A partnership between Conservation International and Samoa Voyaging Society will see the Gaualofa take to the seas to share Samoan knowledge on traditional voyaging and ocean conservation.

Samoa Voyaging Society (S.V.S.) President Mele Mauala told the Samoa Observer on Tuesday that the upcoming partnership between the Samoan and the U.S. nonprofits will enable awareness of the art of voyaging and the marine life of Samoa and Tokelau.

"As for the future of Aiga Folau a Samoa, we hope to be partnering soon with Conservation International to travel around Samoa and Tokelau, sharing our knowledge of traditional voyaging, marine and ocean conservation, and choosing practices that will help save our planet," Ms Mauala said.

The plans announced by the S.V.S. President coincided with the arrival of Hawaiian Hokule'a and Hikianalia double hulled traditional canoes in Tahiti, French Polynesia this week after a 17-day journey. The crews of the Hawaiian traditional canoes will attend the 14-20 May Blue Climate Summit in French Polynesia.

Asked to comment on the arrival of the Hokule'a and Hikianalia in Tahiti, Ms Mauala said the Aiga Folau a Samoa, Samoa Voyaging Society echoes voices with the other traditional voyagers in the fight for climate change.

"The Aiga Folau a Samoa is happy to see that traditional voyaging has been linked to the very real existential discussion regarding climate change and the global commitments every country must make,” she told this newspaper. 

"Traditional voyaging is all about weaving and connecting cultures and countries, linking them beyond the horizon of their island homes.

"Samoa Voyaging Society has been privileged to connect with so many island nations and share this message of inter-connectivity between human, ocean and land circled by all the living beings that depend on these links.”

According to Ms Mauala, the ideals of traditional voyaging are about harmonious living with elements surrounding humans.

"Traditional Voyaging asks all to live in harmony with the elements around you. We should always be voyaging, journeying, and growing. 

“With traditional navigation as long as you learn to read the signs around you, you navigate well, and you journey well.” 

Emphasising the links between ancient traditional voyaging and planet earth, the S.V.S. President said there is a need to take climate action.

"And this is a perfect message to our sisters and brothers around the world to read the signs from the planet and help reduce the effects of climate change,” she said. 

“These include key targets for 2030: at least 40 per cent cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels), at least 32 per cent share for renewable energy, at least 32.5 per cent improvement in energy efficiency.”