AGP Executive Report

Deep-sea mining debate: Experts are questioning the rush to exploit polymetallic nodules in the Clarion–Clipperton Zone, warning that the “billion-dollar” push for battery minerals could carry major unknown risks for deep-ocean ecosystems. Climate finance pressure: Pacific leaders at a pre-COP31 trip to Tuvalu and talks in Fiji are calling out slow, insufficient adaptation funding—pushing for faster, fairer access and “time to impact” rather than pledges on paper. Cook Islands gender data gaps: The CEDAW Committee heard that Cook Islands reporting still lacks key gender and sexual health data and that support for gender-based violence needs stronger, sustainable systems. Ocean protection funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M+ in new ocean conservation grants for the Cook Islands and four other Pacific nations, aiming to support large-scale protection and longer-term management. Science for young islanders: The 2026 Climate Change Cook Islands Science Expo drew nearly 2,000 students, using hands-on learning to connect ocean stewardship with climate action. Seabed cables scrutiny: Reports describe Chinese vessels conducting structured surveys over transpacific subsea cable corridors, raising questions about activity near critical infrastructure.

Climate finance speed: Fiji’s climate officials and partners at a Pre-COP31 session pushed for “time to community” tracking, warning that adaptation money can still drain if it takes too long to reach people on the ground. Cook Islands leadership on access: Prime Minister Mark Brown is set to press for simpler, faster climate finance and stronger recognition of Pacific ocean priorities as he joins regional talks in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of COP31. Rising seas reality check: A Pacific forum highlighted how even small sea-level increases can rapidly worsen coastal flooding and food security risks for atoll nations like Tuvalu and Kiribati. Ocean protection funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M+ in new ocean conservation grants for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to support protection across 625,000+ square miles and help reach 30% protection by 2030. Science for climate action: The 2026 Climate Change Cook Islands Science Expo drew nearly 2,000 students, using the theme “The Ocean That Connects Us” to link learning with local responsibility. Biodiversity lessons from introductions: A Cook Islands myna story revisits how species introduced for pest control can later become invasive, underscoring the need for careful biocontrol.

Pre-COP31 Climate Push: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown is in Fiji for Pre-COP31, pressing for faster, simpler climate finance, stronger recognition of Pacific ocean priorities, and support for practical resilience work like water, coastal protection and Pa Enua infrastructure. Pacific Climate Stakes: A Kiribati-led “1.5 to Stay Alive” message warns that small sea-level rises can trigger much bigger, more frequent flooding and food and fisheries losses for atoll nations. Ocean Protection Funding: Jeff Bezos’ Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new ocean conservation grants for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, PNG, Tonga and Vanuatu—aimed at protecting and managing 625,000+ square miles of ocean. Biodiversity & Biosecurity Lessons: A Cook Islands myna story highlights how past “biological control” introductions can later become pests, underscoring the need for careful species management. Marine Risks Beyond Borders: Reports describe Chinese state-linked vessels surveying subsea cable corridors, raising concerns about activity around critical undersea infrastructure. Local Environment Education: The Climate Change Cook Islands Science Expo drew nearly 2,000 students, using the theme “The Ocean That Connects Us” to build ocean stewardship.

Pre-COP31 diplomacy: Cook Islands PM Mark Brown is heading to Fiji and Tuvalu for Pacific Pre-COP31 talks, pushing for faster, more accessible climate finance, stronger recognition of ocean priorities, and practical support for water, coastal protection, transport and Pa Enua infrastructure. Climate urgency: Pacific climate leaders are warning that even small sea-level rises can rapidly worsen flooding, food and fisheries risks for atoll nations—making the push for a strong COP31 outcome a matter of survival. Ocean protection funding: Jeff Bezos’ Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new ocean conservation grants for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to support protection across 625,000+ square miles and help reach a 30% protection target by 2030. Local environment governance: The Cook Islands is adopting the UN-IGIF geospatial framework to improve decision-making for climate resilience and ocean governance, with national priorities set for data, institutions and policy. Biodiversity and biosecurity: A Cook Islands shift to digital plant trade certification (ePhyto) is reducing delays and strengthening controls for safer imports and exports.

