In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Pacific cannot ‘arrest’ its way out of organised crime, says NZ Customs Minister
2. FIJI — Fiji Police seize nearly $10m in drug-linked assets and unexplained wealth
3. PALAU — Palau company eyes more solar installations in other island states
4. PACIFIC — Pacific Media Summit set for Savusavu in 2026
5. TONGA — Tonga Media Association pushes for Complaints Council after PM Meeting
6. NZ — Stalking now a crime: Pacific families warned not to overlook the ‘warning signs’
7. PACNEWS BIZ — Guam ratepayers face power bill hike
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Removal of derelict vessels on track: Fiji Environment Minister
9. PACNEWS BIZ — ABG holds historic “Tampa Ungko” customary ceremony to mark unity of Panguna landowners and launch of drilling programme
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Palau Tourism shows nosign of slowdown despite Iran conflict, April arrivals surge 38 percent
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — EU-Funded ClimSA hands over USD$695,000 Climate Services package to Samoa Met
PAC – ORGANISED CRIME: PMN PACNEWS 3: Wed 27 May 2026
Pacific cannot ‘arrest’ its way out of organised crime, says NZ Customs Minister
WELLINGTON, 27 MAY 2026 (PMN)—Economic development and stronger borders must all be part of the region’s response to transnational crime, according to New Zealand’s Customs Minister.
Casey Costello, who is also the Associate Police Minister, says Pacific nations cannot arrest their way out of the organised crime threat facing the region.
She recently attended the inaugural Pacific Transnational Crime Summit in Fiji involving Police ministers, commissioners and officials discussing drug trafficking, human trafficking and organised crime.
She says the summit showed a shared understanding that the Pacific needs more than police enforcement to stop organised crime groups gaining ground.
“This is not something we’re going to arrest our way out of,” Costello told Pacific Mornings. “This is about better legislation, better supports, better interventions, strengthening our borders, all of those components.”
Costello says New Zealand’s message to the summit was that organised crime must be tackled across government agencies, not only by police.
She says health, immigration, customs, revenue collection and the justice system all need to work together. “All of these things have to work together to be effective,” she said.
The summit was held amid growing concern about the Pacific being used as a transit point for illicit drugs, as well as the risk of organised crime becoming more embedded in local communities.
Costello said Fiji was open about the consequences it is already facing, including drug-related health issues and HIV concerns.
“We know Fiji, and it was pretty impressive that Fiji talked about their issues, talked about the HIV challenges,” she says. “They were really open to saying, look, this is what it looks like when it goes wrong.”
But Costello said the region still has time to act and “turn the corner” on it. She says economic development also has to be part of the Pacific’s security response.
Costello says organised crime money can exploit people and communities under financial pressure.
“When you have economies that are really struggling, where you have people who are financially really vulnerable, therefore the idea of corruption has to be discussed because we’re talking about a lot of money that can be very distracting,” she said.
She said strengthening Pacific economies is one way to reduce that vulnerability.
“The economic development across the Pacific will be a crucial tool to combating this environment,” Costello said.
“So we’re not always talking about the negative. What are the positives we can deliver to support the Pacific?”
New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, who also attended the summit, says organised crime is not only a Pacific problem, but a global one.
He said criminal networks will exploit communities wherever they see an opportunity.
“Organised criminal networks will take any opportunity to exploit our countries and our communities,” Chambers says. “Organised crime undermines the integrity and values of our countries.”
Chambers said drugs are only one part of the threat.
He said organised crime groups also target human trafficking, firearms, crimes against children, pollution, wildlife, fisheries and minerals.
“They’ll target anything that’s going to make them a dollar,” he said.
Chambers said New Zealand is helping move the response closer to the source of the drug trade.
He says New Zealand Police is establishing a post in Bogota, Colombia, and supporting an international joint investigation team based there.
The work is being done with New Zealand Customs, Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force….PACNEWS
FIJI – DRUGS FIGHT: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 3: Wed 27 May 2026
Fiji Police seize nearly $10m in drug-linked assets and unexplained wealth
SUVA, 27 MAY 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The Fiji Police Force seized almost $10 million(US$5 million) worth of proceeds of crime and unexplained wealth in 2025 as authorities target assets linked to criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade.
