AGP Executive Report

Health Crisis: New French Polynesia figures show obesity climbing fast, with adult obesity up from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021), and nearly one in four adolescents obese by 2024; diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease are also rising, alongside a sharp increase in diabetes-linked deaths. Regional Security & Cooperation: Samoa and France are exploring fresh collaboration after talks in Apia covering education exchanges, maritime issues, security and illegal drugs, including reference to a French Navy operation that disrupted cocaine shipments; air connectivity is also on the agenda, with discussion of possible Air Tahiti links across islands. Ocean Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) is taking Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing a Pacific Partnership and Pre-COP31 meetings to boost climate finance, renewable energy and Pacific leadership; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. SPREP Leadership: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the SPREP Executive Board meeting in Samoa, with priorities focused on tackling the triple planetary crises—climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—while reviewing funding and partnerships. Local Preparation Watch: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up after facility tours and briefings, saying preparations are on track for key sites to be ready by early 2027.

Chronic Health Crisis: New Papeete-published health figures show obesity climbing fast in French Polynesia, with adult obesity up 11 points over 11 years (from 40% in 2010 to 51% in 2021), nearly one in four adolescents obese by 2024, and rising obesity-linked conditions including high blood pressure, gout, diabetes, and a sharp increase in diabetes-related deaths. Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns over seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority forum in Kingston, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to an enclave area surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Climate Push: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger Pacific climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing a Pacific Partnership and Pre-COP31 meetings to boost climate finance, renewable energy investment, and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. SPREP Priorities in Samoa: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting is underway, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warning Pacific communities face the “triple planetary crises” despite contributing only 0.01% of global emissions, and setting priorities for adaptation and environmental protection. Tahiti 2027 on Track: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti’s 2027 preparations a thumbs-up after reviewing progress in Pape’ete and touring venues, with facilities expected to be ready by early 2027. Pacific Sports Spotlight: A regional roundup highlights Pacific athletes’ performances at the World Athletics U20 Championships, including French Polynesia’s participation alongside other Oceania federations.

Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns over seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority meeting in Kingston, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Environment Leadership: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa is underway, 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 funding. Wallis-et-Futuna at SPREP: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the SPREP Executive Board for the first time, with Jean Paul Mailagi stressing that smaller territories’ environmental concerns must be represented. Climate Diplomacy for COP31: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pre-COP31 meetings in the Pacific and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment, and Pacific-led momentum. Pacific Games Update: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track after briefings and facility tours in Pape’ete. Oceans & Public Awareness: The Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists highlight ocean life and the urgency of protection amid warming waters and habitat loss.

Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns over seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s bid for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Environment Leadership: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa is underway, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warning Pacific communities face the “fight for our lives” from the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pre-COP31 meetings in the Pacific and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Local Political/Institutional Spotlight: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the SPREP Executive Board for the first time, aiming to ensure smaller territories’ environmental concerns are represented. Tahiti 2027 Games Progress: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti’s 2027 preparations the thumbs-up after tours and briefings, saying facilities are on track for readiness by early 2027.

Regional Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and Pre-COP31 meetings to boost climate finance, renewables, ocean-climate priorities, and Pacific leadership—French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Environment Governance: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia (12–13 Aug), with the Troika including the UK, Vanuatu and Wallis & Futuna, aiming to ensure smaller territories’ environmental concerns are represented while reviewing priorities and funding. Pacific Security & China: A cluster of regional diplomacy items highlights mounting geopolitical pressure—foreign ministers back a regional security plan as threats evolve, while Pacific states weigh responses to China-linked incidents and treaty transparency concerns. Local Event Watch: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up after touring venues and hearing briefings in Pape’ete; facilities are expected to be ready by end of Q1 2027. Health Context (Global, but relevant): Diabetes prevalence is surging worldwide, with Pakistan and several Pacific nations among the highest rates—useful background as Pacific health systems plan for rising chronic disease burdens.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment, and Pacific leadership via Pre-COP31 meetings. Regional Environment Governance: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board Meeting is underway in Samoa, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warning Pacific communities face the “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Wallis-et-Futuna Leadership: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia, aiming to ensure smaller territories’ environmental concerns are represented in regional solutions. Local Sports & Hosting: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up after touring venues and hearing briefings, saying preparations are on track with facilities targeted for readiness by early 2027. Geopolitics Watch: Multiple reports highlight rising Pacific security and climate pressures tied to China and missile-test responses, with French Polynesia attending Forum discussions at special envoy level.

