In this bulletin:
1. FIJI — Historic Vuvale Union strengthens Fiji-Australia security partnership
2. PACIFIC — Australian PM heads to the Solomon Islands after Fiji breakthrough
3. PACIFIC — Bavi one of the strongest storms to pass through Marianas
4. PNG — PNG PM to announce reshuffle this week
5. TONGA — New record set for lowest minimum temperature recorded in Tonga
6. SOL — PM Wale’s zero-tolerance stand on corruption and environmental protection
7. VAN — Vanuatu govt rolls out Pacific’s first heart screening app to help catch silent killers early
8. PACNEWS BIZ — ADB approves US$10 million grant to strengthen maritime transport in Tuvalu
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Frost destroys gardens in Goilala’s Kosipe village, PNG
10. PACNEWS BIZ — USP researcher develops climate-smart solutions to protect Pacific taro
11. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Communities at the heart of ocean governance: How three young women made a difference in Vanuatu
FIJI – DIPLOMACY/SECURITY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Tue 07 Jul 2026
Historic Vuvale Union strengthens Fiji-Australia security partnership
By Pita Ligaiula
SUVA, 07 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)— Australia and Fiji have signed two landmark treaties that elevate their bilateral relationship into a new strategic partnership, with Prime Ministers Sitiveni Rabuka and Anthony Albanese describing the agreements as historic for both countries and the wider Pacific.
Speaking after the signing ceremony in Suva Monday, Prime Minister Rabuka said the agreements marked a defining moment in Fiji-Australia relations.
“Today represents a very defining moment in our relationship – Fiji-Australia relationship. Together as some of you witnessed, Prime Minister Albanese and I have just signed, with the President of Fiji as witnessing dignitary, he signed our treaty, the Vuvale Treaty and the Ocean of Peace Alliance, the Veitacini mutual security, brotherly or sisterly mutual security framework,” said Rabuka.
Rabuka said the agreements elevate the relationship into a new era.
“These landmark agreements mark a very significant elevation of our bilateral relationship into a new era of strategic partnership.
These instruments formalise a comprehensive and enduring framework anchored on three central pillars – deeper security cooperation, enhanced economic integration and resilience, and strengthened people to people connection.”
He acknowledged Australia’s financial commitment since the renewal of the Vuvale Partnership.
“In advancing this particular partnership we acknowledge with very deep appreciation Australia’s commitment of over FJD$280 million (US$140 million) in new investments since the renewal of the Vuvale Partnership in October of 2023. This reflects the tangible depth of our cooperation and its expanding footprint across key sectors of national development.”
Rabuka also welcomed Australia’s increased support for the Pacific.
“We also recognise Australia’s expanded development assistance to the Pacific now totalling AUD $2.2 billion (US$1.63 million), including a further increase of AUD$63 million (US$43 million). This is a clear affirmation of Australia’s sustained commitment to the stability, resilience and prosperity of the Blue Pacific region at a time of global uncertainty.”
He said the treaties respond to evolving regional challenges.
“These treaties reflect our shared understanding of the evolving and interconnected challenges that are facing our region. These include the increasing sophistication of transnational organised crime networks, illegal drug trafficking, cyber enabled threats, and emerging public health challenges including the rise of non-communicable disease and HIV in parts of our region.”
Rabuka said the agreements establish practical mechanisms for cooperation.
“Importantly, they established practical and forward looking mechanisms for cooperation to strengthen prevention, enforcement, intelligence sharing and regional resilience.”
He said the partnership also recognises the connection between economic and national security.
“Equally, this new framework recognises the inextricable, that’s an English word, link between economic security, or Australian word, and national security. It provides renewed emphasis on cooperation in areas critical to Fiji’s long term development, including circular labour mobility, transport and logistics systems, energy transition, digital transformation, cyber security and the protection of very important, even critical, infrastructure.
These are not only development priorities, they are foundational in the resilience and sovereignty of our economies in an increasingly competitive global environment,” said Rabuka.
Rabuka said the agreements are built on mutual respect and equality.
“These agreements, ladies and gentlemen of the media, are firmly grounded in the principles of mutual respect, sovereignty and equality of partnership. They reaffirm Fiji and Australia as trusted partners working together not only for bilateral benefits, but as contributors to a more stable, peaceful and resilient Blue Pacific continent,” he said.
He thanked Prime Minister Albanese for supporting Fiji’s Ocean of Peace initiative.
