AGP Executive Report

Pacific Islands Forum Watch: Leaders wrapped the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, issuing the “Belau Declaration” pushing urgent, inclusive climate action to keep warming within 1.5°C, while registering concern over China’s July missile test—an early sign of how the region is handling big-power security pressure. French Polynesia Hosting Pipeline: The next Forum hosts were set, with French Polynesia slated for 2031, after New Zealand (2027), Nauru (2028), Marshall Islands (2029) and Vanuatu (2030). Energy & Resilience Funding: Palau launched a $2bn prospectus for Pacific energy projects aiming for 100% renewable power, and the Pacific Resilience Facility treaty moved forward with $162m in pledges. Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson used the Palau talks to warn that deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change threaten the “Ocean of Peace,” noting maritime traffic as both a trade lifeline and a route for illicit goods. Local Industry Signal: Air Moana is seeking up to €17m to finance ATR fleet upgrades and support schedule growth—an important step for connectivity and tourism-linked business in French Polynesia. Conservation Spotlight: At Tetiaroa Atoll, biologists reported an estimated 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings in 2024–25, reinforcing the area’s conservation value tied to Brando-era protection efforts.

Pacific Islands Forum Wrap-Up: Palau hosted the 55th Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting and issued the “Belau Declaration” calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep warming within 1.5°C, while registering concern over China’s July missile test; the summit also set the next host lineup, with French Polynesia slated for 2031. Energy & Investment: Palau’s president launched a $2 billion prospectus to fund energy projects aimed at making the Pacific 100% renewable-powered, as the Pacific Resilience Facility treaty moved forward with $US162 million in pledges. Blue Pacific Industry & Trade: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson used the Palau forum to stress that the ocean is both a “pantry” and a transport corridor for goods and fuel, linking maritime traffic to both economic lifelines and illicit flows. Water Infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA conference in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), focusing on governance, sustainable service delivery, and climate resilience for water systems. Air Moana Growth: Air Moana is seeking up to €17 million to finance fleet replacement and schedule growth, targeting an ATR fleet upgrade. Marine Conservation Spotlight: New reporting highlights Tetiaroa Atoll in French Polynesia reaching an estimated 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings in a season, underscoring conservation-linked tourism value.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders wrapped the 55th summit with the Belau Declaration calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep warming within 1.5°C, while also registering concern over China’s July missile test—without a full condemnation—highlighting rising security tensions. Regional governance & hosting: A new annual police ministers meeting was agreed, external powers will be split into two tiers for future access, and the next host line-up was set: New Zealand (2027), Nauru (2028), Marshall Islands (2029), Vanuatu (2030), and French Polynesia (2031). French Polynesia industry angle (water & ocean): French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), aiming to strengthen climate-resilient water services across Pacific communities. Blue Pacific priorities: President Moetai Brotherson used the Palau forum to stress threats to the “Ocean of Peace,” including deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and climate change, and noted maritime traffic’s role in both trade and illicit flows. Local transport/air: Air Moana is seeking new financing (up to €17m) to fund schedule growth and an ATR fleet upgrade. Tourism & shipping signal: Tahiti Cruise Club elected a new executive committee, with cruise activity in French Polynesia reported as having tripled since 2012 and expected to keep rising.

Pacific Islands Forum Wrap in Palau: Leaders adopted the “Belau Declaration” calling for urgent, inclusive climate action to keep warming within 1.5°C, while registering concern over China’s July missile test—without a direct condemnation—highlighting the region’s security and diplomacy fault lines. Regional Governance & Hosting: A new annual police ministers meeting was agreed, external powers will be grouped into two tiers for future leaders’ access, and the next hosts were set: New Zealand (2027), Nauru (2028), Marshall Islands (2029), Vanuatu (2030), and French Polynesia (2031). Energy & Resilience Funding: Palau launched a $2bn prospectus for Pacific energy projects aiming for 100% renewable power, and the Pacific Resilience Facility treaty entered into force with $162m pledged. French Polynesia Industry Angle—Water & Waste: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), focusing on climate-resilient water services and sustainable financing. Blue Economy & Ocean Protection: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson urged a regional response to threats to the “Blue Pacific” including deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and climate change, noting maritime traffic’s role in both trade and illicit flows. Coral & Tourism Link: A study highlights damselfish-assisted coral healing, adding another reason to protect reef fish habitats as tourism and fisheries depend on healthy reefs.

