In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Australia pushes for stronger Pacific regionalism at Forum Foreign Ministers meeting
2. FIJI — Australia commits FJD$23.5 million to Fiji’s HIV response as Wong backs Vuvale Partnership
3. PACIFIC — Australian Foreign Minister Wong urges global leaders to ‘Come to the Pacific’ ahead of Pre-COP meetings
4. SOL — We are here to deliver, not to be praised: PM Wale
5. SOL — Solomon Islands Opposition welcomes government priorities , will scrutinise delivery
6. FIJI — Fiji braces for drier months as El Niño strengthens
7. SOL — Australia, Solomon Islands expand HIV testing, treatment and prevention
8. FIJI — Search underway in Fiji for overdue boat carrying six to Fulaga
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Tuvalu proposes stricter net-zero rules with higher compliance costs: MEPC 85
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Mobile phone ownership climbs to 84 percent in Fiji
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Water PNG’s partial shutdown of Port Moresby’s water supply begins 14 August
12. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Scientists explore Samoa in support of nation’s trailblazing Plan, Already achieved to trotect 30 percent of its Ocean
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Pacific Nature Conference preparations ramp up with unveiling of logo
PAC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Australia pushes for stronger Pacific regionalism at Forum Foreign Ministers meeting
SUVA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS)— Australia will use the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Fiji to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing health, economic and security challenges, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.
Asked about Australia’s priorities for the Forum meeting, Wong said Canberra’s focus is on building a stronger Pacific capable of responding collectively to the region’s growing challenges.
“We want a stronger region.
“We want a region which is able to deal with the very large challenges which we know we are experiencing, whether they are the health challenges that we’re discussing today, the economic challenges which we know about, or the geopolitical reality, which is we live in a much more uncertain world,” Wong told Journalists in a press conference in Suva.
Wong said regional cooperation remains critical to maintaining peace, stability and economic resilience across the Pacific.
“Regionalism is one of the ways we can assure peace and security and stability in our region, which is, of course, a platform for stronger economies and healthier communities.”
Wong described the meeting as taking place at a critical time for the region.
“As you know, I’m also here for the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting. This does come at a critical time for our region.”
“In an increasingly uncertain world, it is more important than ever that Pacific countries work together, work together to ensure that the future of our region is determined by our people,” she said.
She said the Forum remains central to regional cooperation.
“The Forum is central to this. It brings all 18 members together, and coming together we have a stronger voice in the issues that matter to us.”
Wong said Australia will continue investing in partnerships across the Pacific based on trust and cooperation.
“We know that relationships are built on trust, and Australia has been working to build that trust, strengthening relationships and transforming our partnerships across the Pacific.
“We are investing in practical cooperation that helps deliver security, economic opportunity and resilience for all Pacific Island countries.”
“In a more contested world, in a more uncertain world, these relationships matter. It is how countries make their own choices through partnership and not coercion.”
“So, Australia will continue working with Fiji and Pacific partners to help achieve a region that is peaceful, that is stable and that is prosperous” said Wong….PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY/HIVA AIDS: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Australia commits FJD$23.5 million to Fiji’s HIV response as Wong backs Vuvale Partnership
SUVA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS)— Australia has announced FJD$23.5 million (US$16.53 million) in support of Fiji’s HIV response, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong describing the country’s HIV outbreak as both a public health and security challenge while reaffirming Canberra’s commitment to its partnership with Fiji and the wider Pacific.
Speaking at a press conference in Suva, Wong said the funding reflects the strength of the Australia-Fiji Vuvale Partnership and Australia’s commitment to standing with Fiji in tackling the crisis.
“I was really pleased to announce today FJD$23.5 million (US$16.53 million) in support for the HIV response, and this reflects the strength of our Vuvale Partnership.
“Regrettably, as you know, Fiji is experiencing the fastest growing HIV outbreak in the world. And Australia is standing with you in responding to this crisis,” said Wong.
She said Australia’s assistance recognises that the outbreak extends beyond public health.
“Our support recognises that this is a health challenge, but it is also a security challenge. Alongside our health partnership, we’re also working together to combat transnational crime, illicit drug trafficking, which is contributing to this challenge across the region.”
“Fundamentally, stronger health outcomes in your country strengthen the health security of both our countries and of the wider Pacific family,” Wong said.
Wong said Australia is moving quickly to advance the new agreements signed between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last month.
