AGP Executive Report

El Niño & water stress: Cebu’s governor approved a province-wide El Niño preparedness plan with water-rationing schedules, tanker deployments, and emergency deep wells as rainfall deficits deepen and forecasts warn of a “very strong” El Niño by year-end. Pacific climate diplomacy: In Fiji ahead of COP31, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka used a traditional warning call to urge urgent global action, while Pacific leaders complained that climate finance is too slow, too small, and comes with bad terms. Sea-level rise stakes: Tuvalu showed leaders how white-sand dredging is being used to reclaim land and protect communities as sea levels rise, with officials stressing that promises won’t stop rising tides. Timor-Leste in the spotlight: Australia’s pre-COP guest list drew criticism, but Timor-Leste’s president José Ramos-Horta is among the few non-Pacific leaders attending key events. Local environment & resilience: Timor-Leste’s government monitored a pilot school construction using modular blocks made from recycled materials, aiming to speed up classrooms and sanitation delivery in hard-to-reach areas. Biodiversity in cities: Hong Kong expanded artificial nest boxes for endangered yellow-crested cockatoos, boosting breeding options and research into how the species adapts in urban life.

Pacific Climate Alarm: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka used the davui warning drum to urge urgent global action, calling the Pacific a “bellwether” for rising seas, warming oceans, failing water and food insecurity. Climate Finance Frustration: Leaders visiting Tuvalu’s Funafuti saw sea barriers firsthand, then complained that climate funding is too slow, too small, and comes with bad terms. Sea-Level Rise Law: A landmark UN declaration on sea-level rise aims to protect legal statehood for inundated countries, offering clearer international stability. Tuvalu Reclamation in Focus: World delegates watched Tuvalu reclaim land using dredged sand, as officials warned “promises will not hold back rising tides.” Pre-COP31 Attendance Pressure: Australia’s climate summit push faces criticism over cost and a thin turnout of non-Pacific leaders, with Timor-Leste’s president among the few confirmed. Timor-Leste Climate Resilience Support: Caritas Timor-Leste is strengthening local Catholic groups to tackle poverty, water security, sustainable agriculture and disaster risk as floods and droughts intensify. Biodiversity in the Region: Hong Kong installed artificial nest boxes to support threatened yellow-crested cockatoos, offering new ways to study breeding behavior. Local Environment Watch: Timor-Leste’s government is piloting modular classroom and toilet construction in Dili using recycled materials, easing infrastructure strain in hard-to-reach areas.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: Australia’s climate summit push is hitting a wall: only two non-Pacific heads of government are confirmed for Tuvalu’s Pre-COP31 leaders’ event, with Timor-Leste’s president among them, as critics question the $20m price tag and whether world leaders will turn promises into action. Rising Seas, Real-World Adaptation: Tuvalu is showing delegates what “frontline soil” looks like, using donor-funded white-sand dredging to reclaim land and protect communities as sea levels rise faster than the global average. Local Climate Resilience for Timor-Leste: Timor-Leste is also building practical capacity—UNSW and partners trained UNTL staff and students to survey water catchment topography to improve food and water security. Water Security Under Climate Stress: Across the region, El Niño warnings are driving water-protection moves, including calls to conserve and safeguard sources as drought risk grows. Governance & Environment Delivery: The government launched its 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and progress reporting on the PED, setting priorities that shape how climate and disaster resilience can be funded and implemented.

