The Uto ni Yalo (UNY) is set to embark on an international voyage to Tonga this Sunday after nearly ten years.
The UNY and its sister vessels have long represented the resilience of the Pacific, promoting traditional navigation, sustainable sea transport, and ocean health. This voyage will serve as an Ambassador of Pacific goodwill for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM53).
Entitled “Sautu Voyage – Moana ‘o e Melino,” the journey celebrates the shared heritage and ancestral connections between Fiji and Tonga, highlighting the unity and cooperation fundamental to the Blue Pacific, especially amidst contemporary challenges. This aligns with the Forum’s theme of “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now.”
Reverend James Bhagwan, a trustee of the Uto ni Yalo Trust, underscored the voyage’s significance. He stated, “The Sautu Voyage is more than just a journey; it’s a call to action for the Pacific. As we sail to Tonga, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to protect our oceans and uphold the values that unify us as one Blue Pacific Continent.”
He added that the voyage would also provide a unique opportunity for young seafarers, many of whom will experience blue ocean voyaging for the first time. Strengthening the voyaging community, both within the Uto ni Yalo and among other voyaging societies, alongside advocating for improved collaboration between civil society organizations and governments, will be focal points of this trip.
Additionally, this voyage commemorates Tonga’s recent acquisition of its traditional voyaging canoe, the Hinemoana II.
The endeavor has been made possible by the support of the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, Oceans 5, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, the Office of the Pacific Oceans Commissioner, and contributions from National Geographic Pristine Seas, Tradewinds Marine, Value City, and Niranjans.
Dr. Kathryn Mengerink, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, 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 goal of protecting 30% of the Pacific Ocean by 2030, ensuring its health for the prosperity of the communities that rely on it and for future generations.”