The Uto ni Yalo (UNY) is set to embark on an international journey toward Tonga this Sunday, marking its return to the seas after nearly ten years.
The UNY and its companion vessels from the Pacific region symbolize the resilience of Pacific island nations, promoting traditional voyaging practices and sustainable maritime transportation while advocating for the health of the oceans.
This voyage serves as an Ambassador of Pacific goodwill to the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM53). Titled “Sautu Voyage – Moana ‘o e Melino,” the journey celebrates the shared heritage and ancestral links between Fiji and Tonga, highlighting the unity and collaboration that characterize the Blue Pacific Continent amid modern challenges and aligning with the Forum’s theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now.”
Reverend James Bhagwan, Trustee of the Uto ni Yalo Trust, emphasized 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 bind us as one Blue Pacific Continent.”
He added that the voyage offers a special opportunity for young seafarers, some of whom will be experiencing blue ocean voyaging for the first time. Strengthening the voyaging community within the Uto ni Yalo and collaborating with other voyaging societies will be central to this journey, along with advocating for stronger cooperation between civil society organizations and governments to realize the 2050 Strategy vision.
The expedition also celebrates Tonga’s recent acquisition of its traditional voyaging canoe, the Hinemoana II.
The historic voyage is made possible through generous support from organizations including 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, underscored the importance of this collaboration. She expressed, “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 protect 30% of the Pacific Ocean by 2030 for the health of our communities and future generations.”