“In this regard I commend Prime Minister Albanese for Australia’s continued support and leadership and the leaders appeal for global peace. I thank him very much being one of the first to come up and support Fiji’s call and the Pacific call for an understanding of Pacific Ocean of peace and continuing that and spreading it on. Calling other leaders to appeal for global peace.”
Rabuka said the Pacific must continue promoting dialogue and international law.
“The Pacific must continue to assert its role as a principled voice for dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law in an increasingly fragmented global order. But we’re hopeful, we’re still hopeful that we’ll come together.”
He said the agreements also support a rules-based international order.
“Today’s outcomes also give practical expression to our shared commitment to a rules based international order and advance the Pacific led vision of an ocean of peace. This is a vision that places the Pacific not at the periphery of global affairs, but at the centre of shaping norms of cooperation, peace and collective security.”
Rabuka also thanked Australia for supporting climate action.
“Climate change remains a defining challenge for our time. For Fiji and the wider Pacific, it’s not a futuristic but a lived and daily reality. I therefore express sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Albanese and the people of Australia and the Government of Australia for your leadership, particularly as Prime Minister, in ensuring strong Pacific participation in the COP31 process and for your support in the joint hosting of the pre-COP meeting in Nadi and Tuvalu in October of this year.
These are very important steps towards strengthening global ambition and ensuring climate justice for vulnerable states, particularly those island states of the Pacific,” said Rabuka.
He reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to implementing the agreements.
“Prime Minister Albanese, I thank you for your leadership, your partnership and your commitment to advancing these historic agreements. Fiji remains fully committed to working with Australia to implement the Vuvale Union Treaty and the Ocean of Peace Alliance in a manner that delivers real measurable outcomes for all our peoples.
Together, we are not only strengthening bilateral ties, we are helping to shape a more peaceful, resilient and cooperative future for our region and beyond,” Rabuka stressed.
Prime Minister Albanese said the day marked a significant milestone for both countries.
“The significance of the ceremony was indeed an extraordinary honour for myself and for the Australian delegation on what was the beginning of a very significant day in our relationship and a significant day for relations in the Pacific.”
He said the treaties represent one of Australia’s most significant international agreements.
“Today, Australia and Fiji have come together as two proud sovereign nations to conclude not one, but two treaties – the Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance. Combined, these treaties represent one of the most significant endeavours Australia has ever undertaken in our history with any country,” said Albanese.
Albanese said the agreements reflect the close relationship between the two countries.
“They reflect our proud history of standing shoulder to shoulder to support each other and our region. We can achieve this level of ambition because we are Vuvale – family – with a relationship grounded in loyalty, in understanding and mutual respect. And in a more uncertain world, we know that we’re stronger when we stand together.”
He said the treaties answer the Pacific Islands Forum’s call to advance the Ocean of Peace vision.
“The Pacific Islands Forum called on members to act on your vision of the Ocean of Peace declaration, a declaration that you spearheaded and then saw through to fruition at the Pacific Island Forum meeting last year.
As regional leaders, we take seriously our responsibility to strengthen sovereignty, peace and stability in our region and have answered that call,” he emphasised.
Albanese said Australia was honoured to join Fiji in the initiative.
“Australia was honoured when Prime Minister Rabuka proposed the Ocean of Peace Alliance. This is Fiji’s first alliance and Australia’s fourth.”
He said the Ocean of Peace Alliance introduces a mutual defence obligation.
“The significance of this agreement cannot be underestimated for what it means for our two great nations and we are both stronger because of it. The Ocean of Peace Alliance introduces a mutual defence obligation and there’s no higher obligation than to come to each other’s aid at a time of need.”
Albanese said the Vuvale Union covers a broad range of cooperation.
“The Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union is a comprehensive treaty that sets out ambitious commitments across the breadth of our bilateral relationship. A relationship between our people first and foremost, but a relationship involving education, health, infrastructure and the full suite of security relations as well.”
He said the treaty is backed by long-term investment.
“It’s backed by investment of over $1 billion (US$690 million) over a decade and is designed to support the interests of our two countries as well as our Pacific family.”
Albanese said it commits both countries to work together on key issues.
“It commits us to combat transnational crime, to work together on health issues like HIV, to address the impact of climate change and to build the infrastructure like ports that will further connect our region.”
He acknowledged the cultural significance of the treaty.
“The Fijian people generously bestowed the word Vuvale on our union. And I also want to acknowledge the Yolngu people who have generously offered us the word bukmak for the treaty. This means ‘Everyone’ and conveys the sense of unity and collective purposes that these endeavours are all about.”