Climate diplomacy for Tuvalu and COP31: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is visiting Tuvalu as part of Pre-COP31 talks in the Pacific, with East Timor’s José Ramos-Horta among the few non-Pacific leaders expected—raising questions about whether the message on rising seas and climate finance will land beyond the region. Sea-level pressure and adaptation gaps: Reporting ahead of the Fiji-Nadi meetings highlights record sea-level rise, a huge displacement risk for island states, and a major shortfall in adaptation funding. Local resilience model in the region: A nature-based coastal flood defense in Malolos, Bulacan drew ASEAN and European interest, using bamboo and shells to protect communities from tidal flooding and storm surges—an approach Timor-Leste can watch closely. Timor-Leste climate-linked planning: The government launched its 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and monitoring for the PED, setting priorities that include infrastructure and human capital—key for climate resilience. Water security and El Niño readiness: Regional survey coverage and local-style warnings point to rising energy and water stress concerns as El Niño intensifies, underscoring the need for smarter water management. Classroom build pilot in Tasitolu: A Dili government visit monitored modular, recycled-material construction for new classrooms and toilets at 12 de Outubro EBF—aimed at cutting cost and transport barriers in hard-to-reach areas. Crime with an environmental angle (public safety): Timor-Leste investigators dismantled a telecom fraud ring in Dili using impersonation of Japanese police, detaining 16 suspects—important for protecting communities from digital scams.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: Australia’s pre-COP31 push in Fiji and Tuvalu is drawing limited global attendance, with only two non-Pacific leaders confirmed to travel—Timor-Leste’s José Ramos-Horta among them—while critics say the effort risks becoming a sideshow to the real fossil-fuel transition debate. Flood Risk and Community Fear: In Cebu, residents in Barangay Tisa say heavy rains can trigger fast flooding that has reached even the second floor before, leaving people worried stronger storms could “trap” them at home. ASEAN Energy Transition Pressure: A regional survey finds Southeast Asians’ top worries are rising energy prices and cost of living (44.6%), followed by energy shortages (26.1%), with Timor-Leste included for the first time. Timor-Leste Water and Resilience Skills: UNSW and Permatil supported hands-on surveying training for UNTL staff and students to map water catchments for improved food and water security. Coastal Protection Model: A nature-based coastal defense project using bamboo breakwaters and local materials in the Philippines drew Asean and European interest, including Timor-Leste delegates, as a potential model for tidal flooding and storm surge protection. UN Police Readiness: Pacific and Timor-Leste officers graduated from UN Police peacekeeping training in Brisbane, including child protection and sexual exploitation prevention.

Climate diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are heading to Fiji for pre-COP31 talks (Oct 5–8), with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C goal, stronger climate finance, and urgent ocean-focused action as sea levels rise and adaptation funding remains far short of needs. COP criticism: Australia and Turkey face fresh backlash over hosting COP31 while still tied to coal, with activists warning of a “vacuum of action” on fossil-fuel phase-down. ASEAN energy worries: A regional survey says people’s top concerns are rising energy prices and cost of living (44.6%), followed by energy shortages (26.1%); Timor-Leste is included for the first time. Timor-Leste climate resilience on the ground: The government is piloting modular classroom and toilet construction in Tasitolu, using recycled-material blocks to cut time and transport barriers. Water security capacity-building: UN-linked training with UNSW and ACIAR partners helped Timor-Leste university staff survey water catchment topography for better food and water planning. Offshore environment baseline for TLNG: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry selected TDI-Brooks (with THI) for light geotechnical and environmental baseline surveys offshore to support pipeline routing and hazard assessment, with fieldwork set for mid-January 2027.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji for Oct 5–8 talks to set the path for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C goal, stronger climate finance, and urgent action on ocean impacts as sea levels rise fast and adaptation funding remains far short. ASEAN Energy Worries: A regional survey says rising energy prices and cost of living are the top concern (44.6%), followed by energy shortages (26.1%); Timor-Leste is included for the first time. Timor-Leste Classroom Push: The government is piloting modular classroom construction in Tasitolu, Dili, using recycled-material blocks to speed delivery and cut transport burdens. National Planning Update: Timor-Leste launched its 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and reviewed PED progress, setting priorities across diversification, infrastructure, human capital, and institutions. Water Skills for Food Security: UNTL students and staff trained on surveying water catchment topography to support sustainable water management for rural communities. Offshore Environment Baseline for TLNG: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry selected TDI-Brooks for light geotechnical and environmental baseline surveys offshore to support pipeline routing and reduce geohazard risks.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are sending delegates to Fiji for Oct 5–8 talks that set the path for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C goal, stronger climate finance, and urgent action on ocean impacts as sea levels rise fast and adaptation funding remains far short. Energy Costs and Transition Anxiety: A Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey found rising energy prices and cost of living are the top worry (44.6%), with energy shortages also climbing (26.1%); Timor-Leste is included for the first time. El Niño Water Stress Planning: Regional reports highlight preparations for intensifying El Niño, including water conservation and supply buffering measures as drought risk grows. Timor-Leste Classroom Pilot with Recycled Materials: The government monitored a Tasitolu school pilot using modular blocks made from recycled materials to build nine classrooms and four toilets faster and with lower transport burdens. Offshore Environment Work for TLNG: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry selected TDI-Brooks for light geotechnical and environmental baseline surveys offshore to support pipeline routing for Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan, with field work due to start mid-Jan 2027. Local Capacity for Water Management: UNTL staff and students trained with UNSW to survey water catchment topography for better food and water security planning.

