FROM THE FIELD: Sailing a traditional and sustainable path in Fiji’s tropical waters

Young people in Fiji are helping to revive indigenous cultural practices of the Pacific Ocean island while learning about sustainable transport thanks to an initiative supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP).

Uto ni Yalo Trust/Samuela Ulacake

They are sailing the traditional 72-foot long Fijian boat, Uto ni Yalo, which translates as ‘Heart of the Spirit’ and which is navigating along ancient Pacific trade and migratory routes to help re-establish historical ties.  It’s also reviving significant cultural links between people all over the region.

The boat is ferrying relief supplies to islands in the wake of tropical cyclones – demonstrating how low carbon sea transport can offset Fiji’s fossil fuel reliance and become a viable option for cargo transfer between remote maritime islands.

Ahead of International Youth Day marked annually on 12 August, read more here about how young people are engaging with Fiji’s spiritual heart.