Albanese said the agreements would strengthen cooperation for decades.
“These treaties will set us up in the coming decades to tackle the major challenges that we face together, that will connect our region and bring our people and cultures closer together as well.”
He also highlighted discussions on Pacific-led regional architecture and climate talks.
“Today we also spoke about the importance of Pacific led regional architecture and the pre-COP meeting that will be held in Fiji from the 5th to 8th of October alongside a special leaders event in Tuvalu.”
Albanese described the occasion as historic.
“It is an enormous honour to be here in Fiji today with Prime Minister Rabuka on what is a historic day. It is extraordinary that we have been able as well to negotiate all of this in a discreet way and to be able to have this genuine announcement is quite extraordinary. It says something about the trust and the way that we work together that we’ve been able to do that,” he said……PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: AAP PACNEWS 1: Tue 07 Jul 2026
Australian PM heads to the Solomon Islands after Fiji breakthrough
SUVA, 07 JULY 2026 (AAP)—Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will join the Solomon Islands’ independence day celebrations as attention turns to a Chinese missile test in the Pacific Ocean.
The launch took place on Monday within hours of Australia and Fiji signing a new mutual defence alliance, known as the Ocean of Peace treaty, in Suva.
Chinese state media said the test was a missile topped with a dummy warhead as part of annual military training.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia had made it clear to Beijing it considered the test fire “destabilising” to the region.
She confirmed Australia had been warned by China beforehand.
Albanese will visit Honiara on Tuesday, where he will meet with his Solomon Islands counterpart Matthew Wale to progress talks on a new treaty.
Wale has previously called for a Pacific-wide pact.
The Ocean of Peace Alliance which views an attack on one nation as an attack on the other, marks Fiji’s first-ever alliance.
Fiji has become Australia’s fourth ally, alongside the US, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
The treaty allows other Pacific nations to join the alliance.
The agreement was signed alongside the Vuvale Union, which will invest $1 billion (US$690 million) over the next decade into key areas including climate and economic initiatives.
During a joint press conference with Albanese, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said he did not anticipate any “severe pushback” from China.
“I believe that they will welcome the understanding that it is within Australia and Fiji,” he told reporters.
“It does not threaten Fiji’s relationship with China nor Australia’s relationship with China. And as we have made it very clearly in the past, your enemies are not necessarily my enemies.”
Later on Monday, Albanese and Rabuka attended an evening event at the Australian High Commission in the Fijian capital.
The prime minister announced that Australia will increase its investment in the Fijian Drua rugby union team, but did not specify an amount…..PACNEWS
PAC – TYPHOON DAMAGE: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 1: Tue 07 Jul 2026
Bavi one of the strongest storms to pass through Marianas
SAIPAN/HAGATNA, 07 JULY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—Super Typhoon Bavi pummeled through the Marianas region Monday morning, with its eye passing over Rota, bringing torrential rains and destructive winds that peaked at 180 mph, causing an islandwide power outage on Saipan and throughout southern Guam.
No deaths or injuries were reported. Damage assessment was not currently available.
“Bavi is among the strongest super typhoons to pass through the Marianas,” said Landon Aydlett, warning coordination meteorologist, at the National Weather Service Guam.
The strongest to hit the region before Bavi was Yutu, which carried maximum sustained winds of 175 mph in 2018.
A Category 5 storm, Bavi triggered flash floods in Rota, Tinian and several villages on Saipan. On Guam, several roads were impassable due to fallen trees, large rocks and other storm debris.
Strong winds lingered long after Bavi departed the region.
Tropical storm-force conditions are expected to continue overnight but will gradually weaken, with departure sometime in the early morning hours. NWS cautioned that dangerous conditions were expected to persist through Tuesday morning.
“For Guam, sustained winds of 40 to 60 mph, with gusts up to 90 mph, will continue to decrease. Additional rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches are possible,” the Joint Information Office said.
With Guam and the CNMI remaining in COR1, government offices remain closed.
The Office of the Governor of Guam said COR4 will be declared: once we do an initial assessment of the conditions after the storm.:
Typhoon-force winds extended 60 miles from the centre, while tropical storm-force winds reached 230 miles north and 185 miles south, placing all three islands under severe weather.
In the CNMI, the Joint Information Centre said 517 residents remained in emergency shelters Monday morning, instructed to stay in place while Bavi moved west-northwest at 12 mph.