Ocean Conservation & Marine Life: Biologists at French Polynesia’s Tetiaroa Atoll report 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings in a season, with 113 nesting females and about 161 nests—an ongoing conservation legacy tied to Marlon Brando’s long-ago protection push. Blue Pacific Policy & Water Security: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA Conference & Expo in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), aiming to strengthen governance and climate-resilient water and wastewater services across Pacific communities. Local Shipping & Cruise Economy: Tahiti Cruise Club has a new executive committee led by Edouard Gaide, with cruise activity in French Polynesia now tripled since 2012 and expected to reach 1,300 port calls this year. Aviation & Fleet Investment: Air Moana is seeking up to €17m in new financing to support schedule growth and fleet replacement, including an ATR fleet upgrade plan. Regional Security Context: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders—including French Polynesia’s President Moetai Brotherson—highlight threats to the “Ocean of Peace,” from deep-sea mining and plastic pollution to climate change, while security tensions also feature in discussions.

Luxury Yachting & Tourism: SeaDream Yacht Club unveiled SeaDream III, its first new yacht in 25 years, with bookings opening now for July 2029 debuts—aimed at keeping the “intimate, family” feel while expanding suite choice for about 200 guests. Pacific Security & Airspace: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese condemned China’s missile tests, with leaders saying Beijing has “disrespected” Pacific nations, including claims of missiles near French Polynesia. French Polynesia Cruise Growth: Tahiti Cruise Club elected a new executive committee led by Edouard Gaide, as cruise activity in French Polynesia has tripled since 2012 and is expected to keep rising with 1,300 port calls this year. Aviation Investment: Air Moana is seeking up to €17m to finance schedule growth and fleet replacement, targeting an ATR fleet upgrade. Blue Pacific Ocean Protection: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson pushed for regional action on threats to the “Ocean of Peace,” citing deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and climate change. Water & Waste Infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and PWWA conference in Papeete, focusing on climate-resilient service delivery. Marine Conservation Spotlight: A report on Tetiaroa highlights continued protection success after Marlon Brando’s conservation push, with thousands of green sea turtle hatchlings recorded.

Marine Conservation: At Tetiaroa, near Tahiti, biologists recorded 15,614 green sea turtle hatchlings during a recent survey, with 113 nesting females and about 161 nests across protected coral islets—highlighting how Brando’s long-ago decision to keep the atoll isolated is paying off for biodiversity. Aviation & Connectivity: French Polynesian turboprop operator Air Moana is seeking up to €17m in new financing to fund schedule growth and fleet replacement, aiming to support demand and modernize operations. Cruise & Local Industry: Tahiti Cruise Club elected Edouard Gaide as its new president, with the group pointing to a tripling of cruise activity since 2012 and expecting more port calls and passengers this year. Blue Economy & Policy: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson used the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau to push for regional action to protect the “Blue Pacific,” citing threats like deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and climate change. Water Infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA conference in Papeete (Aug 31–Sept 4), focused on governance, sustainable service delivery, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Pacific Islands Forum Hosting: Nauru is set to be endorsed as the next Pacific Islands Forum host and chair, with the Leaders Meeting in 2028—pushing the tiny state into a bigger regional leadership role and likely forcing a shift from its tight media-visit rules. Blue Pacific Ocean Policy: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson is in Palau for the Forum, warning that the “Ocean of Peace” faces threats like deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change, and calling for a regional response. Water & Waste Infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA Conference & Expo in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), aiming to boost climate-resilient water services and financing. Air Moana Fleet Funding: Air Moana is seeking up to €17m to support schedule growth and replace/upgrade its ATR fleet. Cruise Sector Leadership: Tahiti Cruise Club has a new executive committee led by Edouard Gaide, as cruise activity in French Polynesia continues to expand.

