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Discover the story of the struggle of the Guna community on Gardi Sugdub Island in Panama, which is being swallowed by the sea due to climate change
The small island of Gardi Sugdub, located in Panama, is facing an imminent threat due to climate change. Rising sea levels, accelerated by global warming, are putting the lives of local residents, who belong to the Guna community, at risk.
Considered one of the most resilient indigenous groups in the country, the Guna have lived on this island since the 19th century. However, the future of Gardi Sugdub looks increasingly uncertain.
In a move that has gained international attention, the community is being relocated to the mainland, seeking to preserve their culture but facing profound challenges.
From Gardi Sugdub Island to Isberyala: A New Beginning in Panama
Amidst the transformation scenario, Delfino Davies, one of the community leaders To use, remains firm in stating: “If the island sinks, I will sink with it.” The phrase reflects the deep bond that he and many other residents have with the land, which, for them, is much more than a physical place, but rather a symbol of identity and tradition.
Looking at the emptiness that has taken over Gardi Sugdub, Delfino recalls what was once a vibrant place: “Before, you could hear children screaming… music everywhere, neighbors arguing. But now all the sounds have disappeared.”
The relocation of Gardi Sugdub, which began to be discussed more than a decade ago, is mainly due to rising sea levels, which are already affecting living conditions on the island.
According to scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, current rates of sea level rise suggest Gardi Sugdub will be uninhabitable by 2050.
Furthermore, waves during the rainy season invade homes, further compromising the safety and quality of life of residents.
Moving to a new settlement, Isberyala, led many members of the community to leave their wooden and tin houses behind and board boats towards new homes.
The new community, located about a 15-minute boat ride from the old home, offers prefabricated homes and modern infrastructure. But the transition has been painful.
“It’s very sad to leave a place where you’ve been for so long. You miss your friends, the streets where you lived, being so close to the sea,” says Magdalena Martínez, one of the residents who made the move.
Although the new home brings more comfort, with constant electricity and more space for cultivation, as expressed by Magdalena herself, the changes are not easy for everyone.
The sense of loss is palpable among those who remain on Gardi Sugdub. The transition is not just physical, but also cultural. “People who lose their tradition lose their soul. The essence of our culture is in the islands,” reflects Delfino Davies.
The cultural impact and challenges of relocation amid climate change
The impact of the move from Gardi Sugdub to Isberyala goes beyond adapting to a new home. The Guna have a strong connection to the sea, which is an essential part of their identity.
Fishing is a vital traditional practice for this community, and proximity to the ocean is essential for the preservation of their cultural practices.
However, the new reality requires them to adapt to a more urban life, where the traditional Guna culture may be challenged.
Community leader Tito López says that although the homes have changed, the Guna identity and culture will remain alive. “As long as the hammock keeps its place in Guna culture, the heart of the Guna people will be alive,” he says, referring to the tradition of using hammocks as part of daily life.
Still, the infrastructure in Isberyala is not perfect. Although the new community was built with a significant investment of about $15 million from the Panamanian government and support from the Inter-American Development Bank, challenges remain.
Drinking water is only provided for a few hours a day, and there is no medical care available.
A construction of a hospital site has been halted due to lack of funding, which is a major concern for families who now rely on transportation to the mainland for medical care.
The Future of the Guna and Lessons for the World
The case of Gardi Sugdub and the relocation of the Guna people serves as an example of the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
Experts say sea level changes could affect millions of people in coastal areas around the world, forcing entire communities to relocate.
“We need to learn from these early cases to understand what success looks like,” said Erica Bower, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, highlighting the importance of analyzing the adaptation of groups such as the Guna.
Adapting to the new settlement brought new opportunities for some, such as young Jerson, aged eight, who has already become accustomed to playing on sports fields and larger spaces.
For adults, however, nostalgia and attachment to the land are still strong. Magdalena, who is now teaching her granddaughter to sew molas, the Guna’s traditional colorful attire, sees it as an effort to ensure their cultural roots are not lost. “Our unique ways cannot be lost,” she says.
Amidst the challenges of relocation, the Guna community tries to preserve its culture and identity, adapting to the new environment, but without forgetting its origins.
The story of Gardi Sugdub in Panama is a reflection of the struggles faced by many other communities around the world, who are also being forced to leave behind their lands in the name of survival.
The issue is not just a matter of adapting to new living conditions, but also a struggle to maintain the essence of who they are, even in the face of adversity.
