AGP Executive Report

Health Watch: New government figures show obesity in French Polynesia jumped sharply over the past decade, with adult obesity rising from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021) and diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease all worsening. Youth & Culture Through Sport: A Cook Islands tennis team of 13 young players (ages 9–16) returned from a two-week visit to French Polynesia mixing training in Raiatea with lagoon cruises, cultural exchanges and hospitality from local families. Ocean Protection: A major marine reserve around Rapa Nui is moving toward indigenous-led management, with a “sea council” giving local residents a voting majority to help turn protection into real enforcement. Regional Environment Governance: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting is underway in Samoa, with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing the session and focusing on climate, biodiversity loss and pollution priorities for Pacific communities. Travel & South Pacific Links: Royal Caribbean says its expanded 2027–28 Australian summer season will include a trans-Pacific itinerary via French Polynesia, with Ovation of the Seas newly amplified and homeporting in Brisbane.

Health Crisis: New government figures show obesity in French Polynesia jumped from 40% of adults in 2010 to 51% by 2021, with diabetes, high blood pressure, gout and kidney disease all rising—plus diabetes-linked deaths up more than fourfold over 20 years. Ocean Protection: Rapa Nui’s marine protected area is set to expand into a massive indigenous-managed ocean reserve, with local leaders holding a voting majority on a new “sea council.” Regional Environment: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Samoa focused on the “triple planetary crises” hitting Pacific communities hardest despite their tiny global emissions, setting priorities for the year ahead. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for seabed mining in an area surrounded by French Polynesia and others. Pacific Diplomacy: Samoa and France discussed new cooperation on education, maritime security, illegal drugs, and possible air links—while also exploring showcasing Samoan films in Papeete. Travel & South Pacific Links: Royal Caribbean’s expanded 2027–28 Australia season includes transpacific sailings that route via French Polynesia, with Ovation of the Seas newly amplified for Brisbane.

Cruise & Tourism: Royal Caribbean has opened bookings for its expanded 2027-28 Australian summer, with Ovation of the Seas newly “amplified” and based in Brisbane alongside Voyager, including a 16-night transpacific itinerary that stops in French Polynesia. Health Watch: New government figures show obesity in French Polynesia jumped sharply over the past decade, with rising diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. Ocean Protection: A huge ocean reserve around Easter Island is set to become indigenous-managed, with Rapa Nui residents holding a voting majority on a new “sea council.” Regional Environment: SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa focused on the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—while Forum foreign ministers backed stronger climate action ahead of COP31, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Youth & Exchange: The OCT Youth Network is inviting young adults from French Polynesia and other OCTs to apply for a one-year EU-linked program starting October 2026. Sports (Pacific Games Road): Guam’s teams dominated in Micronesian Cup basketball, with qualification for the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia now in sight.

Health Watch: French Polynesia’s obesity problem is worsening fast, with adult obesity up 11 points over 11 years (from 40% in 2010 to 51% in 2021) and rising diabetes, high blood pressure, gout and chronic kidney disease flagged by local health figures. Regional Security & Climate: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, stressing more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Ocean Protection: Rapa Nui’s marine protection plan moves forward with a huge indigenous-managed ocean reserve where local leaders will hold a majority on a “sea council,” aiming to turn protection on paper into real management. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) brought Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for exploration in an area surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. SPREP Focus: SPREP’s DG warned Pacific communities face the “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution as the SPREP Executive Board meets in Samoa. Sports (Pacific Games Road): Guam’s women’s team thrashed FSM 110-44, keeping qualification hopes for the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia on track.

Health Watch: New French Polynesia figures show obesity climbing sharply over the past decade, with adult obesity up from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021) and rising diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease—health officials link the trend to sedentary habits and unbalanced diets. Ocean Protection: Rapa Nui’s marine protected area is set to expand under an indigenous-managed “sea council” model, aiming to turn ocean protection on paper into long-term ranger enforcement and stewardship. Regional Environment: SPREP’s executive board meeting in Samoa put the spotlight on the “triple planetary crises” hitting Pacific communities hardest despite their tiny share of global emissions, with priorities and funding reviewed for the year ahead. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) brought Cook Islands concerns to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for exploration in an area surrounded by French Polynesia and other neighbors. Sports & Culture: Kelly Slater made a major comeback at the Tahiti Pro with a near-perfect score at Teahupo’o, while Guam’s basketball teams advanced toward the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia. Travel & Tourism: Royal Caribbean announced a bigger 2027-28 Australian season, including a trans-Pacific route via French Polynesia.

