PINA

The world has failed to meet a single target to stem the destruction of wildlife and life-sustaining ecosystems in the last decade, according to a devastating new report from the UN on the state of nature. From tackling pollution to protecting coral reefs, the international community did not fully achieve any of the 20 Aichi biodiversity targets agreed in Japan...

Australian Defence Force and Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel are working side-by-side on Atata Island in Tonga to clear tsunami debris, remediate eroded beaches and make community buildings safe. The Australians and Fijians and several other nations are providing support to the Government of Tonga following the undersea eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano on 15 January...

By Jose Sousa-Santos The illicit drugs trade in the Pacific Islands continues to evolve despite Covid-19 border closures. The seizure of more than 500 kilograms of cocaine in Papua New Guinea in 2020 demonstrated that the pandemic had not diminished the trafficking of drugs through the region. Destined for Australia, and with a street value estimated at AUD$81 million...

At the first-ever One Ocean Summit, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum called on all ocean countries to adopt Fiji’s moratorium on deep seabed mining through 2030. The three-day summit, convened by the French President, Emmanuel Macron, brought together 40 Heads of State and Government and representatives of Civil Society and from the private sector to address the protection of marine ecosystems, the...

A landmark Commonwealth Foundation event assesses the way forward for island nations experiencing the worst effects of the climate crisis Tuesday, 15 February – experts, activists and decision-makers came together to discuss how small island states can secure redress for the damage caused by climate change. Speakers acknowledged that small island states are being unfairly forced to absorb huge costs to...

Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne has named his side to face the NSW Waratahs in the opening Super Rugby Pacific competition on Friday night. Captained by Nemani Nagusa, the side is stacked with local players, most of whom will make their Super Rugby debut. Olympic Games gold medallist Meli Derenalagi has been named in the starting 15 while seasoned prop forward...

The NSW Waratahs have named their team to face the Fijian Drua in the opening match of the Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific competition. NSW Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman has named three debutants in his matchday 23, with Geoff Cridge, Dylan Pietsch and Jamie Roberts all set to make their first Super Rugby appearance for the Waratahs. There is just...

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown welcomes the decision by the Micronesian Leaders to “pause” their withdrawal from the Pacific Islands Forum to enable additional time for further dialogue in seeking a resolution to the current situation. As one of the founding Members, the Cook Islands are acutely aware of the history and standing of the Forum that has been...

The Pacific Islands Forum Chair, Acting Prime Minister of Fiji Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum says the temporary suspension of the FSM withdrawal from the Pacific Islands Forum will help the ongoing discussions towards a resolution. In a statement released last night, Acting PM Sayed-Khaiyum said the temporary suspension of withdrawal from the Pacific Islands Forum, “is a positive development that is...

The Cook Islands, through Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tingika Elikana called on the United States to formalise a high level dialogue mechanism with the Pacific if it was committed to deeper engagement with the Pacific. The call was delivered during a Roundtable Exchange last Friday co-hosted by Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and...