A high-level UNESCO delegation is set to visit French Polynesia's Marquesas Islands. Photo: Copyright: sorincolac / 123RF Stock Photo
New Caledonia - mosquitoes
Scientists say a bacterial-genetic solution to eradicate mosquito-transmitted diseases in New Caledonia is showing consistent signs of success.
The experiment, which began in 2019, consists of injecting a bacteria called wolbachia into the mosquitoes (typically the Aedes aegypti) before releasing them.
Once injected, the insects, but also the next generation, are said to be disease-free and unable to transmit diseases such as dengue fever.
However, the head of New Caledonia's chapter of the World Mosquito Program Nadège Rossi said covid-related border closures could have been a contributing factor in the success.
The testing zone will be extended outside Nouméa to the small town of Paita starting in November.
Frech Polynesia - cannabis
French Polynesia is preparing to legalise the import of cannabis and related substances.
This is part of a longer-term plan to develop local production, including the cultivation of hemp.
The plan, to be implemented gradually, was announced by French Polynesia's pro-independence President Moetai Brotherson in a speech marking the first 100 days of his government.
Brotherson said the first step in the coming weeks will be to legalise the import of cannabis and related substances, first for therapeutic purposes and later possibly for recreational use.
French Polynesia - UNESCO
A high-level UNESCO delegation is set to visit French Polynesia's Marquesas Islands as part of its bid to join the World Heritage List.
The local government said the initial bid for the Marquesas was formally lodged in January 2023 both on cultural and natural grounds.
The experts are expected to visit 6 inhabited islands of the Marquesas archipelago from October 15 to 28.
This includes the cultural archaeological site of Kamuihei, a prominent Marquesian cultural site.
A ruling is expected from UNESCO's World Heritage 21-member committee at its 46th session in July 2024.
Tonga - homicide
Tonga police have launched a homicide investigation after the death of a 16-year-old boy.
Police say they responded to a report of a youth fight at midnight on September 16.
Police received a report from the Vaiola Hospital confirming a 16-year-old male suffered severe head and body injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Seven male suspects aged 17 to 19 years have been arrested after multiple witnesses have come forward with reports and videos from the incident.
Tonga - Estonia
Tonga's prime minister has been invited to pay a "high-level visit" to Estonia.
Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni met with the president of Estonia, Alar Karis, on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Hu'akavameiliku emphasised climate change and oceans remain top priorities for Tonga.
The president of Estonia stressed crucial ties between the two nations, specifically on digital transformation and energy.
Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni met with the president of Estonia, Alar Karis, on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Photo: Government of Tonga
Pacific/Australia - climate
Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister agrees the country has to transform its carbon-emission intensive economy.
Penny Wong spoke to FBC News after a new report by Oil Change International put Australia as one of the top five planet-wrecking countries.
Wong said they want the future to reflect the need to act on climate change and the need to be competitive in a net-zero economy.
Wong added they would have liked to start changing earlier, but the politics in Australia haven't enabled that.
The report finds Australia is poised to be the world's eighth largest expander of oil and gas extraction from 2023 to 2050.
Northern Marianas - arrests
Two teenagers have been arrested in the Northern Marianas in connection with online threats against a school.
The two 16-year-old boys were each charged with making a terroristic threat and conspiracy against Francisco M. Sablan Middle School.
The Department of Public Safety was alerted about another online threat over the weekend, this time directed at Hopwood Middle School.
It also continues to investigate the bomb threat made at the ChaCha Oceanview Middle School last week.
The Department said it will be aggressively investigating and the individuals responsible will be prosecuted.