The storm’s maximum sustained winds reached 180 mph, with gusts up to 215 mph and forecasters said the typhoon was expected to maintain its intensity through Tuesday.
On Saipan, shelters housed 150 residents at Marianas High School, 66 at Kobler Elementary School, 69 at Kagman High School, 84 at Garapan Elementary School and 33 at Kagman Community Centre.
On Tinian, 61 residents sheltered at Tinian Elementary School and Tinian Middle/High School. On Rota, 25 residents stayed at D. Rita Hocog Inos Jr/Sr High School, while 29 sheltered at the Rota Aging Centre.
Some of the sheltered were from the ‘tent population” who lost their homes after Sinlaku hit in April. About 1,200 households from Saipan, Tinian and Rota received FEMA-provided tents pending reconstruction of homes damaged by Sinlaku.
“A majority of them have sheltered at the designated shelters on the island. We have had teams for the past couple of days helping people with disabilities, the elderly and those with medical needs to take down their tents,” said Miguel Dandan, spokesman for the office of the CNMI governor.
“For the rest of the tented population, we encouraged all of them to take down their tents as soon as possible. We opened shelters at COR3, earlier than usual, to give more people time to secure their things and move to a shelter,” he added.
Guam shelters reached 50 percent capacity Sunday night.
The Guam Power Authority said its island-wide power system has not experienced any blackout. However, the main transmission lines powering the southern part of the island went down, leaving no power currently serving the south.
“Crews are prepared to immediately begin key assessments and restoration efforts as soon as winds decrease to safe levels. This will begin the recovery phase of the islandwide power system around Guam,” GPA said.
Each GPA crew continues to work at least 12 to 16 hours per day once restoration begins.
GPA reported that 25 percent of its distribution feeders remain operational, covering areas such as Andersen Air Force Base, Camp Blaz, Guam Memorial Hospital, and the underground systems in Tumon Row.
“All remaining distribution feeders currently offline will remain out until we begin our assessments and restoration process, once it is safe to do so,” GPA said.
The Guam Waterworks Authority crews have begun assessing all accessible points within the water and wastewater distribution systems. GWA is aware of multiple areas reporting low to no water pressure in Agana Heights, Barrigada, Chalan Pago-Ordot, Dededo, Mangilao, Sinajana and Yona.
The CNMI government continued urging residents to remain indoors and avoid travel as hazardous winds and flooding persisted.
Rota sustained the most severe impacts as Bavi’s eyewall crossed the island late Monday morning. Mayor Aubrey Hocog said the Rota Mayor’s Office suffered “major damage” as the storm’s strongest winds tore through the building.
“Yes, major damage,” Hocog said. “The expanded offices are destroyed.”
She said the central office, which serves as the island’s emergency command centre, remained standing but “sustained flooding” as the eyewall passed overhead.
Despite widespread structural damage and flooding, officials said the Commonwealth had not recorded any injuries or fatalities as of Monday afternoon….PACNEWS
PNG – CABINET RESHUFLLE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 1: Tue 07 Jul 2026
PNG PM to announce reshuffle this week
PORT MORESBY, 07 JULY 2206 (THE NATIONAL)–Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says a cabinet reshuffle and portfolio restructuring should be expected on Thursday or Friday.
This follows a review of ministerial performance, integrity and the progress of government priorities since the Pangu-led Coalition Government assumed office in August 2022.
Marape said the reshuffle was not motivated by politics or General Election 2027, but by the need to use time in office to maximise government performance and ensure the successful delivery of national priorities.
“This exercise is about strengthening the Government, not simply changing personnel,” he said.
“It is about placing the right people in the right portfolios to complete the important work that still lies ahead.
“Nine months is long enough if all of us run and do work correctly, and not walk and waste time.”
Marape said that during his first four years in office, he had respected the established administrative structure by working through ministers and the chief secretary.
He expected them to follow up with their departments, but turnaround time on instructions had been slow.
“I will now become more personally engaged in ensuring every ministry and every department delivers on its responsibilities,” Marape said.
“Papua New Guineans expect outcomes.
“And that is exactly what I intend to do for the balance of this term,” Marape said…..PACNEWS
TONGA – WEATHER WATCH: TONGA MET PACNEWS 1: Tue 07 Jul 2026
New record set for lowest minimum temperature recorded in Tonga
NUKU’ALOFA, 07 JULY 2026 (TONGA MET)—The Tonga Meteorological Service has recorded the lowest minimum temperature ever observed in the Kingdom of Tonga.
