PACNEWS ONE, 27 OCTOBER 2026

In this bulletin:

1. PACIFIC — U.S commits more than US$44 million to combat Pacific Transnational crime
2. PNG — NCD Governor Parkop says Bougainville referendum result must be respected
3. FIJI — This is a new Constitution, not an amendment – Unity Fiji
4. FIJI — U.S, Fiji launch partnership to strengthen disease detection
5. NZ — Luxon responds to claims La’auli snubbed him, says Samoa treaty ‘not priority for us at this time’
6. NZ — Candidates push back on ACT’s plan to abolish ‘done nothing’ Pacific ministry
7. PACNEWS BIZ— Fiji opens Pacific digital skills hub, with Australia pledging $28 million
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Air Vanuatu adds fifth twin otter to boost island connectivity
9. PACNEWS BIZ — High airfares, finance struggles and extreme weather threaten Pacific tourism growth
10. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG, China seal Frieda agreement
11. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — From CBD COP1 to CBD COP17: Reflections on three decades of negotiations with Ambassador Ian Fry
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — CBD COP17: Pacific call for support to continue invasive species eradication in islands

PAC – TRANSNATIONAL CRIME: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Tue 27 Oct 2026

U.S commits more than US$44 million to combat Pacific Transnational crime

By Pita Ligaiula

LOS ANGELES, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—The United States has announced more than US$44 million in new security programmes for the Pacific, including investments in maritime surveillance, drug interdiction, border security and investigations into transnational crime.

The commitments were announced at the inaugural U.S-Pacific Islands Conference of Police Ministers (COPMIN), held in Los Angeles on 21– 22 October, bringing together Pacific police ministers and senior officials, regional organisations and security partners from Australia, New Zealand and France.

The United States says the funding will target criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, cybercrime and illegal fishing, while strengthening law enforcement cooperation across the Pacific and the Western Hemisphere.

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday and Palau Justice Minister Jennifer Olegeriil co-chaired the conference.

Among the major commitments are US$7 million for a regional maritime law enforcement training and coordination centre in Palau, nearly US$5.5 million for a regional maritime awareness network, and US$4.5 million for Project Kanaloa to strengthen maritime enforcement capabilities.

The maritime awareness programme includes more than US$1.4 million in surveillance tools for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and Fiji’s maritime services, as well as a secure communications system for the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre, hosted by Samoa.

The United States will also construct a boat ramp in Fiji to support efforts to intercept illicit drugs and cargo.

Papua New Guinea’s National Fisheries Authority(NFA) will receive equipment for four new patrol boats, including electro-optical and infrared cameras, upgraded radar displays and real-time data transmission systems.

The U.S Coast Guard will also expand bilateral Shiprider operations, allowing Pacific law enforcement officers aboard US Coast Guard cutters to enforce their own countries’ laws within their exclusive economic zones.

The funding also includes US$5 million for the Enhancing Police Investigative Capacity programme, which will support investigations into drug trafficking, bribery, money laundering and cybercrime.

A further US$5 million will strengthen Pacific financial intelligence and cybercrime units through the Pacific Alliance for Combating Illicit Finance and Cybercrime programme. Training will cover cryptocurrency tracing, beneficial ownership investigations and digital forensics.

The United States has allocated approximately US$3.5 million to strengthen border detection in Tonga, including cargo screening equipment at Queen Salote International Wharf in Nuku’alofa and support facilities for canine detection operations in Vava’u.

Other commitments include US$4 million for the Regional Interdiction Partnership for Trafficking Intelligence, Disruption, and Enforcement, which will link police services through INTERPOL and the World Customs Organisation to improve information sharing and connect drug seizures with investigations into criminal finances.

The United States will also provide US$2.5 million for border and port security through the FORTRES programme, more than US$1.3 million for investigator training in Fiji, Tonga, Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia, and US$450,000 for narcotics investigation training and mentorship through the Pacific Islands Narcotics Supply Reduction programme.

An additional US$5 million will support Pacific police academies through the INSPIRE programme, focusing on curriculum development, instructor standards, recruitment and technical assistance.

At the conference, the United States and Palau also signed a Letter of Agreement to strengthen law enforcement training and capabilities, with regional programming potentially extending to the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.

The U.S State Department said the programmes were intended to address criminal networks operating across multiple regions, including those moving narcotics through the Pacific and laundering proceeds through international financial systems.

The department said participants had committed to strengthening maritime surveillance, port and border security, protecting legitimate supply chains and improving investigations into scams, cryptocurrency laundering and corruption.

The United States said it would work with Pacific partners to continue the initiatives into 2027 and beyond, arguing that regional security was closely linked to economic stability and prosperity…..PACNEWS

PNG – INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 1: Tue 27 Oct 2026

NCD Governor Parkop says Bougainville referendum result must be respected

PORT MORESBY, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL) —National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop says Papua New Guinea must respect Bougainvilleans’ decision on their political future, warning that their desire for self-determination predates the country’s independence.

