Indigenous Guna People in Panama Forced to Leave Islands Due to Rising Sea Levels
- Indigenous Guna people in Panama are being forced to leave their overcrowded island due to rising sea levels.
- 300 new houses have been built along Panama's Caribbean coast to accommodate the community displaced by the encroaching waters.
- The traditional way of life for the Guna people, centered around the ocean, is under threat from climate change.
The Indigenous Guna people of Gardi Sugdub, one of around 50 islands, have a history of living in forests and mountains before being forced to flee from Spanish conquerors and conflict with other Indigenous groups. They are among the first climate refugees in the region due to rising sea levels. The government has asked them to move to the mainland in the coming decades. Overpopulation on the islands has led to health issues, water access problems, and overcrowding in homes. The Guna people are originally from the mountains and forests but have adapted to island life. They are being relocated to new communities on the mainland due to the impact of climate change. Despite challenges, some individuals prefer to stay on the islands for personal reasons. The relocation process involves moving belongings by boat and truck to new communities. The move is seen as a necessary response to the effects of climate change and rising sea levels.