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In August 2001 a State of Emergency was declared in Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) following a significant oil spill from the USS Mississinewa, a sunken WWII US military oil tanker, in the remote and environmentally sensitive atoll known as Ulithi Lagoon.

Assisting the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme's (SPREP) island members to plan, prepare and respond to marine spills is one of the four activity areas of the Pacific Ocean Pollution Prevention Programme (PACPOL). PACPOL activities currently include a regional risk assessment regional and national contingency plans, formulation of a regional equipment strategy and facilitating regular workshop to discuss marine spill issues. The aim of this initial shipping risk study was to identify and quantify the shipping routes, frequency of voyages and types of cargoes transported in the region as well as to map shipping incidents, navigational hazards and assess the risk of marine pollution across the region, EEZs and at a port scale. The regional and EEZ distribution of risk potential showed clusters of high risk in Fiji, French Polynesia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Smaller clusters occurred in Tonga, the Samoa's, Vanuatu and the corridor from Chuuk northward past Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Another potential marine pollution risk for the Pacific is the fuel oil and cargoes remaining on WWII shipwrecks deteriorating in the waters of the region. More than 1000 such wrecks have been identified amounting to over 3 million tons of shipping lost.

A regional workshop was organized in Suva, Fiji, aimed at bolstering environmental journalism among media professionals from nine Pacific Island nations. Hosted by prominent environmental organizations, including the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the event aimed to strengthen reporters’ ability to cover complex environmental issues, with an initial focus on climate change The Pacific is acutely vulnerable to environmental threats such as intensifying cyclones, sea-level rise, and coastal flooding, yet regional media remain under-equipped to report these dangers effectively. Better-informed journalism is seen as essential to influence policy, raise community awareness, and support climate adaptation strategies . The curriculum encompassed: Simplifying scientific and technical environmental information for broader audiences, Investigating and sourcing credible data, Crafting impactful narratives for print, radio, digital, and broadcast formats, Networking with climate and environmental experts to deepen reporting quality . Outcomes & Goals Journalists left the training inspired and better prepared, equipped with tools to translate complex climate issues into compelling public stories. The workshop aimed to foster a durable network of informed environmental correspondents across the Pacific, strengthening regional media collaboration and coverage.

1. Overview & Concerns A regional report titled “Poisoned Paradise” examines the environmental consequences of pesticide use across South Pacific islands, highlighting the ecological risks of toxic chemicals in agriculture and disease control . 2. Tonga – Tongan Megapode (“Malau”) The report raises concerns about pesticide exposure in Tonga’s fragile ecosystems, including impacts on unique species like the endangered Tongan megapode (Megapodius pritchardii). While direct studies are limited, ongoing threats include habitat degradation and potential chemical contamination in breeding grounds—often geothermal nests on volcanic soils. 3. Rarotonga – Indigenous Fly Species In Rarotonga (Cook Islands), pesticide usage to control agricultural pests and disease vectors (e.g., fruit flies, mosquitoes) threatens endemic insect populations, disrupting local food webs and ecological balance. Residues may accumulate in soils, water, and non-target wildlife—posing risks to biodiversity and human communities. 4. Broader Regional Themes The report indicates South Pacific nations increasingly rely on pesticides without sufficient regulation, labelling, monitoring, or disposal systems, leading to misuse and environmental contamination Over half of these countries report negative impacts from toxic chemicals in agriculture and public health initiatives, raising the need for stronger governance on chemical management. 5. Recommendations & Path Forward Strengthen regulatory frameworks: Licensing, proper labelling, safe use protocols. Build local capacity: Training for farmers, pest control operatives, and environmental officers. Promote integrated pest management and safer alternatives like biological controls. Enhance monitoring and waste disposal infrastructure to prevent environmental build-up. Foster regional cooperation to share research, best practices, and regulatory support.

PNG government has released its new forestry guidelines, with and intention to reform the forestry industry operating in the country. This process began with the bar netting quarry in the late 80s portrayed part of the industry as out of control. In 1991 a new forestry act began changing the way timber were being harvested. The computing courses allow weather offices to analyse and advice on the weather of their own countries.

One of the most important outcome earth summit on environmental development held in Brazil, was an agreement to establish the United Nations commission on sustainable development. This commission has been entrusted the task of ensuring the follow up to the unsaid conference. The biological project is considered as a compost site. with organic waste to be used as fertilizers in the Federated States of Micronesia. Kiribati developing NEMS, to define the major of environmental issues faced by the countries and provide solution to face these issues.

Two significant meetings concerning the management and conservation of fish stocks in the South Pacific were recently held at the United Nations in New York. The discussions focused on implementing sustainable fishing practices, upholding international agreements like the UN Fish Stocks Agreement, and reinforcing cooperation among Pacific Island nations. The outcomes are expected to influence future policies and strengthen the region's capacity to protect its marine resources.

"Bat species in PNG called the Bismak flying fox, amazing thing about this bat is the male bat produces memory gland and breastmilk" provides an intriguing insight into the reproductive biology of the Bismarck flying fox (Pteropus capistratus). This species is notable for the rare occurrence of male lactation, where male bats produce milk—a phenomenon observed in only a few mammal species. The article also touches upon environmental issues in the Pacific region, including debates over logging in the Solomon Islands and the impact of tourism in Bora Bora.

PNG Logging Reforms: At the Australian Forest and Timber Conference in Sydney, Papua New Guinea’s Forest Minister, Tim Neville, outlined a plan to phase out raw log exports by the year 2000 and shift toward domestic timber processing. He warned that current harvest levels exceeded the forests' regeneration capacity, fueling illegal practices and unsustainable growth. Basel Convention Outcome: During its latest meeting in Basel, the international Basel Convention issued a landmark ban on hazardous and toxic waste shipments from developed to developing nations—a victory lauded by Greenpeace as a major step for environmental justice. Context & Implications: Neville emphasized that unchecked logging had reached scam-like proportions, and stressed forests’ vital importance to PNG communities . Separately, the Basel decision clamps down on the transfer of environmentally harmful waste—a policy shift that supports cleaner waste management in countries like PNG.

Southern Whale Sanctuary Declaration - Covers the recent global approval of a southern whale sanctuary—anchored in Mexico—and the momentum among Pacific nations to support whale conservation. Tuvalu’s Population Growth Strategy - Focuses on Tuvalu’s rising population and the potential environmental and public-health challenges it poses. The country’s response includes drafting a comprehensive national population-growth management strategy. Solomon Islands Logging Tax - Reports on the Solomon Islands government's introduction of a new tax targeting log exports that exceed sustainable yield. The measure is designed to give the government legal leverage to curb overharvesting and protect forests.