The Uto ni Yalo (UNY) is set to embark on an international journey to Tonga this Sunday, marking its first voyage in nearly ten years. The UNY and its sister vessels represent Pacific resilience, focusing on traditional voyaging, sustainable sea transportation, and the importance of ocean health.
This trip, dubbed the “Sautu Voyage – Moana ‘o e Melino,” serves as a mission of goodwill in honor of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM53). It underscores the rich heritage and ancestral connections between Fiji and Tonga, emphasizing the unity that characterizes the Blue Pacific Continent amidst contemporary challenges. The voyage aligns with the Forum’s theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now.”
Reverend James Bhagwan, trustee of the Uto ni Yalo Trust, noted the voyage’s broader implications. “The Sautu Voyage is more than just a journey; it’s a call to action for the Pacific,” Bhagwan stated. He emphasized the collective duty to safeguard the oceans and the core values uniting the Pacific nations.
Additionally, this voyage presents a unique opportunity for young seafarers, some of whom are embarking on their first blue ocean journey. The focus will be on fostering community among voyagers, as well as promoting collaboration between civil society and governments to realize the 2050 Strategy vision.
The trip also celebrates Tonga’s recent acquisition of its traditional voyaging canoe, the Hinemoana II. The historic journey is made possible by the support of organizations such as the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, Oceans 5, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, and Greenpeace Australia Pacific, among others.
Dr. Kathryn Mengerink, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute and a key partner in the journey, emphasized the significance of the collaboration. “Supporting the Sautu Voyage is part of our commitment to the Pacific’s future,” she remarked. Mengerink highlighted the goal of safeguarding 30% of the Pacific Ocean by 2030 to ensure its health for future generations and the prosperity of communities reliant on it.