AGP Executive Report

Coral Reef Funding Boost: Samoa Reef Resilience Hub has awarded 16 grants to 14 community groups plus the Samoa Voyaging Society and the National University of Samoa, backing a ridge-to-reef approach to protect and restore coral and coastal ecosystems. Village Fisheries Take the Lead: Fifteen villages launched Village Fisheries Management Plans under the Kiwa RESTORE Project, with monitoring gear to help protect fish reserves, improve rules, and strengthen food security and climate resilience. Fisheries Enforcement at Sea: A Samoan fisheries officer joined the Forum Fisheries Agency’s Tui Moana maritime surveillance operation, supporting regional action against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Climate-Linked Tuna Planning: Pacific countries are developing an Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven shifts in tuna, aiming to protect livelihoods as skipjack moves beyond national waters. Water Security Planning: Samoa’s water utility is leaning on long-term asset management to keep pumps, pipelines and treatment systems running despite funding gaps and climate pressures. Fuel Supply Update: Samoa’s Disaster Advisory Committee reports remaining fuel stocks with conservation measures to reduce consumption while imports are scheduled.

Coral Conservation Funding: Samoa Reef Resilience Hub has awarded 16 grants to 14 community groups plus the Samoa Voyaging Society and the National University of Samoa, backing a ridge-to-reef push to protect and restore coral and coastal ecosystems. Village Fisheries Management: Fifteen villages launched Village Fisheries Management Plans under the Kiwa RESTORE Project, with monitoring equipment to help communities protect marine resources, support food security, and build climate resilience. Regional Tuna Preparedness: Pacific countries are developing an Advanced Warning System to track climate-driven shifts in tuna, aiming to protect fisheries income and livelihoods as stocks move beyond national waters. Water Security Planning: Samoa’s water utility is leaning on long-term asset management to keep pumps, pipelines and treatment systems running despite funding gaps and climate pressures. Fuel Supply Update: Samoa’s Disaster Advisory Committee says reserves remain steady for months, with conservation steps to reduce government fuel use while imports continue. Community Action on Drugs: In Faleula, a village campaign used signs, music and public messaging to urge youth to avoid meth and keep the community drug-free. Governance Watch: A Sunday Samoan editorial raises concerns about tensions involving Samoa’s Land and Titles Court and the Minister of Justice, calling for clearer accountability. Sports & Culture: Pualele Va’a Cup 2026 celebrated va’a as community, ocean connection and Independence spirit—while Samoa’s Manu Sevens players are set for India’s Rugby Premier League.

Coral Reef Funding Boost: Samoa Reef Resilience Hub has awarded 16 grants to 14 community groups plus the Samoa Voyaging Society and the National University of Samoa, backing a ridge-to-reef approach to protect and restore coral reefs and coastal ecosystems. Village Fisheries Take the Lead: Fifteen villages launched Village Fisheries Management Plans under the Kiwa RESTORE Project, with monitoring equipment to help communities protect marine resources, strengthen food security, and build climate resilience. Illegal Fishing Crackdown at Sea: A Samoan fisheries officer joined the Forum Fisheries Agency’s Tui Moana surveillance operation, flying over Samoa’s EEZ as regional partners worked to curb IUU fishing and protect fisheries. Water Planning for Climate Pressure: Samoa’s water utility is leaning on asset management and long-term planning to keep pumps, pipelines and treatment systems running as funding gaps and climate risks grow. Fuel Supply Update: Samoa’s Disaster Advisory Committee says reserves are sufficient for months, with conservation measures introduced to reduce fuel use while imports continue. Community Drug Prevention: In Faleula, a village campaign is pushing meth awareness to protect youth and families, with elders urging a drug-free future. Pacific Climate-Tuna Response: Pacific countries are developing an advanced warning system to track climate-driven tuna shifts, helping governments plan for impacts on fisheries and livelihoods. Marine Protection Expansion (Regional): French Polynesia plans to expand fully protected “no-take” zones inside its huge marine protected area, adding new areas where human activity is forbidden.

