Earthshot Prize (Niue ocean): Niue Ocean Wide Trust has been named a 2026 Earthshot Prize finalist for its “Ocean Conservation Commitments,” which aims to build a long-term endowment (reported at $32m) to fund permanent protection of Pacific waters. Earthshot Prize (ocean funding focus): Niue and Barcelona are both finalists in the Revive Our Oceans category, with the pitch centered on securing finance for protection over decades, not short-term grants. El Niño risk for the Pacific: The Pacific Meteorological Council warns El Niño could become one of the strongest since 1950, with below-normal rainfall likely across parts of the western Pacific and impacts that may be unusual in a warmer world—raising concerns for reefs and lagoon ecosystems. Regional climate readiness: Pacific nations are also sharing progress on stronger weather services and early warning systems through PMC-8, including upgrades to forecasting and monitoring capacity. Pacific ports & security: Separate reports say US military presence linked to Cook Islands port upgrades is “being negotiated,” with the port project described as not a US military base.