Indigenous Guna Community Faces Relocation Amid Rising Sea Levels

A significant shift is underway on the tiny island of Gardi Sugdub, nestled off the Caribbean coast of Panama, as approximately 300 families prepare to bid farewell to their ancestral homes. For generations, the Indigenous Guna people have thrived in harmony with the sea and tourism on this picturesque island. However, the impending move to the mainland next week marks a poignant transition for these resilient inhabitants.

The decision to relocate is not one of choice but necessity, driven by the alarming rise in sea levels that threatens the very existence of Gardi Sugdub and 62 other coastal communities in Panama. Residents of the island have witnessed firsthand the gradual encroachment of seawater into their homes and streets, exacerbated by the intensifying impacts of climate change.

Officials from Panama’s Ministry of Housing have acknowledged the difficult decision facing residents, emphasizing that while some have opted to remain until conditions become untenable, no coercion will be exerted upon those choosing to stay.

Gardi Sugdub, one of the inhabited islands within the Guna Yala territory, measures roughly 400 yards long and 150 yards wide. Despite efforts by the Guna community to fortify the island with rocks, pilings, and coral, the relentless advance of seawater persists, particularly during the stormy months of November and December

Governments worldwide are grappling with similar challenges posed by coastal erosion and rising sea levels. Panama, for instance, is investing significant resources into relocation efforts, with plans to allocate approximately $1.2 billion to safeguard vulnerable coastal communities.