After nearly ten years, the Uto ni Yalo (UNY) is preparing to set off on an international journey to Tonga this Sunday.
The UNY, along with its sister vessels from the region, represents Pacific resilience, emphasizing traditional voyaging, sustainable maritime transport, and advocating for the health of the oceans. This journey is particularly significant as it serves as an Ambassador of Pacific goodwill for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM53).
Dubbed the “Sautu Voyage – Moana ‘o e Melino,” the expedition celebrates the historical ties between Fiji and Tonga. It serves as a powerful reminder of unity and cooperation across the Blue Pacific Continent, aligning with the Forum’s theme of “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now.”
Reverend James Bhagwan, Trustee of the Uto ni Yalo Trust, underscored the voyage’s importance. “The Sautu Voyage is more than just a journey; it’s a call to action for the Pacific,” he stated. He emphasized the collective responsibility to protect the oceans and the shared values that unite the Blue Pacific.
“This voyage offers a unique chance for young seafarers, many of whom will experience blue ocean voyaging for the first time. Strengthening our voyaging community—both within the Uto ni Yalo and alongside sister voyaging societies—will be a focus of this sail. We also aim for enhanced collaboration between civil society organizations and governments to realize the vision of the 2050 Strategy,” he added.
The journey also marks a celebration of Tonga’s recent acquisition of its traditional voyaging canoe, the Hinemoana II.
This historic voyage has been made possible through the generosity of various organizations, including the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, Oceans 5, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, and the Office of the Pacific Oceans Commissioner, along with contributions from National Geographic Pristine Seas, Tradewinds Marine, Value City, and Niranjans.
Dr. Kathryn Mengerink, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute, emphasized the significance of the partnership. “Supporting the Sautu Voyage reflects our commitment to the Pacific’s future. It is an honor to collaborate with the Uto Ni Yalo team, Pacific Leaders, and local partners to advance the goal of protecting 30% of the Pacific Ocean by 2030 for the benefit of future generations.”