In brief
The Guna community faces a difficult transition as they adapt to new living conditions while preserving their cultural identity.
In a poignant testament to the impacts of climate change, the Indigenous Guna community has become the first group in Panama to relocate due to the imminent threat of rising sea levels. Delfino Davies, who manages a small museum on the island, reflects on the deafening silence now that most of his community has left the low-lying island of Gardi Sugdub. “Before, you could hear children shouting… music everywhere, neighbours arguing,” he recalls of their vibrant life. The Panamanian government has deemed the island uninhabitable by 2050, prompting a significant move last June when approximately 1,000 residents abandoned their homes for prefabricated houses on higher ground. Although the evacuation has garnered praise as a model for vulnerable communities globally, it has also sparked divisions among those who chose to stay. Some, like Delfino, remain unconvinced of the looming threat of climate change and long for the connection to the sea that defines their culture.On land that was once home to the Guna for generations, their current plight is further complicated by years of overcrowding and rising tides. Many residents have expressed their nostalgia for Gardi Sugdub, where floods made daily life increasingly challenging. “I brought just my clothes and some kitchen utensils,” said Magdalena Martínez, who struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. As she tries to cultivate her identity in her new home, her heart is still in the past, mourning friendships and familiar streets.Life in the new settlement, Isberyala, is markedly different. Built with a $15 million investment from the government and support from international banks, the community features modern amenities, contrasting sharply with Gardi Sugdub's cramped conditions. Yet challenges persist, including a lack of consistent healthcare and water supply. As families adjust to their new identities, many still feel the weight of loss.Community leader Tito López embraces change while remaining determined to preserve Guna culture. Since the relocation, educational programs have flourished, teaching traditional music and dance to the younger generation. The vibrant spirit of childhood plays on as kids relish the space for sports and recreation in Isberyala.As the Guna adjust to their new lives, they inspire global conversations about climate displacement and resilience. Each day carries the weight of memories left behind, merging into the struggle to forge a future while holding on to rich cultural traditions. What remains steadfast is a sense of community, one that seeks to thrive amid adversity, as their hearts remain anchored in the indigenous identity that has defined them for centuries.