SPREP Leadership in the Spotlight: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia, with Jean Paul Mailagi stressing that smaller territories’ environmental concerns must be heard as the region tackles climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pre-COP31 meetings and the Pacific Resilience Facility as a key finance priority, with French Polynesia represented at envoy level. Tahiti 2027 Games on Track: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti’s preparations a thumbs-up after meetings and facility tours in Pape’ete, with venues expected to be ready by early 2027. French Polynesia Connectivity: The Manatua submarine cable fault is degrading internet services across parts of the Pacific, including Niue and the Cook Islands, with a specialist repair vessel now needed. Regional Environment Urgency: SPREP’s DG warned Pacific communities face a “fight for our lives” despite contributing only 0.01% of global emissions, as the triple planetary crisis intensifies.

SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna’s Jean Paul Mailagi chairs the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia, pushing for smaller territories’ environmental concerns to be heard as the region tackles climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and disaster risks. Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31: Forum foreign ministers back a stronger regional climate push—more climate finance, renewable investment, and Pacific leadership—endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia represented at envoy level. Pacific Games Watch: The Pacific Games Council gives Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up after meetings and facility tours in Pape’ete, saying preparations are on track with venues due by early 2027. Internet Reliability in the French Polynesia Network: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded service for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs dependent on securing a specialist cable ship. Tourism Pressure Management: French Polynesia’s move to cap visitor numbers around 280,000 a year is highlighted as travelers increasingly seek “privacy and solitude” over crowds. Regional Rights Spotlight: The Baku Initiative Group marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day by reaffirming support for Indigenous rights and self-determination, explicitly naming Māʻohi of French Polynesia.

Regional Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger Pacific push for climate action ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable investment, and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings; SPREP Governance: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Samoa is underway as DG Sefanaia Nawadra warns Pacific communities face the “fight for our lives” from the triple planetary crises despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions; Local Infrastructure & Connectivity: The Manatua submarine cable fault (about 144 km offshore from Samoa) is degrading internet services in Niue and the Cook Islands, with a permanent fix now dependent on securing a specialist repair vessel; Pacific Games Prep: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 preparations a thumbs-up after council meetings in Pape’ete, with facilities expected to be ready by early 2027; French Polynesia Environment & Research: New work from Moorea shows reef fish metamorphosis is shaped by nursery habitat, with thyroid-hormone-driven development varying between mangrove mudflats and nearby sand beaches; Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group reaffirmed support for Indigenous self-determination, explicitly naming Kanaky and Māʻohi of French Polynesia among others.

Pacific Games Tahiti 2027: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti the thumbs-up after a week of meetings and site tours in Pape’ete, with host preparations described as “on track” and facilities expected to be ready by the end of Q1 2027. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, faster renewable investment, and louder Pacific leadership at Pre-COP31 meetings; French Polynesia attended via special envoy. Environment Under Pressure: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face a “fight for our lives” from the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution—despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Digital Infrastructure: The Manatua Consortium is coordinating repairs after a technical fault on the Manatua submarine cable degraded internet services, especially for Niue and the Cook Islands, with a specialist repair vessel now needed. Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group reaffirmed support for Indigenous self-determination, explicitly naming Māʻohi of French Polynesia (and Kanak in Kanaky) in its Aug. 9 statement.

Climate Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and calling for more climate finance, faster renewables and louder Pacific leadership at Pre-COP31 meetings; Regional Environment: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face a “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; Connectivity & Government Services: The Manatua submarine cable fault (about 144 km offshore from Samoa) is degrading internet services across parts of the Pacific, with Niue and the Cook Islands hit hardest while partners secure a specialist repair vessel; Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group reaffirmed support for Indigenous rights and self-determination, explicitly naming Māʻohi of French Polynesia and Kanak people of Kanaky; Local Resilience & Security: A week of Pacific leadership and defense coverage includes nuclear-test accountability in French Polynesia and ongoing regional security cooperation and election-related developments across the Pacific.

Submarine Cable Disruption: The Manatua Consortium says a technical fault on the Manatua submarine cable (about 144 km offshore from Samoa) is degrading internet services, especially for Niue and the Cook Islands, with a permanent fix now depending on securing a specialist repair vessel and contingency measures already activated by local providers. Indigenous Rights Push: The Baku Initiative Group reaffirmed support for Indigenous rights and self-determination, explicitly naming the Māʻohi of French Polynesia (alongside Kanak people of Kanaky and others) on International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Regional Security & Diplomacy: A week of Pacific defense and leadership coverage highlights ongoing drills and shifting regional security cooperation, with attention on US and allied posture across the Pacific. Tourism & Access: Travel-focused items include Aranui’s opening of 2028 cruise bookings with an expanded fleet and itinerary options, plus new airline partnership logistics that make it easier to reach the Cook Islands from French Polynesia. Local Environment & Development: Research coverage from French Polynesia links habitat conditions to coral reef fish development, while broader reporting warns invasive species can drive “livelihood displacement” that often goes uncounted.

