AGP Executive Report
Last update: 12 hours agoSeabed Minerals & Geopolitics: China says it will keep backing Cook Islands seabed mineral exploration via custom training and ocean research as the US ramps up its Pacific presence, including plans to station a scientist in Rarotonga. Port Upgrade Controversy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, the US and New Zealand announced a major Penrhyn/Tongareva port upgrade (US$50m + NZ$10m), but Greenpeace Aotearoa calls it a “Trojan horse” tied to deep-sea mining and warns of transparency and environmental concerns. Pacific Funding Push: The US also pledged over US$150m for Pacific priorities—energy security, anti–illegal fishing tech and training, and more infrastructure—while Australia and the US jointly framed the move as competing with China’s growing influence. Local Tech for Conservation: A new automated predator-control effort is using high-altitude rat traps in Rarotonga’s cloud forest, bringing fresh technology to protect native wildlife. Marine Science: NOAA’s deep-sea work continues to turn up poorly known life, including an “outrageously tiny” fish sighting off New England, underscoring how much remains undocumented. Health Systems & Data: Pacific health leaders in Rarotonga focused on modernising health systems for a digital age, including AI, health data and research, and climate resilience.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
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