Speaking during Parliament’s debate on the 2019 Bougainville referendum results, Parkop questioned whether the Government could change the position expressed by Bougainvilleans over decades.

“The challenge is, can we (Government) change that? No, because from historical perspective before the referendum and even before independence in 1975, their intentions were already expressed,” Parkop said.

He said Bougainville’s position reflected longstanding concerns about its place within Papua New Guinea, despite efforts by successive governments to maintain national unity.

“They want to leave and they have expressed their intentions very clearly, so how else are we going to reach out to keep them in the union?” he said.

Parkop said Bougainvilleans had held senior positions in government, including ministerial roles, deputy prime minister and governor-general, and he saw no widespread discrimination against them in public life.

However, he said those factors had not changed their desire to determine their political future.

Parkop urged Parliament to consider both Papua New Guinea’s sovereignty and the internationally recognised principle of self-determination.

“Of course we can say that sovereignty is absolute but equally section 1.2 of the UN charter also announces the right to self-determination and to people of the world and it recognises inalienable right that cannot be taken away,” he said.

He also reminded Parliament of the human cost of the Bougainville conflict, saying many people had died during the war while others remained displaced and traumatised.

His comments came as MPs debated the outcome of the 2019 referendum, in which Bougainvilleans voted overwhelmingly for independence.

Deputy Opposition Leader and Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu also called on the Government to establish whether key conditions of the Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) had been fulfilled before Parliament made its decision.

Iduhu said reports verifying weapons disposal and assessing good governance in Bougainville had not been tabled in Parliament.

The BPA, signed by the PNG Government and Bougainville leaders in Arawa on 30 August 2001, established three pillars: autonomous government, weapons disposal and a referendum on Bougainville’s future political status.

Iduhu referred to concerns raised by the Prime Minister in March 2021 about weapons remaining in Bougainville and questioned the absence of updated verification.

“No current verification of total weapons disposal has been laid before this House. That is a fundamental fact,” he said.

He also called for an assessment of Bougainville’s governance against the standards set out in the peace agreement.

However, Iduhu said the PNG Government must also account for its own commitments under the agreement, including funding, the transfer of powers and joint consultation.

“If we ask Bougainville to show how it kept its word, we must show we kept ours too,” he said.

Iduhu said dialogue should continue regardless of Parliament’s decision on the referendum result.

He said the 2025 Melanesian Agreement provided for both governments to accept Parliament’s decision and continue consultations.

If Parliament approved the referendum result, transitional arrangements would need to be negotiated and constitutional amendments made, he said. If the result was rejected, negotiations and dialogue would still need to continue.

Meanwhile, MP Joe Sungi said Parliament must consider Bougainville’s capacity to govern itself and sustain development as it determines the region’s political future.

Sungi said Bougainvilleans were capable of managing their own affairs, whether under independence or autonomy, but stressed the need for a proper assessment of governance, public service capacity and development needs.

He said Bougainville should have the opportunity to assess its readiness to take on greater responsibilities.

Sungi added that Bougainville could continue to develop under full autonomy, but urged MPs to carefully weigh its institutional capacity and constitutional arrangements before making a decision…PACNEWS

FIJI – CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 1: Tue 27 Oct 2026

This is a new Constitution, not an amendment – Unity Fiji

SUVA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Unity Fiji says the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill is effectively a new Constitution and Fijians must be given sufficient time to understand its implications before voting in a national referendum.

In its written submission to Parliament’s Special Committee on 22 October, the party called for the suspension of the Bill and the postponement of the full referendum until after the 2027 general elections.

Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube said describing the proposed changes as amendments was misleading because they would fundamentally reshape Fiji’s system of governance.

The party said the Bill rewrites the preamble, introduces a new electoral system, restores the Senate and expands immunity provisions.

It argued that these were substantial constitutional changes that would affect how Fiji is governed for generations.

“Unity Fiji is not opposed to changing the imposed 2013 Constitution. We have fought for it since 2017,” Narube said.

“But a constitution is the people’s compact, and the people cannot consent to what they do not understand.”

The party raised concerns that the proposed referendum timetable would leave voters approximately five weeks between the Bill’s third reading and polling day to understand the constitutional changes.

It said the referendum question would only be finalised when the writ was issued under the National Referendum Act 2026, further limiting the time available for public education.

Unity Fiji argued that meaningful voter education in English, iTaukei and Fiji Hindi, particularly in remote communities and among Fijians overseas, could not realistically be completed within that period.

The party also warned that holding Fiji’s first national referendum shortly before the general election, which it said must take place by 06 February 2027, could place significant pressure on the Fijian Elections Office.

