Uto ni Yalo sets sail for Northern ports
The Uto ni Yalo, a 72-foot double-hulled traditional vessel, will arrive at Naduri Village in Macuata province today before heading to other areas in the Northern Division.
This was confirmed by Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere yesterday.
“The captain and crew will be presenting a traditional sevusevu before heading to Nukubati Island, Kia Island, Talailau mangrove, Raviravi Village, Yaqaga Island and Yadua Island,” Ratu Wiliame said.
“This is the first time this canoe known for promoting sustainable sea transports as well as taking part in conservation activities will sail in Macuata and Bua waters. “We would like to thank the Uto ni Yalo Trust for making this voyage to advocate on environmental awareness and be part of the International Year of Coral Reef launch at Nukubati Island.” Joining the voyage is Macuata province conservation officer Makelesi Raciri, who said the launch was arranged in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries offices in Bua and Macuata and the World Wildlife Fund.
“Peter Thomson, a Fijian diplomat will be at the launch,” Ms Raciri said.
“We are excited and all preparations are in place.”
The vessel had set sail from Suva yesterday and ends its voyage on January 23.
The first port of call will be Naduri Village where the traditional ceremony will be done and debriefing of the whole tour,” Mr Raciri said.
The vessel will then head to Cakaulevu Reef also called the Great Sea Reef. It is a coral reef located off an island of Vanua Levu’s northern shore.
“It is the third longest continuous barrier reef in the world,” Ms Raciri said.
“This is one of the reasons Macuata will be hosting the launch the International Year of Coral Reef.” Uto ni Yalo Trust member Teddy Fong said a 16-member crew including seven women from various organisation were in this vessel.
The captain and crew will be presenting a traditional sevusevu before heading to Nukubati Island, Kia Island, Talailau mangrove, Raviravi Village, Yaqaga Island and Yadua Island Ratu Wiliame Katonivere Tui Macuata