Reef Funding in Action: Samoa Reef Resilience Hub has named the first 16 recipients for community and stakeholder grants, backing locally led work to protect and restore coral reefs and coastal marine ecosystems using a “ridge-to-reef” approach, with Conservation International leading the hub. Village Fisheries Plans: Fifteen villages have launched Village Fisheries Management Plans under the Kiwa RESTORE Project, receiving monitoring equipment to help track marine health and support food security through community-led rules like fish reserves and local enforcement. Regional Fisheries Patrols: A Samoan fisheries officer joined the Forum Fisheries Agency’s Tui Moana maritime surveillance operation, observing missions over Samoa’s EEZ as France and other partners supported efforts against illegal fishing. Climate-Linked Tuna Shifts: Pacific countries are rolling out an Advanced Warning System to prepare for climate-driven tuna redistribution, with Samoa’s fisheries leadership calling for tighter links between climate science and fisheries planning. Deep-Sea Governance Watch: Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority staff attended a Suva workshop on deep seabed sustainable “blue growth,” focusing on state responsibilities, environmental governance, and capacity building. Water Security Planning: Samoa’s water utility is leaning on asset management to keep pumps, pipelines and treatment systems running as climate pressures and funding gaps strain capital works.

Community Fisheries: Fifteen Samoa villages have launched Village Fisheries Management Plans, with monitoring equipment under the Kiwa RESTORE Project led by Conservation International—aimed at protecting coastal habitats, supporting food security, and strengthening local rules like fish reserves and enforcement. Illegal Fishing Patrols: A Samoan fisheries officer joined the Forum Fisheries Agency’s Tui Moana maritime surveillance operation, flying as an observer over Samoa’s EEZ as France and other partners backed regional action against IUU fishing and maritime pollution. Deep-Sea Governance: Samoa’s Seabed Minerals Authority attended a Suva workshop with the International Seabed Authority and Pacific partners on deep seabed sustainable blue growth—covering state responsibilities, environmental governance, and data management. Climate Finance Push: Samoa urged the Global Environment Facility to simplify and expand climate and environmental funding for small island states, saying current access is too costly and complex as 2030 targets near. Water Security: Samoa’s water utility is leaning on long-term asset management to keep pumps, pipelines and treatment systems running despite climate pressures and limited funding. Fuel Planning: Samoa’s Disaster Advisory Committee says fuel stocks are sufficient for months, with conservation measures to reduce government consumption while new shipments are scheduled.

Community Fisheries: Fifteen Samoa villages have launched Village Fisheries Management Plans, backed by Conservation International and the Kiwa RESTORE Project, with monitoring equipment to help track marine health and support fish reserves, local rules, and enforcement. Regional Enforcement: Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries officer took part in the Forum Fisheries Agency’s Tui Moana maritime surveillance operation, joining French and other Pacific Quad partners to target illegal fishing in the EEZ. Climate & Food Security Planning: Pacific leaders are strengthening climate response for tuna as stocks shift, including an Advanced Warning System under the Green Climate Fund Regional Tuna Programme to help governments prepare for changes beyond national waters. Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” marine reserves inside the world’s largest marine protected area, adding new zones where commercial fishing is banned. Water Resilience: Samoa’s water utility is leaning on long-term asset management to keep pumps, pipelines, and treatment systems running as climate pressures and funding gaps grow.