As an alternative, Unity Fiji proposed holding a simplified referendum containing no more than five fundamental constitutional questions alongside the general election.

These could cover immunity provisions, the national identity term “Fijian”, the proposed name iTaukei ni Vanua for the Indigenous community and the electoral system.

The party said the incoming Government could use the results to revise the proposed Constitution before conducting comprehensive grassroots consultations and holding a full referendum later in 2027.

It estimated that combining the simplified referendum with the general election could save taxpayers approximately $20 million (US$10 million) this year.

Unity Fiji also called for the election campaign to continue without interruption and for clear referendum rules covering campaign spending, equal media access and impartial voter information.

Narube warned against rushing the constitutional reform process.

“A Constitution adopted in haste will carry the same doubts about its legitimacy as the 2013 Constitution.”

Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) and The People’s Alliance party (PAP) are at odds over the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill 2026, with both parties questioning each other’s commitment to constitutional reform.

The dispute follows a statement by PAP general secretary Sila Balawa, who questioned SODELPA’s decision to withhold support for Bill 32 despite campaigning for constitutional change in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 general elections.

Balawa argued that the Coalition Government lacked the parliamentary numbers to amend the Constitution in its early years but now had the support needed to pass the Bill.

“SODELPA has a responsibility to explain to its supporters why it was opposing the Bill in its current form,” he said.

However, SODELPA has rejected PAP’s criticism, accusing the party of pushing a Cabinet-drafted Bill that failed to “adequately protect iTaukei interests” and “traditional institutions”.

In a statement, SODELPA said it would not support the Bill at its third reading in its current form, citing concerns over indigenous mineral rights, the Bose Levu Vakaturaga and immunity provisions.

The party also criticised provisions it said could allow Parliament’s term to be extended by up to 12 months during a national crisis.

“PAP now tries to justify its actions by claiming that bringing in eleven former FijiFirst MPs (G11) was the only way to meet parliamentary numbers under the Supreme Court’s ruling,” SODELPA said.

“This is a false narrative. Bringing in the G11 was a political choice by PAP, to try and undermine SODELPA’s influence in the Coalition Government.”

It also claimed that promises made when the coalition was formed, including an agreement concerning the Presidency, had not been fulfilled.

While PAP maintains that the numbers are now available to advance reform, SODELPA insists that parliamentary support alone does not make the proposed changes acceptable…..PACNEWS

FIJI – HEALTH: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Tue 27 Oct 2026

U.S, Fiji launch partnership to strengthen disease detection

SUVA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—The United States and Fiji have launched a new health security initiative to improve the early detection of infectious diseases and strengthen the country’s ability to respond to outbreaks.

U.S Chargé d’Affaires Christina Cavallo announced the launch of the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity on Monday, bringing together Fiji Government agencies and implementing partners to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory testing and emergency preparedness.

The initiative aims to help Fiji identify infectious disease threats earlier and respond before outbreaks spread, protecting communities in Fiji and the wider Pacific.

“This partnership — grounded in Fiji’s leadership and enhanced through American expertise — will detect infectious disease threats sooner, respond faster, and save lives,” Cavallo said.

Developed in consultation with Fiji’s health and agriculture leaders, laboratory scientists, surveillance teams and biosecurity officials, STRIDES will support improvements in the detection, prevention and management of infectious disease threats.

The programme will strengthen laboratory testing for human and animal diseases, improve the safe transportation of specimens, and enhance biosafety and biosecurity practices.

It will also provide training for laboratory and disease surveillance personnel, improve data sharing to support outbreak responses, and strengthen government-led preparedness and response systems.

The United States says the investment is intended to build Fiji’s long-term capacity to manage disease threats while supporting wider regional health security.

STRIDES is a global consortium led by FHI 360, with Black & Veatch and PATH as core partners.

The initiative forms part of the United States’ commitment to a secure, stable and resilient Indo-Pacific region and supports the US Government’s America First Global Health Strategy.

The strategy emphasises strengthening country-led health systems and addressing infectious disease threats before they spread across borders.

The U.S Embassy in Suva said it would continue working with Fiji Government leaders and implementing partners to advance shared health security priorities and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks.

The partnership is expected to build on Fiji’s existing institutions and expertise while improving its ability to detect and respond to infectious diseases that could threaten public health locally and across the Pacific….PACNEWS

NZ – DIPLOMACY: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 1: Tue 27 Oct 2026

Luxon responds to claims La’auli snubbed him, says Samoa treaty ‘not priority for us at this time’

WELLINGTON, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has denied he sought to update its principal bilateral agreement with Samoa, despite his Samoan counterpart reportedly claiming the opposite.

The Samoa Observer first reported on Friday that Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa (La’auli) Leuatea Schmidt had deferred talks with Luxon before New Zealand’s general election, scheduled for 7 November.

