AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security & Maritime Enforcement: The U.S. Coast Guard is expanding its Pacific Islands presence with Operation Blue Pacific, aiming to deter drug and people smuggling and illegal fishing, including patrols that cover French Polynesia and other regional partners. Regional Diplomacy for Peace: Pacific Islands Forum leaders issued a renewed global appeal for peace, urging UN Charter principles and dialogue as tensions rise, with French Polynesia among the signatories. French Polynesia Marine Protection: The government says it will fully protect 200,000 square miles of additional ocean, bringing protected waters to about 540,500 square miles, with expanded no-take zones and added artisanal fishing areas. Whale Rights Legal Push: A Moananui Sanctuary Trust initiative released model Pacific-based draft laws for public consultation on whale protection and legal rights of nature. Travel Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare, letting passengers book one ticket from Europe/Japan/NZ/US to Tahiti and then connect to inter-island flights like Bora Bora or Rarotonga. Disaster Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued for multiple Pacific coasts, including French Polynesia, while New Zealand said it faces no threat.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will fully protect 200,000 square miles of ocean—about twice Arizona—adding artisanal fishing zones and bringing total conserved waters to roughly 540,500 square miles. Pacific Peace & Security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders renewed calls for peace under the “Ocean of Peace” declaration, warning rising fuel and freight costs hit small economies hardest. Whale Rights via Law: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released two model whale-protection legal frameworks for public consultation, blending Indigenous ocean stewardship with modern rights-based law. Tsunami Monitoring: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, US advisories listed multiple Pacific areas including French Polynesia, with agencies told to inform coastal communities and watch hazardous conditions. Governance Watchdog: French Polynesia’s Territorial Chamber of Accounts flags shortcomings in UNESCO World Heritage site management, citing weak monitoring at Taputapuatea and the Marquesas. Regional Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare to simplify one-ticket travel between international hubs and outlying islands. Decolonisation Debate: Former Pacific Islands Forum leader Dame Meg Taylor urged leaders to stop sidelining self-determination as security agendas take over.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will fully protect 200,000 square miles of ocean under the Te Tai Nui a Hau Marine Protected Area, bringing conserved waters to about 540,500 square miles and adding new artisanal fishing zones with limited pole-and-line rules. Pacific Peace Call: Pacific leaders renewed calls for peace through the Ocean of Peace Declaration, urging UN Charter principles as fuel and freight costs bite smaller economies. Whale Rights Draft Laws: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released two model legislative frameworks for public consultation on whale protection and legal rights, drawing on Pacific traditions and a petition of 450,000+ supporters. Tsunami Monitoring: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, US advisories flagged possible small sea-level impacts across much of the Pacific, including French Polynesia, with authorities told to inform coastal communities. Regional Security & Cyber: A US Army Pacific cyber unit joined Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, adding a cyber challenge to boost interoperability and readiness. Governance Watchdog: France’s Territorial Chamber of Accounts says UNESCO World Heritage site management is falling short at Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas, citing weak monitoring and outdated visitor information. Local Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare to streamline travel between international arrivals and inter-island flights.

Marine Protection Expansion: French Polynesia says it will fully protect 200,000 sq miles of ocean around the Austral, Marquesas and Western Society islands, pushing total protected waters to about 540,500 sq miles—double Arizona—with limited artisanal pole-and-line fishing in designated zones. Regional Diplomacy & Peace: Pacific leaders renewed calls for peace under the Ocean of Peace Declaration, urging UN Charter principles as fuel and freight costs bite small island economies. Whale Rights via Law Reform: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released two model legislative frameworks for public consultation on whale protection and “rights of nature,” backed by a petition of 450,000. UN Decolonisation Pressure: BVI and other advocates urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance self-government options for remaining non-self-governing territories. Disaster Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across much of the Pacific, including French Polynesia, with agencies told to inform coastal communities and stay out of water. Governance & Heritage Oversight: A French Polynesia audit flags shortcomings in UNESCO World Heritage management for Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas, citing weak monitoring and outdated visitor information.

