Voyagers echo strong ocean plea

Voyagers of the Uto ni Yalo and Te Puke were welcomed in Honiara, Solomon Islands, yesterday after 15 days of sailing the Pacific Ocean.

Uto ni Yalo trustee Taholo Kami said the Uto ni Yalo left Suva on the eve of August 22, arriving in Honiara together with the Te Puke.

“This is the wansolwara voyage – wansolwara for one ocean,” he said.

“We bring together a crew from across the Pacific and representing 10 voyaging societies – Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tonga, New Caledonia, Samoa, Cook Islands, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Torres Strait Islands, Micronesia and Guam.”

Mr Kami pleaded with the Prime Ministers present at the welcoming ceremony for a healthy ocean.

Their five strong calls to the leaders:

1. A healthy ocean is essential for a healthy climate;
2. The Pacific Islands region is an Ocean of Peace;
3. Call for a fossil fuel free Pacific and 100 per cent renewable energy Pacific;
4. Call for 100 per cent ocean management and 30 per cent marine protected areas (MPA) across our exclusive economic zones and the high seas; and
5. Support and awareness for ratification and implementation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

“We are sailing for our Pacific, our people and our planet,” Mr Kami said.

“We sail in support of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Motalava Treaty recognising traditional connections between the two countries including the intention for MPAs and managed areas pending due process and consultations.”

Mr Kami said there would be multiple canoes sailing to Australia for COP31.

“By then we hope to turn these messages into big commitments from our Pacific countries with big financial partnerships,” he said.  

“We ask that Australia and our leaders consider a special Pacific pre-COP in Sydney in late August or September 2026. We will sail five to six canoes there and ensure support for big actions from COP 31 and BBNJ.” 

 Mr Kami said sailing to Honiara required crew members to steer the course together to reach their destination on time.  

“If we want a thriving prosperous Blue Pacific continent, we need our leaders and our people to hold onto that uli (steering wheel) and steer through the rough waters, high winds, no winds, and make sure we all get to our destination together.”