“Regarding the Treaty of Friendship that was being prepared, Luxon wanted me to go ahead and proceed with it, but I said no,” La’auli reportedly said.

However, Luxon told reporters Monday that no such conversation had taken place this year, nor had he sought any discussion with La’auli before the election.

“I’ve never asked about the Treaty, we may get to that but we’ll talk about it next year.

“That’s not a priority for us at this time,” he said.

He added he felt strongly about his friendship with Samoa, and wanted to deepen the connection.

“I’ve spoken to MFAT (Ministry of Foriegn Affairs and Trade) about it, and our view is that there is obviously some misreporting about it… we didn’t start any conversation about it this year.”

Luxon and La’auli met last at the Beehive in July. In a statement at the time, La’auli stated the two leaders discussed the treaty, and that he had been critical of it.

“La’aulialemalietoa noted that officials have begun identifying key issues and areas for future discussion, acknowledging that it has now been 64 years since the Treaty was signed,” it read.

“Both prime ministers acknowledged the value of considering how the Treaty can continue to reflect the realities and aspirations of the modern relationship, with further discussions expected following New Zealand’s upcoming general election.’

Last week, La’auli told a function in Apia – organised by former National Party MP and NZ-based businessman Arthur Anae – that a new proposal was close.

The Observer reported La’auli saying he had told Luxon “to wait until the (NZ) election is fully concluded and to see who the new Prime Minister is; only then will I have a ‘fair’ go at whoever will be newly elected.”

It is not the first time the two leaders have had crossed wires.

La’auli toldTalamua Media in March, after Luxon had visited Samoa, that the New Zealand government had requested a matai title for their leader – something Luxon denied…..PACNEWS

NZ – POLITICS: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 1: Tue 27 Oct 2026

Candidates push back on ACT’s plan to abolish ‘done nothing’ Pacific ministry

WELLINGTON, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)—ACT Party candidate Henrietta Devoe is standing by her call to abolish the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP), questioning whether it has delivered for Pasifika communities.

Devoe made the comments during last week’s Pacific Media Network (PMN) debate, which brought together Pasifika representatives from across the political parties.

Debate moderator PMN’s William Terite asked the candidates whether the MPP “should remain”.

Devoe was the only candidate to say it should not, arguing the ministry had failed to deliver for Pacific people.

“I’d just like to say I raised my kids in Ōtara, and honestly, what has it done for the people? Like, what has it done? Really? Nothing.

“The Ministry for Pacific Peoples has done nothing for Pacific Islanders,” Devoe said.

Devoe’s comments are not a new position for ACT, which has long-called for MPP to be abolished.

Back in 2023, ACT leader David Seymour controversially said he fantasised about sending a “guy called Guy Fawkes in there and it’d all be over, but we’ll probably have to have a more formal approach than that”.

But Devoe’s comments were rejected by several other candidates, who described them as “insulting”.

“I think that’s a really insulting thing to say,” Opportunities Party candidate Romeo Tevaga said. “In terms of the public servants who work at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, how do you think they achieve Language Weeks, which are really important to our identity, language and culture?”

“We’re not just any other population,” Green Party candidate Teanau Tuiono added.

Labour’s Jenny Salesa also pushed back.

“I absolutely disagree with [Devoe’s comments],” Salesa said.

‘I think that’s a really insulting thing to say. Very insulting. Why should we get rid of the ministry now when we have this many people?”

Devoe has since told RNZ Pacific that she stands by her comments, pointing to the experiences of her own whānau.

“My husband and I raised our children in Ōtara – our daughter was the first in our family to attend university gaining two degrees and is now a lawyer, while our son has completed his commerce degree and works fulltime,”” she said.

She said that reflected the “legacy that our Pacific families came to New Zealand for”.

“Risking everything to build a better life for generations to come. That’s the legacy that unlocks Pacific potential everywhere.

“I support ACT’s plan to abolish the Ministry for Pacific Peoples and build a smaller, accountable government. Health, education and housing agencies should meet people’s needs and deliver results.

“I’m tired of Pacific people being used as a political football or portrayed as needing more help than others. Do you know how insulting that is? That our kids supposedly need special treatment. Every community has needs”

She added that governments needed to offer support based on need rather than race.

“Every community has needs – the government should focus on need, not race. I don’t need a ministry in Wellington to tell me to be proud of my culture, and I certainly don’t need one telling me what my people are capable of achieving.”

The MPP said it would not respond to the views of individual political candidates, but said its work was directly guided by priorities identified by Pacific communities.

MPP secretary Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone said these included education, health, housing, economic development and Pacific languages.

