After almost ten years, the Uto ni Yalo (UNY) is set to embark on an international voyage this Sunday, heading to Tonga. The UNY and its sister vessels have long symbolized the resilience of the Pacific, promoting traditional voyaging and sustainable maritime practices while advocating for ocean health.
This journey, titled “Sautu Voyage – Moana ‘o e Melino,” aims to serve as an Ambassador of Pacific goodwill for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM53). The voyage celebrates the ancestral ties and shared heritage between Fiji and Tonga, highlighting the unity and collaboration that characterize the Blue Pacific Continent amidst various contemporary challenges. This aligns with the Forum’s theme of “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now.”
Reverend James Bhagwan, Trustee of the Uto ni Yalo Trust, highlighted the voyage’s importance, stating, “The Sautu Voyage is more than just a journey; it’s a call to action for the Pacific.” He emphasized the collective responsibility to safeguard the oceans and the values that unite the Pacific nations.
The voyage also provides a unique opportunity for young seafarers, many of whom will experience blue ocean voyaging for the first time. Strengthening their voyaging community, both within the Uto ni Yalo and alongside other traditional voyaging societies, will be a key focus, along with promoting collaboration between civil organizations and governments to realize the 2050 Strategy’s vision.
Additionally, this historic voyage marks the celebration of Tonga’s recent acquisition of its own traditional voyaging canoe, the Hinemoana II.
The successful execution of this voyage has been made possible through generous support from 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 and a key partner, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “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 progress 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 for future generations.”