chris
The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly tangible, as evidenced by the plight of the Indigenous Guna community off the coast of Panama. Rising sea levels are forcing these families to abandon their ancestral island homes and relocate to the mainland.
The Guna community of Gardi Subdug, a small island in the Caribbean just a few kilometers from Panama’s coastline, has faced the relentless encroachment of the sea. On a fateful Wednesday, 300 families, comprising 1,351 individuals, were handed the keys to their new homes in a woodland settlement on the mainland. This significant moment marked the culmination of a 14-year struggle for a safer, more stable living environment.
Villager Victoria Navarro, speaking in her Guna dialect and translated into Spanish, expressed her joy at the inauguration ceremony: “I’m very happy, it feels like a dream. We have been fighting for 14 years and it has finally come true.”
A 2021 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projected that, if current trends continue, average global sea levels could rise by more than a meter by the end of the century. For Panama, a country where nearly one in ten residents live less than 10 meters above sea level, this is a pressing concern. According to a recent United Nations report, over 4% of Panamanians live less than five meters above the waves, making them particularly vulnerable.
The relocation effort, which saw 300 bungalows built in a lush green forest clearing, was not just about providing new homes. The community has also requested the establishment of a health center in their new settlement. At the ceremony, Panama’s President Laurentino Cortizo emphasized the country’s commitment to addressing climate change and called for greater action from developed nations.
“Although Panama is one of seven carbon-negative countries, we are making this effort and would like developed countries to do the same because the greenhouse gas emissions they have produced are causing the climate crisis we are facing,” Cortizo stated.
Panama’s status as a carbon-negative country, largely due to its extensive forests, underscores its role in global climate mitigation. However, Cortizo’s message was clear: wealthier nations must uphold their commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement to reduce emissions and transition to clean energy.
The Guna people, who reside across Panama and Colombia, predominantly inhabit autonomous reservations on the San Blas Islands. This tropical archipelago, known for its stunning beaches and clear waters, is home to a vibrant community engaged in fishing, agriculture, handicrafts, and tourism. The entire Gardi Subdug community is scheduled to move next week, weather permitting, with priority given to children, the elderly, and disabled individuals.
Despite their relocation, the Guna community is determined to keep the spirit of their island alive. They have sought permission to continue promoting tourism to the now-threatened island, ensuring its cultural and historical significance is not forgotten.
The Guna’s predicament is not unique. Across Latin America and the Caribbean, 41 million people live in low-lying areas, facing increasing risks from flooding, storm surges, and hurricanes. This represents 6% of the region’s population. The situation of the Guna serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action on climate change, particularly from nations with the most significant carbon footprints.
The relocation of the Guna community from Gardi Subdug to the mainland is a poignant example of resilience in the face of adversity. It highlights both the immediate impacts of climate change and the necessity for global cooperation to mitigate future risks. As President Cortizo aptly put it, while countries like Panama are doing their part, it is crucial for developed nations to fulfill their climate obligations to protect vulnerable communities worldwide.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings