CREW of Fiji’s ocean-going canoe, the Uto Ni Yalo, offered prayers in Honiara today (Sunday) after a 15-day voyage from Suva with a multinational crew.
Along the way, the Uto stopped at Lata Island where it was joined by the Solomon Islands canoe, Tepuke, for the final leg to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, which begins tomorrow.
All crew are well, and the canoe is in good shape after the voyage. On hand in Honiara to meet the Uto at the Royal Solomon Islands Yacht Club was Reverend James Bhagwan of the Uto Ni Yalo Trust and General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches.
Today, the crew rested and later joined the crew of the Tepuke in a thanksgiving service.
Both crews will advocate at the forum for clean oceans, responsible stewardship of marine resources, and sustainable sea transport.
Their advocacy message includes a call for leaders to support the ratification and implementation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty.
They will also call for:
- Healthy oceans as the key to a healthy climate;
- A Fossil Fuel-Free Pacific and a 100% Renewable Energy future;
- 100% Ocean Management and 30% Marine Protected Areas across Pacific waters.