The Uto ni Yalo has arrived in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting following a challenging week at sea. The crew brought forth a message aligned with the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now,” focusing on peace, prosperity, and resilience.
This journey emphasized traditional voyaging, sustainable sea transport, and the importance of ocean health. Margaret Tabunakawai-Vakalalabure, Chair of the Uto Ni Yalo Trustees, drew parallels between the voyage’s difficulties and broader challenges facing Pacific Regionalism, calling for collective action to enhance the well-being of the Pacific and its residents.
The vessel’s arrival underscored the urgent need for sustainable ocean management and the preservation of marine resources, coinciding with discussions among leaders 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 issues.
The central message of the voyage advocated for viewing the ocean as a unifying force, promoting it as an “Ocean of Peace” that should be respected rather than exploited. Ian Chute from Blue Prosperity Fiji emphasized the significance of sustainable ocean management and regional collaboration during the discussions.
The Uto ni Yalo’s voyage was backed by various organizations, including the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, Oceans 5, and Greenpeace Australia Pacific.