Crew members aboard the Uto ni Yalo celebrated as they embarked on a significant journey to Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53). This marks nearly a decade since the Uto ni Yalo has ventured into international waters, carrying a message of peace, prosperity, and resilience for Pacific communities.
The voyage is expected to span five to seven days, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and new crew members. Seth Hortsmeyer, program director for Oceans Five, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with local NGOs to promote ocean conservation.
“Traditional knowledge is vital for ocean conservation, as we need to engage more traditional communities and Pacific Islanders to showcase their leadership in this area,” Mr. Hortsmeyer stated. “Oceans Five is sending a delegation to PIFLM53, and we were excited about the Uto ni Yalo’s potential to sail there, allowing us to lend our support.”
The “Sautu Voyage” symbolizes Pacific unity and prosperity, retracing the ancient paths taken by ancestral Pacific leaders, and underscoring the significance of traditional knowledge in tackling contemporary environmental issues.