shared values.
“This year marks the 28th anniversary of diplomatic ties between our two nations,” he said, adding that the relationship is “one rooted in our shared Austronesian heritage and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law,” Kaneko said.
Minister Kaneko said Taiwan’s assistance remained important to the Marshall Islands.
“Support from the Republic of China (Taiwan) continues to be invaluable to the people and national development of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, economic development, and climate resilience,” he said.
He also thanked Taiwan for educational opportunities for Marshallese students and medical care provided to Marshallese citizens.
Minister Kaneko reaffirmed his country’s support for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations.
“The Republic of the Marshall Islands is committed to advocating for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in United Nations systems and other regional and international organisations,” he emphasised
He added that the Marshall Islands “will continue to call on the UN to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23.6 million people from UN mechanisms and activities.”
Minister Kaneko expressed his appreciation and said he looked forward to bilateral discussions and continued cooperation on shared priorities……PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE CHANGE: SPREP PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Jul 2026
At Climate Innovation Forum, Minister Regenvanu reminds that Loss and Damage is an issue of fairness and climate justice
PORT VILA, 03 JULY 2026 (SPREP)— Effective loss and damage support is fundamentally an issue of climate justice, fairness, and shared responsibility.
So reminded the Pacific’s Political Champion for Loss and Damage, and Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards and Disaster Management, Ralph Regenvanu.
“The Pacific is not asking for sympathy,” he said.
“We are asking for partnership, accountability, and action. Loss and damage support must protect not only economies and infrastructure, but also people, cultures, identities, and futures.
“The world must recognise that when Pacific communities lose land, culture, and heritage, humanity as a whole loses something valuable and irreplaceable.”
Minister Regenvanu was speaking during a Panel discussion titled “From Commitment to Action: Delivering Loss and Damage Support for the Pacific” on the first day of the inaugural Pacific Innovation Forum for Climate and Environment (PIFCE) taking place in Port Vila this week.
PIFCE is yet another example of Vanuatu’s growing global leadership and influence on climate action and climate justice.
Minister Regenvanu was instrumental in bringing PIFCE to life through a proposal he developed jointly with the Vanuatu-based charitable association, V-Lab. As innovators gather in Port Vila, the work on loss and damage is an issue close to his heart, given Vanuatu’s historical involvement in pushing the issue.
“We welcome progress made internationally, including the establishment of funding arrangements for loss and damage. However, success will ultimately be measured not by announcements, but by whether support reaches communities quickly and effectively,” said Minister Regenvanu.
“Pacific voices, priorities, and experiences must remain central in shaping global loss and damage mechanisms. The solutions must reflect Pacific realities, Pacific cultures, and Pacific aspirations.”
Loss and damage, which can be divided in two categories – economic and non-economic – can result from extreme weather events such as cyclones and flooding as well as slow-onset climate and weather events like heat waves, sea level rise and ocean acidification.
Historically, loss and damage assessments have concentrated on economic tangible impacts caused by disasters such as infrastructure damage or agricultural losses.
But for Pacific communities, the consequences of climate change go far beyond the economic damages. Non-economic losses and damages (NELD) can be some of the most devastating, such as losing a burial site to erosion or being forced to abandon traditional fishing practices due to marine ecosystem changes.
The complete relocation of communities has had profound cultural and psychological effects that defy monetary valuation.
“Traditional knowledge systems are critical for resilience and recovery,” added the Minister.
“Pacific communities have adapted to environmental changes for generations through customary governance, traditional agriculture, marine stewardship, and local coping mechanisms.”
On support for Planned Relocation and Cultural Preservation, Minister Regenvanu said this must be dignified, rights-based, culturally sensitive, and community-led.
“Loss and damage support should also include preserving language, cultural heritage, traditional practices, and community identity.”
Guided by the theme “Champions of Innovation for Sustainable and Resilient Futures: Harnessing Ideas and Knowledge to Advance Pacific Solutions”, PIFCE is attended by Government Ministers, officials, entrepreneurs, non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, private sector leaders, and academic institutions.
The Forum celebrates those who are not simply responding to change, but actively shaping what comes next.
During the panel moderated by Rebecca Bogiri, Climate Finance Technical Officer of Global Green Growth Institute, panellists explored how global commitments on loss and damage can move from policy to practise in the Pacific context.