Pacific Climate Talks: World powers head to Nadi, Fiji for Oct 5–8 talks to set the path for COP31 in Turkey, with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C goal, faster climate finance, and stronger focus on ocean impacts as sea levels rise and adaptation funding remains far short of needs. ASEAN Energy Anxiety: A regional survey says Southeast Asia’s biggest worries are surging energy prices and cost of living (44.6%), followed by energy shortages (26.1%), with Timor-Leste included for the first time. El Niño Water Pressure: Reports from the region highlight preparations for intensifying El Niño, including water-supply safeguards and source protection as drought and contamination risks grow. Timor-Leste Climate-Resilience Skills: UNSW and Permatil supported hands-on training at UNTL for surveying water catchment topography to improve food and water security. Timor-Leste Offshore Environment Work: Timor-Leste’s petroleum authorities selected TDI-Brooks for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore to support planned TLNG pipeline routing, with field work set to start mid-January 2027. UN Police Peacekeeping Training: Timor-Leste and Pacific officers graduated from a UN Police residential program in Brisbane, boosting readiness for future peacekeeping deployments.

Energy & Cost of Living: A Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey 2026 finds 44.6% of people’s top worry is rising energy prices and living costs, while 26.1% fear energy shortages—concerns that also reflect recent energy shocks and geopolitics, with Timor-Leste included for the first time. Climate Diplomacy: World powers are sending delegates to pre-COP31 talks in Fiji (Oct 5–8), with Pacific leaders pushing for the 1.5°C goal, stronger climate finance, and urgent attention to ocean impacts as sea levels rise fast and adaptation funding remains far short. Education & Materials: In Dili’s Tasitolu, the government is piloting modular classroom building using recycled-material block technology to speed construction and cut transport burdens—nine classrooms and four toilets planned at a US$27,000 budget. Water Security Skills: UNSW and Permatil supported hands-on surveying training at UNTL to help model water catchments for rural food and water security. Offshore Environment Work: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry has selected TDI-Brooks (with THI) for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore to support pipeline routing for TLNG, with fieldwork starting mid-January 2027.

Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: World powers are meeting in Nadi, Fiji (Oct 5–8) to set the path for COP31 in Turkey, with delegates also visiting low-lying Tuvalu as sea levels rise fast and climate finance gaps widen. ASEAN Energy Transition: A regional survey says Southeast Asians’ top worries are rising energy prices and cost of living, with energy shortages also climbing—Timor-Leste included for the first time. Disaster Finance for Resilience: ERIA and Vietnam’s ISPAE convened a workshop on innovative disaster finance for climate-resilient growth, bringing Timor-Leste into the ASEAN resilience conversation. Water Security Under El Niño: El Niño intensification is driving urgent water-protection messaging across the region, including calls to safeguard sources from contamination and manage limited supplies. Timor-Leste Classroom Pilot: The government monitored a Tasitolu school pilot using modular blocks made from recycled materials to speed up construction and cut costs. Offshore Environment & Energy Work: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry selected TDI-Brooks for light geotechnical and environmental baseline surveys offshore to support TLNG pipeline routing, while Finder’s KTJ project cleared a key environmental hurdle with EIS approval.

Offshore energy, environment first: Timor-Leste’s petroleum regulator approved Finder Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, setting the environmental rules for development, operations and decommissioning as the project moves toward final investment decisions. More surveys for Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan: TDI-Brooks, with Taka Hydrocore Indonesia, was selected for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore Timor-Leste to support pipeline routing and geohazard checks, with field work planned to start mid-January 2027; Fugro also won heavy geotechnical and metocean survey awards for the wider pipeline corridors. Water security training: UNSW and Permatil supported Timor-Leste university staff and students with hands-on surveying of water catchment topography for modelling, aimed at improving rural water access and food security. Regional climate pressure: ASEAN environment leaders urged stronger regional power-grid planning, more climate finance and resilience work, as El Niño risks intensify drought and extreme weather across the region. Ocean governance warning: A new legal analysis flags how deep-sea mining could undermine Pacific sovereignty through investor-state dispute mechanisms, raising stakes for marine ecosystems and livelihoods.