Energy & Security Shock: With the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea’s Bab el-Mandeb effectively closed at the same time, governments and firms are accelerating electrification and renewables to cut dependence on chokepoints—France has boosted electrification funding and moved to ban gas boilers in new builds, while the EU pushes faster renewable deployment and tighter North African energy links. French Polynesia Connectivity: The Manatua submarine cable fault—an electrical shunt near Repeater 2 about 144 km offshore from Samoa—has degraded internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs now hinging on securing a specialist cable ship; providers are using contingency plans but customers may see slower speeds and reduced capacity. Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous self-determination, explicitly naming the Māʻohi of French Polynesia alongside Kanak people of Kanaky and other colonized communities. Maritime Lifeline Upgrade: bound4blue says it has installed its 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on Na Hiro E Pae, a new multipurpose vessel linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands, aiming to reduce energy use and support remote island cargo and passenger needs. Regional Mobility & Tourism: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards “Global Getaways” promo lists Papeete award fares, while Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti’s codeshare makes it easier to book onward travel from Tahiti to the Cook Islands on one ticket.

Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: The Baku Initiative Group backed Indigenous self-determination on Aug. 9, naming the Kanak of Kanaky and the Māʻohi of French Polynesia among communities under French and Dutch colonial rule. Digital Infrastructure: The Manatua Consortium says a technical fault about 144 km offshore from Samoa is degrading internet services across the Manatua submarine cable network, with Niue and the Cook Islands hit hardest while repairs depend on securing a specialist cable ship. Regional Connectivity & Mobility: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti launched a codeshare that lets travelers book one ticket to reach the Cook Islands from French Polynesia more easily, with baggage transfer and coordinated connections. Maritime Transport & Energy Transition: bound4blue reports completion of a 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands and aiming to cut energy use while supporting biofuel/e-fuel and electric propulsion options. Tourism Pressure: A French Polynesia travel cap plan targets about 280,000 visitors per year to preserve “privacy and solitude” across its 116 islands. Trade & Local Products: Pacific Trade Invest Australia will host a Pacific Showcase at Fine Food Australia (Aug. 31–Sept. 3), including French Polynesian exporters like Bora Bora Sea Salt.

Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: The Baku Initiative Group backed Indigenous peoples’ rights and self-determination on Aug. 9, explicitly naming Kanak people of Kanaky and the Māʻohi of French Polynesia, alongside other French and Dutch colonial territories. Telecom & Infrastructure: The Manatua submarine cable fault—about 144 km offshore from Samoa—has degraded internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with a permanent fix now depending on securing a specialist repair vessel. Maritime Lifeline & Energy Transition: bound4blue says it has completed installation of a 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands and aiming to cut energy use by around 10% while supporting biofuel/e-fuel and electric propulsion options. Regional Security Context: A roundup of Pacific leadership and regionalism coverage includes French Polynesia’s nuclear-test documentation to CIVEN and broader Pacific peace-and-security developments. Tourism & Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti’s codeshare is making it easier to reach the Cook Islands on one ticket from Tahiti, with baggage transfer and coordinated connections. Local Economy Spotlight: Pacific Trade Invest Australia’s Fine Food Australia 2026 “Pacific Showcase” includes French Polynesian exporters such as Bora Bora Sea Salt.

Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: The Baku Initiative Group backed Indigenous peoples’ rights and self-determination on Aug. 9, explicitly naming Kanak people of Kanaky and the Māʻohi of French Polynesia, alongside other French and Dutch colonial territories. Telecom Resilience: The Manatua Consortium says a technical fault on the Manatua submarine cable (about 144 km offshore from Samoa) is degrading internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with a permanent fix now depending on securing a specialist repair vessel. Maritime Lifeline & Energy Transition: bound4blue reports completion of a 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands and aiming to cut energy use by around 10% while supporting biofuel/e-fuel and electric propulsion options. Tourism & Identity: Nauru officially renamed itself as the Republic of Naoero, with President David Adeang framing it as a heritage and identity move rather than a political one. Regional Economy & Trade: Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia will bring 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies, including French Polynesia, to Fine Food Australia 2026 in Melbourne (Aug. 31–Sept. 3).