The Panel also featured Nacanieli Spaeth, Desk Officer SIDS, Santiago Network,Fa’afetai Namoto, Tuvalu Department of Climate Change, and Rodrick Hollness Rollands, Project Manager, Solomon Islands Climate Action Network.
The inaugural Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment (PIFCE) is held in Port Vila, Vanuatu from 01–03 July 2026……PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE CHANGE: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Pacific youth call for child-centred climate action at Vanuatu forum
PORT VILA, 03 JULY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST)—Young people from across the Pacific are calling on governments and regional leaders to place children at the centre of climate decision-making as policymakers, practitioners and innovators gather in Vanuatu for the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment (PIFCE).
Save the Children’s NextGen Youth Ambassadors are participating in the forum, including speaking at the opening ceremony alongside the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, and Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards and Disaster Management, Ralph Regenvanu.
NextGen Youth Ambassador Vepaiamele said children and young people bring creativity, fresh thinking and inclusiveness to the global climate dialogue but need real power and platforms to shape solutions.
“Children will be most affected by climate change, and our voices must be central to climate discussions shaping our future. We are asking for the space, agency and resources to lead solutions in our own Pacific way,” she said.
Save the Children welcomes the opportunity to participate in the forum, sharing lessons and expertise insupporting governments to deliver large-scale climate programmes, including investments by the Green Climate Fund.
The Vanuatu Community-Based Climate Resilience Project (VCCRP) is a USD32.7 million, multi-year initiative supporting 282 rural and remote communities across all six provinces of Vanuatu to reduce climate risks, strengthen food security and build locally led adaptation systems.
The USD31.8 million Solomon Islands Knowledge-Action-Sustainability for Resilient Villages (SOLKAS) project, aimed at strengthening climate resilience, focuses on community-led adaptation, inclusive governance and long-term resilience for children and families in 170 vulnerable rural and coastal communities across six provinces of the Solomon Islands.
The Building Resilience and Adaptation for Children and Communities through the Education Sector (BRACE) project is a five-year, USD46.7 million initiative that will strengthen the climate resilience of education systems in Tonga, Cambodia and South Sudan against intensifying climate hazards such as sea level rise, droughts, flooding, and extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones and heatwaves.
Save the Children Vanuatu Country Director Relvie Matariki said PIFCE provides a critical opportunity to link youth leadership with evidence from large-scale climate programmes.
“Across the Pacific, children are living with the consequences of climate change and leading solutions,” she said.
“Through programmes like VCCRP and SOLKAS, and through the leadership of young people, we are demonstrating that climate action is strongest when it is child-centred, locally led and backed by meaningful investment.”
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Director General, Sefanaia Nawadra, said PIFCE comes at a critical time for the region.
“As Pacific communities continue to face increasing environmental challenges and pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks, we need to ensure our innovation evolves to match the magnitude of the challenges before us.”
“SPREP is extremely pleased to be able to support the Government of Vanuatu to realise the aspirations of the inaugural PIFCE, and we look forward to bringing forth solutions and innovation that are useful for our Pacific communities, to strengthen climate resilience and foster sustainable development.”
SPREP Director of Climate Change Resilience, Tagaloa Cooper, also highlighted the importance of innovation in addressing regional challenges.
“SPREP’s mandate is to promote cooperation in the Pacific region and provide assistance to protect and improve our environment. Innovation is key to fulfilling our mandate. We look forward to hearing innovative pitches from our Pacific people that are relevant and fit for purpose to meet the environmental challenges our communities face.”
Save the Children is calling on leaders attending PIFCE to commit to child-inclusive climate policies and finance, support youth participation and leadership in national, regional and global climate processes, and invest in community-based adaptation that protects children’s rights to health, education, safety and wellbeing…..PACNEWS
PNG – ELECTION CHIEF: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 1: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Australian Dr Nicole Haley is new PNG Electoral commissioner
PORT MORESBY, 03 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Australian Dr Nicole Haley has been appointed the new electoral commissioner, with nine months to go before the writs are issued for General Election 2027 (GE27).
Prime Minister James Marape said the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee met in Port Moresby on Tuesday to confirm Haley’s appointment for a four-year term.
