The crew members aboard the Uto ni Yalo celebrated as they set out on a significant journey to Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53). This marks the Uto ni Yalo’s return to international waters after almost ten years, carrying a message of peace, prosperity, and resilience for Pacific communities.
The voyage is expected to last between five to seven days, with a mix of seasoned veterans and new crew members taking part in this endeavor. Seth Hortsmeyer, the program director of Oceans Five, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with local NGOs to promote ocean conservation.
“Traditional knowledge plays a crucial role in ocean conservation, and we must engage more traditional communities and Pacific Islanders to showcase their leadership in this area,” Hortsmeyer stated. He added that the Oceans Five delegation is attending the PIFLM53 and felt proud to support the Uto ni Yalo’s journey.
Dubbed the “Sautu Voyage,” this trip symbolizes unity and prosperity in the Pacific, retracing the ancient pathways of Pacific leaders and highlighting the significance of traditional wisdom in tackling contemporary environmental issues.