“Our work is guided by the priorities our communities have consistently told us matter most: education, health, housing, economic development and Pacific languages, as outlined in our Delivering for Pacific Communities Strategy,” Clifford-Lidstone said…. PACNEWS

PACNEWS BIZ

FIJI – DIGITAL SKILLS: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS BIZ Tue 27 Oct 2026

Fiji opens Pacific digital skills hub, with Australia pledging $28 million

SUVA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—Fiji has opened a new digital skills hub at the University of the South Pacific(USP), aiming to train workers in artificial intelligence, networking and cybersecurity as the government seeks to position the country as a digital hub for the wider Pacific.

The facility, a partnership between Cisco, USP and Telecom Fiji, will connect to learning sites in Samoa and Vanuatu, extending its reach beyond the university campus.

Cisco country manager Jessica McFadden said the hub would give students and the wider community hands-on experience with network infrastructure, automated threat detection and collaboration technology.

“It is a bridge between academic potential and real-world opportunity,” McFadden said, adding that the Cisco Network Academy had supported more than 9,500 students in Fiji since its inception.

She said the facility would provide a pathway to industry-recognised certifications and workforce skills.

The opening comes as Fiji faces a gap between expanding digital connectivity and the skills needed to use and protect it.

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica said digital literacy stood at 48percent, while more than 85percent of Fijians used the internet. He said the government aimed to extend 5G coverage to half the population by 2030.

Kamikamica said cybersecurity risks, including ransomware, data theft, phishing, scams and business email fraud, were rising across the Pacific, with criminals using artificial intelligence to produce deepfakes and disinformation.

He said Fiji had strengths in its cybercrime legal framework but still faced gaps in awareness, standards and skills.

Fiji’s national strategy

Kamikamica described the hub as part of Fiji’s national digital and security plans, not simply a new campus facility. He said the government’s strategies ultimately raised the same question: “Do we have the people?”

He said Fiji had established a 24-hour government security operations centre and committed to a regional cybersecurity centre of excellence, while the country competed with overseas employers for skilled workers. “If we do not grow our own, we will not keep it,” he said.

The hub will focus on artificial intelligence, networking and cybersecurity. Kamikamica said the government was working toward 1,000 kilometres of domestic fibre, wider 5G coverage and satellite services for remote areas, requiring engineers across the islands.

He also tied digital skills to jobs and investment. Fiji’s business process outsourcing sector employed more than 8,000 people, he said, while the government’s strategy set an ambition of 40,000 digital-economy jobs and more than US$100 million dollar investment.

Kamikamica urged the hub’s leadership to reach students from rural, outer-island and maritime communities, and said access should include women, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.

He called on employers to hire and mentor graduates, and told the university and its partners to measure success by whether graduates were working and thriving.

“Treat it as the launching pad, not a classroom,” he told students. “The Pacific will need you. And Fiji will need you to build your future here.”

The government’s 2030 targets include putting 80percent of government services online, reaching 50percent 5G coverage and creating at least 40,000 digital jobs, Kamikamica said.

“Not one of those targets will be met without skilled people.”

Australia ties training to wider Fiji partnership

Roberts said Australia would commit $28 million (US$12.5 million) to support Fiji’s role as a regional digital economy leader, including technical and vocational education and training centres of excellence in Suva.

He said the effort would work with existing organisations rather than replace current training.

He also said a treaty signed in July by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka included an additional AUD$1.5 billion (US$1.05 billion) in resources for Fiji over 10 years. Roberts described the agreement as supporting Fiji’s regional role and bilateral ties.

Roberts said Fiji was becoming a digital hub for the Pacific, citing what he estimated were seven submarine cables entering and leaving the country….PACNEWS

FIJI – AIRLINE: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 27 Oct 2026

Air Vanuatu adds fifth twin otter to boost island connectivity

PORT VILA, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—Air Vanuatu has added a fifth Twin Otter aircraft to its fleet, strengthening the national carrier’s capacity to provide domestic air services across the island nation.

Air Vanuatu chairman Captain Robin Deamer arrived at Bauerfield International Airport on Monday with the aircraft after an eight-day ferry flight from Florida in the United States.

The journey involved more than 60 hours of flying and stops at five international airports.

Deamer travelled to the United States with a Vanuatu engineer to bring the aircraft home and ensure the delivery flight met the airline’s operational standards.

The aircraft was rebuilt and acquired from U.S-based Aviation Management Sales in Fort Pierce, Florida, to meet Air Vanuatu’s requirements for short-field operations in the island country.

The arrival increases the airline’s fleet to five Twin Otter aircraft and is expected to support more reliable and frequent connections between Vanuatu’s islands.

The aircraft is the second Twin Otter fully owned by the Vanuatu Government, following the arrival of Vanua Endeavour in January.

Together, the two government-owned aircraft represent an investment of VT1.2 billion(US$US$10.2 million.