At 6:30AM earlier Monday, a minimum temperature of 8.6°C was recorded at the Hango Automatic Weather Station in ‘Eua, setting a new national record for the Coldest Temperature ever recorded in all of Tonga.
This surpasses the previous record of 8.7°C, which was recorded at Fuaʻamotu on 8 September 1994.
“It is important to note that the previous lowest minimum temperature recorded in 1994 was an El Nino Year.
The new national lowest minimum temperature being set here in 2026 is also an El Nino Year. This highlights a minimum temperature climatological correlation pattern and El Nino Years for Tonga,” Tonga Met Service said.
“The unusually cold conditions experienced across Tonga are associated with the current El Niño event that is present across the Pacific Ocean,” it said.
During El Niño, the presence and domination of the southeast trade winds circulate cooler air masses from the south and from mid-latitude regions in Tonga during this time of the Year. This can result in colder nights and lower overnight temperatures, particularly during the dry season. Clear skies and light winds overnight also allow heat to escape more efficiently from the Earth’s surface, leading to significantly cooler early morning temperatures.
The Tonga Meteorological Service continues to advise the public, particularly the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions, to take appropriate precautions during these cold conditions. Farmers are also encouraged to monitor livestock and crops that may be sensitive to unusually low temperatures.
The Tonga Meteorological Service will continue to closely monitor weather conditions and the ongoing cool temperature affecting Tonga and provide updates as necessary…..PACNEWS
SOL – ANTI CORRUPTION: INDEPTH SOLOMONS PACNEWS 1: Tue 07 Jul 2026
PM Wale’s zero-tolerance stand on corruption and environmental protection
HONIARA, 07 JULY 2026 (INDEPTH SOLOMONS)—Prime Minister Matthew Wale has vowed that Solomon Islands will never repeat the failures of the logging industry as the GREAT Coalition Government launches sweeping mining reforms.
“The failures experienced within the logging industry must never, and will never, be repeated in the mining sector,” PM Wale declared at the GREAT Coalition policy launch Monday.
“I will personally make sure it’s never repeated.”
The Government will establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund to ensure temporary mineral wealth becomes a permanent national benefit. The fund will preserve resources for generations after mines close.
Reforms will also guarantee that customary landowners have genuine participation in mining decisions and that wealth extends beyond mine extraction through downstream processing and local manufacturing.
PM Wale warns, “We offer a clear warning to those who seek to exploit our institutions, manipulate our laws or profit through corruption…The law will apply equally to all. No position of authority will place any individual beyond its reach.”
“We are interested in investors who are willing to invest and not someone who wants to just ship away natural resources.”
Mining operations will face rigorous environmental assessment. The Government will pursue sustainable forest management and marine conservation that ensures “development and environmental responsibility advance together.”
PM Wale said that responsible investors are welcome, but partnerships must serve Solomon Islands’ national interest.
“That is not just a policy. That is a covenant with our people. And that is the standard by which this Government will be judged,” he said….PACNEWS
VAN – HEALTH: PMN PACNEWS 1: Tue 07 Jul 2026
Vanuatu govt rolls out Pacific’s first heart screening app to help catch silent killers early
PORT VILA, 07 JULY 2026 (PMN)—A new mobile phone app is changing how heart disease is detected in Vanuatu.
The HeartCare app is bringing health checks into communities in a move to tackle one of the country’s biggest health challenges.
Launched by the Vanuatu Ministry of Health with support from the Australian government and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the app is the first digital tool of its kind in the Pacific.
Instead of relying only on clinics and hospitals, trained community health workers, church leaders and non-government organisations will be able to carry out heart health screenings where people live, work and gather.
Health officials say the approach will help identify people at risk much earlier and connect them with care before they develop serious health problems.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly heart disease, are among the leading causes of early death in Vanuatu.
Nearly one in three adults is estimated to have high blood pressure, but only about 15 percent know they have the condition.
Health officials say many people remain unaware until they suffer a heart attack or stroke.
The HeartCare app aims to change that.
Using a mobile device, trained health workers can record blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and other key health information.
The app then assesses a person’s overall risk of cardiovascular disease and automatically flags those at medium or high risk, allowing health workers to arrange follow-up care.
By replacing paper records with a secure digital system linked to national identification numbers, the app will also help health services monitor patients over time.
Director of Public Health Dr Jenny Stephens says new approaches are needed to tackle the growing burden of NCDs.
