After almost ten years, the Uto ni Yalo (UNY) is preparing for an international journey to Tonga, which will commence on Sunday.
The UNY, along with its sister vessels from the region, has been a longstanding symbol of Pacific resilience, championing traditional voyaging, sustainable sea transport, and advocating for ocean health.
This voyage serves as an Ambassador of Pacific goodwill to the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM53). The expedition, titled “Sautu Voyage – Moana ‘o e Melino,” celebrates the shared heritage and ancestral connections between Fiji and Tonga, reinforcing the unity and collaboration in the Blue Pacific Continent amid modern challenges. The theme for this forum is “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now.”
Reverend James Bhagwan, Trustee of the Uto ni Yalo Trust, highlighted the voyage’s significance, stating, “The Sautu Voyage is more than just a journey; it’s a call to action for the Pacific.” He emphasized the shared responsibility to safeguard oceans and the core values that unite the region.
“This voyage also presents a unique opportunity for young seafarers, many of whom will be experiencing blue ocean voyaging for the first time. Strengthening our voyaging community—with the Uto ni Yalo and other sister societies—will be central to this journey, as will our calls for enhanced collaboration between civil society organizations and governments to realize the vision of the 2050 Strategy,” he added.
The voyage also celebrates Tonga’s recent acquisition of its traditional voyaging canoe, Hinemoana II.
This historic journey is supported by various organizations, including the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, Oceans 5, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, and the Office of the Pacific Oceans Commissioner, along with in-kind contributions from National Geographic Pristine Seas, Tradewinds Marine, Value City, and Niranjans.
Dr. Kathryn Mengerink, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts, stating, “Supporting the Sautu Voyage is part of our commitment to the Pacific’s future. It is an honor to work with the Uto Ni Yalo team, Pacific Leaders, and local partners to advance the vision of protecting 30% of the Pacific Ocean by 2030, ensuring its health for the prosperity of the communities that depend on it and future generations.”