The Uto ni Yalo has arrived in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting after a difficult week at sea. The crew brought a message that aligns with the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now,” focusing on peace, prosperity, and resilience.
This journey served as a demonstration of traditional voyaging, sustainable maritime transport, and the importance of ocean health. Margaret Tabunakawai-Vakalalabure, the Chair of Uto Ni Yalo Trustees, likened the challenges faced during the voyage to the larger issues of Pacific Regionalism, encouraging a united effort for the welfare of the Pacific and its inhabitants.
The arrival of the Uto ni Yalo underscored the necessity for sustainable ocean management and the protection 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 vital issues.
The overarching message of the voyage is that the ocean, characterized as an Ocean of Peace, serves to unite rather than divide islands, and it must be treated with respect. Ian Chute from Blue Prosperity Fiji emphasized the critical nature of sustainable ocean management and cooperation within the region. The voyage received support from various organizations, including the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, Oceans 5, and Greenpeace Australia Pacific.