AGP Executive Report

Health Watch: New government figures show obesity in French Polynesia has climbed sharply over the past decade, with adult obesity rising from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021) and nearly one in four adolescents obese by 2024; health impacts tied to obesity are also worsening, including higher rates of high blood pressure, gout and diabetes, and a steep rise in diabetes-linked deaths. Regional Environment: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting in Samoa put the spotlight on the “triple planetary crises” hitting Pacific communities—climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—while setting priorities for the year ahead. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence in an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Pacific Games Update: The Pacific Games Council says Tahiti’s 2027 preparations are on track after briefings and facility tours, with venues expected ready by early 2027. Youth & Cooperation: The OCT Youth Network is inviting young people from French Polynesia and other EU-linked territories to apply for a one-year programme running from October 2026 to September 2027. Ocean Conservation & Travel: A major marine reserve plan for Rapa Nui (Easter Island) would give indigenous residents a voting majority on a new “sea council,” while cruise and expedition operators continue to expand itineraries that include French Polynesia.

Cruise Tourism: Royal Caribbean has opened bookings for its expanded 2027-28 Australian summer season, with Ovation of the Seas newly “amplified” and set to homeport in Brisbane alongside Voyager, plus Navigator of the Seas extended in Singapore—Ovation will also run a 16-night transpacific itinerary from Honolulu to Brisbane via French Polynesia. Local Youth & Exchange: The OCT Youth Network is inviting young people in French Polynesia (ages 20-28) to apply for a one-year programme linking OCTs with EU institutions, with applications due August 30, 2026. Health Watch: New French Polynesia figures show obesity rising sharply over the past decade, alongside worsening diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions. Ocean Protection: A huge ocean reserve around Easter Island is moving toward indigenous-managed governance, with local leaders set to hold a majority on a “sea council.” Regional Environment: SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa reviewed Pacific environmental priorities as leaders warn climate, biodiversity loss and pollution are hitting the region hardest. Sports (Pacific Games build-up): Tahiti’s 2027 Pacific Games preparations received a thumbs-up after facility and site briefings, with key venues expected ready by early 2027.

Health Watch: New local health figures show obesity in French Polynesia has surged over the past decade, with adult obesity rising from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021) and obesity among adolescents reaching nearly one in four by 2024, alongside higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. Regional Environment: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting in Samoa heard warnings that Pacific communities face the “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Marine Protection: A major push is underway for a huge indigenous-managed ocean reserve around Easter Island, with local leaders set to hold a voting majority on a new “sea council” to govern the protected area. Deep-Sea Mining: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s bid for an exploration licence in an area surrounded by French Polynesia and other Pacific borders. Youth & EU Links: The OCT Youth Network is inviting 20–28-year-olds from French Polynesia to apply for a one-year programme connecting OCTs and EU institutions, with applications due Aug. 30, 2026 (Brussels time). Sports: Tahiti 2027 preparations received a “thumbs-up” from Pacific Games officials after facility tours and briefings, with key venues expected ready by early 2027.

Health Watch: New Papeete figures show obesity in French Polynesia jumped from 40% of adults (2010) to 51% (2021), with nearly one in four adolescents obese by 2024, alongside rising diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. Regional Environment: SPREP’s DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face the “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, as the SPREP Executive Board sets priorities in Samoa. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, including more climate finance and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Ocean Protection: Rapa Nui’s marine protected area is set to expand into a huge indigenous-managed ocean reserve, giving local residents a voting majority via a new “sea council.” Sports (Tahiti 2027): The Pacific Games Council says Tahiti’s 2027 preparations are on track after facility tours and briefings, with key venues expected ready by early 2027. Tourism & Travel: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger 2027-28 South Pacific push, with Ovation of the Seas returning to Brisbane and Voyager calling via French Polynesia; Lindblad Expeditions also announces new 7- and 14-day French Polynesia itineraries for 2028/29. Road Safety: A 41-year-old woman from French Polynesia died in a trike-truck crash in Westbrook, Maine, while a 59-year-old driver was seriously injured.

Health Watch: New government figures show obesity in French Polynesia has jumped over the past decade, with adult obesity rising from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021) and obesity among adolescents reaching nearly one in four by 2024, alongside higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. Regional Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate action drive ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance and renewable investment, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Ocean Protection in the Spotlight: Rapa Nui’s Motu Nui area is set to become one of the world’s largest indigenous-managed ocean reserves, with local leaders holding a voting majority on a new sea council to move protection from “paper” to real management. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority meeting in Jamaica, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence in an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Pacific Games Update: The Pacific Games Council says Tahiti’s 2027 preparations are on track after facility tours and briefings, with venues expected to be ready by early 2027. Sports: Guam’s women’s team crushed FSM 110-44, while Guam’s men also won big in the Micronesian Cup to secure a 2027 Pacific Games berth in French Polynesia.