Margaret Vagi had been serving as acting electoral commissioner since last November.
Marape, the committee chairman, said: “We went through exhaustive questioning with each of the shortlisted candidates, including on how they would create an impartial election platform for 2027 and how they would prepare the country for a fair election under the present constraints.”
The committee, which includes Opposition leader James Nomane, agreed that Haley “demonstrated clear, practical and simplified strategies for delivering a fair election in which all Papua New Guineans can participate”.
Other members of the committee include the chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on National Elections and the Public Service Commission chairman.
Marape said Haley, an academic with more than 30 years’ experience in research and leadership management, would bring independence to the Electoral Commission.
She is also a professor of anthropology and pacific politics at the Australian National University(ANU).
“Dr Haley has studied PNG elections for many years,” Marape said.
“She understands very well both the strengths and weaknesses of our election system, including the challenges that have affected the integrity of elections over time.
“She has written and published extensively on PNG elections and understands the intricacies of the electoral process, from the common roll, polling, counting and declaration through to security, administration and voter participation,” he said.
Marape said the Government’s main objective for GE27 would be to protect the democratic right of every eligible citizen to freely choose leaders of their choice.
“My focus is simple: one person, one vote,” he said.
“Voting is a sacrosanct right of every citizen.
“Every Papua New Guinean must have the opportunity to vote freely, safely and fairly for the leader of his or her choice,” he said.
Marape acknowledged Vagi for her service and participation in the appointment process.
He also committed the Government’s support for the commission on policy direction, institutional backing, personnel, security arrangements and resources required to deliver a credible GE27.
“The appointment process is complete. The work must now begin,” he said.
Meanwhile, to ensure a safe and credible General Election 2027 (GE27), police must not interfere in electoral decisions, and the Electoral Commission (EC) must draw on police support without politicisation.
Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi told a workshop in Port Moresby that election security was not the responsibility of just one institution.
“No single agency can deliver a secure election. It depends on close, continuous collaboration between the PNG Electoral Commission and the police at every level,” Vagi said.
“When we work together, we are stronger; when we operate separately, gaps emerge that can undermine the entire process.”
Vagi said their mandates were distinct, but interconnected in practice.
The EC administers elections, ensuring they are conducted properly and in accordance with the law, and the police provides security that allows those processes to unfold safely.
“Effective election security begins well before polling day. It requires joint risk assessment, shared planning, and coordinated deployment,” she said.
“We must be clear about who decides, who communicates, and who responds especially during incidents.
“Clarity and discipline in these areas can make the difference between stability and escalation.
“Timely and trusted exchange of information between the EC and the police enables early warning, rapid response, and better decision-making,” Vagi said.
She said in volatile environments, speed and accuracy of information mattered and were critical to maintaining trust in the process.
“Many risks such as local tensions, misinformation, or logistical challenges can be identified early. But this requires coordinated action before problems escalate.”
Vagi urged provincial election managers and local police commanders to work closely in terms of planning, deployment, logistics, and incident response especially in high-risk areas.
“Experience and research consistently show that strong coordination and capable joint operations are among the most effective ways to prevent and mitigate election related violence,” she said……PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PACFIFIC – FISHERIES: PMN PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 03 Jul 2026
New Zealand warns Pacific missing out as tuna fleets avoid access fees on the high seas
WELLINGTON, 03 JULY 2026 (FFA)—-Pacific countries could earn more from their tuna resources, but some distant-water fishing fleets avoid paying access fees by operating on the high seas, New Zealand’s Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
He made the remarks as fisheries ministers from across the region gathered in Wellington this week for the 25th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial meeting, the first time Aotearoa has hosted the annual talks in 18 years.
The meeting has brought together ministers from 16 Pacific Island countries and territories to discuss some of the region’s biggest fisheries challenges.
This includes illegal fishing, protecting tuna stocks, strengthening regional surveillance, and finding ways for Pacific island nations to earn more from their ocean resources.
Asked why Pacific countries are not receiving a bigger share of the profits from an industry that supplies more than half of the world’s traded tuna, Jones told Pacific Mornings that the region was already earning significant revenue but there was still more to gain.
“No one makes more money in terms of the Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean than the Pacific nations. They can always do more.”