The crackdown comes as Police intensify operations to identify and disrupt financing channels used by drug syndicates operating in Fiji.
This masthead understands that other known persons of interest are on police radar.
Speaking at the Pacific Transnational Crime Summit at the Marriott Resort in Nadi last week, Assistant Superintendent of Police and head of the Transnational Crime Unit, Savenaca Tuivaga, said authorities were focusing on confiscating assets linked to criminal activity.
“What we’re doing now is targeting the assets, the properties of these perpetrators … in terms of seizure and confiscation of the assets,” he said.
Figures released to this masthead show Police seized $435,206.43 (US$217,603) in cash, properties valued at $9.27 million (US$4.63 million), and vehicles worth $110,000 (US$55,000) last year.
Some of the seized assets and properties were linked to jailed Australian national Sam Amine, and Imran Khan, also known as King Khan.
Amine was linked to the trafficking of methamphetamine worth an estimated $2 billion (US41 billion) seized in Legalega in 2024.
Court records connect him to properties and businesses valued at $8.8 million (US$4.4 million), allegedly tied to the transnational trafficking of 4.15 tonnes of methamphetamine in Nadi.
Last month, Police investigators, the K9 Unit and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces conducted a search at Khan’s property in Nasinu and at properties linked to his relatives.
Responding to a question on how Police were adapting to organised crime groups that continually changed their methods of operation, Tuivaga said investigators had expanded into specialist areas such as forensic accounting and digital forensics.
Tuivaga said partnerships between Police agencies across the Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand and other international partners, also ensured the timely sharing of intelligence…. PACNEWS
PALAU – SOLAR PROJECT: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Wed 27 May 2026
First solar project in Angaur completed; Palau company eyes more installations in other island states
KOROR, 27 MAY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—Palau Solar Corp. has completed its first solar panel installation at the governor’s house on Angaur Island, with more installations set to follow this year as the nation seeks to pick up speed on its shift to green energy.
The Angaur project, funded through Palau Solar’s strategic partnership with the National Development Bank of Palau, is part of the national initiative to expand solar installations beyond Koror.
“The National Development Bank of Palau shares our vision of an energy-independent Palau,” said Greg Decherong, honorary president of Palau Solar, headquarted in Airai State.
The national bank offers competitive, accessible loan products to finance residential and commercial customers, while Palau Solar provides the material and installations throughout the Pacific nation, which has set a goal is to have 100 percent renewable capacity by 2050.
“Their financing programme allows us to deploy installations, keeping costs manageable for customers. Together, we are proving that solar is not only clean but financially smart,” Decherong said.
Like all other small island states, Palau is seeking to reduce its dependence on fossil fuel.
In July 2023, officials announced that Palau reached the first 20 percent of its renewable energy goal when the Solar Pacific Energy Corp. connected to the Palau Public Utilities Corp.’s power grid.
Palau Solar said the Angaur project, collaborated with the state government, is particularly important considering that outer island residents face some of the highest energy costs and most unreliable electric supply.
“Getting solar panels over to the island was challenging, but is helping ensure that all Palauans can enjoy cleaner, greener and cheaper energy,” Palau Solar said in a press release.
Palau Solar plans to continue its phased expansion to other states throughout the remainder of the year, and have also recently launched solar hot water systems for homes and businesses.
On Tuesday, Palau Solar hosted a community event in Ngeremlengui State to educate residents on the benefits of solar power, demonstrate available financing through NDBP, and sign up interested homeowners for site assessments and installations.
“Whether you live in Koror, Angaur, or Ngeremlengui, you deserve access to affordable, reliable electricity. Palau Solar is delivering to every corner of the nation,” said Ross Waddington, CEO of Palau Solar.
Palau’s power rates soared in recent months due to the ongoing U.S-Iran conflict.
“Solar offers a way out. Once installed, systems lock in lower energy costs and insulate families from volatile global fuel markets,” Palau Solar said.
