The Uto ni Yalo has arrived in Tonga to participate in the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting after facing a challenging week at sea.
The crew brought a message that aligns with the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now,” emphasizing the principles of peace, prosperity, and resilience.
This journey showcased not only traditional voyaging techniques but also the importance of sustainable sea transport and ocean health.
Margaret Tabunakawai-Vakalalabure, the Chair of Uto Ni Yalo Trustees, drew parallels between the challenges faced during the voyage and the broader issues affecting Pacific Regionalism, calling for unity to ensure the well-being of the Pacific and its inhabitants.
The arrival of the Uto ni Yalo underlined the necessity for sustainable ocean management and the protection of marine resources as leaders engaged in discussions about the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
While in Nuku’alofa, the Uto ni Yalo interacted with Pacific leaders and communities to tackle pressing concerns.
The overarching message of the voyage was that the ocean, as an Ocean of Peace, serves to connect rather than divide the islands and deserves to be honored and respected.
Ian Chute from Blue Prosperity Fiji emphasized the significance of sustainable ocean management and the need for regional collaboration.
This voyage received support from various organizations, including the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, Oceans 5, and Greenpeace Australia Pacific.