The Guna community of Gardi Sugdub, a small island off Panama’s northern coast, has begun relocating due to the imminent threat posed by rising sea levels. This relocation marks a significant moment as it is the first instance in Panama where an indigenous group is forced to leave their home because of climate change. The government has warned that Gardi Sugdub could become uninhabitable by 2050, prompting many residents to abandon their homes for new lives on the mainland.
Delfino Davies, who runs a local museum dedicated to Guna culture, expressed his deep connection to the island, stating, "If the island sinks, I will sink with it." The once vibrant community, filled with the sounds of children playing and music, has fallen silent as most residents left for rows of prefabricated houses in a new settlement called Isberyala. The relocation occurred in June 2024, with approximately 1,000 residents making the move, while around 100 chose to stay behind for various reasons, including skepticism about climate change and overcrowding in the new settlement.
The Guna people, known for their colorful clothing called "molas," have lived on Gardi Sugdub since the 19th century, having originally fled from the mainland to escape colonial violence and other threats. Today, they inhabit more than 40 other islands, but scientists predict that most, if not all, will be submerged by the end of the century due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.
The new settlement, Isberyala, is located just 15 minutes by boat from the island and was constructed with $15 million from the Panamanian government and additional funding from the Inter-American Development Bank. Residents like Magdalena Martínez, who moved to Isberyala, expressed mixed feelings about leaving their homes. "You feel like you are leaving pieces of your life on the island," she said, reflecting on the emotional toll of the relocation.
While the new community offers modern amenities and more space, it lacks healthcare facilities, and residents still face challenges such as intermittent water supply. Despite these difficulties, many are optimistic about their new environment. The new school in Isberyala is equipped with better facilities than the cramped school on Gardi Sugdub, allowing children to learn traditional Guna music and dance while also benefiting from modern education.
As the Guna people adapt to their new surroundings, community leaders emphasize that their identity and culture will remain intact. Tito López, the leader of Isberyala, stated, "My identity and my culture aren’t going to change, it’s just the houses that have changed." The resilience of the Guna community serves as a reminder of the broader challenges faced by indigenous groups worldwide due to climate change, and their experience could provide valuable lessons for other communities confronting similar threats.
Experts warn that climate change will continue to endanger coastal populations globally, with hundreds of millions at risk by the century’s end. The Guna’s struggle highlights the urgent need for effective responses to climate displacement and the preservation of cultural identities amid environmental upheaval.