Once the solar loan is repaid, customers enjoy free energy from their panels, outside of PPUC’s grid connection charges. The option to add battery storage means the captured energy can be used night and day,” it added…. PACNEWS
PAC – PINA SUMMIT: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 27 May 2026
Pacific Media Summit set for Savusavu in 2026
SUVA, 27 MAY 2026 (PACNEWS)—The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) and the Fijian Media Association (FMA) have announced that the 8th Pacific Media Summit will be held in Savusavu, Fiji, from 21–25 September 2026.
PINA President Kalafi Moala said the summit will bring together media professionals, editors, broadcasters, digital innovators, development partners and policymakers from across the Pacific and beyond.
Held under the theme, “Reaching the Remote: Media and Digital Innovation for a Connected Blue Pacific,” the summit is expected to attract between 150 and 200 delegates.
“The Pacific Media Summit, hosted by the Fijian Media Association (FMA) is the region’s premier biennial gathering of media professionals, bringing together journalists, editors, broadcasters, media leaders, digital innovators, development partners, and policymakers from across the Blue Pacific and beyond,” the PINA statement said.
According to PINA, discussions will focus on improving media access in remote communities, digital transformation, collaboration among Pacific media organisations, and challenges facing independent media, including misinformation and sustainability.
The Summit will provide a platform to:
• Explore innovative approaches to reaching remote and outer island communities.
• Share best practices in digital transformation and mobile journalism.
• Strengthen collaboration across Pacific media organisations.
• Address emerging challenges, including misinformation and the sustainability of independent media.
Kalafi said the summit is aimed at strengthening regional dialogue and advancing “a more connected, informed, and resilient Pacific.”
Further details on registration, programme and logistics are expected to be released in the coming weeks….PACNEWS
TONGA – MEDIA: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 27 May 2026
Tonga Media Association pushes for Complaints Council after PM meeting
NUKU’ALOFA, 27 MAY 2026 (PACNEWS)—The Media Association of Tonga (MAT) has raised plans for a Media Complaints Council and stronger media standards during a meeting with Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua last Friday.
A meet and greet was held between the Prime Minister and the new MAT Executive President Katalina Tohi, attended by vice president Ramanlal Vallabh, Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) coordinator for Tonga Taina Kami Enoka, and Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet Paula Ma’u.
Among the issues discussed were the possible establishment of a Media Complaints Council, a Code of Ethics, Press Clubs and the potential use of a monitor during press conferences.
Meanwhile, MAT is also looking to strengthen its operations and media engagement efforts with the recruitment of an Office Coordinator.
According to the association, the Coordinator “will support the day-to-day operations of MAT and work closely with the Executive Committee to strengthen media engagement, member coordination, and organisational development.”
The position includes a two-month probation period and requires the successful applicant to work three times a week.
Key responsibilities include managing banking processes, financial records and cash acquittals, assisting with donor proposals and funding applications, writing activity and donor reports, coordinating press clubs and media activities, and supporting Women in Media initiatives.
The Coordinator will also liaise with stakeholders, partners and development agencies, communicate regularly with MAT members about training and opportunities, support meetings and workshops, and maintain administrative and membership records.
MAT said applicants should have strong organisational and communication skills, experience in administration or project management, report writing and financial administration experience, and confidence engaging with stakeholders and partners.
Knowledge of media, journalism, communications or civil society sectors will be considered an advantage…..PACNEWS
NZ – CRIME: PMN PACNEWS 3: Wed 27 May 2026
Stalking now a crime: Pacific families warned not to overlook the ‘warning signs’
WELLINGTON, 27 MAY 2026 (PMN)—Pacific communities are being warned that harmful stalking behaviours can go unrecognised and normalised, as New Zealand’s new anti-stalking law officially begins today (Tuesday).
Stalking became a criminal offence in Aotearoa and carries a maximum prison sentence of five years.
The new law targets people who follow or contact someone repeatedly, track them, damage their property, publish private information, or act in a way that causes fear or distress.
But a Pacific family violence advocate says the legal changes will only work if our people know how to identify the problem before it turns deadly.
