As of 6am this morning, Friday, Uto Ni Yalo and Tepuke were passing between Ulawa Island and the Three Sisters in The Makira Ulawa Province.
Official update from Uto Na Yalo Wansolwara said, the two traditional yachts are getting closer to the capital of Honiara, with approximately 125 Nautical Miles to go.
The update said crew of both canoes are well and partaking in delicious lolo bun for breakfast after a night of heavy rain and lightning storms throughout Thursday.
“Twenty four hours after our last morning update, winds have died right down from the squallish conditions the crew were battling, making for a cruisy and peaceful sunrise this morning,” the report said on Friday 6am.
At day 21 of the Wansolwara Voyage, the vaka has become a hub of intercultural exchange and learning, the report said.
Hosting a growing voyaging family of youth and elders from across our sea of islands passionate about the protection of our Pacific ocean and the revival of the traditional knowledge.
As the team gears up for what is expected to be another rainy and gray today, Friday, the voyagers have expressed their well wishes and prayers to take the messages to the Leaders Meeting starting in three days.
- Calls for a healthy ocean is the key to a healthy climate.
- Calls for a Fossil Fuel Free Pacific and 100% Renewable Energy future.
- Calls for 100% Ocean Management and 30% Marine Protected Areas (MPA) across Pacific waters.
- That we need recognition of the Pacific as An Ocean of Peace, resisting militarisation and affirming Indigenous guardianship.
- – That we need to support the ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Treaty (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction).
“We thank and acknowledge major partners that make this engagement with the Leaders Meeting possible; Oceans 5, Waitt Foundation, Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, National Geographic Pristine Seas, Wildlife conservation Society, Conservation International, Blue Nature Alliance, Kami Pasifiki, and the Anglican Diocese of Polynesia,” the report said.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has thanked the voyagers for making the trip.
A welcome will be accorded to the voyagers upon their arrival on Monday at the Marine School seafront.
