After nearly ten years, the Uto ni Yalo (UNY) is set to begin an international journey on Sunday, heading towards Tonga.
The UNY and its sister vessels from the region have been important symbols of resilience in the Pacific, promoting traditional sailing practices, sustainable maritime transport, and advocating for ocean health.
This voyage serves as an Ambassador of Pacific goodwill during 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 that characterizes 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, underscored the importance of the journey. “The Sautu Voyage represents more than just travel; it is a call to action for the Pacific,” he stated. “As we voyage to Tonga, we acknowledge our collective duty to safeguard our oceans and the values that unite us as a Blue Pacific Continent.”
He also pointed out that this journey presents a unique chance for young seafarers, some embarking on their first blue ocean voyage. The expedition will focus on enhancing the voyaging community—both within the Uto ni Yalo and in conjunction with sister voyaging societies—while also advocating for stronger partnerships between civil society organizations and governments to realize the 2050 Strategy vision.
Additionally, the voyage celebrates Tonga’s recent acquisition of its own traditional voyaging canoe, the Hinemoana II.
This significant journey has been made possible thanks to the generous contributions from 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, with support from National Geographic Pristine Seas, Tradewinds Marine, Value City, and Niranjans.
Dr. Kathryn Mengerink, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute and a key collaborator, emphasized the value of the partnership. “Supporting the Sautu Voyage is part of our commitment to the future of the Pacific,” she remarked. “We are honored to collaborate with the Uto ni Yalo team, Pacific Leaders, and local partners to advance the goal of protecting 30% of the Pacific Ocean by 2030, ensuring its health for communities that rely on it and for future generations.”