Alofimua Genevieve Sang-Yum from Weave Family Solutions says many stalking acts are overlooked because they don’t look like what people expect.
“It’s constant messaging, phone calls and love bombing,” she told PMN News. “The emotions an abuser presents, such as crying over the phone or getting family members to contact someone on their behalf, can be easily missed by victims.”
She said some Pacific victims may struggle to identify what is happening to them, particularly because stalking often appears through a series of smaller acts that can cause psychological harm.
“A lot of stalking can happen on social media. It might be puncturing of a victim’s tyre, or when a victim walks into a room and notices things have been moved, yet no one is supposed to be in there.”
Under the new law, stalking is defined as a pattern of behaviour where an offender knows their actions would cause fear. The law also requires at least two incidents to happen within two years.
Alofimua says some behaviours become so embedded within family environments that victims no longer see them as harmful. She also raised concerns about support for Pacific people living with disabilities.
“Many of the clients that I’ve worked with have normalised the behaviour and would assume that that’s just the way that things work, that’s the culture in their home,” she says.
“We have a large number of disabled victims who are experiencing family violence and stalking is one of the common behaviours that we pick up and identify from our clients.”
The push for stronger stalking laws gained attention after 21-year-old law student Farzana Yaqubi was murdered in 2022, after years of reported harassment and stalking raised questions about whether warning signs were recognised early enough.
Casey Costello, Associate Police Minister, welcomes the new law and says it will help bring justice for victims of stalking.
“It really is malicious,” she told Pacific Mornings. “It’s really hard to explain, unless you’ve been through it, how traumatising it is. It’s extended the scope of what would be classified as stalking, and the interventions are a lot stronger.”
Paul Goldsmith, Justice Minister, says the law sends a “very clear message” that stalking behaviour will no longer go unchecked.
“Stalking and harassment are vicious, sinister and can be deadly,” he says in a statement.
Under the legislation, stalking is defined as a pattern of behaviour where an offender knows their actions were likely to cause fear or distress. The law requires two specified acts to occur within two years.
Alofimua says the next challenge is ensuring communities know where and how to seek help.
“There needs to be more community engagement. We need agencies out there, and maybe workshops to support our community so that they understand.”
Advocates say that while the new five-year prison penalty is a strong tool, the real safety comes from Pacific families being able to name the behaviour and feeling safe enough to ask for help….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
GUAM – POWER BILL HIKE: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 27 May 2026
Guam ratepayers face power bill hike
HAGATNA, 27 MAY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —The Guam Power Authority’s (GPA) proposal for a fuel recovery surcharge increase is now with the Public Utilities Commission for final action following the Consolidated Commission on Utilities’ approval on Tuesday.
If approved, the average residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hour a month, would see a US$58 increase to their monthly bill effective 01 July .
GPA is seeking to raise the fuel recovery surcharge, also known as levelised energy adjustment clause, from approximately US13.6 cents to US19.4 cents per kilowatt-hour, an increase of approximately US5.8 cents per kilowatt-hour.
GPA noted that regional fuel costs continue to place pressure on Guam utilities.
“We understand that customers are concerned about any increase to their monthly bills,” said John Benavente, GPA general manager.
“This recommendation is not intended to recover the full projected fuel under-recovery at once. It is intended to keep
that balance from growing while helping ensure GPA can continue purchasing fuel and spread fuel cost impacts over
time, rather than asking customers to absorb a larger increase all at once,” he added.
GPA said that even with the proposed adjustment, the combined base and fuel surcharge rates would remain among the lowest rates in the region based on GPA’s regional rate comparison chart.
GPA expects approximately US$27 million in fuel under-recovery by June 30. Fuel under-recovery occurs when the LEAC collected from customers is not enough to cover the actual fuel costs incurred to generate electricity.
Fuel shipment costs have increased sharply in recent months. GPA’s March fuel shipment was approximately US$26 million, while the April shipment increased to approximately US$54 million.
GPA is also anticipating elevated pricing for its next fuel shipment at approximately $168 per barrel, or about US$44 million, continuing pressure on fuel recovery and cash flow.
