Pacific Marine Protection: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary marine protected area planned by Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji, aiming to protect biodiversity across Melanesia—though key details on size, enforcement and community consultation are still thin. Critical Minerals & Industry Risk: The IEA warns that France’s push on critical minerals comes as investment in mining and refining fell 9% amid geopolitics and price swings, while supply chains are increasingly concentrated in China and Indonesia and export controls could expose huge downstream production. Local Security & Maritime Industry: France’s DGA has awarded Couach a contract for 24 coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie, with deliveries starting in 2029 and several ships earmarked for overseas territories including New Caledonia. Tourism & Adventure Growth: ATTA presented findings from its Vanuatu Adventure Tourism Destination Index at the Vanuatu Tourism Market Forum, arguing the biggest challenge is awareness—while kastom culture, volcano landscapes and dive sites offer strong upside for adventure travel. Energy Transition in the Pacific: Palau is expanding its Palau Solar project with additional battery storage, deepening a shift away from diesel generation and supporting grid reliability.