The Uto ni Yalo has reached Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting after an arduous week at sea. The crew delivered a message in line with the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now,” focusing on peace, prosperity, and resilience.
This journey highlighted traditional navigation, sustainable maritime transport, and the importance of ocean health. Margaret Tabunakawai-Vakalalabure, Chair of the Uto Ni Yalo Trustees, likened the challenges encountered during the voyage to the issues faced by Pacific Regionalism, calling for unified efforts to ensure the welfare of the Pacific and its communities.
The arrival of the Uto ni Yalo underscored the importance of sustainable ocean management and the conservation of marine resources as leaders deliberated on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. While in Nuku’alofa, the Uto ni Yalo interacted with Pacific leaders and local communities to tackle urgent issues.
The voyage conveyed the message that the ocean serves as an “Ocean of Peace,” which connects rather than segregates islands, emphasizing the need for respect towards it. Ian Chute from Blue Prosperity Fiji stressed the significance of sustainable ocean management and regional collaboration.
The journey received support from various organizations, including the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, Oceans 5, and Greenpeace Australia Pacific.