Indigenous Guna Families Relocate Due To Rising Sea Levels

Gardi Sugdub Island, part of the San Blas archipelago, stands off Panama's Caribbean coast Saturday, May 25, 2024. Due to rising sea levels, about 300 Guna Indigenous families will relocate to new hom

In a significant development this week, hammocks have been set up in the doorways of 300 newly constructed houses in Isberyala, Panama. These houses were built on what was once a yucca field along Panama's Caribbean coast to accommodate families from the low-lying island of Gardi Sugdub, which had to be evacuated due to rising sea levels.

The Indigenous Guna families from Gardi Sugdub transported their belongings, including stoves, gas cylinders, and mattresses, to the new community of Isberyala via boats and trucks. The new environment brought relief to some residents, with one individual noting the cooler temperatures compared to the island.

While most families from Gardi Sugdub have already relocated or were in the process of moving, a few families have chosen to stay on the island for now. The move was prompted by the annual flooding of streets and homes on the island, exacerbated by rising sea levels and stronger storms due to climate change.

Guna families transport belongings to the new community.

300 new houses in Isberyala accommodate families from Gardi Sugdub.

Some families choose to stay on the island despite flooding.

Isberyala offers relief with cooler temperatures.

Newly paved streets named after historic Guna leaders connect to port.

Challenges include lack of electricity and water supply in Isberyala.

Gardi Sugdub is the first of 63 communities facing relocation in Panama.

Residents express relief at more spacious living conditions in Isberyala.

Government anticipates more forced migrations due to climate change.

Community plans to maintain ties with Gardi Sugdub despite relocation.

Isberyala, with its freshly paved streets named after historic Guna leaders, is about a 30-minute walk from the port that connects them to their former homes on Gardi Sugdub. Despite the relocation, many families expressed a desire to maintain ties with the island where they have spent generations.

While some residents have already settled into their new homes, challenges remain, such as the lack of electricity and water supply. Families have had to rely on battery-powered lanterns and gas burners brought from the island for their immediate needs.

Government officials and scientists anticipate that Gardi Sugdub is just the first of 63 communities along Panama's coasts that may need to relocate in the coming years due to rising sea levels. The Gunas of Gardi Sugdub are pioneers in this forced migration, highlighting the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.

Despite the challenges, residents like Ernesto López expressed relief at the more spacious living conditions in Isberyala compared to the cramped houses on Gardi Sugdub. The community plans to maintain a connection with the island, visiting periodically to check on their ancestral land.

As Isberyala continues to welcome new residents, the transition from island life to mainland living poses both opportunities and challenges for the Indigenous Guna families. The government's efforts to support these communities in the face of environmental changes will be crucial in the years ahead.