The Government said the investment reflected its commitment to aviation as a key part of domestic connectivity, public service delivery and tourism development.

In a further boost to the airline’s fleet renewal plans, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister has announced that the process to acquire Vanuatu’s second ATR72-600 aircraft has begun, with delivery targeted for next year.

The Government and Air Vanuatu’s board thanked the public for its patience and support as efforts continue to rebuild a stronger, nationally owned airline…..PACNEWS

PAC – TOURISM INDUSTRY: PMN PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 27 Oct 2026

High airfares, finance struggles and extreme weather threaten Pacific tourism growth

SYDNEY, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (PMN)—Nearly half of Pacific tourism operators report increased revenue over the past year, but a new regional survey reveals serious challenges to sustaining that growth.

The Pacific Islands Export Survey 2026 identifies high airfares, difficulties accessing finance and extreme weather as three major pressures facing tourism businesses across the region.

The survey reveals 44 percent of operators identify limited international air connections and high flight costs as a major challenge, while more than half struggle to obtain finance.

Extreme weather is also taking its toll, with 65 percent reporting impacts on their businesses over the previous 12 months.

The report draws on responses from 121 tourism business decision-makers across the region and builds on earlier findings from the wider Pacific Islands Export Survey, reported by PMN News in July.

But despite the challenges outlined in the report, PTI Australia Trade Commissioner Tim Martin says the findings reveal opportunities for the sector.

“The report shows Pacific tourism operators are among the region’s most internationally connected exporters.

“They’re reaching customers through digital channels and generating revenue from markets that many other sectors are still working to access,” says Martin.

Limited international flights and expensive airfares are the most commonly identified barriers, cited by 44percent of respondents.

Another 40 percent identify high operating costs, including labour, transport, insurance and utilities.

These pressures are particularly significant for smaller tourism businesses, with 69percent of those surveyed employing 10 people or fewer.

Australia remains the most widely serviced international market, with 77 percent of respondents reporting Australian visitors, followed by New Zealand at 58percent and the United States at 55 percent.

Looking ahead, 72 percent identify Australia as a market they want to target for new business over the next three years.

Martin says limited flight connections and insufficient marketing support continue to constrain the industry’s potential.

Half of respondents want assistance marketing their businesses, while 44 percent want stronger promotion of Pacific destinations.

More than half of surveyed tourism operators report difficulty obtaining finance, 46 percent say they are unable to borrow, while others cite high interest rates, insufficient security and inflexible banks, limiting their ability to expand or recover from disruptions.

The survey also finds around 40 percent want better online sales capabilities and access to financial technology, including digital banking and payment systems.

Nearly two-thirds of surveyed Pacific tourism businesses were affected by extreme weather over the past year, with 52 percent of those impacted reporting operational disruptions, 36 percent damage and 35 percent increased costs.

Extreme rainfall and severe storms were the most common problems, while some operators also reported declining visitor numbers and temporary closures.

The findings predate the current 2026–2027 El Niño warnings, which have raised concerns about prolonged drought and water shortages across parts of the Pacific.

The report’s release coincides with a new memorandum of understanding between PTI Australia and SPTO that aims aims to strengthen cooperation on tourism development, investment, technology and international market access.

Despite the challenges, 47 percent of respondents report increased revenue over the previous year.

But confidence about future growth remains more cautious than in other Pacific export industries, with only 53 percent expecting revenue to increase over the next 12 months and nine percent anticipating a decline….PACNEWS

PNG – MINING: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 27 Oct 2026

PNG, China seal Frieda agreement

PORT MORESBY, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape on Wednesday witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Government and China’s state-owned enterprise, Guangdong Rising Holdings (GDRH).

It is a major step forward for the long-awaited Frieda River copper-gold and infrastructure initiative.

The agreement was signed by Minister for Mining Solen Loifa and GDRH chairman LV Yongzhong.

The GDRH is a state-owned enterprise from Guangdong, China, which holds controlling stake in the Frieda River project through its subsidiary, PanAust Limited.

Located in Telefomin, the project is one of the most significant resource developments planned for Papua New Guinea (PNG), combining a copper-gold mine with a large-scale hydroelectric power facility.

GDRH and PanAust have spent years managing the exploratory phases and building community relations and were now looking to refine the project’s scope to align with new regional road developments.

Marape welcomed the Chinese delegation to Port Moresby, noting that the agreement marked progress ahead of his trip to Shenzhen, China, for the Apec Leaders’ Summit.

“The people must see Frieda as a flagship of China-PNG partnership and mutual respect,” he said.

GDRH chairman LV Yongzhong reaffirmed the group’s long-term commitment to PNG.

“We have always regarded the Frieda River project as a flagship overseas project, a project that benefits local communities and a project of friendship,” he said.