Ocean Sovereignty & Seabed Mining: Indigenous leaders across the Pacific are pushing back on deep-sea mining, framing it as a sovereignty issue—not just an environmental one—after New Caledonia adopted a 50-year ban on commercial seabed mining. Whale Protection Lawmaking: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released two model legislative frameworks for public consultation, aiming to give whales stronger legal rights rooted in Pacific traditions. French Polynesia Marine Expansion: President Moetai Brotherson says fully protected “no-take” zones inside Tainui Ātea will grow from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km, adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. World Ocean Day Conservation-Tourism Link: Local voices argue conservation and tourism can reinforce each other when protections are real and locally grounded. UN Decolonisation Pressure: BVI and other Pacific advocates urged the UN C24 committee to use “good offices” and visiting missions to speed decolonisation of remaining territories. Regional Security & Cyber Drills: U.S. Army Pacific’s new TIAD unit joined France-led Marara 26 in French Polynesia, expanding cooperation into cyber defense. Local Governance Watchdog: A French Polynesia audit finds management and monitoring gaps at UNESCO sites like Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands. Disaster Preparedness: After a 7.8 quake near Mindanao, tsunami advisories covered parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, with authorities told to keep coastal populations informed.

US–French Polynesia Emergency Costs: The Trump administration chartered a $750,000 private yacht to evacuate one American woman from Pitcairn Island after a hantavirus cruise outbreak, a move that further strained the State Department’s emergency “K Fund.” Air Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated their codeshare from June 3, letting travelers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops across the “Islands of Tahiti.” Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” waters inside Tainui Ātea from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km, adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Decolonisation Pressure: Pacific leaders and territories, including French Polynesia-linked voices, renewed calls for decolonisation to move beyond nuclear-era legacies and unresolved sovereignty questions. Regional Security & Cyber: U.S. Army Pacific’s new TIAD unit joined France-led Exercise Marara 26’s cyber challenge in French Polynesia. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, US advisories listed parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal readiness.

Emergency Response & Budget Pressure: The Trump administration reportedly chartered a $750,000 private yacht to evacuate one American woman from Pitcairn Island after a hantavirus outbreak linked to the Dutch MV Hondius cruise—adding strain to the State Department’s emergency “K Fund.” Regional Security & Cyber Cooperation: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined France-led Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, taking part in a Marara Cyber Challenge with partners across the Indo-Pacific. Ocean Governance in French Polynesia: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” zones inside Tainui Ātea, growing strictly forbidden areas from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km, with new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Local Oversight & Heritage Management: The Court of Auditors flags management shortcomings at French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands. Transport & Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare from June 3, letting travelers book through one ticket for inter-island connections. Disaster Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across much of the Pacific, including French Polynesia, with authorities told to inform coastal communities and monitor conditions.

US Emergency Response: The Trump administration approved a $750,000 yacht charter to evacuate one American from Pitcairn Island after a possible hantavirus exposure linked to the Dutch MV Hondius cruise, adding pressure to the State Department’s emergency “K Fund.” Air Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare from June 3, letting passengers book one ticket for international flights into Tahiti plus inter-island hops on a single itinerary. Regional Security & Cyber: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st TIAD took part in France-led Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, joining a Marara Cyber Challenge to boost Indo-Pacific cyber readiness and partnerships. Ocean Governance: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” marine zones inside the Tainui Ātea marine protected area, raising the strict ban area from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km. Nuclear & Decolonisation Debate: Pacific leaders and advocates renewed calls that decolonisation and nuclear-era harms remain unresolved, linking self-determination to the region’s ongoing political agenda. Disaster Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, with New Zealand reporting no threat.