Air Moana Fleet Upgrade: French Polynesian turboprop operator Air Moana is seeking up to €17 million to finance schedule growth and replace/upgrade its ATR fleet, aiming to support wider service capacity. Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace: President Moetai Brotherson used the Palau-hosted Pacific Islands Forum to push for a regional response to threats to the Blue Pacific, citing deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change—and noting maritime traffic as both a trade lifeline and a route for illicit goods. Water & Wastewater Push in Papeete: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting with the 17th PWWA Conference & Expo (Aug 31–Sep 4), focused on governance, best practices and climate-resilient infrastructure for island utilities. Cruise Sector Momentum in Tahiti: Tahiti Cruise Club named Edouard Gaide as president, with the group highlighting that cruise activity in French Polynesia has tripled since 2012 and now drives over XPF 20 billion in annual economic impact, with 1,300 port calls expected this year. Pacific Islands Forum Watch: Coverage ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau flags key issues around regional unity, security, and how island states can convert external attention into climate action and control over ocean resources.

Air Moana Financing: French Polynesian turboprop operator Air Moana is seeking up to €17m to fund schedule growth and fleet replacement, combining multiple funding sources to support its next phase. Blue Pacific Ocean Policy: President Moetai Brotherson is in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, pushing for a regional response to threats to the “Blue Pacific” from deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change—while stressing the ocean’s role in food, connection and maritime trade. Water & Waste Infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting with the PWWA conference and expo in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), aiming to strengthen governance, share best practices and boost climate-resilient water services. Cruise Sector Leadership & Growth: The Tahiti Cruise Club has a new executive committee led by Edouard Gaide, as cruise activity in French Polynesia has tripled since 2012 and is expected to keep rising with more port calls and passengers. Environment & Nature-based Solutions: On World Environment Day, the Pacific Community (SPC) renewed its push to put nature at the center of development, using nature-based solutions to protect biodiversity and support low-carbon, climate-resilient growth across the Pacific.

Aviation & Investment: French Polynesian turboprop operator Air Moana is seeking up to €17m in new financing to fund schedule growth and fleet replacement, a move that could reshape regional connectivity and capacity. Water & Utilities: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the 17th PWWA Conference & Expo in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), focusing on governance, sustainable service delivery, and climate-resilient water infrastructure. Cruise & Tourism Jobs: Tahiti Cruise Club has a new leadership team led by President Edouard Gaide, with cruise activity in French Polynesia reported as having tripled since 2012 and expected to rise further this year with 1,300 port calls. Blue Pacific Security & Trade: President Moetai Brotherson is in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, pushing for regional action to protect the “Ocean of Peace” amid threats like deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, climate change, and maritime trafficking routes. Maritime Policy Watch: The Forum summit agenda highlights how Pacific states are trying to keep control over security and ocean resources as major powers compete.

Ocean Governance & Trade: President Moetai Brotherson says French Polynesia’s “Ocean of Peace” is under pressure from deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change, arguing protection needs a regional response as maritime traffic also underpins imports, fuel exports and illicit drug routes. Water & Waste Infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting with the 17th PWWA Conference & Expo in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), aiming to strengthen governance, share best practices and boost climate-resilient water and wastewater services. Cruise & Local Economy: Tahiti Cruise Club elects Edouard Gaide as president, with cruise activity in French Polynesia reported as having tripled since 2012 and expected to rise again this year with 1,300 port calls. Blue Pacific Security Context: A Pacific Islands Forum summit in Palau (Aug 30–Sep 4) spotlights how island states try to keep control over security and ocean resources amid US-China competition and disputes over ocean minerals. Maritime Research & Media: A new French Polynesia-linked project captures spatialized humpback whale songs, adding to marine science and showcasing local ocean expertise.