“It was both a key platform for cooperation between China and PNG in the mineral resources sector and an important opportunity for us to demonstrate the responsibility of a Chinese enterprise while contributing to Papua New Guinea’s high-quality development”.

Chinese Ambassador to PNG Yang Xiaoguang said that Chinese corporate investors’ duty was to adhere strictly to regulatory and environmental benchmarks.

“The Chinese government has always demanded that Chinese citizens and enterprises abroad abide by the laws and regulations of the hosting countries and actually give back to the community,” he said.

“We hope the Frieda River project would follow PNG’s laws and regulations and implement them to the highest environmental standards.

“We hope it brings many benefits to Papua New Guinea and its people, including infrastructure, employment and royalties, while driving sustainable national growth and improving local livelihoods.”…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

From CBD COP1 to CBD COP17: Reflections on three decades of negotiations with Ambassador Ian Fry

YEREVAN, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (SPREP)—We’ve heard from the next generation of Pacific Islands negotiators at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Now, we turn to a negotiator with a rich history grounded in the CBD negotiations.

From attending the first four Conferences of the Parties (COPs) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) between 1994 and 1998 to participating in the 17th CBD COP this month, Ambassador Ian Fry is a familiar presence in the corridors of multilateral environmental negotiations.

Yet his role in the CBD COP began before then, while working for EcoFund, a small Non-Governmental Organisation in Australia that proposed a biodiversity convention submitting it to the IUCN General Assembly in 1990 recommending that Commission of Environmental Law draft a Convention for the Conservation of Biodiversity.

Following that Ambassador Fry participated in two Intergovernmental Negotiating Committees with colleagues to form the CBD. Now, over 20 years later, Ambassador Fry has returned to negotiate at the CBD COP17 for Tuvalu.

“It’s great to see the international community is working towards conserving biodiversity. Of course, as many know, the statistics aren’t that great as far as species are concerned – we’re seeing a dramatic loss so it’s critical that the international community is working together to address some of these issues,” said Ambassador Fry.

“Effective negotiations always requires a team, and both our Tuvalu and Pacific delegations are here working collectively to achieve the best for our region and island homes along with the international community.”

A member of the Tuvalu delegation, Ambassador Fry is part of a wider team working together to address both Tuvalu, and Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS) concerns at the CBD COP17. The Tuvalu delegation comprises both new and experienced members helping to build capacity and strengthen engagement. Tuvalu is working along the PSIDS delegations for a stronger Pacific voice across the many negotiation threads at COP17.

The Convention on Biological Diversity entered into force on 29 December 1993, which was 90 days after the 30th ratification with the first session of the Conference of the Parties was scheduled for 28 November – 9 December 1994 in the Bahamas.

CBD COP17 is now underway in Yerevan, Armenia. This is the first COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the first opportunity for a global assessment of progress as the world works towards halting, and reversing, the loss of biodiversity.

Originally a biologist, Ambassador Fry then moved to negotiate in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change for Tuvalu in 1997, the year the Kyoto Protocol was adopted at the UNFCCC COP3. He has been working with the Tuvalu government ever since.

With a lifetime of negotiations behind him, working as part of teams to strategise and coordinate engagement, Ambassador Fry has facilitated many negotiations trainings both in the Pacific and beyond – building Pacific islands capacity to engage at the table with over 190 governments at time for multi-lateral environment agreements – working to build a consensus that is also in favour of our Small Islands Developing States.

“For our Pacific negotiators there are many challenges. We have such small departments nationally; our negotiators must do their national activities as well as attend the negotiations. You’ve got to be very multi-skilled in this process,” he said.

“Another challenge I’ve also seen is that culturally, our young Pacific people remain quiet and listen to the older people letting them take the lead at home. That’s tradition. This challenge to overcome the social learning of your position in society is a real one we face when we’re before the global community – we’re representing our country in these negotiations; we learn to speak up.”

Also working with the Climate Youth Negotiators Program providing in-person training on negotiations Ambassador Fry has seen many young Pacific people build both capacity and experience, and rise to become confident, effective negotiators.

He commends Pepetaua Latasi, the Permanent Secretary of Tuvalu’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment as one of the Pacific Islands negotiators that he’s seen grow over the years.

“She was a junior officer working for government when I first started and now she’s a Permanent Secretary – she does a great job. Pepetua was the Chair of the Warsaw Mechanism on Loss and Damage and she’s chaired negotiations – I’m constantly in awe of her abilities,” he said.

“It’s been a privilege to see a few people go through the training, and the negotiations process to see where they are at now – the Permanent Secretary for Fiji’s Ministry for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael is another young Pacific Islander that’s a graduate of the CYP that is doing so well.”

Now working back in the CBD negotiations with his delegation, Ambassador Fry has noticed this is a more open process when it comes to the engagement of the civil society who submit their text proposals.