Village Fisheries Protection: Conservation International and Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries launched 15 Village Fisheries Management Plans for coastal and marine protection, built with village councils, chiefs and women’s committees to guide training and sustainable fishing as marine species decline threatens livelihoods. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: A Samoan fisheries officer joined the FFA’s Tui Moana maritime surveillance operation, flying over Samoa’s EEZ as French and other partners supported action against IUU fishing and maritime pollution. Climate Finance Push: Samoa urged the Global Environment Facility to simplify and expand access to climate and environmental funding for small island states, saying current procedures are too costly and slow for 2030 targets—while prioritising forests, reefs, watersheds and endangered species. Tuna Shifts, New Warnings: Pacific countries are developing an Advanced Warning System under a Green Climate Fund tuna programme to prepare for climate-driven tuna moving beyond national waters, with Samoa’s fisheries ministry calling for tighter links between climate science and fisheries planning. Water Resilience Planning: Samoa’s water utility is using asset management to plan repairs and protect services amid climate pressures and funding gaps, aiming to keep pumps, pipelines and treatment systems working longer. Fuel Security Update: Samoa reported fuel stocks for weeks ahead and said conservation measures are already reducing government fuel use while more shipments are scheduled.

Village Fisheries Protection: Conservation International and Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries have launched 15 Village Fisheries Management Plans, built with village councils, chiefs and women’s committees, to guide training, shared knowledge and sustainable fishing as marine species decline threatens livelihoods. Fuel Planning Under Pressure: Samoa’s Disaster Advisory Committee says reserves are holding steady—41 days petrol, 32 days diesel and 64 days kerosene—while government begins reducing fuel use and prepares for the next tanker arrival in July. Fuel for the Future: Samoa’s water utility is leaning on long-term asset management to keep pumps, pipelines and treatment systems running despite climate pressures and funding gaps. Climate + Tuna Shifts: Pacific countries are developing an Advanced Warning System to help governments respond as skipjack tuna increasingly moves beyond national waters, with modelling underway under a Green Climate Fund programme. Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia plans to expand fully protected “no-take” marine areas inside its huge marine protected zone, adding new zones where human activity is forbidden. GEF Funding Access: Samoa is urging the Global Environment Facility to simplify and expand climate and environmental financing for small island states, saying current access is too complex and costly. Samoa–France Anti-IUU: Samoa and France are cooperating on maritime surveillance and operations targeting illegal fishing to help preserve fisheries resources.

Village Fisheries: Conservation International and Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries launched 15 Village Fisheries Management Plans, built with village councils, chiefs and women’s committees, to protect coastal and marine resources and tackle declines in marine species that threaten livelihoods. Fuel Security: Samoa’s Disaster Advisory Committee says reserves remain steady—41 days petrol, 32 days diesel and 64 days kerosene—while government begins reducing fuel use and sets up future tanker arrivals for planning. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: A new look at the Clarion-Clipperton Zone highlights how apple-sized metal-rich nodules could power electric cars, but also raises major concerns for one of the least-known ecosystems on Earth. Climate & Tuna Shifts: Pacific countries are rolling out an Advanced Warning System under a Green Climate Fund tuna programme to help governments prepare as skipjack tuna increasingly moves beyond national waters. Water Resilience: Samoa Water Authority is leaning on long-term asset management to keep pumps, pipelines and treatment systems running despite climate pressures and funding gaps. Ocean Protection: French Polynesia plans to expand fully protected “no-take” marine areas, adding new zones to its already massive marine protected footprint. Nuclear Legacy & Decolonisation: Pacific leaders say decolonisation is still unfinished decades after nuclear testing, linking environmental contamination and self-determination to ongoing resistance and survival. Samoa Development Plan: Samoa launched its FY2026/27–FY2030/31 Pathway for the Development of Samoa, stressing resilient growth and protection of environment alongside governance and social justice.