Health Watch: New government figures in French Polynesia show obesity climbing sharply over the past decade, with adult obesity rising from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021), and nearly one in four adolescents obese by 2024; health impacts tied to obesity are also increasing, including high blood pressure, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Regional Security & Cooperation: Samoa and France discussed fresh collaboration after talks in Apia covering education, maritime issues, security and illegal drugs, including a French Navy operation that stopped drug shipments; air connectivity and possible direct routes linking Pacific islands were also raised. Environment & Climate Priorities: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa heard warnings that Pacific communities face the “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, despite contributing only 0.01% of global emissions, as members review progress and set priorities. Sports (Pacific Games build-up): Guam’s men’s and women’s teams delivered big wins in the Micronesian Cup, booking spots for the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia. Culture & Ocean Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists were revealed, highlighting extraordinary marine life as ocean pressures grow.

Health Watch: New government health figures show obesity in French Polynesia has climbed fast over the past decade, with adult obesity rising from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021) and nearly one in four adolescents obese by 2024; conditions linked to obesity are also up, including high blood pressure (35.5%), gout (14.5%) and diabetes (12.2%), while diabetes-related deaths have more than quadrupled over 20 years. Regional Environment: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting is underway in Samoa, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warning Pacific communities face the “triple planetary crises” despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, as members review priorities and progress. Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to an enclave of international waters near French Polynesia. Sports & Pacific Games Prep: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, saying facilities and athlete accommodation are on track for readiness by early 2027. Cruise & Travel: Royal Caribbean is expanding its 2027-28 Australia season to three ships, with Ovation of the Seas sailing from Brisbane and a trans-Pacific itinerary via French Polynesia.

Pacific Sports: Guam’s women’s national team crushed the Federated States of Micronesia 110-44 in the FIBA Women’s Micronesian Cup, firing up hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia. Pacific Games Prep: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, saying facilities and planning are on track after tours and briefings in Pape’ete. Environment & Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns about deep-sea mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a U.S. company’s push for an exploration licence tied to waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. SPREP Focus: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa highlighted the “triple planetary crises” and set priorities for climate, biodiversity and pollution work across the region. Travel & Tourism: Royal Caribbean is expanding its 2027-28 Australian summer lineup, with Ovation of the Seas returning to Brisbane and a trans-Pacific route via French Polynesia. Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples with support for Indigenous self-determination, including Māʻohi of French Polynesia.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns over seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, warning against a US company’s push for an exploration licence in the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Environment Focus: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board Meeting is underway in Samoa, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra stressing the “fight for our lives” as Pacific communities face climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pacific-led Pre-COP31 meetings and priorities including climate finance and the ocean-climate link, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Pacific Games Prep: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, saying facilities and athlete accommodation are on track for readiness by early 2027. Local Safety: A 41-year-old woman from French Polynesia died after a trike and truck crash in Westbrook, Maine, while a 59-year-old driver was seriously injured; the investigation is ongoing. Ocean Tech & Travel: A wind-assisted cargo ship fitted with a suction sail is set to serve Tahiti and the remote Austral Islands, while expedition cruise operator Lindblad is also planning new French Polynesia itineraries including rare access to Makatea.

Pacific Games Build-Up: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti the thumbs-up, with host preparations “on track” after tours of venues and athlete accommodation, and facilities expected to be ready by end of Q1 2027. Regional Environment Leadership: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting is underway in Samoa, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warning Pacific communities face a “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and calling for more climate finance and renewable investment, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Local Sports Spotlight: Guam’s men’s basketball team beat FSM and Palau to secure a spot at the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia. Ocean & Travel for the Region: Lindblad Expeditions announced new 2028/29 voyages returning to French Polynesia, including rare access to Makatea, while Royal Caribbean expands its 2027-28 Australia lineup with routes that include French Polynesia. Transport & Safety: A 41-year-old woman from French Polynesia died after a trike and truck crash in Westbrook, Maine; the investigation is ongoing. Green Shipping: A Tahiti–Australs cargo vessel, Na Hiro E Pae, has been fitted with wind-assisted propulsion to cut emissions.

SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia (Aug 12-13), with the Troika plus Fiji, France and other regional members reviewing priorities and funding as Pacific communities face climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push, endorsing COP31 Pacific Partnership priorities and calling for more climate finance and renewable investment, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. French Polynesia Environment & Science: New research from Moorea shows reef fish development can shift within a week depending on nursery habitat, driven by habitat-controlled hormone systems. Transport & Shipping Innovation: A wind-assisted propulsion retrofit is set to boost cargo links between Tahiti and the Austral Islands, with the Na Hiro E Pae fitted with a 22-metre suction sail. Tahiti 2027 Games Update: The Pacific Games Council says Tahiti’s preparations are on track after facility tours and briefings, with key venues expected ready by early 2027. Road Safety Tragedy: A 41-year-old woman from French Polynesia died in a trike-truck crash in Westbrook, Maine, while visiting family. Cruise Watch: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger 2027-28 Australian season, including a trans-Pacific Ovation of the Seas route via French Polynesia; Lindblad also announced new 2028-29 itineraries returning to French Polynesia with rare Makatea access.