He said Pacific countries collectively receive around half a billion dollars each year through fishing access fees although developing local processing industries remains difficult because of their distance from major export markets.
“We can do better, but it would be wrong to say that it’s an insignificant amount of money.”
Jones said one of the biggest challenges was ensuring distant-water fishing nations complied with fisheries rules.
“Fish in two places, you either fish in the sovereign waters of the island nations or you fish on the high seas.
“If you manage to fish on the high seas then you don’t have to pay because you can escape the gaze of the island nations. But if you’re in sovereign waters, you pay to play.”
In his address to the meeting, Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director-General Noan Pakop said ministers were focused on three priorities: strengthening fisheries management, increasing the economic and social benefits Pacific countries receive from their ocean resources, and ensuring regional fisheries organisations continue to meet members’ needs.
Pakop said the focus of the meeting goes beyond managing fish stocks, with Pacific leaders also under pressure to deliver more direct benefits for their people.
“Our challenge is not only to sustain healthy fisheries but to ensure they continue to create jobs, strengthen domestic industries, improve food security and deliver lasting prosperity for Pacific communities.”
Jones said tackling illegal fishing was an ongoing challenge with changing ocean conditions creating new enforcement difficulties each year.
“The reality is it’s a rolling mall, but each year you have new challenges,” Jones told PMN.
He said climate patterns such as El Niño could push tuna further east into international waters, making monitoring and enforcement more difficult.
Another key issue before ministers is the future of the long-running US fisheries treaty, which provides economic benefits to Pacific countries in return for access to tuna fisheries.
Jones said U.S officials had begun fresh negotiations with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), which represents the region’s fisheries interests.
“They’ve begun engaging and negotiating with the FFA… and there’s a positive relationship there.”
New Zealand has also announced additional funding for the FFA to strengthen fisheries surveillance, training and monitoring across the Pacific.
Jones said cooperation was becoming increasingly important as the region dealt with some of the world’s biggest fishing powers.
“We’re dealing with massive nations, not the least of which is the EU, China, United States of America, and we’ve got to do the heavy lifting.”
Among the proposals before ministers is the East New Britain Initiative, which aims to expand tuna processing in Pacific countries, create more jobs and strengthen food security by keeping more of the tuna industry’s economic benefits within the region.
Pakop said the decisions made in Wellington will shape the long-term future of the region’s most valuable natural resource.
“The decisions will help maximise the value of our ocean resources for Pacific people and strengthen the regional institutions that support our members for generations to come.’
The ministerial meeting, which ends on Wednesday, also discussed how Pacific countries can capture more value from tuna by expanding processing and moving further up the seafood supply chain instead of relying mainly on access fees….PACNEWS
PACIFIC – FISHERIES: FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Cook Islands and FFA renew aerial surveillance partnership to strengthen fisheries monitoring
WELLINGTON, 03 JULY 2026 (FFA)—Cook Islands has renewed its partnership with FFA under the Regional Aerial Surveillance Programme (ASP), reinforcing regional efforts to protect fisheries resources and strengthen maritime surveillance.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on the margins of the annual Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial meeting #FFCMIN25 currently underway in Wellington this week, by Cook Islands Minister for Marine Resources Tingika Elikana and FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop.
The MOU supports continued targeted aerial surveillance of the Cook Islands’ fisheries waters and adjacent high seas, helping improve the detection and monitoring of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Under the partnership, FFA will continue to manage and coordinate the operational delivery of the programme, with support from the Australian Government through the Pacific Maritime Security Programme….PACNEWS.
PAC – FISHERIES: FIJI FISHERIES MINISTRY PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 03 Jul 2026
Fiji signs landmark South Pacific pact to protect Albacore Tuna
WELLINGTON, 03 JULY 2026 (FIJI FISHERIES MINISTRY)—– Fiji’s Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu has officially signed a landmark South Pacific Group (SPG) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) alongside leaders from the Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga, and Samoa.
The signing took place during the high-level Forum Fisheries Ministerial Retreat held in Wellington, New Zealand.
This agreement solidifies Fiji’s long-term commitment to the sustainable management of South Pacific albacore tuna. It further establishes sub-regional collaboration to champion member priorities at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
During the retreat, Pacific Ministers also took the pivotal opportunity to endorse South Pacific Albacore catch allocations for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) membership.
