AGP Executive Report

Samoa–France Cooperation: Samoa’s PM met France’s Pacific ambassador to map new collaboration on education, maritime issues, security and illegal drugs, including an exchange idea between the National University of Samoa and universities in French territories, plus a push for Samoan filmmakers to show work at a Papeete festival. Health & Lifestyle: New French Polynesia figures show obesity climbing fast over the past decade, with adult obesity rising from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021), and growing links to diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease—with health officials pointing to sedentary habits and diet. Ocean Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) took deep-sea mining concerns to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US company’s bid for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate action push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pacific-led Pre-COP31 meetings and the PRF as a key finance priority, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Culture & Travel: A French Polynesia-based photographer, Helene Havard, is spotlighted for her pastel, film-like series “End of the Road,” turning American roadside businesses into dreamy art.

Health & Lifestyle: New government 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), and nearly one in four adolescents obese by 2024; the same data links the rise to more high blood pressure, gout and diabetes, plus diabetes-linked deaths rising more than fourfold over 20 years and chronic kidney disease jumping from 4.5 per 1,000 (2010) to 14 per 1,000 (2024). Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (Aug. 9) by reaffirming support for Indigenous peoples’ rights, cultural identity and self-determination, explicitly naming the Māʻohi of Maʻohi Nui (French Polynesia) alongside other communities across French and Dutch colonial territories. Ocean Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) brought Cook Islands concerns about deep-seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority assembly, opposing a U.S. company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pre-COP31 meetings across the Pacific and highlighting climate finance, renewable energy and ocean-climate priorities, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Deep-Sea Safety Debate: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep exploration can be “safer than flying” if vehicles are properly certified, and notes her company’s “Honu” submersible is set for its first dive in French Polynesia later this year. Sports Roundup: A Pacific sport roundup highlights performances at the World Athletics U20 Championships, including French Polynesia’s participation among other regional teams.

Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns about seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, with Sieni Tiraa speaking against a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin—an area surrounded by the maritime borders of Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pacific-led Pre-COP31 meetings and reaffirming priorities like climate finance access, the ocean-climate link, and amplifying Pacific voices—French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Indigenous Rights: On International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (Aug. 9), the Baku Initiative Group reaffirmed support for Indigenous rights and self-determination, explicitly naming the Māʻohi of French Polynesia alongside Kanak people and other communities across former French and Dutch territories. Ocean & Lifestyle: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep-sea travel can be “safer than flying” with certified operators, as her company prepares a new “Honu” submersible for dives in French Polynesia later this year. Sport Roundup: A Pacific sports news roundup highlights regional performances at the World Athletics U20 Championships, including French Polynesia’s participation among other Oceania federations.

Ocean & Safety: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep-sea travel can be “safer than flying” if submersibles are properly certified, and her DOER Marine “Honu” craft is set for its first dives in French Polynesia later this year. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, boosting calls for climate finance, renewable energy investment, and Pacific leadership—French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Sport Across the Pacific: A regional sports roundup highlights Pacific athletes at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, including French Polynesia’s participation alongside other Oceania federations. Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (Aug. 9) by reaffirming support for Indigenous rights and self-determination, explicitly naming the Māʻohi of French Polynesia and Kanak people of Kanaky.

Ocean & Safety: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep-sea travel can be “safer than flying,” pointing to her DOER Marine “Honu” submersible—set for its first French Polynesia dive later this year—after the Titan disaster raised fears about submersible safety. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable investment, and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Sport: A Pacific sport roundup highlights athletes at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, including French Polynesia’s participation alongside other Oceania federations. Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (Aug. 9) by reaffirming support for Indigenous rights and self-determination, explicitly naming the Māʻohi of French Polynesia and Kanak people of Kanaky. Lifestyle & Culture: Photographer Helene Havard, based in French Polynesia, explores how American roadside places shape imagination in her “End of the Road” series.

Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (Aug. 9) by reaffirming support for Indigenous rights, cultural identity and self-determination, explicitly naming the Kanak of Kanaky (New Caledonia) and the Māʻohi of French Polynesia. Climate & Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger Pacific climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership at Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Ocean Safety & Innovation: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep-sea travel can be “safer than flying” when vehicles are properly certified, and reports that her DOER Marine submersible “Honu” will make its first dive in French Polynesia later this year. Culture & Lifestyle (Travel): A French Polynesia travel feature highlights the feeling of “privacy and solitude” at UNESCO sites like Marae Taputapuatea on Raiatea, tying it to a new plan to cap tourism at about 280,000 visitors per year. Sports: A Pacific sport roundup spotlights French Polynesia’s presence at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, alongside other Oceania performances.