Aviation & Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated their December 2025 codeshare, letting travelers book one ticket for an international flight into Tahiti plus an inter-island hop on Air Tahiti (starting June 3), boosting access to Bora Bora and beyond. Ocean Governance: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” marine zones inside Tainui Ātea, adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands as it pushes conservation alongside tourism. Decolonisation & Nuclear Legacy: Pacific leaders and advocates renewed calls to finish decolonisation decades after nuclear testing, linking unresolved contamination and self-determination disputes to ongoing colonial power dynamics. Regional Security & Cyber: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge in French Polynesia, building Indo-Pacific cyber readiness with partners. Disaster Watch: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines, tsunami advisories were issued for parts of the Pacific including French Polynesia, while New Zealand reported no threat. Governance Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags management shortcomings at French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Taputapuatea and the Marquesas.

Ocean Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” marine reserves inside Tainui Ātea, growing strictly forbidden areas from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands, as President Moetai Brotherson links conservation to tourism and identity. Decolonisation & Nuclear Legacy: Pacific leaders and advocates renewed calls to finish decolonisation decades after nuclear testing, pointing to unresolved contamination, self-determination disputes, and who benefits from resources—highlighting anniversaries tied to U.S. and French tests. Regional Security & Policing: Australia announced AUD$46m for police deployments in Solomon Islands, framing it as support for regional resilience amid growing China influence and security cooperation. Disaster Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across much of the Pacific including French Polynesia, with officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Governance Oversight: French Polynesia’s Court of Auditors (Territorial Chamber of Accounts) flagged management shortcomings at UNESCO World Heritage sites Taputapuatea and the Marquesas, citing weak monitoring and outdated visitor information. Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: U.S. Army Pacific’s new information advantage unit joined Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia for a Marara Cyber Challenge, building Indo-Pacific cyber readiness with partners.

Regional Security & Aid: Australia says it will add AUD$46m in next week’s budget for police deployments in Solomon Islands, framing it as support for partners’ security and resilience amid growing China influence and new security cooperation in the Pacific. French Polynesia Governance: The Court of Auditors flags management shortcomings at French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, citing weak monitoring and outdated visitor information at Taputapuatea marae and concerns around the Marquesas Islands. Ocean Protection: French Polynesia plans to expand its fully protected “no-take” marine zones inside the Tainui Atea marine protected area, increasing strict protection from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Nuclear-Free & Decolonization Push: Pacific advocates and UN decolonization committee appeals keep spotlighting unresolved self-determination issues tied to the nuclear era, with French Polynesia among the places referenced. Tsunami Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories were issued across much of the Pacific including French Polynesia, urging coastal authorities to inform communities and stay out of the water. Cyber & Exercise Diplomacy: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined France-led Exercise Marara 26’s cyber challenge in French Polynesia to build Indo-Pacific cyber readiness and partnerships.

Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for many Pacific coasts, including French Polynesia, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels and officials urging coastal communities to follow local guidance. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Australia says it will add AUD$46m for police deployments in Solomon Islands, framing it as a way to reduce reliance on outside powers as China expands influence; the announcement comes alongside Australia-Fiji military cooperation moves. French Polynesia Marine Protection: President Moetai Brotherson says the territory will expand fully protected “no-take” zones inside its huge marine protected area, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. UN Decolonization Push: The British Virgin Islands and Virgin Islands urge the UN C24 committee to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance decolonization options like integration, free association, or independence. Local Governance Scrutiny: French Polynesia’s Court of Auditors flags shortcomings in managing UNESCO sites, including Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands. Cyber Cooperation in Tahiti: US Army Pacific’s new TIAD unit joined the Marara Cyber Challenge during Exercise Marara 26, boosting Indo-Pacific cyber readiness with French and regional partners.