GPA noted that the LEAC is not a profit charge and does not pay for payroll, debt service, capital projects, or general operations. The LEAC is the mechanism used to recover the actual cost of fuel needed to generate electricity for customers, it added….PACNEWS
FIJI – DERELICT VESSELS: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 27 May 2026
Removal of derelict vessels on track: Fiji Environment Minister
SUVA, 27 MAY 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Seven derelict vessels have been removed from the Suva Harbour in 2026.
Environment Minister Lynda Tabuya said this was part of the 44 derelict vessels identified by the Joint Maritime Enforcement Committee in 2024.
“To date the official list of derelict vessels in the Suva Harbour has reduced from 44 vessels in 2024 to 24 vessels,” she said.
“In 2025, 13 vessels were removed and since January this year, seven further vessels have been removed.
“This includes six vessels restored to operational status and removed from Suva Ports limits and one vessel safely scuttled at the approved coordinates provided by MSAF (Marine Safety Authority of Fiji).”
Tabuya said for the vessels to be removed, an Environment Impact Assessment must be carried out which the owners of each vessel must apply for.
She said derelict vessels off the coast of Mosquito Island were yet to be screened under the EIA process.
“In order for derelict vessels to be removed, it needs to be done by the owner first – to apply for that same process, that is, an EIA screening application, which we have not received for (Mosquito Island) vessels either.
“Of course, MSAF or even Fiji Ports need to discuss it between themselves as to who is responsible to issue the removal order, and then we will be able to do our job.
Meanwhile, Tabuya said legal action is an avenue the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji could pursue against owners of derelict vessels.
She was responding to Opposition Member Faiyaz Koya who asked why the matter of a 10-year-old grounded vessel in Levuka has not been taken to court. “It could go to court, but again the primary authority of areas outside of Fiji Ports’ jurisdiction is MSAF,” she said.
“So, it would be for MSAF to take the owners to court, not the Department of Environment.
“We will only act under the Environmental Management Act when a process has been initiated, and that is an EIA screening application…. PACNEWS
B/VILLE – DRILLING: ABG GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 27 May 2026
ABG holds historic “Tampa Ungko” customary ceremony to mark unity of Panguna Landowners and launch of drilling programme
BUKA, 27 MAY 2026 (ABG GOVT)—The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Tuesday marked a historic milestone in Panguna through a small but highly significant customary ceremony known as “Tampa Ungko”, held in Panguna to publicly acknowledge and affirm the unification of the five major Panguna landowner clans in support of the ongoing Panguna redevelopment process.
The ceremony was led by the President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Minister for Mining, Ishmael Toroama,
As part of the customary process, the ABG presented live pigs to each of the five Panguna landowner clans as a goodwill gesture of respect, unity, and recognition of the customary landowners’ authority over Panguna land. The ceremony also acknowledged and honoured those who lost their lives during the Bougainville conflict and the sacrifices made by the people of Panguna and Bougainville.
During the ceremony, Central Bougainville Veterans pledged their continued support to the ABG and Panguna landowners in progressing the Panguna redevelopment process in a peaceful, respectful, and orderly manner.
The Panguna Landowner Interim Council (PLIC) responded positively during the ceremony and reaffirmed its commitment to work together with the ABG, BCL, and LMEL to progress Panguna redevelopment while continuing the consultative process to address landowner issues and concerns.
Landowner representatives called on individuals and groups to stop politicising and manipulating the sensitive Panguna issue on social media. They appealed to aggrieved individual landowners and splinter groups to come forward through the recognised Panguna landowner representative structures and ongoing dialogue process instead of creating division and refusing engagement.
Representatives of the five clans publicly declared during the ceremony that the five Panguna clans are together as one united voice in support of the ABG President and the redevelopment of Panguna for the future benefit of Bougainville.
The landowners stated that through the “Tampa Ungko” ceremony they are symbolically and publicly opening Panguna under unity and reconciliation. They further declared that the ceremony signals the unification of the five clans and reflects the combined position of the customary landowners regarding Panguna’s future.
