Threatened by rising seas, the first of Panamaâx80x99s Indigenous islanders are forced to leave

The Threat of Rising Sea Levels: Indigenous Guna People of Panama Face Relocation #

An island community off the coast of Panama, Gardi Sugdub, is home to the Indigenous Guna people. Forced to flee their original homeland due to conflict with Spanish conquerors and other Indigenous groups 300 years ago, they now face relocation once again. With the rapid rise in global temperatures causing sea levels to increase, the island is under threat, prompting the government to ask the Guna people to move to the mainland. While some have begun to move to a newly built town called Isber Yala, others choose to stay on their home islands. The Guna people are considered among the first climate refugees in the region. Overcrowding has been a long-standing issue on Gardi Sugdub, leading to health and education challenges. The new town on the mainland offers a different way of life, but concerns remain about the lack of planning and essential services. The Guna people’s relocation serves as a reminder of the climate crisis disproportionately affecting indigenous communities.