After nearly ten years, the Uto ni Yalo (UNY) will set off on an international journey this Sunday, heading towards Tonga. The UNY, along with its sister ships from the region, represents Pacific resilience and promotes traditional navigation and sustainable maritime transport, advocating for the health of the oceans.
On this voyage, the vessel will serve as an Ambassador of Pacific goodwill at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM53). Titled “Sautu Voyage – Moana ‘o e Melino,” the journey celebrates the shared heritage and ancestral connections between Fiji and Tonga. It serves as a powerful reminder of the unity and cooperation that characterize the Blue Pacific Continent amidst modern challenges, in line with the Forum’s theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now.”
Reverend James Bhagwan, Trustee of the Uto ni Yalo Trust, underlined the importance of this voyage. “The Sautu Voyage is more than just a journey; it’s a call to action for the Pacific,” he stated. He emphasized the shared responsibility to protect the oceans and the values that unite the Blue Pacific Continent. This voyage will also provide young seafarers with their first experience of blue ocean navigation, reinforcing community ties within the Uto ni Yalo and other voyaging societies while calling for enhanced collaboration between civil society groups and governments in pursuit of the 2050 Strategy.
Additionally, the voyage commemorates Tonga’s recent acquisition of its own traditional canoe, the Hinemoana II. The significant journey is made possible through the generous support from multiple organizations including the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, and Greenpeace Australia Pacific, among others.
Dr. Kathryn Mengerink, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute, which is a major partner in this initiative, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “Supporting the Sautu Voyage is part of our commitment to the Pacific’s future,” she remarked. “It is an honor to partner with the Uto Ni Yalo team, Pacific Leaders, and local stakeholders to advance the goal of protecting 30% of the Pacific Ocean by 2030, ensuring its health for the welfare of the communities that depend on it and for future generations.”