“NCDs have been affecting our communities and can lead to a wide range of health complications for individuals,” she said in a statement.
“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.”
Acting Director General at the Vanuatu Ministry of Health, Dr Santus Wari, says technology can help improve access to healthcare.
“Technology has the potential to transform the way we deliver health services,” he said at the launch.
“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.”
Dr Revite Kirition, WHO Country Liaison Officer for Vanuatu, says earlier detection will help save lives while making better use of limited health resources.
“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,” he said at the launch.
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to strengthening prevention, early detection, and management of noncommunicable diseases in Vanuatu.”
Across the region, many island nations have moved away from paper records and now use electronic health record systems to improve patient care.
Recent regional research found that 86 per cent of assessed Pacific countries have introduced digital health records into their public health systems, well above the global average of 47 percent.
Countries including Sāmoa, Fiji, Tonga, Palau, Kiribati, Nauru, the Cook Islands and Niue already use different digital platforms to track patient care, particularly for long-term illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Vanuatu’s HeartCare app builds on that progress by taking heart disease screening directly into communities, allowing health workers to identify people at risk earlier and connect them with treatment before serious illness develops.
Health leaders say the launch could become a model for other Pacific countries looking to strengthen early detection of non-communicable diseases especially in remote communities where access to healthcare is often limited.
By taking health screening beyond clinics and into communities, Vanuatu officials hope more people will be diagnosed sooner, treated earlier and protected from preventable heart disease and stroke…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
TUVALU – GRANT: ADB PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 07 Jul 2026
ADB approves US$10 million grant to strengthen maritime transport in Tuvalu
MANILA, 07 JULY 2026 (ADB)—The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$10 million grant to help Tuvalu improve the operation and maintenance of ADB transport investments in the country, boosting maritime connectivity, trade, and economic development.
The grant—financed through the Asian Development Fund (ADF), which provides grants to the poorest and most vulnerable countries in Asia and the Pacific—will support a small expenditure financing facility for the operation and maintenance of transport projects.
The facility will finance preventive maintenance and renewal of class certification for the ADB-financed Manu Sina passenger and cargo vessel, helping sustain safe and reliable maritime services between Funafuti and the outer islands while strengthening asset management systems.
“This investment in critical maritime transport services demonstrates how the ADF helps Pacific countries achieve sustainable and inclusive development,” said Regional Director of ADB’s Pacific Subregional Office Azusa Sato.
“The ADF is one of the most important sources of development financing for the Pacific, enabling recipients to invest in a more resilient future.”
Sea transport is the only means of connectivity between Funafuti and the outer islands, which range from 118 km to 457 km away.
The facility will help ensure safe and reliable transport of people and goods, improving access to markets, health services, education, and other essential services while supporting economic development across the country….PACNEWS
PNG – AGRICULTURE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 07 Jul 2026
Frost destroys gardens in Goilala’s Kosipe village, PNG
PORT MORESBY, 07 JULY 2026 (THE NATIONAL) —More than 1,000 persons in the Kosipe village of Goilala, Central in Papua New Guinea, have been affected by frost, destroying food gardens and compounding an already difficult period of dry weather, villager Anthony Morant says.
He said that about three weeks ago, they started experiencing cooler temperatures at night with frost developing.
The area has not seen rain since April.
Morant said hundreds of gardens were impacted by frost with staple food withering and dying.
“Broccoli, taro, sweet potato (kaukau), yam and other vegetables had their leaves burnt,” he said.
“The frost started on 13 June and has continued.
“During the day when the sun rises, it melts the ice which end up burning food crops in the gardens,” Morant said.
“About 500 food gardens composed of broccoli, taro, sweet potato, yam and other vegetables had their leaves burnt.”
Morant added that the villagers of Papav, Manaie Votuv, Lanuguri, Korobosi, Pele-Pele, Sive, Maiela, Camp-Mili, Evan, Totav-IIaiai and Mumun in Woitape would soon run out of food.
“The food crops also provide a source of income for us to meet other basic needs. If the dry spell continues, other food crops we are relying on for survival will also be affected and we will be left with nothing,” he said.
“The small water wells and creeks have also dried.
“So securing clean drinking water will also be a challenge in the area.”
Morant also pointed out that Kosipe, as well as surrounding areas were prone to frost during prolonged dry weather.
“The worse El-Nino experienced was in 1997, which resulted in bushfires, burning across Kosipe valley, starting from Yeme village,” he said.