Invasive species lesson for Cook Islands: A new review on “species bounty” programmes points to the common myna’s 1915 introduction to control a coconut pest, later spreading across islands and becoming a crop-raiding, settlement-invading problem—an example of how well-meant biocontrol can backfire. Pre-COP31 climate push: Prime Minister Mark Brown and other Pacific leaders are using Pre-COP31 in Nadi and Tuvalu to press for stronger, faster climate finance and for Pacific priorities—especially ocean and resilience—to be reflected in COP31 outcomes. Ocean protection funding: Jeff Bezos’ Bezos Earth Fund announced over US$25 million in new ocean conservation grants for the Cook Islands and four other Pacific nations, aiming to support protection of more than 625,000 square miles and help reach a 30% protection target by 2030. High-stakes seabed debate: Cook Islands coverage highlights community concerns over deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules, weighing potential economic gains against environmental and cultural risks. Better data for ocean governance: The Cook Islands agreed national next steps under the UN-IGIF to strengthen geospatial information management, supporting infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean decision-making.

Climate Diplomacy: Cook Islands Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr Sivendra Michael warned Pre-COP31 could disappoint if Pacific leaders return home without shifting positions, stressing “no decision is better than a weak decision” and that the just transition can’t be separated from finance. Cook Islands Priorities at Pre-COP31: Prime Minister Mark Brown is heading to Tuvalu and Fiji to push for simpler, faster climate finance access, plus ocean protection and resilience work—especially practical projects for water, coasts, transport and essential infrastructure in the Pa Enua. Ocean Conservation Funding: Jeff Bezos’ Bezos Earth Fund announced $25M+ in new ocean conservation grants for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, targeting protection and sustainable management across 625,000+ square miles of ocean and supporting high-seas protection planning. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A Cook Islands youth voice highlights the stakes of proposed polymetallic nodule extraction in the EEZ, weighing economic hopes against environmental and cultural concerns. Ocean Governance Capacity: The Cook Islands agreed next steps under the UN-IGIF geospatial framework to strengthen data, governance and ocean decision-making. Media Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted a Loss and Damage declaration calling for timely, transparent access to climate information and stronger government accountability.

Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund has announced more than $25 million in ocean conservation grants for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, backing projects across over 625,000 square miles of ocean and aiming to help protect at least 30% of the region’s waters by 2030. Climate Finance Push: Prime Minister Mark Brown is heading to Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings to press for climate finance that is simpler and faster for small island states, with a focus on water, coastal protection, transport and resilience in the Pa Enua. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A Cook Islands youth voice highlights the stakes of proposed polymetallic nodule mining in the EEZ, weighing jobs and development against environmental risk and cultural identity. Plastics Action in the Cook Islands: Te Ipukarea Society convened a multi-stakeholder meeting on reducing single-use plastics and building a National Action Plan for Plastics, tackling waste-management constraints and implementation gaps. Marine Biosecurity & Trade: The Cook Islands has moved from paper to secure ePhytos electronic plant health certificates, cutting delays and costs and supporting safer plant trade. Clean-up Day Mobilisation: Communities across the islands joined World Clean-up Day to remove rubbish and protect beaches and roadsides.

Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund has announced more than $25 million in new ocean conservation grants across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, supporting work over 625,000+ square miles of ocean as part of its “Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity” push to protect 30% of the region’s waters by 2030. Cook Islands Climate Diplomacy: Prime Minister Mark Brown is heading to Pacific Pre-COP31 meetings in Tuvalu and Fiji to press for climate finance that is simpler and faster for small island states, plus stronger recognition of ocean priorities in climate decisions. Regional Ocean Governance: Cook Islands High Commissioner Michael John Henry met Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva, with discussions including Pacific unity and shared priorities ahead of Pre-COP31, including climate action and access to climate finance. Plastic Pollution Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and private-sector stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution, focusing on implementation of the national plastics action plan and practical ways to cut single-use plastics. Local Environment Efforts: Communities across the Cook Islands took part in World Clean-up Day, mobilising schools, businesses and government teams to reduce waste and protect natural beauty. Trade & Biosecurity: The Cook Islands is expanding digital plant trade certification after adopting the IPPC ePhyto Solution, cutting delays and improving secure access to markets. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A Cook Islands youth voice highlights concerns about polymetallic nodule mining in the EEZ, weighing economic hopes against environmental stewardship.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: PM Mark Brown is heading to Tuvalu and Fiji for Pacific Pre-COP31, pushing for climate finance that’s simpler and faster for small island states, plus stronger recognition of ocean priorities and support for practical resilience work in the Pa Enua. Regional Engagement: Cook Islands High Commissioner Michael John Henry met Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka in Suva, with both sides reaffirming cooperation on trade, tourism and labour mobility and flagging shared climate and ocean agenda items ahead of Pre-COP31 (Oct 5–8). Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m+ in new ocean conservation grants across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to protect 30% of Pacific waters by 2030 and support work including Marae Moana. Marine Protection vs Extraction: Cook Islands coverage continues to spotlight the deep-sea mining debate, with youth voices weighing economic hopes against environmental and cultural risks. Waste & Plastics Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and industry stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution and progress a national action plan, while communities also rallied for World Clean-up Day. Data for Better Decisions: LiDAR mapping is now live in the Cook Islands, and the country has agreed next steps under the UN geospatial framework to strengthen ocean governance and climate resilience.