Fuel Security Update: Samoa’s Disaster Advisory Committee says reserves are holding steady but the country is still on amber alert—41 days of petrol, 32 days of diesel, and 64 days of kerosene as a tanker arrived 1 June, with the next fuel vessel due 4 July (weather permitting) and conservation steps like tighter government vehicle use to cut consumption. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Samoa and France are cooperating through Forum Fisheries Agency surveillance, with Samoan officers observing French Navy missions over Samoa’s EEZ to help protect fisheries and fight IUU fishing. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: A major environmental and geopolitical debate is heating up as companies move to extract apple-sized polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone—an ecosystem largely unknown to science but rich in battery metals. Climate-Driven Tuna Planning: Pacific countries are strengthening climate response for tuna as stocks shift beyond national waters, including a new advanced warning system under a Green Climate Fund programme to help governments prepare for economic and food security impacts. Water Resilience at Home: Samoa’s water utility is using long-term asset management to keep pumps, pipelines, and treatment systems running despite climate pressures and funding gaps. GEF Financing Push: Samoa is urging the Global Environment Facility to simplify and expand access to climate and environmental funding for small island states, saying current procedures are too costly and slow. Ocean Protection in the Region: French Polynesia plans to expand fully protected “no-take” marine areas inside the world’s largest marine protected zone, adding new zones where human activity is forbidden. National Development Roadmap: Samoa launched its five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), stressing resilience, environmental protection, and community-led governance.

Climate & Fisheries: Samoa and other Pacific nations are strengthening climate response for tuna as a new Advanced Warning System under the Green Climate Fund-funded Regional Tuna Programme helps governments track climate-driven shifts that may move skipjack beyond national waters. Water Security: Samoa’s water utility is leaning on long-term asset management to keep pumps, pipelines and treatment systems running despite climate pressures, donor reliance for big capital works, and funding limits from water tariffs. Marine Protection: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” ocean reserves inside the world’s largest marine protected area, adding new zones where commercial fishing is banned. GEF Financing Push: Samoa is calling at the Global Environment Facility Assembly for simpler, faster access to climate and environmental funding, warning current procedures are too costly for small island states racing to 2030 targets. Agrifood Innovation: The EU/FAO-backed Samoa Agri-Innovate Competition 2026 is spotlighting agribusiness entrepreneurs and new ideas to build more resilient domestic food systems.

Climate Threats: Kiribati’s push for World Cup qualifying is framed as more than sport—rising seas could make the islands uninhabitable, and leaders say this “may be our last chance.” Ocean Protection: French Polynesia will expand fully protected “no-take” marine areas inside the world’s largest marine protected zone, banning all human activity over a larger stretch to safeguard biodiversity. Fisheries & Food Security: Pacific countries are strengthening climate response for tuna as warming waters shift skipjack further offshore, with an early warning system under the Green Climate Fund to help governments and communities plan ahead. Samoa Climate Finance Push: Samoa is urging the Global Environment Facility to simplify and scale climate and environmental funding for small island states, saying current access rules are too costly and slow. Local Resilience Planning: Samoa launched its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), stressing community empowerment, resilient growth, and protecting the environment. Forestry Capacity: FAO and Fiji supported Samoa Forestry Division staff with training in sustainable teak and pine production to build climate resilience. EU Food Safety for Seafood: EU-backed training in Suva targets new freezer-vessel requirements that could affect most Pacific vessels exporting to the EU, aiming to keep market access open.

Marine Protection: French Polynesia will expand its fully protected “no-take” marine reserves inside the world’s largest marine protected area, banning all human activity over a bigger stretch (1.1 to 1.6 million sq km) and adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Climate Risk: Kiribati’s World Cup dream is being threatened by rising sea levels, with the story framing football as a race against climate-driven loss. Samoa Development & Environment: Samoa’s new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31) was launched, with the plan explicitly linking resilient growth to protecting the environment and strengthening governance. Climate Funding Push: Samoa is pressing for easier climate finance as the 2030 deadline nears. Food & Fisheries Safety: EU rules on freezer vessels could affect most Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with training in Suva aimed at keeping seafood access while improving compliance. Forestry for Resilience: FAO and Fiji supported Samoa Forestry Division staff with sustainable teak and pine production training to build climate resilience. Fuel Preparedness: Samoa remains on precautionary alert over global fuel supply, with an amber level triggering contingency planning. Ocean Navigation Update: The Polynesian Voyaging Society adjusted the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan due to El Niño and storm concerns, with stops including Samoa.