Ocean & Safety: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep-sea travel can be “safer than flying,” and her DOER Marine “Honu” submersible is set for its first French Polynesia dive later this year, designed for three passengers to 1,000 meters for eight hours. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger Pacific climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pre-COP31 meetings in the region and calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment, and Pacific leadership. Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by reaffirming support for Indigenous rights and self-determination, explicitly naming the Māʻohi of French Polynesia among others. Tourism & Lifestyle: A travel feature highlights French Polynesia’s push to cap visitor numbers (around 280,000 a year) and the resulting sense of privacy at major cultural sites like Marae Taputapuatea on Raiatea. Sports (Regional): A Pacific sport roundup spotlights performances at the World Athletics U20 Championships, including French Polynesia’s participation alongside other Oceania federations. Culture & Travel Media: A photo series by French Polynesia-based photographer Helene Havard turns American roadside diners and motels into dreamy, unsettling landscapes—an artful look at how places shape imagination. Food Culture (Global): A “Tony” film tie-in rounds up foodie stops inspired by Anthony Bourdain, including Seattle and Denver restaurants.

Ocean Safety & Conservation: Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep-sea travel can be “safer than flying” when vehicles are properly certified, and her DOER Marine team plans a new “Honu” submersible with dives off French Polynesia later this year. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger Pacific climate push ahead of COP31, including more climate finance, renewable investment, and ocean-focused priorities, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous self-determination, explicitly naming the Māʻohi of French Polynesia and Kanak people of Kanaky. Tourism & Local Life: A travel feature highlights French Polynesia’s move to cap visitor numbers (around 280,000 a year) and how that helps keep places like Raiatea’s Marae Taputapuatea feeling quiet and personal. Climate Impacts on Nature: Research coverage points to how coral reefs and shellfish may respond to warming and acidification, including possible benefits from parental “preconditioning.”

Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger Pacific push ahead of COP31, urging more climate finance, faster renewable energy investment, and louder Pacific leadership through Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous rights and self-determination, explicitly naming the Māʻohi of Maʻohi Nui (French Polynesia) alongside Kanak people and other communities under colonial rule. Culture & Travel Lifestyle: A French Polynesia tourism piece highlights how visitors are seeking privacy and “getting away,” while the territory caps tourist numbers at about 280,000 a year—framing it as intentional crowd control. Environment & Heritage: Research coverage focuses on how climate change affects coral reefs and shellfish, including the possibility of beneficial acclimatization across generations. Nuclear Memory: A reflective piece argues nuclear debates should center survivors’ lived experiences, including those from French Polynesia and other test-affected places. Sports Spotlight: Pacific athletes made waves at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, with French Polynesia among the represented federations.

Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger Pacific push ahead of COP31, urging more climate finance, faster renewable energy investment, and louder Pacific leadership through Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Indigenous Rights: On World Indigenous Peoples Day (Aug. 9), the Baku Initiative Group reaffirmed support for Indigenous self-determination, explicitly naming Kanak people of Kanaky and Māʻohi of French Polynesia, alongside other territories under French and Dutch colonial rule. Culture & Travel Lifestyle: A French Polynesia-based photographer, Helene Havard, shares her “End of the Road” series—pastel, dreamy roadside scenes from the American West—showing how iconic landscapes shape imagination before you ever visit. Heritage Tourism & Local Life: A travel feature highlights French Polynesia’s push to cap visitor numbers (around 280,000 a year) to protect privacy and reduce crowding, from Raiatea’s Marae Taputapuatea to the wider island rhythm. Environment & Food Systems: Research coverage explores how climate change affects coral reefs and shellfish, including the role of parental history in helping offspring adapt to warmer, more acidic conditions. Memory & Peace: A reflective piece argues that nuclear debates must center survivors’ lived experiences, including those from French Polynesia, to prevent leaders from treating nuclear threats as abstract.

Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger Pacific push ahead of COP31, urging more climate finance, faster renewable energy investment, and louder Pacific leadership at Pre-COP31 meetings, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous self-determination and cultural identity, explicitly naming Māʻohi of Maʻohi Nui (French Polynesia) alongside Kanak in New Caledonia and other Pacific and Caribbean communities. Tourism & Local Life: A new French Polynesia travel angle highlights how privacy and “getting away” are shaped by a cap on visitor numbers (around 280,000 a year), aiming for a low ratio of visitors to locals. Environment & Food Systems: Research coverage points to climate change impacts on coral reefs and shellfish, while another study explores how marine species may acclimatize across generations. Nuclear Memory: A renewed call to listen to nuclear survivors argues that voices from places including French Polynesia should stay central as nuclear anxiety rises worldwide.