Ocean Conservation Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new ocean conservation grants for the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu—aimed at protecting and sustainably managing over 625,000 square miles and supporting efforts to reach 30% protection by 2030. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A Cook Islands youth voice highlights the stakes of proposed polymetallic nodule extraction in the EEZ, weighing jobs and development against cultural identity and environmental risk. Marine Protection vs Extraction: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says the Pacific must balance ocean stewardship with economic needs as rising seas and pressure on marine resources intensify. Local Action on Plastics & Waste: Te Ipukarea Society convened stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution and progress a national action plan, while communities across the Cook Islands joined World Clean-up Day to reduce litter. Planning for Climate Resilience: LiDAR Cook Islands has gone live, delivering detailed 3D mapping of land and near-shore areas to support better infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance. Trade & Biosecurity: The Cook Islands’ shift to ePhyto digital plant certification is cutting border delays and costs while strengthening plant trade security.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Cook Islands youth and communities are weighing the promise of polymetallic nodules against risks to marine life and cultural values, as the country considers whether deep-sea mining can deliver a real economic future. Ocean Conservation Funding: Bezos Earth Fund has announced $25 million in new grants to protect and sustainably manage ocean areas across five Pacific nations, including the Cook Islands, aiming to help reach 30% protection by 2030. Marine Protection vs Livelihoods: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says Pacific leaders must balance ocean stewardship with economic development, pointing to conservation measures alongside plans for sustainable production. Cook Islands Planning Tools: LiDAR Cook Islands is now live, providing detailed 3D mapping of land and near-shore areas to support infrastructure, climate resilience, and ocean governance. Plastic Pollution Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, business and civil society to push practical steps in the National Action Plan for Plastics, focusing on reducing single-use plastics and improving waste management coordination. Trade and Biosecurity: The Cook Islands has expanded digital plant certification through the IPPC ePhyto system, cutting delays and costs while strengthening market access. Community Clean-up: World Clean-up Day brought schools, businesses and residents together to tackle waste and protect local environments.

Blue Pacific Conservation Grants: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new grants to protect over 625,000 square miles of ocean across the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu, aiming to sustainably manage waters and help reach 30% protection by 2030. Ocean Governance & Fisheries: Pacific nations used FAO’s COFI37 to call for stronger international support for ocean-dependent communities, stressing youth opportunities, tackling illegal fishing and climate impacts. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: A Cook Islands youth voice warns that polymetallic nodule mining in the EEZ could trade away environmental and cultural safeguards for uncertain economic gains. Plastics Action in the Cook Islands: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, business and civil society to push practical steps for the National Action Plan for Plastics and cut single-use waste. Geospatial Planning Upgrade: Cook Islands agreed next steps under the UN-IGIF, with LiDAR now live to support better land and near-shore mapping for climate resilience and ocean governance. Trade Modernisation: The Cook Islands’ shift from paper to ePhyto digital plant certificates is reducing border delays and fraud risks while opening markets. Community Environment Push: World Clean-up Day saw schools, businesses and government teams rally to tackle waste across the islands. Mental Health Reminder: Te Marae Ora reiterated suicide prevention is year-round, urging people to ask for help.