Landowner representatives also called upon persons currently carrying out unauthorized mining within the Panguna pit area to vacate the area out of respect for the united position now publicly demonstrated by the five customary landowner clans.
The customary ceremony also coincided with the official launching of the Panguna EL01 drilling programme by President Toroama, marking the return of active drilling operations to Panguna for the first time in 37 years since the Bougainville conflict commenced in 1989. Drilling activities under the Panguna EL01 work programme will subsequently commence following completion of the customary program and associated operational preparations.
The presence of an operating drill rig in Panguna during the ceremony was described by leaders and landowners alike as historic and deeply symbolic of a new chapter for Panguna and Bougainville.
The ABG reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the Panguna process continues in accordance with the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, ongoing stakeholder consultations, and respect for customary authority, peace, unity, and inclusive dialogue…PACNEWS
PALAU – TOURISM INDUSTRY: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 27 May 2026
Palau Tourism shows nosign of slowdown despite Iran conflict, April arrivals surge 38 percent
KOROR, 27 MAY 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) —- Visitor arrivals to Palau continued to climb steadily through April 2026, with tourism data showing no visible signs of weakening demand despite global concerns over rising fuel prices and market uncertainty linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
According to the April 2026 arrivals summary report, Palau recorded 31,886 visitors during the first four months of 2026, up 38 percent from 23,167 arrivals during the same period in 2025.
The figures indicate sustained momentum across nearly all major tourism markets and suggest that international travel demand to Palau has remained resilient.
Monthly arrivals throughout 2026 consistently outperformed 2025 levels, with January arrivals increasing 13 percent, February rising 79 percent, March up 29 percent, and April climbing 38% year over year.
April arrivals totaled 7,507 visitors, slightly above March’s 7,360 arrivals, signaling that demand continues to hold steady rather than weaken.
The report noted that if the Iran conflict had significantly disrupted global travel sentiment, fuel costs or air connectivity, flattening or declining arrivals would likely have appeared in long-haul markets. Instead, Palau continued to post broad-based gains across Asia, North America and parts of Europe.
China remained Palau’s largest source market during the January-April period, accounting for 35 percent of all arrivals with 11,268 visitors, up 53 percent from the same period last year.
Taiwan followed with 4,964 visitors, an increase of 10 percent, while Japan posted one of the strongest rebounds, rising 71 percent to 4,903 arrivals.
South Korea more than doubled its visitor numbers from 375 to 764 arrivals, while Australia recorded a 75 percent increase to 1,601 visitors.
The United States and Canada market also continued to grow, increasing 13 percent to 4,005 visitors, while Europe rose 19 percent overall to 2,548 arrivals despite a slight dip in April alone.
April 2026 data showed particularly strong gains from Japan, which rose from 476 visitors in April 2025 to 1,122 this year. China also increased sharply from 1,605 to 2,376 visitors during the same period.
Taiwan arrivals rose from 1,105 to 1,380, while arrivals from Australia increased from 342 to 410 visitors.
Europe was the only region showing a modest softening in April, declining slightly from 758 visitors in April 2025 to 696 this year. However, the report said those declines were offset by stronger East Asian and regional markets.
Fiscal year data also reflected sustained tourism recovery. From October 2025 through April 2026, Palau recorded 52,668 arrivals — approaching the entire previous fiscal year total of 65,558 arrivals with five months still remaining in the current fiscal year.
Every month of fiscal year 2026 has exceeded the corresponding month in fiscal year 2025, a pattern the report attributed more to expanded airline capacity and continuing post-pandemic recovery than to any negative external economic shock.
Officials said the diversified nature of Palau’s visitor markets appears to have helped cushion the country from geopolitical disruptions affecting other global destinations.