Tourism & Privacy: French Polynesia is leaning into “real luxury” by limiting visitor numbers to about 280,000 a year, so places like Raiatea’s Marae Taputapuatea can still feel quiet and uncrowded even in peak season. Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous peoples’ cultural identity and self-determination, explicitly naming the Kanak (Kanaky), the Māʻohi (French Polynesia), and other communities across former French and Dutch territories. Climate & Oceans: New reporting highlights how climate change is affecting coral reefs and shellfish, with research pointing to how marine species may (or may not) adapt across generations. Culture, Tech & Inclusion: A Pacific-focused piece argues that AI and Digital Public Infrastructure can be used as “wayfinding” tools for inclusive growth—if they’re tailored to local realities. Nuclear Memory: Ahead of the next nuclear crisis, a call is made to center the voices of people who lived through nuclear attacks and testing, including in French Polynesia. Global Culture Note: A photographer based in French Polynesia explores how iconic landscapes shape imagination, turning roadside America into a dreamy but uneasy series.

Indigenous Solidarity: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous rights and self-determination, explicitly naming the Māʻohi of French Polynesia alongside Kanak communities and others across former French and Dutch territories. Tourism & Local Life: A travel feature highlights how French Polynesia’s move to cap visitor numbers (around 280,000 a year) is reshaping the experience of sacred sites like Marae Taputapuatea—more privacy, fewer crowds, and a stronger sense of place. Culture & Privacy: Across the islands, “privacy” is framed as the real luxury for travelers, tied to the archipelago’s scale and the way tourism is managed. Climate on the Reef: Research coverage looks at how climate change is affecting coral reefs and shellfish, including the potential for species to adapt across generations. Pacific Wayfinding: A regional piece connects traditional navigation with AI and Digital Public Infrastructure, arguing for inclusive digital growth guided by Pacific knowledge. Nuclear Memory: A commentary calls for more voices from nuclear survivors and test-affected communities, including French Polynesia, warning against treating nuclear threats as abstract or distant.

Indigenous Rights: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous peoples’ rights, cultural identity, and self-determination, naming the Māʻohi of French Polynesia alongside Kanak communities in Kanaky and other groups across French and Dutch colonial territories. Tourism & Lifestyle: A travel feature from Tahiti highlights how “privacy” can feel real in French Polynesia, pointing to the territory’s plan to cap visitors at about 280,000 a year—framing it as a way to escape crowds while still enjoying sacred sites like Marae Taputapuatea. Culture, Tech & Inclusion: A Pacific-focused piece connects traditional wayfinding with today’s digital transformation, arguing that AI and Digital Public Infrastructure can help chart inclusive growth across island nations. Climate & Marine Heritage: Research coverage looks at how climate change is affecting coral reefs and shelled creatures, including experiments on whether parental experience can help offspring survive hotter, more acidic seas. Nuclear Memory: A reflective story urges the world to listen to people who lived through nuclear attacks and tests, including in French Polynesia, warning that nuclear threats shouldn’t be treated as abstract. Outdoor Wellbeing: Clare Balding shares how walking and hiking keep her grounded—an upbeat reminder of simple, restorative movement that resonates with island life.

Indigenous Rights & Decolonization: The Baku Initiative Group marked Aug. 9 by reaffirming support for Indigenous Peoples’ rights, cultural identity, and self-determination, naming Māʻohi of Maʻohi Nui (French Polynesia) alongside Kanak communities and others under French and Dutch colonial rule. Tourism & Local Privacy: A travel feature highlights how French Polynesia’s push to cap visitor numbers (around 280,000 a year) is shaping a quieter, more “private” experience at sacred sites like Marae Taputapuatea on Raiatea. Climate & Marine Life: New reporting focuses on how climate change is affecting coral reefs and shellfish, including research into whether marine species can adapt across generations. Nuclear Memory & Public Debate: A commentary argues that nuclear anxiety is rising, but the lived testimonies of survivors from places including French Polynesia should be central to public discussion. Wayfinding for Inclusive Growth: Another piece draws on Pacific navigation traditions to frame how AI and digital public infrastructure could support inclusive development across Pacific Island countries. Culture & Movement: Clare Balding reflects on how hiking keeps her grounded, pairing mental wellbeing with the social side of walking—an angle that resonates with island lifestyles and outdoor culture.

Indigenous Rights: On Aug. 9, the Baku Initiative Group backed Indigenous peoples’ rights, cultural identity, and self-determination, naming the Māʻohi of French Polynesia alongside Kanak communities in Kanaky and other groups under French and Dutch colonial rule. Tourism & Lifestyle: A new travel piece highlights how French Polynesia’s push to cap visitor numbers (around 280,000 a year) is shaping a “privacy” feel on islands like Raiatea, where sacred sites such as Marae Taputapuatea can still feel uncrowded. Climate Impacts on Nature: Research on coral reefs and shelled creatures points to how warming and ocean acidification may affect survival and growth, including the possibility of beneficial acclimatization linked to parents’ past conditions. Nuclear Memory & Public Debate: A commentary argues that nuclear anxiety is rising, but survivor voices—from places including French Polynesia—are still missing from public discussion, urging leaders to listen to lived experience. Regional Roundup: A Pacific Islands news roundup (July 30–Aug 5) surveys political and security developments across the region, including French Polynesia-related nuclear-test administrative updates.