“Food gardens were also destroyed. With the extent to which this anticipated El-Nino is dragging on, and with the frost effects, chances of experiencing a repeat of 1997 is imminent.”
Attempts to get comments from the National Disaster Centre and the Central Disaster Office were unsuccessful….PACNEWS
PAC – TARO RESEARCH: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 07 Jul 2026
USP researcher develops climate-smart solutions to protect Pacific taro
SUVA, 07 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—A University of the South Pacific (USP) researcher is developing climate-smart farming solutions to help safeguard taro production across the Pacific, warning that climate change and declining soil health are threatening one of the region’s most important staple crops.
Ahead of World Rural Development Day, USP alumnus and agricultural researcher Abhineshwar Vinay Prasad said Pacific farmers were facing mounting pressure from rising temperatures, prolonged dry spells, flooding, saltwater intrusion and unpredictable rainfall.
“The agriculture sector in the Pacific island countries is on the frontline and is extremely vulnerable to climate change,” Prasad said.
He said farmers were also under pressure to meet growing local and export demand, but continuous cultivation was depleting soil nutrients, reducing crop yields and increasing pest and disease outbreaks.
“Farmers are making efforts to meet local and export food demand, but these efforts can lead to declining soil fertility,” he said.
Prasad’s PhD research, based on taro field trials in Muaniweni, Naitasiri, aims to identify farming practices that improve soil health while increasing taro yields under current and future climate conditions in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
The research will enhance the internationally recognised Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) model by incorporating new taro varieties, soil water processes, nutrient cycling and soil biology to better predict crop performance under different climate scenarios.
“This study is exploring sustainable agricultural intensification practices to increase yields and improve soil health under current and future climate scenarios in Samoa, Tonga and Fiji,” Prasad said.
Unlike many previous studies, the research also examines soil biodiversity, including bacteria, fungi and archaea, to better understand how healthy soils contribute to stronger crop production and long-term agricultural sustainability.
Using projected climate scenarios, including extreme weather events and El Niño-Southern Oscillation years, the study will assess farming practices such as mulching, intercropping and the use of organic and inorganic fertilisers to determine which methods best improve resilience and productivity.
Prasad said the findings would provide practical guidance for farmers, agricultural planners, extension officers and policymakers by supporting better nutrient management, crop forecasting, resource planning and climate adaptation.
“Strengthening taro production is critical not only for food security and rural livelihoods but also for protecting one of the Pacific’s most culturally and economically significant crops in the face of a changing climate,” he said….PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Communities at the heart of ocean governance: How three young women made a difference in Vanuatu
PORT VILA, 07 JULY 2026 (SPC)—From marine science and management to maritime law, three young women are helping to shape the future of ocean governance in Vanuatu. T
hrough the Pacific Early Ocean Career Professionals (ECOP) programme, Lina Tolis, Chrystal Ida Silas and Jessica Maoh worked with coastal communities to ensure that science, policy and traditional knowledge come together to protect our shared Pacific ocean.
Among those leading this effort are Lina Tolis, a marine science graduate, Chrystal Ida Silas, a marine management officer, and Jessica Maoh, a former seafarer turned legal professional. Through the Pacific Early Ocean Career Professionals (ECOP) programme, the three young women were embedded within Vanuatu’s Ocean and Maritime Affairs Department, where they contribute to national ocean priorities by working closely with coastal communities.
Supporting Vanuatu’s ocean governance
Growing up on different islands across Vanuatu, Lina Tolis, Chrystal Ida Silas and Jessica Maoh all developed a deep connection with the ocean that would shape their career paths.
For Chrystal, witnessing the impacts of climate change on small island communities inspired her to study marine management: “I chose marine management out of a strong interest in the ocean; I felt motivated to help develop policies to protect marine environments. Living in Vanuatu, I see how our smaller islands are being affected every year by climate change.”
Jessica’s path was different but equally rooted in the ocean. After working as a seafarer, she chose to study law to help shape the legal and policy frameworks that support sustainable ocean management: “While my path shifted from working at sea to studying law, my passion for the ocean has never changed. Instead, it evolved. I am now motivated to contribute through policy, legal frameworks, and governance that create lasting and positive impacts for my community and for Vanuatu.”
Lina initially planned to pursue general science before discovering marine science: “My first study plan was science, but I figured it was too general. However, since I was always interested in the health and care of our oceans, I decided to pursue my studies in Marine Science at USP Laucala Campus.”
