After almost ten years, the Uto ni Yalo (UNY) will set off on an international journey this Sunday, headed towards Tonga.
The UNY and its companion vessels from the region have historically represented Pacific resilience, promoting traditional navigation, sustainable maritime practices, and advocating for ocean health.
This voyage is particularly significant as the UNY is serving as an Ambassador of Pacific goodwill for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting (PIFLM53).
Titled “Sautu Voyage – Moana ‘o e Melino,” the expedition celebrates the cultural ties and heritage shared between Fiji and Tonga, highlighting the unity and collaboration that characterize the Blue Pacific Continent amid modern challenges. This aligns with the Forum’s theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now.”
Reverend James Bhagwan, Trustee of the Uto ni Yalo Trust, stressed the importance of the journey.
“The Sautu Voyage represents more than just travel; it is a rallying call for the Pacific,” he emphasized.
“While sailing to Tonga, we are reminded of our collective duty to safeguard our oceans and affirm the values that unite us as one Blue Pacific Continent.
“This journey also offers a unique chance for young seafarers, many embarking on blue ocean voyages for the first time. Strengthening our voyaging community—both within the Uto ni Yalo network and with our sister societies—will be a key aspect of this journey, alongside our calls for enhanced collaboration between civil society organizations and governments in pursuit of the 2050 Strategy vision.”
This voyage also marks the celebration of Tonga’s recent acquisition of its own traditional canoe, Hinemoana II.
The historic journey has been made possible thanks to the generous support from 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 in-kind contributions from National Geographic Pristine Seas, Tradewinds Marine, Value City, and Niranjans.
Dr. Kathryn Mengerink, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute, a key collaborator, emphasized the significance of this partnership.
“Supporting the Sautu Voyage underscores our commitment to the Pacific’s future,” she said.
“It is a privilege to collaborate with the Uto Ni Yalo team, Pacific leaders, and local partners to advance the vision of conserving 30% of the Pacific Ocean by 2030, ensuring its health for the benefit of communities that rely on it and for future generations.”