New tuna harvest strategy
A new Tropical Tuna Measure was adopted by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission 20th meeting which concluded early Saturday morning in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The measure will guide fishing controls for
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COP28 draft agreement calls for fossil fuel cuts but avoids ‘phase-out’
Oil-exporting countries will be called upon to reduce their production drastically in the coming decades, if a draft agreement published at the COP28 UN summit on Monday is accepted. The text avoids highly contentious
Sir Collin Tukuitonga resigns from NZ government roles, citing ‘no confidence’
One of New Zealand’s most prominent Pacific health leaders says he has “no confidence” in the Government after stepping down from almost every advisory role. Long-standing champion for health Sir Collin Tukuitonga
AOSIS Ministers express serious concerns over COP28 Global Stocktake draft text
The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Chairs Minister, Cedric Schuster of Samoa, Monday voiced deep worries regarding the process and content of the document in reaction to the COP28 Presidency’s draft text on
Japan’s large Pacific bluefin tuna catch limit to be raised in 2024
An international commission responsible for managing Pacific bluefin tuna stocks has decided to allow Japan to effectively increase its catch limit for larger sizes in 2024, reflecting a recovery in their population,
Marshall Islands climate envoy Tina Stege stands firm against weakening of SIDS’s voice at COP28
The climate envoy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Tina Stege, Saturday expressed grave concerns about attempts by certain countries to weaken the emphasis on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the
Ministers demand action, not words at COP28
In a panel discussion at COP28 Saturday, government ministers emphasized their priorities and the urgency of addressing critical issues such as climate change adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance. The
‘Hold the line’: Pacific climate activists at COP28
Pacific climate champions chanted ‘hold the line’ at COP28 late last week amid concerns about the direction of the climate talks. Pacific climate activist Drue Slatter told Islands Business the presence of 2456
Pacific fights for climate finance at COP28
In the final days of the global climate negotiations in Dubai, countries continue to argue over the “phase out” or “phase down” of fossil fuels. United Arab Emirates, the host nation of the 28th Conference of
Australia, PNG announce security deal
Australia clinched a security deal with Papua New Guinea on Thursday, bolstering ties to a key Pacific neighbour that has been courted persistently by China. Canberra pushed for a more substantive treaty earlier this
Urgent calls for proactive measures at WCPFC to safeguard future of Pacific fisheries
The 20th session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission currently meeting in Rarotonga, Cook Islands must put in measures that would ensure the sustainability of our fisheries, says WWF Western and
Pacific SIDS face uphill battle as negotiator warns of unresolved issues and financial challenges
Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) brace for an uphill battle as a key negotiator issues a warning about remaining unresolved issues and financial hurdles as COP28 negotiations pass midway. Exsley Taloiburi,
Climate change, overfishing: Pacific tuna faces ‘unprecedented challenges’
The annual regional fisheries meeting to discuss and address crucial matters concerning tuna fisheries and the marine ecosystems they inhabit began Wednesday with a traditional welcome and official opening ceremony at
No alternative to Olympic surfing in Tahiti, says French minister
France’s Minister for Sport, Amelie Oudea-Castera, on Thursday ruled out the possibility of moving the Olympic surfing events away from Tahiti following the environmental damage caused during testing last week.
Fiji Business Briefs: ANZ survey, Drua sponsorship deal, Raine & Horne reopens
ANZ business survey: Turnover up, profitability down ANZ’s Fiji Business Survey for Q3 2023 has reported a positive upturn in turnover, with 42% of surveyed firms noting higher demand compared to the previous quarter.
U.S. signals plan for immediate-range missiles in the North Pacific
The U.S. military’s purported plan to station intermediate-range missiles in Guam is likely to heighten concerns among some Pacific Island countries of a new era of militarisation of their region, analysts said. The
Vanuatu political leaders in talks to form unity govt
Talks are underway in Vanuatu to try and establish a government of national unity. It comes after months of instability that has seen three governments in three months. Radio New Zealand reports that on Sunday, Prime
Pacific firm on 1.5-degree goal at COP28, calls for Just Transition and Youth inclusivity
As COP28 approaches its closing plenary next week, key stakeholders from the Pacific region weigh in on their priorities and expectations for the rest of the conference. Director General of SPREP, Sefanaia Nawadra said
Forum SG Puna support change of COP format for amplified youth voices
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Henry Puna has called for a full revamp of the format and structure of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP). Puna emphasised the urgent need to bring
Data gaps hamper displacement discussion
Pacific Island negotiators at COP28 face the challenge of quantifying the economic and non-economic costs human displacement due to a lack of systematic data collection. But Lorenzo Guadagno, the Project Coordinator for
Business Assistance Fiji: Empowering women and communities
“If you empower women, you empower communities”. That was the message by Dr Nur Bano, President of the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) at last week’s Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) graduation ceremony
ADB approves financing package to boost Solomon Islands’ education
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday said it has approved a financing package of US$45.7 million to boost senior secondary education and climate resilience in the Solomon Islands. “The Solomon Islands Senior
French foreign minister says she is open to South Pacific resettlement requests due to rising seas
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said on Monday she was open to any resettlement request from tiny South Pacific nations threatened by rising sea levels, similar to Australia’s agreement with Tuvalu. Colonna