Climate Finance Push: Samoa is pressing for easier climate funding as the 2030 deadline nears, with Pacific leaders warning that funding gaps are slowing real action. National Development & Environment: Government launched its new five-year Pathway for the Development of Samoa (FY2026/27–FY2030/31), promising a “highly resilient” Samoa and explicitly linking growth with protecting the environment, with public roadshows planned in Upolu and Savai‘i. Fuel Security Alert: Samoa’s Disaster Advisory Committee has placed the country on an amber alert for a fuel crisis on a precautionary basis, even while supply is said to be stable—triggering planning that could include power shedding and shorter school weeks if conditions worsen. Sustainable Forestry Skills: FAO and Fiji helped Samoa’s Forestry Division train staff in sustainable teak and pine production and management, targeting seed propagation and harvesting techniques to strengthen climate resilience. EU Seafood Rules Impact: New EU food safety requirements for freezer vessels could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, raising pressure for compliance and safer fisheries. Ocean Protection Voyage Update: The Moananuiākea Voyage has adjusted its sail plan as El Niño concerns grow, with a revised route including stops in Samoa and Fiji and a focus on ocean protection discussions. Public Service Capacity: Australia-backed training saw 109 Samoa public servants graduate, aiming to improve government capability and service delivery—key for delivering environmental and resilience plans. Community & Language (Culture with Nature Links): Samoa Language Week activities highlighted environmental references in proverbs and community learning, reinforcing the cultural roots that often support conservation.

Public Service Capacity: 109 Government of Samoa officials graduated at USP’s Samoa Campus, supported by Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program (SAT$400,000+), boosting skills for better service delivery. Fuel Security Watch: Samoa remains on a precautionary amber alert over the global fuel situation; the Cabinet approved a National Fuel Supply Emergency Response Plan with colour-coded triggers that could lead to power shedding and shorter school weeks if supplies tighten. Climate-Resilient Forestry Skills: FAO and Fiji’s Ministry of Forestry trained three Samoa Forestry Division officers in sustainable teak and pine production and management, strengthening climate resilience through seed propagation and harvesting know-how. Ocean Protection Route: The Polynesian Voyaging Society adjusted the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan due to growing El Niño and storm concerns, with a revised route including stops in Samoa and Fiji and a mid-October focus on ocean protection discussions. EU Seafood Rules Impact: EU food safety updates for freezer vessels could affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with regional training in Suva aimed at keeping Samoa and neighbours compliant. Plastic Pollution Push: Samoan and partner groups protested at Coca-Cola bottler CCEP’s London AGM, urging a return to reusable bottles after plastic bottle imports rose sharply and beverage waste impacts oceans and communities.

Fuel crisis prep: Samoa’s Disaster Advisory Committee has put the nation on an amber alert for a precautionary fuel crisis, with the Cabinet approving a National Fuel Supply Emergency Response Plan that could trigger power shedding and shorter school weeks if supply tightens. Ocean safety & climate risk: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says the Moananuiākea Voyage sail plan will be adjusted as El Niño concerns and storm activity rise, with a revised route including stops in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji and an ocean-protection focus. Sustainable forestry: FAO and Fiji’s forestry ministry supported hands-on training for Samoa Forestry Division officers on sustainable teak and pine production to strengthen climate resilience. EU seafood rules: New EU freezer-vessel food safety requirements are expected to affect about 97% of Pacific Island-flagged vessels exporting to the EU, with regional training in Suva to help authorities comply. Plastic pollution pressure: Samoan and partner groups protested Coca-Cola bottling practices at CCEP’s London AGM, urging a return to reusable bottles to cut ocean waste. Fisheries enforcement: A Samoa fisheries officer is featured in Operation Tui Moana 2026, highlighting surveillance work to protect the ocean that sustains communities. Trade implementation push: Pacific trade officials urged stronger coordination to turn EU trade commitments into real climate action and sustainable development benefits.