Coastal energy safeguards: Timor-Leste’s petroleum regulator ANP has approved Finder Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, setting the environmental rules for development, operations and eventual decommissioning as the project heads toward final investment decisions. Deepwater survey push: Multiple offshore survey contracts are moving ahead for Greater Sunrise TLNG and the Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway, including TDI-Brooks’ light geotechnical and environmental baseline work offshore Timor-Leste (starting mid-January 2027) and Fugro’s heavy geotechnical plus metocean surveys planned for early 2027. Regional climate pressure: As Indonesia’s fires keep driving haze across Southeast Asia, Malaysia cancelled a major marathon and is considering new legislation to tackle transboundary haze, with Timor-Leste noted as supporting ASEAN haze efforts. Governance meeting: The Council of Ministers in Dili endorsed Timor-Leste’s Universal Periodic Review state report for UN submission and authorised budget spending to implement the Tasi Mane Project on the south coast via public tender.

Climate & health policy: A new WHO-backed analysis of 15 countries shows bold tobacco tax reforms can cut smoking by making cigarettes less affordable, with WHO urging “health taxes” to raise real prices of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks by 2035. Regional haze: Malaysia cancelled the Kuching Marathon as smoke from Indonesia’s fires pushed air pollution to unhealthy levels, while Malaysia also moves toward drafting a specific transboundary haze law with ASEAN support. Timor-Leste offshore environment & energy: Timor-Leste’s petroleum authority approved Finder Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) oilfields, setting environmental management and monitoring rules as the project heads toward final investment decisions. Deepwater surveys for Greater Sunrise & Bayu-Undan: Fugro won additional Timor-Leste contracts for heavy geotechnical and metocean surveys, with fieldwork planned for 2027 to map seabed conditions and support safer pipeline routing. Biodiversity & conservation: A study highlights how little we know about shark and ray migrations across borders, underscoring the need for conservation that travels with wildlife. Climate urgency for islands: UN reporting from Palau describes rising seas erasing burial grounds and culture, reinforcing calls for stronger climate action.

Offshore Energy & Environment: Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo approved Finder Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, setting the environmental framework for development, operations and decommissioning as the project moves toward final investment decision. Seabed Surveys for Greater Sunrise: TDI-Brooks, with Taka Hydrocore Indonesia, was selected for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore Timor-Leste to support pipeline routing for Greater Sunrise TLNG and Bayu-Undan to Natarbora, with field work planned to start mid-January 2027. More Deepwater Data Needed: Fugro also won additional Timor-Leste contracts for heavy geotechnical and metocean surveys for Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline corridors, with fieldwork planned for early 2027 after geophysical work later in 2026. Climate Pressure in the Region: Torres Strait Islander advocates urged Australia to give its climate-vulnerable citizens a stronger role at Pre-COP talks in Fiji and Tuvalu, and to end “double standards” on fossil fuels. Air Pollution Policy Watch: Malaysia cancelled a marathon due to haze and is considering new legislation to tackle transboundary smoke, with Timor-Leste noted as supporting regional haze efforts.

Offshore Oil & Environment: Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo (ANP) has approved the Environmental Impact Statement for Finder Energy’s Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, setting the environmental framework for development, operations and eventual decommissioning as the project moves toward final investment decision. Seabed Surveys for Greater Sunrise: Fugro won two more Timor-Leste Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources contracts for the Greater Sunrise TLNG and Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway, including heavy geotechnical and metocean surveys to map seabed and subsurface conditions along proposed deepwater corridors, with fieldwork planned to start in early 2027. Climate Diplomacy: Island leaders and advocates used the lead-up to COP31 to push for stronger fossil-fuel action and real representation for climate-vulnerable communities, underscoring how rising seas and warming impacts are reshaping Pacific priorities. Regional Broadcasting Links: Australia’s public broadcaster deals with Pacific nations, including Timor-Leste, are framed as “soft power” partnerships that also shape how climate and sustainability messages travel across the region.