Panama has become the first country in the world to relocate an entire island community, Gardi Sugdub, due to the devastating effects of climate change. This unprecedented move has been forced by rising sea levels and regular flooding, which have made the island uninhabitable for its residents. The approximately 300 Guna families who call Gardi Sugdub home are being moved to the mainland, marking a significant cultural loss as they are torn away from their ancestral lands.
This displacement, caused by the ongoing climate crisis, has not been taken lightly by the Panamanian government. They have committed to addressing the situation, dedicating an estimated $1.2 billion to the costs of relocation. However, the issue extends far beyond Gardi Sugdub. The situation on the island is only one part of a larger problem, with 63 coastal communities in Panama also under the same threat from rising sea levels.
The indigenous Guna families residing on Gardi Sugdub are being relocated to new homes on the mainland of Carti Sugtupu, placed within Panama’s Indigenous Guna Yala Comarca. This is not just a physical move, but it also represents a significant shift in their traditional way of life, adjusting to a new environment and leaving behind centuries-old connections to their homeland.
The consistent flooding has been accompanied by saltwater intrusion, which is causing significant damage to the island. The relentless onslaught of saltwater is not only causing immediate damage but consistently threatening the very existence of the island itself. The situation in Gardi Sugdub exemplifies the harsh reality of climate change, with direct and drastic impacts on communities.
What sets this situation apart is that Panama is set to become the first Latin American country to witness an entire island community’s evacuation due to climate change impacts. This event serves as a stark reminder of the tangible and immediate effects of climate change, and the urgent need for global action to mitigate these impacts. Gardi Sugdub may be the first, but without significant changes, it certainly won’t be the last community forced to move due to the unforgiving progression of climate change.
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