This unified position will be presented at the upcoming WCPFC annual meeting to secure the economic and environmental future of the fishery.
Through this dual milestone – the signing of the MOU and the joint endorsement of catch allocations—Fiji actively reinforces its dedication to these regional priorities. The Ministry aims to ensure that both national economic needs and broader regional conservation strategies are successfully met for future generations.
Key Highlights of the SPG Agreement:
*Sub-Regional Alliance: Unites Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa under a shared oceanic vision.
*Resource Preservation: Focuses heavily on safeguarding South Pacific albacore tuna, a primary economic driver for coastal communities.
*Strategic Alignment: Prepares member states to advocate with a collective, strengthened voice during global negotiations at the WCPFC….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
‘We carry our people’s lived experiences,’ voices of Ni-Vanuatu women inspire push for climate action
PORT VILA, 03 JULY 2026 (SPREP)—The most authentic understanding of climate change is found in the voices of our mothers, aunties, grandmothers, fishers, farmers and communities who witness these changes every single day.
Tuvalu Minister of Home Affairs and Climate Change, Dr Maina Talia, said these are the voices officials must carry into every negotiation room and every Conference of the Parties, as Pacific countries fight for their survival from the impacts of climate change.
In Vanuatu where Pacific Wave Makers have converged for the inaugural Pacific Innovation Forum for Climate and Environment (PIFCE), Minister Talia said he was deeply moved by the voices of Ni-Vanuatu women.
“Last night, we had the privilege of listening to the niVanuatu women share their stories. I believe that particular session was one of the most profound moments of this gathering,” Minister Talia said.
“They did not present scientific graphs or policy papers. They did not quote the latest IPCC assessment reports or academic journals. Instead, they shared something far more powerful—their lived experiences.
“They spoke of changing seasons, disappearing coastlines, saltwater intruding into gardens, declining fisheries, the struggle to provide food for their families, and the uncertainty that climate change has brought into their daily lives.
They defined climate change in their own language, through stories rooted in culture, faith, family and community.”
The Tuvalu Minister of Home Affairs and Climate Change made the point when he spoke during a Panel on “Pacific Leadership in Global Climate Decision-Making” on the first day of PIFCE 2026.
Moderated by SPREP Director Climate Change Resilience, Tagaloa Cooper, the panel also featured SPREP Director General, Sefanaia Nawadra, Corey Huber, Board Member Vanuatu Business Resilience Council and Haruka Lavadi Shing, Next Gen Youth Ambassador.
According to Minister Talia, Pacific leadership has already delivered remarkable achievements on the global stage. He pointed to the recognition of the 1.5°C temperature goal in the Paris Agreement and the elevation of Loss and Damage, resulting in the establishment of a dedicated international funding mechanism to support countries suffering irreversible climate impacts, as some examples.
He commended Vanuatu’s leadership on international environmental law.
“Vanuatu successfully led the global initiative at the United Nations General Assembly requesting an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice on the obligations of States regarding climate change. This historic initiative has united nations across the world around the principle that climate justice must be grounded in international law,” said Minister Talia, who added that these achievements demonstrate the simple truth that the “Pacific does not wait for change—we lead it.”
Ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, the Pacific region will once again assume a leadership role.
The Pacific pre-COP Meeting will be held in Fiji and a Special Pacific Leaders Event in Tuvalu, where leaders will reaffirm their shared priorities and strengthen the Pacific voice on the global stage.
“Climate action cannot succeed through governments alone. It requires the voices of our churches, our women leaders, our traditional leaders, our youth, our communities, and our development partners working together,” said Minister Talia.
“The science tells us what is happening. Our people remind us why it matters. As Pacific leaders, these are the voices we must carry into every regional meeting, every negotiation room and every Conference of the Parties. Because when we speak internationally, we are not simply presenting policy positions—we are carrying the lived experiences of our people.”
The inaugural Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment (PIFCE) is held in Port Vila, Vanuatu from 1–3 July 2026…. PACNEWS
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Pacific Indigenous Leaders Gather in Cook Islands to Strengthen Traditional Governance and Inclusive Conservation
RAROTONGA, 03 JULY 2026 (CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL) — Indigenous leaders, traditional authorities, conservation practitioners, and youth representatives from across the Pacific have gathered in Rarotonga for a flagship Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange focused on the critical role of traditional governance and community leadership in protecting nature and strengthening climate resilience.