Health Watch: New government figures show obesity in French Polynesia has jumped 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 climbing, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and a steep rise in diabetes-linked deaths. Regional Security & Mobility: Samoa and France are exploring fresh cooperation after talks in Apia covering education, maritime issues, security and illegal drugs, including a possible air link connecting Wallis, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, plus a proposal for Samoan university exchanges and showcasing Samoan films at a Papeete festival. Environment & Policy: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting is underway in Samoa as leaders warn Pacific communities face the “triple planetary crises” despite contributing only 0.01% of global emissions, with priorities set for climate, biodiversity and pollution work ahead. Ocean & Culture: Te Ipukarea Society is taking Cook Islands concerns about deep-sea mining to the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s bid tied to an enclave area surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Travel & Tourism: Royal Caribbean is expanding its 2027-28 Australian season to three ships, with Ovation of the Seas returning to Brisbane and itineraries including French Polynesia stops.

Health Crisis: New Papeete health figures show obesity in French Polynesia has climbed fast over the past decade, rising from 40% of adults in 2010 to 51% in 2021, with nearly one in four adolescents obese by 2024; the same data flags sharp increases in high blood pressure, gout, diabetes, and a fourfold rise in diabetes-linked deaths over 20 years, alongside a jump in chronic kidney disease. Ocean & Culture: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 finalists have been revealed, featuring striking images of marine life—from orcas working together to a humpback calf to a male octopus courting—while the competition’s organizers stress growing ocean pressures. Regional Environment: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa is underway, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warning Pacific communities face the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution despite contributing only a tiny share of global emissions. Travel & Polynesia: Royal Caribbean says its 2027-28 Australian season will include trans-Pacific cruises via French Polynesia, with Ovation of the Seas returning to Brisbane and Voyager routing through Papeete and Moorea.

Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) brought 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: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Samoa heard Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warn Pacific communities face the “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 regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pre-COP31 meetings in the Pacific and priorities including climate finance, ocean-climate links and amplifying Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Tourism & Travel: Royal Caribbean announced a bigger 2027-28 Australia season, with Ovation of the Seas returning to Brisbane and a trans-Pacific route via French Polynesia. Sports (Tahiti Pro): Kelly Slater, 54, posted a near-perfect opening heat at Teahupo’o, advancing at the Tahiti Pro. Local Safety: A French Polynesian woman died in a trike-truck crash in Westbrook, Maine, while visiting family.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the UN’s International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an area surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Climate & Ocean Governance: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting in Samoa is spotlighting the “triple planetary crises” (climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution), with Pacific leaders urging stronger action and climate finance. French Polynesia in the Spotlight: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Tahiti Pro Surf: Kelly Slater made a big comeback at Teahupo’o, posting a near-perfect 16.23 heat total and advancing after a dominant opening-round win. Cruise & Travel Links: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger 2027-28 Australian season that includes trans-Pacific sailings via French Polynesia, while Lindblad Expeditions also announced new 2028-29 itineraries returning to French Polynesia.

Sports—Pacific Games qualification: Guam’s men’s national basketball team steamrolled Federated States of Micronesia (92-63) and then beat Palau (102-75) in the FIBA Micronesia Cup, booking a spot in the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia. Environment—SPREP priorities in Samoa: SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific islands face “triple planetary crises” despite tiny emissions, as the SPREP Executive Board meeting reviewed progress and set next steps on climate, biodiversity and pollution. Climate diplomacy—COP31 push: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, including more climate finance and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings. Local impact—fatal crash in Maine: A 41-year-old woman from French Polynesia died after a trike-motorcycle and commercial truck collision in Westbrook; a 59-year-old driver was seriously injured and the investigation continues. Ocean tech—wind-assisted shipping for French Polynesia: A new Tahiti–Austral Islands cargo link is set to use wind-assisted propulsion, with a suction sail installed on the Na Hiro E Pae to cut fuel use and emissions.

Sports—Pacific Games qualification: Guam’s men’s national basketball team crushed Pohnpei 92-63 and then beat Palau 102-75 in the FIBA Micronesia Cup, booking a spot for the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia. Environment—SPREP priorities in Samoa: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting is underway, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warning Pacific communities face the “triple planetary crises” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite tiny emissions, as ministers and partners review priorities and funding. Climate diplomacy—Forum push to COP31: Pacific foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, including more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific-led Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia attending at envoy level. Ocean tech—French Polynesia dive plans: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says her new “Honu” submersible will make its first dive in French Polynesia later this year, aiming to make deep-ocean exploration safer and more accessible. Travel—More ships, more South Pacific: Royal Caribbean expands its 2027-28 Australia season to three ships, with Ovation of the Seas sailing via French Polynesia and calling at Papeete and other islands. Shipping—Wind power for Tahiti-Australs: A new multipurpose cargo vessel, Na Hiro E Pae, has been fitted with a tall wind-assisted eSail to serve the Tahiti–Austral Islands route, supporting lower emissions. Indigenous rights—Baku Initiative: The Baku Initiative Group marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by reaffirming support for Indigenous self-determination, explicitly naming Māʻohi of French Polynesia.

SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia, aiming to keep smaller territories’ environmental concerns front and center. Triple Planet Crisis Focus: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, as the 5EBM reviews priorities and funding. Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action, pushing for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific-led momentum for Pre-COP31 meetings; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. French Polynesia at Sea: Royal Caribbean’s revamped 2027-28 Australia season includes trans-Pacific itineraries that route via French Polynesia, while Lindblad Expeditions and Aranui Cruises also announce new 2028-29 and 2028 options returning to the islands. Ocean Life & Sound: A new 3D spatial audio project captured humpback whale songs in Hawaii and French Polynesia, and separate research from Moorea shows reef fish development shifts based on nursery habitat. Local Safety Note: A French Polynesian woman died in a trike-truck crash in Westbrook, Maine; investigations continue.

SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna’s Jean Paul Mailagi is chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia (12–13 Aug), with the Troika and members including France, Australia, Fiji and others reviewing environmental priorities and funding. Regional Climate Push: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, as ministers back stronger climate action ahead of COP31. French Polynesia in the spotlight: Forum foreign ministers endorsed a Pacific-led climate push; French Polynesia also attended SPREP discussions at special envoy level. Connectivity hit: The Manatua submarine cable fault disrupted internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs dependent on securing a specialist vessel. Tourism and travel links: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger 2027–28 Australia season, with Ovation of the Seas sailing via French Polynesia; Lindblad Expeditions also announced new 2028–29 itineraries returning to French Polynesia. Local human story: A 41-year-old woman from French Polynesia died in a trike-and-truck crash in Westbrook, Maine, while a 59-year-old driver was seriously injured.

Ocean Safety & Innovation: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says new certified deep-sea submersibles could be “safer than flying,” and her DOER Marine “Honu” is set for its first dive in French Polynesia later this year. Cruise & Tourism (South Pacific links): Royal Caribbean will expand its 2027-28 Australia season to three ships, with trans-Pacific sailings routing via French Polynesia (including Honolulu–Brisbane via Papeete/Moorea/Raiatea). Expedition Travel (French Polynesia return): National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions unveiled 2028-29 deployments, bringing back French Polynesia with new 7- and 14-day itineraries linking Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, Makatea and the Tuamotus. Environment & Policy (Pacific climate push): SPREP’s DG warned Pacific communities face “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, while Forum foreign ministers backed stronger climate action ahead of COP31. Connectivity (internet disruption): The Manatua submarine cable fault is degrading internet services across parts of the Pacific, with repairs dependent on securing a specialist cable ship. Local Human Impact: A fatal trike-and-truck crash in Maine involved a 41-year-old woman from French Polynesia visiting family. Culture & Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked International Day of Indigenous Peoples by reaffirming support for Indigenous rights, including Māʻohi of French Polynesia.

Fatal Crash in Maine: A 41-year-old woman from French Polynesia died after a trike motorcycle collision with a commercial truck in Westbrook, Maine; police say the crash is under investigation. Cruise Watch (Lelepa): Royal Caribbean is expanding its Australian fleet, but its Lelepa beach resort in the Pacific remains in itineraries while the company hedges on development timelines. Expedition Travel to French Polynesia: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions unveiled 2028–29 voyages, including new 7- and 14-day routes linking Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, Makatea and the Tuamotus, with select departures led by Pwo navigator Tua Pittman. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific Forum foreign ministers backed stronger climate action ahead of COP31, with French Polynesia attending 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 Science & Reefs: New French Polynesia research shows reef fish metamorphosis depends on nursery habitat, with thyroid-hormone-driven development shifting by where larvae settle. Tourism & Access: Aranui opened 2028 bookings with an expanded fleet programme, adding more departures and access to remote islands.

Climate Pressure on the Frontlines: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face a “fight for our lives” as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution hit hardest despite the region’s tiny 0.01% share of global greenhouse gases. COP31 Push: Forum 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; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Connectivity Disruption: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs now dependent on securing a specialist cable ship. French Polynesia Tourism & Access: Aranui opened 2028 bookings with an expanded fleet programme, adding more sailings to remote islands. Local Life & Culture: A Baku Initiative Group statement marked Indigenous Peoples’ Day by reaffirming support for Kanak and Māʻohi rights and self-determination under colonial rule. Sport Spotlight: Pacific sport roundup highlights Tahiti Pro surfing momentum and Pacific athletes at regional competitions.