“Last month, of course, our two prime ministers, Prime Minister Rabuka and Prime Minister Albanese, signed the Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance. This is a new chapter in the relationship between Fiji and Australia.”
She announced that both treaties will be tabled in the Australian Parliament next week.
“I can announce I plan to table these two treaties in the Australian Parliament next week. This is the first sitting week after the signature at the State House, so I will be very honoured and privileged to table it so that the process of ratification from the Australian side can commence.”
“The Vuvale Union is a reminder that when Pacific countries work together, we are better placed to address shared challenges and to advance shared interests,” she said.
Wong is in Fiji to attend the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, which she described as taking place at a critical time for the region.
PAC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Australian Foreign Minister Wong urges global leaders to ‘Come to the Pacific’ ahead of Pre-COP meetings
SUVA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (PACNEWS)— Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged world leaders to attend the pre-COP meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, saying the Pacific offers firsthand evidence of the impacts of climate change and that the region’s voices must be heard ahead of the global climate summit.
Responding to questions at a press conference in Suva about reports that Australia was facing challenges in securing attendance by world leaders at the pre-COP meetings, Wong backed Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s call for greater international engagement with the Pacific.
“First thing I’d say is I saw the comments Prime Minister Rabuka made, and I agree with them. And I join with him in saying to the world, come to the Pacific.”
“Come to the Pacific and see for yourself the reality of climate change for Pacific Island nations. Come to the Pacific and understand what this means for the people of the Pacific, for their livelihoods, for their culture, for their economies – come to the Pacific.”
Wong said Australia has long worked with Pacific countries to ensure the region’s climate concerns are heard internationally.
“Australia has always sought, or I can say to you, as Australia’s first climate minister, I understood very early on, many years ago, how important it was to work with Pacific nations to elevate your experience and your voices.”
“And we did that,” Wong said.
She said the upcoming pre-COP meetings are intended to strengthen Pacific representation in the global climate negotiations.
“This is what this pre-COP is about. And we do want to elevate Pacific voices and Pacific priorities through the Forum.”
Wong said Australia would continue encouraging world leaders to attend the meetings.
“We will continue to encourage leaders to come,” said Wong…PACNEWS
SOL – POLITICS: SOLOMON STAR PACNEWS 1: Fri 07 Aug 2026
We are here to deliver, not to be praised: PM Wale
HONIARA, 07 AUGUST 206 (SOLOMON STAR) —Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called on all Members of Parliament to rise above division and work together to deliver the reforms the people of Solomon Islands have long demanded.
Speaking in Parliament this week, the Prime Minister emphasised that national progress depends on both robust scrutiny and the courage to act.
“This debate belongs to every Member of this House, Government and Opposition alike. Bring your sharpest questions and your best ideas.
“Where our programme can be improved, improve it. Where you believe we are wrong, say so, and say why,” the Prime Minister said.
He reaffirmed that accountability is fundamental to good governance, not a barrier to it.
“Accountability guarantees good government, it does not obstruct it. Scrutiny strengthens our democracy, but it must be matched with courage,” the Prime Minister said.
He urged MPs to support key reforms that will soon come before Parliament, including constitutional amendments, land legislation and the restructuring of resource sectors.
“The people did not send us here to protect the old ways. They sent us here to change them.
“This House must be willing to carry the will of our people for meaningful and lasting reform,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed that the passage of motions in Parliament is only the beginning of their responsibility to the people.
“We are not the masters of the people, we are their servants. We are not here to be praised; we are here to deliver,” he stated.
The Prime Minister called on all MPs to work together in the national interest and to remain focused on delivering tangible outcomes for the people of Solomon Islands.
“Let us get to work,” he said…..PACNEWS
SOL – POLITICS: SOLOMON STAR PACNEWS 1: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Solomon Islands Opposition welcomes government priorities , will scrutinise delivery
HONIARA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (SOLOMON STAR)— Solomon Islands Opposition has welcomed a number of the Government’s priorities outlined in the ‘Traditional Speech from the Throne,’ while reaffirming its responsibility to scrutinise Government policies, spending and decisions in the national interest.
Leader of the Opposition, Manasseh Sogavare said the Opposition would support initiatives that are good for Solomon Islands and its people.
Among the priorities welcomed by the Opposition are the completion of Lata Airport, the extension of broadband connectivity to all provinces, the phased end of round-log exports, strengthened biosecurity and greater recognition of customary landowners as partners in the country’s wealth.