The report concluded that current arrival trends show continuity and strengthening demand rather than any visible downturn linked to the Iran conflict or volatility in global fuel markets…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
EU-Funded ClimSA hands over USD$695,000 Climate Services package to Samoa Met
APIA, 27 MAY 2026 (SPREP)— Samoa’s ability to monitor weather, track climate trends, and warn communities of approaching hazards received a significant upgrade during Samoa’s National Environment Week, with the formal handover of a comprehensive package of climate and meteorological assets funded by the European Union under the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Programme, implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
The handover ceremony was held at the Samoa Meteorological Division in Apia and was officiated by the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Ale Vena Ale, Nereo Penalver Garcia, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation for the Pacific and the SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra.
Also present were the Chief Executive Officer and Assistant Chief Executive Officers of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, representatives of the Government of Samoa, development partners, and staff of the Samoa Meteorological Division.
More than 200 students participated in the event, which included guided tours of the Meteorological Division’s forecasting and observation facilities, live demonstrations of the new weather stations and monitoring technology, and a shared lunch.
During the official handover, Garcia explained “The European Union’s investment in climate services across the Pacific is driven by evidence.
The cost of climate-related disasters in this region is documented and growing. In 2012, Tropical Cyclone Evan caused damage exceeding USD$210 million in Samoa, equivalent to roughly 30 percent of GDP.”
“The EU’s approach to climate resilience is anchored in a simple principle: better data leads to better decisions, and better decisions save lives,” said Garcia.
The investment package from ClimSA, valued at approximately USD$695,000.00, included the installation of four new Automatic Weather Stations, with another three currently being set up to extend nationwide coverage. These high-tech stations automatically collect and transmit real-time data on rainfall, temperature, wind speed and direction, humidity, and atmospheric pressure directly to the Samoa Meteorological Division, improving the accuracy and speed of local forecasts and severe weather warnings.
The handover also included the rehabilitation of ten existing weather stations through new sensors and automated rain gauges, the deployment of smart mooring buoys for ocean and marine monitoring, the establishment of a climate and weather mobile application for public access, the installation of a public information billboard, and the provision of a dedicated maintenance vehicle to support the long-term operational sustainability of the assets.
Samoa is already experiencing the effects of a changing climate: hotter days and nights, heavier and more unpredictable rainfall, rising sea levels, and increased coastal flooding and erosion. These conditions threaten agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, community health, and the daily lives of families across the country.
Seventy percent of Samoa’s population lives within one kilometre of the coast, and 80 percent of the country’s 403-kilometre coastline is rated sensitive or highly sensitive to erosion, flooding, and landslides. The annual average fiscal cost of natural disasters in Samoa is estimated at around 1.5 percent of GDP, which is approximately USD$10 million every year.
Receiving the support package on behalf of the Government of Samoa, Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Ale Vena Ale said, “Today marks another milestone in Samoa’s efforts to improve its meteorological services and ensure that the delivery of early warnings reach the most vulnerable members of our nation. On behalf of the Samoan Government, I extend our sincere appreciation to the European Union for the substantial package of support to Samoa through the Samoa Met Division.”
For everyday Samoans, the benefits of the new infrastructure are direct and immediate, meaning more reliable weather forecasts for fishers heading out to sea, earlier warnings that give families more time to prepare for cyclones, and stronger planning data for villages, businesses, and government agencies.
Beyond the hardware, the ClimSA Programme has also invested in building the human and institutional capacity of the Samoa Meteorological Division. Over the past three years, the programme has supported continuous National Climate Outlook Forums that bring climate scientists together with sectors including agriculture, fisheries, water, health, disaster management, and infrastructure planning. It has also funded specialised meteorological training for staff, data rescue and digitisation of Samoa’s historical climate records, and postgraduate scholarship support to strengthen national climate leadership.
Funded through the European Union under the Intra-ACP ClimSA Programme and implemented by SPREP, the investments are part of a broader regional drive to help Pacific Island nations improve the delivery of climate services and early warning systems.
“Today’s handover demonstrates the value of regional cooperation, donor partnership, and Pacific-led implementation,” said SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra.
“SPREP remains committed to continuing its partnership with Samoa through ongoing regional initiatives and future investments aimed at strengthening forecasting capability, early warning systems, and climate resilience.”…PACNEWS
For more information, contact: Patricia Mallam, patriciam@sprep.org