Convened by Conservation International, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Ui Ariki Ngateitei o te Kuki Airani (UANKA), the Exchange provides a culturally grounded platform for Indigenous leaders to engage in dialogue on conservation, governance, climate resilience, and sustainable financing.
Leausalilo Schannel van Dijken, Senior Director of Marine and Heritage at Conservation International said: “The Pacific is connected not only by the ocean, but by generations of knowledge, stewardship and responsibility passed from one generation to the next. This Exchange honors this responsibility, building on work already underway in communities, from co-designed education approaches and youth learning to marine citizen science and locally-led conservation pilots. It reminds us that Indigenous knowledge and customary governance are not separate from conservation; they are among its strongest foundations. By bringing traditional leaders together from across the region, this Exchange strengthens the relationships, learning and collective action needed to support resilient communities and healthy ecosystems for generations to come.”
The Exchange will explore key themes that link community practice with regional action, including sustainable financing for community-led conservation, customary land and marine governance, protected and conserved areas, traditional management systems such as Rāhui, youth leadership and environmental education, and climate resilience and adaptation.
Held alongside the 60th Anniversary of the Cook Islands House of Ariki, the Exchange brings together participants from the Cook Islands, Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Thailand and Vanuatu to share experiences, strengthen regional cooperation, and explore solutions for Indigenous-led conservation. In additional to traditional leaders, participants include women and youth, including four Indigenous participants from the Inclusive Conservation Initiative (ICI) International Policy Fellows programme.
These Fellows, representing Thailand, Fiji and the Cook Islands, are contributing their perspectives on Indigenous youth leadership, community-based conservation and intergenerational knowledge. Together, they represent a diverse but connected voice.
Puna Rakanui, Secretary general of UANKA Inc. “For the Cook Islands, it is an honour to welcome Indigenous leaders from across the Pacific during this significant year marking the 60th anniversary of the House of Ariki. Our ancestors understood that the wellbeing of our people is inseparable from the wellbeing of our environment. Traditional leadership carries the responsibility of caring for both. By sharing our experiences and learning from one another, we strengthen the wisdom, values and partnerships needed to ensure future generations inherit healthy ecosystems, strong cultures and thriving communities.”
The Exchange is a part of a growing movement in the Cook Islands and the Pacific to strengthen culturally grounded approaches that connect traditional knowledge, education and environmental stewardship.
This builds on the Kura Tapu Manifesto (2025 National Education Symposium), developed in 2025 through a collaborative process led by the Ui Ariki and Aronga Mana, which established a shared vision for education that reflects Cook Islands identity, values and responsibility to the environment.
This was followed by a national co-design workshop in March 2026 bringing together teachers, Ministry of Education, educators, traditional leaders, practitioners and knowledge holders to develop culture and nature-based education modules and marine citizen science programs that integrate traditional knowledge and modern science. These learning and monitoring pilots currently being rolled out this year in the three islands of Atiu, Mauke, and Mangaia, are already demonstrating how Indigenous knowledge and modern science can work together to prepare future generations as guardians of nature.
Roko Sau, Paramount Chief of Totoya in Fiji’s Lau Islands “Pacific peoples share values of respect, reciprocity and stewardship that have guided the care of our lands and seas for generations. The knowledge passed down through our communities has helped sustain fisheries, protect important ecosystems and build resilience to storms, droughts and other climate impacts. As many young people spend more time away from their traditional lands and waters, gatherings like this play an important role in keeping that knowledge alive. By sharing experiences and learning from one another, we can strengthen Indigenous leadership and ensure our communities, cultures and environments continue to thrive in a changing climate.”
The Pacific Inclusive Conservation Learning Exchange was supported through the Global Environment Facility Inclusive Conservation Initiative, New Zealand’s Manaaki Fund, and EU funded COLORS project.
The Exchange was expected to amplify and scale locally led efforts, strengthen regional collaboration and shared advocacy, and catalyse practical next steps that extend well beyond the gathering itself….PACNEWS
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Vanuatu HeartCare app brings first-of-its-kind mobile health screening to the Pacific
PORT VILA, 03 JULY 2026 (WHO)—Vanuatu has taken a major step forward in tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with the launch of its HeartCare mobile app, a digital tool designed to make screening for cardiovascular disease risk more accessible in communities across the country.