“The Opposition will support what is good for Solomon Islands. We are not opposed to Government simply for the sake of opposition,” Sogavare said.
“However, our responsibility is also to ask the necessary questions, particularly where Government policies involve significant public expenditure, international commitments or changes to our constitutional arrangements.”
Sogavare said the Government’s Free Education Policy is one area where the Opposition supports the objective but will seek greater clarity on its cost, funding and long-term sustainability.
He said providing free education must also ensure that schools are adequately resourced to deliver quality education to Solomon Islands children.
The Opposition will also continue to scrutinise the Government’s international engagements, including the proposed treaty-level partnership with Australia and agreements with the United States.
Sogavare said Solomon Islands should maintain strong relationships with its international partners, but such commitments must be transparent, protect the national interest and receive appropriate scrutiny.
The Opposition also welcomes the Government’s intention to pursue constitutional reform where there is a genuine national need.
However, Sogavare said the proposal to amend the Constitution to “secure political stability in Parliament” requires careful consideration.
“Constitutional reform must be about strengthening our democracy and institutions, not simply securing the political convenience of the government of the day,” he said.
“The Constitution belongs to the people of Solomon Islands. Any proposed changes must therefore be approached with care, transparency and proper consultation.”
Sogavare said the Speech from the Throne provides an opportunity for Government and Opposition to work together on issues of national importance while maintaining the necessary checks and balances of Parliament.
“Where Government gets it right, we will support it. Where questions need to be asked, we will ask them. And where accountability is required, the Opposition will do its job.”
The Opposition said it would continue to engage constructively with the Government while ensuring that the interests of Solomon Islanders remain at the centre of national policy and decision-making….PACNEWS
FIJI – WEATHER WATCH: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 1: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Fiji braces for drier months as El Niño strengthens
SUVA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Fiji is expected to experience below-normal rainfall for the rest of the year as a strengthening El Niño takes hold across the tropical Pacific, the Fiji Meteorological Service has warned.
According to the latest Fiji Climate Outlook, the current El Niño event is forecast to strengthen to strong or very strong intensity and persist through the end of 2026, increasing the likelihood of drier-than-normal conditions nationwide.
Rainfall across the Western, Central, Northern and Eastern divisions, as well as Rotuma, is expected to be normal or below normal for the remainder of the year.
Conditions are expected to worsen during the July to September period, with below-normal rainfall forecast across all four divisions and Rotuma, signalling a higher risk of prolonged dry conditions. The same outlook continues into October to December, when below-normal rainfall is again expected throughout Fiji.
The Fiji Meteorological Service says El Niño events are generally associated with below-normal rainfall in Fiji, particularly during the dry season, although the severity and timing of impacts can vary between events.
While rainfall is expected to decline, maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to remain near normal across most of the Fiji Group, with Rotuma likely to experience above-normal temperatures.
The weather office has advised the public to monitor the latest climate outlooks, weather forecasts and official advisories as the El Niño event continues to strengthen….PACNEWS
SOL – HIV/AIDS/HEALTH: SOLOMON STAR PACNEWS 1: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Australia, Solomon Islands expand HIV testing, treatment and prevention
HONIARA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (SOLOMON STAR)—More Solomon Islanders will have access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment services under expanded support for the national response to HIV and communicable diseases.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and Australia are working together to strengthen HIV prevention, testing and treatment services across the country.
Over SBD$5 million (US$620,138) in Australian support will be delivered through health and community partners to improve service delivery, build workforce capability and increase community awareness.
The support comes at a critical time as Solomon Islands works to address rising HIV case numbers and strengthen systems for a coordinated, sustainable national response.
Minister for Health and Medical Services, Morris Toiraena, said; “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Australia for your enduring friendship and unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of Solomon Islanders.
“The rising rate of HIV infections is deeply concerning. Thank you for this generous donation, which will support the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in its efforts to curb the upward trend of new HIV cases through preventative measures, early detection, and treatment.”
The support package will strengthen prevention, testing and treatment services, build workforce capability, improve community awareness, and support stronger systems and surveillance.
Health workers across all 10 provinces will receive additional training and support to improve HIV services, while communities will benefit from awareness and engagement activities to encourage prevention, early testing and access to care.
