Research Projects

Environmental objectives of today‘s Polynesian Voyagers

June 2011: Seven Polynesian voyaging Vaka Moana (canoes) from all across the Pacific have sailed together via Fakarava (Tuamotus) and Nuku Hiva (Marquesas) to Hawaii, the birthplace of contemporary Polynesian long-distance voyaging. This was a historic moment in Polynesia, a highlight of the so-called Polynesian Voyaging Renaissance which started off in Hawai‘i in the mid-1970s.

The purpose nowadays is not to discover new islands. The purpose of today‘s voyagers is to rediscover valuable knowledge and wisdom from the past to inspire mankind‘s development into a sustainable future. Their arrival in Hawaii was to signify a new era in Polynesian voyaging.

Vaka Moana sailing the Pacific © Ilka Kottmann

The seven contemporary Polynesian voyaging canoes are carrying an important environmental message across the Pacific and into the world. Guided by the ancient skills of star navigation, wind-powered through traditional as well as modern sailing rigs, able to negotiate harbours by using solar-powered motors, these contemporary Vaka Moana are a picturesque synthesis of some of the very best the ancient and the modern world have to offer. Today‘s Voyagers are combining the knowledge, wisdom and technology of both worlds. Their voyage is a symbol, an inspiration for people everywhere on this planet to pay more respect to our Oceans and their living beings by utilising knowledge from our past and the present.

As a social anthropologist I am especially interested in the many different layers of cultural meanings this environmental voyage entails for its indigenous participants - on the Waka as well as on the islands. Upon their arrival in Hilo, Hawaii, I have conduct semi-structured interviews with the Polynesian crew-members of the seven Vaka Moana. I have also investigated the way this voyage was perceived by the Hawaiians on shore. What kind of transformations have these contemporary voyagers experienced as they dealt with global environmental issues? How did they perceive themselves and how were they perceived in their role as environmental messengers by the people of the Pacific and beyond?

From a Western perspective, the seven voyaging Vaka are a powerful metaphor of a sustainable lifestyle, the embodiment of the least possible intrusion into the natural balances of the surrounding ocean and its inhabitants. For the participating Polynesian Voyagers, I argue, this environmental voyage is based on a strong cultural foundation which we need to understand further.

Voyaging is a multi-layered cultural experience. It is now about reconnecting Pacific people to each other, to ancient skills, values, traditions, and a deeply rooted spirituality. It is about the revival of Pan-Pacific Voyaging skills and links; the rediscovery of traditional voyaging history; cultural values, and spirituality; the revival of a deep respect for the ocean and the powers of nature; and last but not least, the strengthening of extended families - whanaungatanga - across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa - the Pacific Ocean and beyond.

These Vaka Moana carry an important environmental message to the world, to respect the spirit of the ocean, to respect 'Te Mana O Te Moana'. And the backbone of this message is the indisputable strength of the cultural and traditional values of the Polynesian people. To understand where Polynesian people are coming from is perhaps an important first step towards tackling the global environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.

Once the interviews are evaluated we will post the findings here.