The Uto ni Yalo has made its way to Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting following a challenging week at sea.
The crew arrived with a message that aligns with the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now,” highlighting the importance of peace, prosperity, and resilience in the region.
This journey emphasized traditional navigation methods, sustainable sea transport, and the health of the oceans.
Margaret Tabunakawai-Vakalalabure, Chair of the Uto Ni Yalo Trustees, drew parallels between the challenges faced during the voyage and the broader issues confronting Pacific Regionalism, calling for collective action to support the well-being of Pacific nations and their communities.
The arrival of Uto ni Yalo underscored the crucial need 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, representatives from Uto ni Yalo interacted with Pacific leaders and local communities to tackle pressing issues.
The core message of the voyage emphasized that the ocean serves as a connector of islands, promoting peace rather than division, and deserves to be treated with the utmost respect.
Ian Chute from Blue Prosperity Fiji stressed the significance of sustainable ocean management and regional collaboration.
The voyage received support from multiple organizations, including the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, Oceans 5, and Greenpeace Australia Pacific.