The package brings together support across multiple areas of the national response—from policy development and planning through to health workforce development, service delivery, surveillance, community engagement and technical assistance.
Australian High Commissioner, Jeff Roach, said Australia was committed to working alongside Solomon Islands to strengthen health security and improve health outcomes.
“The Solomon Islands Government is leading the response to HIV, and Australia is proud to support that effort through investments in health workers, stronger systems and community awareness,” High Commissioner Roach said.
“Expanding access to prevention, testing and treatment means more people can get the information, care and support they need earlier, helping reduce transmission and keep families and communities healthy.”
Australia’s support will include strengthening HIV surveillance and case monitoring systems, updating national treatment guidelines, developing the next National HIV/STI/Viral Hepatitis Strategic Plan, and building the capability of the health workforce through training and mentoring. Community engagement activities will also support prevention, awareness and access to services, particularly for populations at greater risk of HIV infection.
Australia and MHMS continue to work together to strengthen health security and improve health outcomes for all Solomon Islanders….PACNEWS
FIJI – MARITIME SEARCH & RESCUE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 1: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Search underway in Fiji for overdue boat carrying six to Fulaga
SUVA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—A search and rescue operation is underway in Fiji after a fibreglass boat carrying six people failed to arrive at its destination in Lau Province.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Fiji said it was activated on Thursday evening after receiving reports that the vessel had departed Namuka Island at about 10am for Fulaga Island, but failed to reach its destination.
According to the JRCC, three fibreglass boats left Namuka Island on the same journey, however only two arrived safely in Fulaga.
The missing vessel is described as a white half-cabin fibreglass boat powered by a 40-horsepower outboard engine.
Authorities have alerted relevant agencies, mariners and nearby communities as efforts continue to locate the missing boat and its occupants.
However, search operations are being hampered by adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and rough to very rough seas.
The JRCC is appealing to all mariners travelling between Namuka, Fulaga and surrounding waters to keep a sharp lookout for the missing vessel.
Anyone who sights the boat or has information that could assist the search is urged to contact the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji on toll-free 1539 or report it to the nearest police station.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is also reminding all mariners to closely monitor official weather forecasts and marine warnings before venturing out to sea.
MSAF has advised small-boat operators not to travel during adverse weather or rough sea conditions and to ensure their vessels are seaworthy before departure.
Operators are also urged to carry adequate fuel supplies, lifejackets, reliable communication equipment and other essential safety gear on every voyage.
The JRCC said the search will continue and further information will be released once confirmed…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – SHIPPING: SHPPING NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Tuvalu proposes stricter net-zero rules with higher compliance costs: MEPC 85
FUNAFUTI/LONDON, 07 AUGUST 2026 (SHPPING NEWS)—Tuvalu has proposed the most stringent of the amendments eligible for adoption at the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 85) meeting in November.
The Net-Zero Framework (NZF) approved at MEPC 83 in April 2025 introduced a two-tier GHG fuel intensity (GFI) standard requiring ships of 5,000 GT and above to progressively reduce well-to-wake GHG emissions from 2028 onwards, benchmarked against a 2008 baseline of 93.30 grams of CO2-equivalent per megajoule (gCO2e/MJ).
Reduction targets comprise a base target and a direct compliance target, ranging from 4-17 percent in 2028 and tightening to 30-43 percent by 2035.
Tuvalu has suggested keeping the base targets unchanged but dropping the 2028 step, starting at 6 percent in 2029 instead of 4 percent in 2028.
The direct compliance target should be set at 100 percent from 2029 through 2035. This would mean that no ship could reach direct compliance and that every tonne of emissions is priced, turning the framework into a levy in all but name.
The recommendations are consistent with the proposal submitted by Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to MEPC 84 in April.
Tuvalu also proposes increasing the Tier 1 remedial unit price to US$300/mtCO2e, three times the US$100/mtCO2e agreed in principle at MEPC 83. The Tier 2 remedial unit price for emissions exceeding the base target would remain unchanged at US$380/mtCO2e.
The proposal also eliminates the surplus unit mechanism entirely, which means that ships exceeding the required GFI targets will not receive surplus units that could be sold to under-complying vessels.
Instead, ships would balance any deficit solely through direct payments into the IMO Net-Zero Fund.
The proposal will be discussed during the intersessional Working Group on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships (ISWG-GHG) meetings scheduled for September and November, before delegates consider the framework at MEPC 85 from 30 November to 03 December.
