Hydro-met & climate resilience: Nominations are open for the Pacific Meteorological Council Awards 2026, spotlighting weather, climate and hydrology work across the Blue Pacific. Conservation in action: The Samoa Conservation Society has joined BirdLife International as its 125th partner, aiming to boost protection for the critically endangered Manumea. Climate-smart farming: A USP researcher is developing taro tools and upgrading the APSIM model to help farmers in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga manage soil health and climate stress. Food security & environment: A new report highlights extreme heat and coral reef risk in Asia and the Pacific, with El Niño adding extra heat stress for reefs. Coastal impacts in Samoa: Residents in Siumu say the sea is creeping closer after heavy rains, with erosion erasing trees near homes. Aviation upgrade: Faleolo International Airport’s new apron and aerobridges mark a major step up for Samoa’s air travel infrastructure. Tech & trade policy: Samoa is set to attend as a guest while New Zealand pushes “paperless and digital trade” and tackles non-tariff barriers in a small-economies trade group. Critical minerals geopolitics: A US envoy says Cook Islands seabed minerals are a top priority, with China’s growing influence flagged as a risk for small island states.