SPREP Leadership in the Pacific: Wallis-et-Futuna chaired the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warning Pacific communities face the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific-led momentum, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Local Environment Priorities: SPREP’s 5EBM in Samoa reviewed progress and set priorities for the year ahead, focusing on resilience and support for member states. Tahiti 2027 Games Check-in: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track and facilities should be ready by early 2027. Tourism & Travel Planning: Aranui opened 2028 bookings with an expanded programme, while Lindblad Expeditions announced new 7- and 14-day French Polynesia itineraries including Makatea. Safety on the Road: A French Polynesian woman visiting family in Maine died after a trike crash with a commercial truck in Westbrook; a second woman was seriously injured. Ocean Science & Culture: New research from Moorea shows reef fish development changes depending on nursery habitat, and a 3D audio project captured spatial recordings of humpback whales in Hawaii and French Polynesia.

French Polynesia Tourism & Cruises: Lindblad Expeditions says its 2028/29 season brings a return to French Polynesia with new seven- and 14-day routes linking Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, Makatea and the Tuamotus, with select trips guided by Pwo navigator Tua Pittman. Local Economy & Transport: The Manatua Consortium is coordinating repairs after a fault on the Manatua submarine cable disrupted internet services across parts of the Pacific, with Niue and the Cook Islands hit hardest and a specialist repair vessel now needed. Regional Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, including more climate finance, faster renewable investment and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Pacific Games Update: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track and key facilities should be ready by early 2027. Ocean & Environment: SPREP’s DG warned Pacific communities face “fight for our lives” pressures from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, despite the region’s tiny global emissions share. Safety & Community: A woman from French Polynesia visiting family in Maine died after a trike and commercial truck crash in Westbrook; the truck driver was uninjured and an investigation is ongoing.

Pacific Games Watch: Tahiti 2027 gets the thumbs-up after a Pacific Games Council general assembly and executive board visit, with facilities expected ready by end of Q1 2027. Regional Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers back stronger COP31 momentum, including more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific-led Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Internet Resilience: The Manatua submarine cable fault is disrupting internet services across parts of the Pacific, including Niue and the Cook Islands, while repairs hinge on securing a specialist cable ship. Cruise & Travel Links: Royal Caribbean expands its 2027-28 Australia season, adding more sailings that include French Polynesia calls, while Lindblad Expeditions announces 2028-29 returns to French Polynesia with new routes featuring Makatea. Local Life & Safety: A 41-year-old woman from French Polynesia died in a Westbrook, Maine crash involving a trike motorcycle and a commercial truck; investigations continue. Culture & Identity: The Baku Initiative Group marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day by reaffirming support for Indigenous rights across French Polynesia and other French and Dutch territories. Science & Nature: New French Polynesia research shows reef fish development varies by nursery habitat, driven by thyroid hormone signaling. Sports Spotlight: Kelly Slater posts a near-perfect 19.06 at the Tahiti Pro, advancing after a dominant opening heat at Teahupo’o.

Road Safety: A 41-year-old woman from French Polynesia died after her motorcycle collided with a commercial truck in Westbrook, Maine; she was taken to hospital with serious injuries, while the truck driver was unhurt and the operator’s injuries were not life-threatening. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders say communities face a “fight for our lives” as SPREP warns of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution; Forum foreign ministers also backed stronger climate action ahead of COP31, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. French Polynesia in Focus (Travel): National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions unveiled its 2028–29 deployment, including new seven- and 14-day itineraries returning to French Polynesia with rare access to Makatea and voyages linking Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and the Tuamotus. Connectivity Watch: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs now depending on securing a specialist cable ship. Local Culture & Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by reaffirming support for Indigenous rights, naming Māʻohi of French Polynesia among those under colonial rule. Sports: Kelly Slater posted a near-perfect opening heat at the Tahiti Pro, while Pacific sport coverage also highlighted Oceania volleyball results involving Guam.

Climate Pressure: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face a “fight for our lives” as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution intensify—despite the region producing just 0.01% of global greenhouse gases. COP31 Push: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership at Pre-COP31 meetings; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Internet Disruption: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs dependent on securing a specialist cable ship. Local Environment Science: New French Polynesia research shows reef fish development shifts with nursery habitat—mangrove mudflats vs sand beaches—driven by thyroid hormone changes. Tourism & Travel: Aranui opened 2028 bookings with an expanded fleet programme, while Lindblad Expeditions unveiled 2028-29 voyages returning to French Polynesia with rare Makatea access. Sports: Kelly Slater surged at the Tahiti Pro with a near-perfect opening heat at Teahupo’o, and Pacific sport coverage also highlighted Oceania volleyball results involving Guam.