If member states agree on a final text, the amendments could then be formally adopted at the second extraordinary session of the MEPC (MEPC ES.2). This session was adjourned in October 2025 and is expected to reconvene on 04 December…..PACNEWS
FIJI – MOBILE PHONES: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Mobile phone ownership climbs to 84 percent in Fiji
SUVA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (FIJI TIMES) —Mobile phone ownership in Fiji has reached a record 84 percent, with smartphones now dominating the market and playing an increasingly important role in expanding access to formal financial services, according to the Reserve Bank of Fiji’s 2025 Fiji Financial Services Demand Side Survey.
The survey shows mobile phone ownership has steadily increased over the past decade, rising from 76 percent in 2014 to 81 percent in 2020, before reaching 84 percent in 2025.
Among those who own a mobile phone, 92 percent now have a smartphone, while only 8 percent use a basic phone.
The report found a strong connection between mobile phone ownership and financial inclusion.
Fijians who do not personally own a mobile phone are significantly more likely to be excluded from formal financial services, with an exclusion rate of 39 percent, compared with 12 percent across the overall population.
Ownership is highest among people aged 36 to 55 years, where 89 percent own a mobile phone. Ownership falls to 72 percent among those aged 66 years and older.
The survey also found urban residents are significantly more likely to own a mobile phone than those living in rural areas, while people living in the Northern Division are less likely to own one.
Despite high ownership levels, many Fijians continue to rely on shared devices.
Among people who do not own a mobile phone, 68 percent said they regularly use someone else’s phone.
The most common reasons for borrowing a phone are communication (76 percent) and internet access (51 percent).
However, only 14 percent of people using a shared phone have ever used it to make payments, suggesting shared devices are not widely used for digital financial transactions.
The survey also highlighted a gender gap in mobile phone access.
Women are slightly less likely than men to own a mobile phone and are significantly more likely to rely on someone else’s device.
The widespread adoption of smartphones is expected to support further growth in digital financial services, including mobile banking and mobile money, as Fiji continues its push toward greater financial inclusion.
The findings reinforce the growing importance of digital connectivity in expanding access to banking, payments and other financial services, while also highlighting the need to improve access to mobile technology among older people, rural communities and those without personal devices….PACNEWS
FIJI – WATER SUPPLY: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 07 Aug 2026
Water PNG’s partial shutdown of Port Moresby’s water supply begins 14 August
PORT MORESBY, 07 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Water PNG’s planned partial shutdown of Port Moresby’s water supply will begin next weekend following court orders stopping landowners from interfering with its workers.
The National Court restrained the Behori Incorporated Land Group from blocking access to the Rouna 1/3 raw water pipeline.
The partial shutdown runs from Friday, 14 – 16 August, with supply rationed across four zones in the city.
“We respect the Behori Clan and their deep connection to their land. At the same time Water PNG has a responsibility under the law to make sure people have safe water for drinking, cooking and sanitation,” Water PNG chairman Meckles Poya said.
Water PNG chief executive officer James Young said preparations have restarted on the pipe carrying half the city’s raw water.
“The people and businesses of the National Capital District and Central must have certainty so they can be ready for the partial shutdown,” Young said.
Young warned that an ongoing leak wasted 10 million litres daily during dry El Nino conditions.
“This repair is about preventing something far worse,” Young said.
“The pipeline is more than sixty years old and it is failing.
“A short, planned, partial shutdown now is how we avoid an uncontrolled burst later, one that could cut more than half the city’s water not for a weekend, but for weeks or months, because no spare pipe of this size is held in the country,” 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
Scientists explore Samoa in support of nation’s trailblazing Plan, Already achieved to trotect 30 percent of its Ocean
Over the course of four weeks, National Geographic Pristine Seas will survey marine life in Samoa’s newly-protected marine areas, home to a dazzling array of fish, whales and turtles
APIA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (PRISTINE SEAS)— National Geographic Pristine Seas begins an expedition this week in the South Pacific nation of Samoa to support the country’s pioneering legal protection of 30 percent of its ocean, home to nearly 1,000 recorded marine species.
At the invitation of and in partnership with the government of Samoa, through its Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), the expedition will survey biodiversity in reef, mid-ocean, and deepwater sites spread across the country’s new marine protected areas (MPAs). Team members will also study locales outside the MPAs to understand ecological linkages and address broader data gaps. The research will inform the nation’s ambitious ocean protection plan, which seeks to sustainably manage all of Samoa’s waters.
