Regional law enforcement initiative launched amid rising maritime crimes in the Pacific

The United States and the Pacific island states have rolled out a regional initiative to boost maritime patrol and curb criminal activities around the region, which has gained notoriety as a “drug highway.” The

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French Polynesia’s Moetai Brotherson on New Caledonia, deep sea mining and regional ties

As French diplomats worked the corridors at last week’s 53rd Pacific Islands Forum in Nuku’alofa, President of French Polynesia Moetai Brotherson has criticised decisions taken by President Emmanuel Macron that have

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Opinion: Not merely ‘exploration’: PNG deep-sea mining riles critics & surprises officials

A deep-sea mining operation that recently took place off the coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has raised alarm bells for environmentalists and called into question the validity of the country’s moratorium on such

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Cook Islands PM urges Pacific unity on deep-sea mining as leaders gear up for crucial talks

Cook Islands Prime Minister and former chair of the Forum, Mark Brown is urging Pacific Island leaders to come together on a collective stance on deep-sea mining, ahead of a key talanoa session set for next month. The

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Forum island nations prepare for global oceans conference

As the oceans face devastating change from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, Pacific governments are preparing for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, to be held in France in June

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French Special Envoy urges Pacific preparation for UN Ocean conference

An international conference about ocean protection is incomplete without the voices of the Pacific region, says Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Ambassador in charge of Poles and Maritime issues, Special Envoy of the French

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Opinion: Small-Scale Fishers facing Large-Scale Challenges at WTO

A decision whether to conclude negotiations that prohibit subsidies that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity is happening next week at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The WTO General Council meeting follows

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Green Climate Fund approves US$23.92 million for Tonga Coastal Resilience Project

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board has approved a US$22.66 million grant for Tonga’s Coastal Resilience Project, supplemented by US$1.2 million in co-financing from the Government of Tonga and US$63,000 from the UN

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Pacific nations stand firm on fisheries and oceans protection

For Pacific Island nations, marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management are crucial because the health of ocean resources deeply influences their economies and livelihoods. In recent times, contrasting

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Opinion: Most plastics are made from fossil fuels and end up in the ocean, but marine microbes can’t degrade them

Marine plastic pollution is a massive environmental issue, with a plastic smog of an estimated 170 trillion particles afloat in the world’s oceans. This highlights how urgently we need to develop strategies to

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Opinion: Private sector can play a vital role in tackling plastic tsunami

The Pacific Islands, among the most picturesque yet vulnerable regions in the world, are facing an escalating crisis: plastic pollution. The initiation of a global plastics treaty, underpinned by initiatives such as the

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