Cruise & Tourism Jobs: Tahiti Cruise Club has a new executive committee, with Edouard Gaide (a maritime pilot and former Aranui officer) taking over as president, supported by Ororiki Rickenbach and treasurer Torea Colas, as cruise activity in French Polynesia has tripled since 2012 and the sector is now worth over XPF 20 billion in annual economic impact; the territory expects 1,300 port calls this year, with 89% handled by ships under 600 passengers. Global Cruise Demand: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings with 450+ voyages across 20 ships and nearly 150 destinations, highlighting longer port time (about 80% of sailing days in port) that can feed future Pacific itineraries. Pacific Security & Resources: Pacific leaders meet in Palau (Aug. 30–Sept. 4) to test whether the region can keep a united voice as China, the US and partners compete over security and ocean minerals—an issue that directly shapes investment and industry planning across member economies including French Polynesia. Environment & Land-Use Pressure: A France wildfire story from Le Porge ties into the wider debate on building in forested areas, pushing for “radical changes” in how forests are managed and how suburbs expand into wildlands—relevant for Polynesian coastal and land-use resilience planning.

Wildfire & land-use lessons: A fast-moving wildfire near Bordeaux produced unusual smoke-and-lightning weather and destroyed 183 homes, reigniting debate across Europe about building too close to forested wildlands—an issue French Polynesia can’t ignore as it weighs resilience, housing expansion, and land management. Cruise growth in the Pacific: Tahiti Cruise Club elected a new executive committee led by Edouard Gaide, with cruise activity in French Polynesia now tripled since 2012 and expected to rise again this year (1,300 port calls; 89% under 600 passengers), signaling continued demand for local marine services. Tourism planning push: Norwegian Cruise Line opened Summer 2028 bookings with 450+ voyages and heavy time in port, a reminder that long-lead itinerary sales can shape future visitor flows to the South Pacific. Expedition cruising spotlight: Expedition cruise operators say they’re refining itineraries for authentic discovery and are factoring environmental rules into destination choices—relevant for how French Polynesia positions itself for higher-value expedition travel. Ocean sound & research links: A sound recordist describes new high-definition, spatialized humpback whale recordings from Hawaii and French Polynesia, underlining growing interest in marine knowledge that can support responsible tourism and conservation.

Cruise & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, with 450+ voyages across 20 ships from 25 homeports and calls to nearly 150 destinations, including the South Pacific—plus more time ashore (about 80% of sailing days in port) and 175 overnight stays. Local Cruise Governance: Tahiti Cruise Club elected a new executive committee led by Edouard Gaide, with maritime and airline experience, as cruise activity in French Polynesia has tripled since 2012 and the territory expects 1,300 port calls this year. Regional Security & Resources: Pacific leaders meet in Palau (Aug. 30–Sept. 4) to test whether the region can keep a common voice amid US-China competition and growing focus on ocean minerals and security partnerships. Expedition Cruising: Expedition cruise lines say itinerary planning is increasingly shaped by environmental rules and the push for authentic, discovery-led routes—explicitly pointing to warmer destinations including French Polynesia. Industry Context: A new report ranks countries by share of global forests, with Russia leading at 20.1%, a reminder of how land-use and climate pressures can ripple into Pacific economies.

Pacific Islands Forum Security & Resources: Leaders meet in Palau Aug. 30–Sept. 4 to test whether the region can keep a common voice as China, the US and partners compete over Taiwan, ocean minerals and defense ties—an issue that directly affects how island states turn attention into climate action, infrastructure, jobs and control of resources. Cruise & Local Jobs: Tahiti Cruise Club elects Edouard Gaide as president, with Ororiki Rickenbach as secretary and Torea Colas staying treasurer; the club says cruise activity in French Polynesia has tripled since 2012 and now drives over XPF 20 billion in annual economic impact, with 1,300 port calls expected this year. South Pacific Tourism Demand: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for Summer 2028, highlighting more port time and late departures, including itineraries that reach the South Pacific—good news for regional operators planning capacity. Expedition Cruising Spotlight: A feature on how expedition lines design itineraries points to French Polynesia as a growing biodiversity destination, shaped by environmental rules and guest demand for authentic discovery. Maritime Security Watch: Concerns are rising over an AFP anti-drugs taskforce in Colombia and whether it could feed into US lethal strikes on suspected trafficking vessels. Ocean Sound & Research: A sound recordist describes new 3D underwater recordings of humpback whales from Hawaii and French Polynesia, aiming to capture the spatial character of whale songs.