Pacific Security & Aid: Australia’s Labor government is earmarking AUD$46m for police deployments in Solomon Islands, framing it as a way to reduce “vacuum” risks as China expands influence and as Australia deepens regional defense cooperation. Decolonisation Push: A former Pacific Islands Forum leader, Dame Meg Taylor, urged leaders to stop dodging sovereignty and self-determination debates, warning security agendas are crowding out core islander priorities. UN Decolonisation Pressure: The British Virgin Islands and Virgin Islands called on the UN C24 committee to use “good offices” and visiting missions to advance decolonisation for the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories. French Polynesia Governance: The Court of Auditors says UNESCO World Heritage management for Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands falls short on monitoring and visitor information accuracy. Ocean Policy in Tahiti: French Polynesia plans to expand its fully protected “no-take” marine zones inside the Tainui Atea marine protected area, adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Regional Emergency Watch: After a 7.8 quake off Mindanao, tsunami advisories covered many Pacific coasts including French Polynesia, while New Zealand reported no threat. Cyber Cooperation: U.S. Army Pacific and partners joined France-led Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, adding a cyber challenge to boost readiness and interoperability. Regional Connectivity: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, supporting travel links between the French Pacific and Fiji.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded “no-take” marine reserves inside the Tainui Atea marine protected area, banning all human activity in more waters (from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km) and adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands, with President Moetai Brotherson framing it as an Oceania-wide model for ocean stewardship. Tsunami Watch in the Pacific: After a 7.8 quake off the Philippines’ Mindanao, the US Tsunami Warning Centre issued advisories for multiple Pacific coasts including French Polynesia, with waves forecast under 0.3m above tide levels and authorities urged to inform and guide coastal communities. Regional Security & Cyber: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment took part in France-led Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, joining a Marara Cyber Challenge to boost cyber readiness and interoperability with Indo-Pacific partners. UN Decolonization Pressure: The British Virgin Islands urged the UN Special Committee on Decolonization to use its tools—good offices and visiting missions—to advance remaining non-self-governing territories toward integration, free association, or independence. UNESCO Management Scrutiny: The Court of Auditors (CTC) says management of French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites—Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands—still falls short on monitoring and visitor information accuracy. Ocean Day Tourism-Conservation Link: World Ocean Day coverage highlights how Tahiti Tourisme and conservation-focused efforts are positioning marine protection as a driver for sustainable tourism. Tech Infrastructure Angle: A Telstra–Google partnership aims to improve network resilience and security by combining terrestrial fibre and subsea connectivity—part of a broader shift toward telecoms as digital infrastructure providers.

Tsunami Monitoring: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao, Philippines, has triggered Pacific-wide tsunami advisories, with U.S. warnings forecasting sea-level changes under 0.3m above tides in places including French Polynesia; New Zealand says there’s no threat locally, but coastal agencies are told to inform communities and watch for hazardous currents. Regional Security & Cyber: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment joined France-led Exercise Marara 26 in French Polynesia, taking part in a Marara Cyber Challenge to boost cyber readiness and interoperability with Indo-Pacific partners. UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors (Territorial Chamber of Accounts) says management of French Polynesia’s UNESCO sites—Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands—falls short, citing weak monitoring and outdated visitor information. Drug & Health Warning Signs: Security and health experts warn that illicit drugs linked to Fiji’s HIV surge are showing up across the region, with traces of meth reported in Tonga wastewater and drug busts noted in French Polynesia. Aviation Links: Fiji Airways plans to restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, a sign of renewed regional travel momentum after unrest disrupted service.

French Polynesia Oversight: The Court of Auditors says management of UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia falls short, citing weak monitoring and outdated visitor information at Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands. Regional Security & Defense: U.S. Army Pacific’s new 1st Theater Information Advantage Detachment took part in Exercise Marara 26’s Marara Cyber Challenge in French Polynesia, teaming with French forces and Pacific partners to boost cyber readiness and interoperability. Public Health & Crime Spillover: A Pacific security expert warns drug trafficking linked to Fiji’s HIV surge is showing “warning signs” in nearby islands, with meth traces in Tonga wastewater and drug busts reported in French Polynesia. Pacific Diplomacy & Sovereignty: A “David vs Goliath” dispute over Matthew and Hunter islands pits Vanuatu against France, raising fears of wider sovereignty claims tied to France’s overseas territories. Pacific Community & Ocean Protection: Leaders and voyaging groups gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate high-seas marine conservation across the Pacific, including French Polynesia. Aviation Links: Fiji Airways will resume direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, restoring a key regional connection after unrest disrupted services to New Caledonia.