Between 2025 and 2026, the three young professionals joined Vanuatu’s Ocean and Maritime Affairs Department through the Pacific Early Ocean Career Professionals (ECOP) programme. Their placement coincided with a landmark moment for ocean governance: the adoption of Vanuatu’s first Ocean Act in January 2026. The legislation formally recognises the role of traditional leaders and coastal communities in managing marine resources while supporting sustainable development and food security.
As ECOP, Lina, Chrystal and Jessica have helped promote the Ocean Act through community awareness sessions, field visits and engagement with traditional leaders, ensuring communities are involved in its implementation.
Working hand in hand with coastal communities
Putting the Ocean Act into practice starts in Vanuatu’s villages, where communities have managed marine resources for generations. Throughout their placement, Lina, Chrystal and Jessica worked closely with chiefs, traditional institutions, fishers, youth groups and local leaders across the country. Their experience reinforced a common lesson: effective ocean governance must be built with communities, not simply for them.
Jessica believes traditional knowledge and governance are essential to sustainable ocean management: “I was drawn to this work because coastal communities are at the frontline of ocean change. In Vanuatu, traditional entities play a vital role in managing nearshore areas and marine resources, and their knowledge and practices have sustained these ecosystems for generations. Their voices are essential in shaping policies that are fair, effective, and sustainable…”
She explains that the new Ocean Act marks an important step by formally recognising the role of traditional entities in managing reefs and coastal areas.
For Chrystal, accompanying awareness sessions on the new Ocean Act in Santo provided valuable insight into community priorities “We held awareness sessions with the chiefs of Hog Harbour, on the east coast of Espiritu Santo Island, followed by another session with stakeholders from Sanma Province. It was a great experience because I was able to see firsthand how these awareness sessions are conducted, how communities respond to the information shared, and the concerns they raise.”
One of the strongest messages from community leaders was the need for government agencies to work together. “They have asked for us (when returning) to go back with the other stakeholders that will be involved in the whole process, such as those from fisheries, the Vanuatu Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation, Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and more, also to accompany us so that all of us are clear on our roles and we are singing a unified song.”
Lina’s work complemented these community discussions through field activities. She joined the National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition team during their visit to Vanuatu, supporting school outreach activities and the filming of a documentary at the Loane Marine Protected Area on Pentecost Island. By combining scientific research, education and storytelling, the expedition helped raise awareness of the importance of marine conservation.
By working directly with communities, the three young professionals have not only contributed to the implementation of Vanuatu’s Ocean Act but have also gained invaluable experience that is shaping the next generation of Pacific Ocean leaders.
The ECOP Programme: an experience that opened opportunities
For Lina, one of the defining moments of her placement was contributing to two major milestones for Vanuatu’s ocean governance: “The highlights of my career as an ECOP were being the Team Leader in the National Geographic PhotoCamp expedition in October 2025, as well as in the gazette of Vanuatu’s first Oceans Act in January 2026.”
Looking back, she says the programme allowed her to put years of study into practice while working alongside the very communities she wanted to serve: “After graduating, working in the Vanuatu Ocean Affairs Department as an ECOP gave me firsthand experience working with my community to care for our Exclusive Economic Zones. This is something I am always grateful for.”
For Chrystal, attending the Pacific Islands Ocean Conference in Honiara was one of the most memorable experiences of the programme. It allowed her to connect with professionals from across the Pacific and better understand the regional importance of ocean governance.
“The best memory I had during the placement program was the opportunity for the Vanuatu ECOPs to attend the Pacific Island Ocean Conference in Honiara. One of the highlights was meeting the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, speaking with him directly, asking questions, and learning from his experiences and insights.”
Jessica also describes the conference as a turning point in her career. Meeting scientists, policymakers and practitioners from across the Pacific reinforced her commitment to ocean governance while opening doors to new opportunities: “Engaging with scientists and practitioners who are equally committed to protecting, conserving, and sustainably managing Pacific resources for current and future generations was particularly inspiring. This was also my first major international exposure, and it helped me build confidence in connecting with people who share the same passion for protecting our ocean.”
That experience encouraged her to pursue further professional development: “During the conference, I was introduced to the Floating University programme, which sparked my interest. I later applied and was fortunate to be selected.”
For Lina, Chrystal and Jessica, the ECOP programme has been more than a professional placement. By working alongside communities and supporting the implementation of Vanuatu’s Ocean Act, they have shown that effective ocean governance depends on strong partnerships between science, policy and traditional knowledge…..PACNEWS