“Samoa has taken an important step by bringing its Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) into effect, but effective ocean management must be supported by strong scientific information,” remarked Samoa’s Prime Minister and Acting Minister for MNRE Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.
“This expedition responds directly to research priorities identified by Samoa and will strengthen our understanding of biodiversity within our new marine protected areas, as well as the ecological connections across our wider ocean. The findings will provide an important baseline for long-term monitoring and help guide effective implementation and management of our MSP.”
In 2025, Samoa endorsed the legal adoption of its MSP, following a multi-year consultation process involving government agencies, communities and other stakeholders. The MSP provides a national framework for achieving the sustainable management of 100 percent of Samoa’s ocean. In April 2026, Prime Minister Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt signed the executive order bringing the MSP into effect. The plan expands Samoa’s national marine protections through nine new offshore MPAs and a formalized network of coastal community MPAs. Together, these areas protect 30 percent of Samoa’s ocean, approximately 36,000 square kilometers — roughly seven times the size of Grand Canyon National Park in the United States.
“Amid headlines about dying coral reefs, warming ocean waters and rising sea levels, Samoa’s bold ocean stewardship is the solution the ocean and the world needs right now,” said Paul Rose, head of Pristine Seas’ expedition to Samoa.
“By prioritising protection of the ocean — a valuable asset — they are safeguarding their cultural heritage, food supplies and local economies. At the same time, they are helping all of us stay safe by keeping the ocean healthy.”
New Reserves Home to the Ocean’s Wonders
Many of the newly-established MPAs have yet to be comprehensively studied by scientists. To address these knowledge gaps, Pristine Seas will conduct formal scientific surveys of sea life and geology under the waves. This includes the offshore seamounts of the Toamoana MPA, the deep reef slopes off northern Savai’i, and inshore areas around Upolu and Savai’i where scientific information remains limited.
“Local communities have extensive knowledge of the waters we’ll research and are essential partners in designing this expedition,” remarked Tye Kindinger, scientific lead for Pristine Seas’ expedition to Samoa. “And MNRE — which regularly surveys and monitors Samoa’s resources both on land and in the ocean — is skillfully guiding our planning to ensure we focus our research on areas that have yet to be explored.”
It’s already well known that the country’s fish life is among the richest in the world, with up to 991 species recorded. The waters of Samoa are also home to some 2,000 species of sea snails and 200 species of coral. The nation’s waters lie along important migration routes for the endangered humpback whale and other threatened whale species. The endangered hawksbill sea turtle also nests on Samoan beaches and breeds in Samoan waters.
Cutting Edge Science and National Geographic Filmmaking
Working aboard Pristine Seas’ research vessel, the Argo, the team of local and international experts will capture data and footage of marine life from above the ocean’s surface to the mysterious sea floor. Scientists will conduct surveys while SCUBA diving, drop deep sea cameras to the bottom of the sea to collect overnight footage, float video systems ten meters below the surface to document the marine life swimming by, and even survey bird life above the waves. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, the team will collect small bits of matter that can later be sequenced to identify organisms not always seen with cameras or the naked eye.
Scientists and partners from Samoa will plunge into the unknown in Pristine Seas’ state-of-the-art submersible, the Argonauta, to observe first-hand the “twilight zone,” a frontier of deep-sea biodiversity teeming with marine life. The Argonauta is outfitted with mud and water samplers, a nearly 360 underwater view, imaging sonar and more — allowing the team to gather valuable data from one of the least understood parts of the planet.
Throughout the expedition, Pristine Seas filmmakers will capture footage for a documentary film about Samoa’s stunning marine biodiversity. Filming in communities and aboard the Argo, the team hopes to highlight people’s special relationship to the ocean and illustrate the critical importance of ocean protection to people’s everyday lives. The documentarians will follow the Samoa Voyaging Society as its traditional voyaging canoe becomes a floating classroom, inspiring communities across Samoa to better understand and steward their land and ocean.
Samoa’s Ministry of Education and Culture and Pristine Seas are working together to extend ocean literacy into classrooms. With an eye on cultivating future ocean stewards, the partners hosted a Pacific Education subregional workshop in Apia earlier this week, in collaboration with The Pacific Community (SPC). Educators and Ministries of Education from six countries co-created resources for their national curriculum and attendees received training on eDNA analysis along with a tour of the Argo.