Launched by the Vanuatu Ministry of Health and with support from the Australian Government and WHO, HeartCare is the first-of-its-kind to be introduced in the Pacific.
The app aims to strengthen early detection and management of conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease by enabling trained users to conduct screenings and identify people at risk before serious complications occur.
Healthcare worker in blue uniform uses a tablet while reviewing paper records during a data collection or patient documentation activity in a healthcare setting.
Addressing a widespread health challenge
NCDs are a major public health challenge in Vanuatu and across the Pacific, with many people unaware that they are at risk until serious complications occur. Nearly 1 in 3 adults in Vanuatu are estimated to be living with raised blood pressure; however, only 15 percent of people are aware of their condition.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of premature death in Vanuatu, yet many of the risk factors that contribute to heart attacks, strokes, and other complications can be detected early.
Speaking at the launch event in Port Vila, Director of Public Health Dr Jenny Stephens said, “NCDs have been affecting our communities and can lead to a wide range of health complications for individuals. We need more innovative approaches that help us identify people at risk earlier and connect them with the care they need. HeartCare is an important step in that direction.”
Turning data into action
Once trained, community-based providers can use HeartCare to conduct screenings closer to where people live and work. The first groups to be trained include community health workers, church leaders, and non-governmental organisations, with further training to be rolled out.
The app dashboard provides a clear breakdown of critical health markers for screening. Some of those markers include:
*Body mass index
* Blood pressure
*Blood sugar
*Cholesterol
*Cardiovascular (heart) disease risk profile.
Developed with WHO’s package of essential noncommunicable disease interventions for primary health care in mind, the user-friendly app enables both frontline workers and clinicians to make informed decisions on treatment and patient management.
The value lies in the app’s automatic identification of patients who are at high or medium risk of heart disease, notifying health care workers and patients when urgent medical care may be needed.
The Ministry of Health is eager to begin training community health workers on how to use the app. Acting Director General at the Vanuatu Ministry of Health Dr Santus Wari described HeartCare as an example of how public policy and practical innovation can come together to improve health outcomes.
“Technology has the potential to transform the way we deliver health services,” Dr Wari said. “Rollout of the new HeartCare app is an example of how public health policy can help reach more people and support healthier futures for the people of Vanuatu.”
Healthcare workers in blue scrubs conduct a patient assessment at a clinic table, with medical equipment, records, and sanitation supplies visible in a community healthcare setting.
Continuity of care through digitizing patient records
By digitising patient records and linking them to national IDs, the app streamlines patient information into a centralized digital platform.
Historically, patient information collected during screenings has often been recorded on paper, making it difficult to track individuals’ health records over time or ensure continuity of care across health facilities.
Gibson Ala, NCD Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, discussed the burden of NCDs in Vanuatu and how HeartCare can support more efficient and standardised data collection and documentation.
“We have seen a significant gap, with many people in the community unaware that they may be at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Now, a member of your church or a community health worker who is trained to use HeartCare can come to you and conduct a screening on the spot, which starts the process a person needs to get the right management plan.”
Partnering for healthier Ni-Vanuatu
The launch of HeartCare reflects the importance of strong partnerships not only in addressing NCDs, but also in strengthening health systems more broadly.
WHO welcomed the launch of the HeartCare app. Speaking at the official launch in Port Vila, WHO Country Liaison Officer for Vanuatu Dr Revite Kirition emphasised how digital tools can help make early detection and management of NCDs more accessible.
“By identifying people at risk earlier, we can help prevent serious complications and ensure that limited clinical resources are directed to those who need them most,” said Dr Kirition. “This initiative reflects our shared commitment to strengthening prevention, early detection, and management of noncommunicable diseases in Vanuatu.”
By expanding access to screening and strengthening referral pathways, HeartCare has the potential to improve health outcomes for thousands of people across Vanuatu.
As Vanuatu continues to advance its response to NCDs, HeartCare offers a promising example of how digital innovation, community engagement, and strong partnerships can work together to support healthier futures in the Pacific.
This initiative was made possible through the generous support of the Australian Government…..PACNEWS
