A new double-hulled canoe aimed at revitalizing traditional Pacific voyaging skills has been launched in Vava’u, Tonga, thanks to a partnership between the University of the South Pacific’s Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Program and the Uto Ni Yalo Trust. This initiative seeks to enhance the skills of Tongan voyagers while incorporating traditional canoe building and sailing into the educational curricula of vocational schools in the Vava’u region.
Crafted from durable fiberglass, the canoe emerged from collaborative efforts between Tongan and Fijian traditional builders, Tongan Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainers, and seasoned sailors. It will serve as an enduring educational resource for local TVET institutions.
In a related initiative, the Uto ni Yalo (UNY) will soon embark on an international voyage to Tonga, marking its return after nearly a decade. Dubbed the “Sautu Voyage – Moana ‘o e Melino,” this journey carries significant cultural importance and aligns with the theme of the upcoming 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting. It celebrates the ancestral ties between Fiji and Tonga, fostering unity and collaboration among Pacific nations as they address contemporary challenges.
Reverend James Bhagwan of the Uto ni Yalo Trust emphasized the importance of these initiatives, noting the responsibility to protect oceans and the values that unite Pacific nations. Furthermore, the voyage offers young seafarers their first experience of ocean voyaging, encouraging community building within the voyaging society and collaboration with civil society organizations and governments to support the 2050 Vision.
Dr. Kathryn Mengerink, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute, reaffirmed the commitment to protecting 30% of the Pacific Ocean by 2030, ensuring its health for future generations. Both projects represent a hopeful step forward in preserving the cultural heritage and marine health of Pacific nations.
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