The Uto ni Yalo has made its arrival in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting after overcoming a difficult week at sea.
The crew conveyed a message aligned with the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now,” emphasizing the importance of peace, prosperity, and resilience.
This journey highlighted traditional voyaging practices, the benefits of sustainable sea transport, and the significance of ocean health.
Margaret Tabunakawai-Vakalalabure, Chair of the Uto Ni Yalo Trustees, drew parallels between the challenges faced during the voyage and the larger issues confronting Pacific Regionalism, calling for collaborative efforts to enhance the well-being of the Pacific and its inhabitants.
The arrival of the Uto ni Yalo underscored the necessity of sustainable ocean management and the protection of marine resources, as leaders focused on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
While in Nuku’alofa, the Uto ni Yalo engaged with Pacific leaders and community members to tackle pressing concerns.
The key message from the voyage was that the ocean, considered an Ocean of Peace, serves to connect rather than divide islands and deserves respectful treatment.
Ian Chute from Blue Prosperity Fiji emphasized the critical need for sustainable ocean management and regional collaboration.
This voyage was supported by various organizations, including the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, Oceans 5, and Greenpeace Australia Pacific.