Building Ocean Literacy, Communities, and Resilience
MPAs are a proven solution for countries looking to conserve their ocean. Reserves where fishing and other damaging activities are banned restore marine life within their boundaries. That, in turn, replenishes nearby fish populations and improves local fishing, provides jobs and economic benefits, and builds resilience against natural disasters and a warming ocean.
“This October, countries of the world will gather in Armenia for a nature summit to assess their progress towards a global goal to protect 30 percent of the planet by 2030,” remarked Kevin Chand, Pristine Seas’ Senior Director of Pacific Ocean Policy.
“Samoa has shown the Pacific and the world how this can be achieved. By incorporating science into their Marine Spatial Planning implementation process, they are ensuring that the biodiversity they have protected is studied and understood to support future monitoring and management efforts, including strengthening of protection.”
Many local communities, national organisations, scientific institutions, and regional and international partners have supported the development of Samoa’s MSP, strengthened the country’s marine knowledge base, and helped lay the foundation for this expedition.
Pristine Seas started its Global Expedition in 2023 with a mission to spend five years exploring the tropical Pacific and supporting communities and governments in their efforts to protect the ocean. Since 2023, the team has explored and studied the Southern Line Islands, Tongareva, Niue, The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu …..PACNEWS
For more information, contact: Jenelle Eli, Sr. Director of Communications, jeli@ngs.org
Florence Wood, Burness, fwood@burness.com
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Pacific Nature Conference preparations ramp up with unveiling of logo
NOUMEA, 07 AUGUST 2026 (SPREP)—The unveiling of the logo for the 11 Pacific Conference on Nature Conservation this week marks a new milestone in the preparations for the event to be hosted in New Caledonia from 07-11 September this year.
Featuring the much-loved dugong as its core element, the logo was co-designed by the host country, New Caledonia and members of the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation (PIRT).
“This logo reflects the incredible diversity of our Pacific islands – not just our natural heritage, but our traditions and cultures, our people and our spiritual connections with the land and sea,” said PIRT Chair, Jacqui Evans.
“It reminds us of the purpose of the conference – to bring together our diverse perspectives and knowledge, build connections and together develop the solutions we need to address the planetary crises.”
The dugong is regarded as sacred across many Pacific cultures, symbolising hope, maternal love, balance, and harmony, reflecting the conference’s theme; People, Nature, Culture, which is grounded on Pacific-led actions for nature in tackling the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution.
The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, highlighting the importance of regional efforts to protect its remaining populations and habitats.
Government of New Caledonia representative, Jérémie Katidjo-Monnier said, “The logo serves as our touchpoint – its symbolism expresses our common goals, and acknowledges the strength that is ours, as peoples of the Pacific, when we connect across the diversity of our cultures, our knowledge, and our commitments.”
SPREP Director of Biodiversity and Conservation, Amenatave Yauvoli, commended the logo.
“The logo features iconic symbols of the cagou, the yam basket and shoots, reflective of the unique nature and culture of the conference host country, New Caledonia,” he said.
“The endemic cagou reminds us of why we are convening this conference – this flightless bird, found only in parts of New Caledonia, is quietly fighting a host of threats to its very existence.
“We celebrate it but we are reminded also of our responsibility to develop and strengthen systems that will halt the loss of habitats, reverse the trends of species loss, and build resilience of our islands and our communities.”
The woven yam basket and young shoots symbolise the observation of the yam cycle by the indigenous communities of New Caledonia and other Pacific countries representing life cycles, renewal, intergenerational connections and collective decision making.
The Enata symbol, representing people, reminds us that communities are vital to environmental protection and the turtle highlights sea-land connection and longevity. The whale’s tail, the wave and fish hook highlight the intricate relationships that humans have with the land and sea.
Preparations for the conference are ongoing, with registrations open until 7 August and organising teams curating a series of interactive dialogue and learning sessions, which will include field-based activities. The conference venue is the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in Noumea, New Caledonia.
The 11th Pacific Islands Conference for Nature Conservation and Protected Areas is organised by New Caledonia, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, and the Pacific Islands Roundtable for Nature Conservation…..PACNEWS
For information on the conference, and to learn more about the background to the logo, visit https://www.pacificislandsroundtable.com/pacific-nature-conference
