Crew members aboard the Uto ni Yalo celebrated as they set sail on a significant journey to Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53). After nearly ten years, the vessel returns to international waters, bringing a message of peace, prosperity, and resilience to Pacific communities.
The trip is expected to take five to seven days, with a mix of seasoned veterans and new crew members participating in the voyage. Seth Hortsmeyer, program director for Oceans Five, expressed excitement about collaborating with local NGOs to promote ocean conservation.
“Traditional knowledge plays a crucial role in ocean conservation, as we need to better engage traditional communities and Pacific Islanders to showcase their leadership in this area,” said Hortsmeyer. “Oceans Five has a delegation attending the PIFLM53, and we were thrilled to support the Uto ni Yalo’s journey.”
The “Sautu Voyage” symbolizes unity and prosperity in the Pacific, retracing the historic paths of ancestral leaders while highlighting the critical role of traditional knowledge in tackling contemporary environmental issues.