Crew members aboard the Uto ni Yalo celebrated as they began a significant voyage to Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53) yesterday.
This marks the Uto ni Yalo’s return to international waters after nearly ten years, carrying a message of peace, prosperity, and resilience for the Pacific communities. The journey is expected to last between five to seven days and will include both experienced veterans and new crew members.
Seth Hortsmeyer, director of the Oceans Five program, expressed excitement about collaborating with local NGOs to promote ocean conservation. He emphasized the crucial role of traditional knowledge in conservation efforts, highlighting the need for greater engagement with traditional communities and Pacific Islanders to showcase their leadership in this sector.
Hortsmeyer mentioned that Oceans Five has a delegation participating in the PIFLM53, stating their pride in supporting the Uto ni Yalo for this journey.
The “Sautu Voyage” represents Pacific unity and prosperity, retracing the historical routes taken by ancestral leaders and underscoring the significance of traditional knowledge in tackling contemporary environmental issues.