Ocean Protection Funding: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m in new grants to protect over 625,000 sq miles of Pacific ocean, including projects linked to the Cook Islands, as part of its push to safeguard 30% of waters by 2030. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Young Cook Islanders are urging caution over proposed polymetallic nodule mining in the EEZ, warning that jobs and development claims must be weighed against cultural and environmental risks. Geospatial for Resilience: The Cook Islands has adopted the UN-IGIF geospatial pathways, aiming to improve planning and decision-making for climate resilience and ocean governance, with LiDAR mapping now officially live. Plastic Pollution Action: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, business and community partners to tackle single-use plastics and advance a national action plan, focusing on practical, coordinated waste solutions. Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Pacific nations at FAO’s fisheries summit called for stronger international support, especially for youth pathways, tackling illegal fishing, and making new ocean agreements work with regional systems. Trade Digitalisation: The Cook Islands’ shift from paper to ePhytos is cutting border delays and costs while strengthening plant trade security. Community Environment Push: World Clean-up Day saw schools, businesses and NES teams mobilise to remove waste and protect local natural beauty.

Sea-level science: A new study using fossil coral from the Cook Islands aims to better pin down global sea level rise, as researchers link makatea outcrops to past changes tied to Antarctica’s ice history. Geospatial planning: The Cook Islands will action all nine pathways of the UN-IGIF after a Rarotonga workshop, setting priorities for governance, policy, funding, data sharing and engagement to strengthen climate resilience and ocean governance. Plastic pollution push: Te Ipukarea Society convened government, business and Pa Enua stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution, align implementation of the National Action Plan for Plastics, and reduce single-use plastics. Clean-up momentum: Communities across the islands backed World Clean-up Day with schools, businesses and government teams tackling waste in public spaces. Climate accountability for media: Pacific media leaders adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding timely access to loss and damage information and stronger government transparency. Conservation funding: Bezos Earth Fund grants will support long-term marine protection work in the Cook Islands and other tropical Pacific nations, including efforts linked to the UN High Seas Treaty. Planning tools: LiDAR mapping is now live, providing detailed 3D land and near-shore data to support planning and environmental management.

Geospatial planning for resilience: Cook Islands has agreed to action all nine UN-IGIF strategic pathways after a Rarotonga workshop, with priorities spanning governance, policy, funding, data sharing and public engagement to strengthen infrastructure, climate resilience and ocean governance. Plastic pollution push: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and sector stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution, align on a National Action Plan for Plastics, and reduce single-use plastics through better coordination and waste-management support. World Clean-up Day turnout: Communities across the Cook Islands joined schools, businesses and government teams to remove waste and protect local natural beauty. LiDAR mapping goes live: LiDAR Cook Islands is now officially operating, delivering detailed 3D mapping of land and near-shore areas to support planning and environmental management. Climate accountability for Pacific media: Pacific newsroom leaders adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding timely access to loss and damage information and stronger government accountability. Conservation funding for the Blue Pacific: Bezos Earth Fund grants will support marine protection work in the Cook Islands and other tropical Pacific nations, aiming for long-lasting protection.

Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Fiji urges a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining, with Pacific fishers in the Yasawa Islands warning that mining could threaten sacred ocean knowledge and what happens beyond the reef. Plastic Pollution Push: Te Ipukarea Society convened Pa Enua and industry stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution, focusing on implementing legislation, a national action plan, waste-management constraints, and cutting single-use plastics. Clean-up Momentum: Communities across the Cook Islands backed World Clean-up Day, with schools, businesses, government teams and families joining beach and roadside waste removal. Mapping for Resilience: LiDAR Cook Islands has gone live, delivering detailed 3D mapping of land and near-shore areas to support planning and environmental management. Climate Risk & Water: Commentary flags El Niño as a serious threat to Pa Enua water security, arguing wharfs, runways and water systems must be planned together. Tourism Leadership: Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council re-elected Liana Scott, with sustainability and workforce pressures among key priorities. Regional Climate Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding governments share timely loss-and-damage information and answer public questions. Health & NCDs: WHO met Cook Islands health officials on non-communicable diseases, citing high rates of hypertension, smoking, alcohol use and low physical activity. Outer-Island Support: NZDF personnel arrived on Penrhyn for Exercise Tropic Twilight, helping repair schools, hospital facilities, water storage and lagoon surveying.