With week one completed the Pacific Islands delegations are gearing up for the second and final week of biodiversity negotiations. The week ahead is forecast to have continued late nights and long hours.

We featured young Pacific Islands delegates sharing their stories as first time negotiators in this CBD COP including Mr Aaron Puafitu Faaalo a fellow member of the Tuvalu delegation to share their advice for new negotiators.

We also asked Ambassador Fry for his advice for future negotiators having seen much over the years from the start of the CBD and his engagement in the first four CBD COP’s as well as his experience in the UNFCCC negotiations.

“Try to find someone who can help you understand the process, it’s a whole new world in these negotiations – there’s a language you have to learn and that’s just part of it,” he advised.

“You just have to experience it, and over time you’ll build up your confidence.”

The Seventeenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) is held in Yerevan, Armenia from 19 to 30 October 2026.

The Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu are Pacific Island Parties to the CBD. ….PACNEWS

For more information please visit: https://cop17yerevan.am/en

PACNEWS DIGEST

The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS

CBD COP17: Pacific call for support to continue invasive species eradication in islands

YEREVAN, 27 OCTOBER 2026 (SPREP)—Our Pacific Islands have success stories to tell when it comes to eradicating invasive species contributing to achieving Target 6 of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to reduce the introduction and impact of invasive alien species.

In Tonga a rat eradication programme spanning over a decade has resulted in the strong return of the Tongan Whistler, also known as the Hengehenga in the native lowland forest area of Mount Talau on Vava’u, Tonga.

The Marshall Islands has released the leucaena psyllid (Heteropsylla cubana), a tiny but mighty leaf-feeding insect, that naturally only targets leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) which is highly invasive there and Tuvalu has completed the successful eradication of invasive rats from four islets, namely, Sakalua, Motumua, Teafuone, and Tefatule, within the Nukufetau Atoll, as well as Tepuka and Falefatu.

The removal of invasive rats has already begun to benefit native seabirds, endangered green sea turtles, and the coconut agroforests that are vital to the livelihoods of communities on Nukufetau.

And in the Cook Islands rats were successfully eradicated from Palmerston Island resulting in improved fruit and vegetable production generation of native plants and the return and increased visibility of birds and other native species.

“We’re a large ocean space made up of 15 islands dispersed across a vast area of the Pacific Ocean. For us, invasive alien species are not simply an environment issue,” presented Ms Elizabeth Munro of the Cook Islands delegation as she presented during a special event on invasive species during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

“They affect our native biodiversity, food security, water livelihoods, community well-being and our resilience to climate change. Our experience has also taught us that alien species management cannot be separated from the people who live on our islands.”

The “Scaling up action on invasive alien species: the need to take a strategic approach to meet Target 6” special event was held on 23 October during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

While sharing our Pacific Islands wins in invasive species, the Pacific Small islands Developing States are also working to recognise regional networks of Small Islands Developing States such as the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS).

This is a collaboration of leading organisations supporting countries and communities to take action against invasive species threats, building resilience across Pacific Island ecosystems through six comprehensive programs.

“Our Pacific islands are calling for support for data, early detection and rapid response, emergency funding when it comes to addressing invasive species,” said Ambassador Amena Yauvoli, Director of Biodiversity Conservation of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

“Target 6 calls to reduce invasive alien species by at least 50percent by 2030, eradicating or controlling invasive alien species especially in priority sites, such as islands. While we have many success stories to share in this space, the battle against invasive species in our islands is an ongoing one.”

This was cemented by Ms Munro who shared the experience of Atiu, one of the 15 islands in the Cook Islands. A raise coral island the community undertook a long-term program to eradicate the Mynah bird which took over ten years to control and then eradicate. Atiu was finally declared free of Mynah birds in 2024. In doing this, the island community was prepared for possible ecological consequences. They were informed that removing the mynah bird could result in changes in other invasive species populations.

Ultimately the removal of the mynah bird saw an increase in the flatmoth and stick insect which affected coconut trees across the whole island. This eventually levelled off with the introduction of biological controls.

“This experience highlighted the important of understanding ecological relationships, anticipating unintended impacts and maintaining monitoring after the eradication,” said Ms Munro.

“For the Cook Islands, implementing Target 6 means moving beyond individual eradication projects towards integrated community-led invasive species management to protect biodiversity and support our peoples livelihoods. I urge those with available funds to support the initiative for rapid access to appropriate emergency funds for islands so we can continue to rapidly eradicate invasive alien species.”

Negotiations continue for the second week ahead.

The Seventeenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) is held in Yerevan, Armenia from 19 to 30 October 2026…..PACNEWS

For more information please visit: https://cop17yerevan.am/en and for more information on Target 6 please visit: https://www.cbd.int/invasive/target6IAS