The Indigenous Guna people of Gardi Sugdub Island in Panama have been forced to relocate due to the increasing impacts of climate change, particularly rising sea levels. Approximately 300 families have made the decision to evacuate to a newly built housing development called Nuevo Cartí on the mainland in the Guna Yala region. The Panamanian government, led by President Nito Cortizo, has prioritized the safety and well-being of these families by providing them with a new settlement that includes housing for 1,350 individuals, as well as essential infrastructure such as power lines, aqueducts, and roads.
President Cortizo acknowledged the great concern experienced by the residents of Gardi Sugdub Island and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring their future by founding a new settlement. The decision to relocate the families was made in response to the increased risk posed by rising sea levels, which have been exacerbated by climate change. The housing project not only provides the residents with a safe and secure home but also includes cultural spaces and playgrounds to preserve their traditions.
The successful relocation of the families from Gardi Sugdub Island to Nuevo Cartí demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to addressing the impacts of climate change and protecting vulnerable communities. Minister of Housing Rogelio Paredes Robles highlighted the importance of the residential project in not only providing the families with a place to live but also in creating spaces that celebrate their traditions. The construction of necessary infrastructure such as power lines and aqueducts, along with cultural spaces, emphasizes the government’s commitment to supporting the well-being of the Indigenous Guna people.
The decision to evacuate Gardi Sugdub Island reflects the growing recognition of the need to address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly Indigenous populations. The relocation of the families to Nuevo Cartí represents a collaborative effort between the government and the Indigenous Guna people to ensure their safety and security in the face of environmental challenges. By providing housing and essential infrastructure, the government is taking proactive steps to protect the families from the effects of rising sea levels and climate change.
The completion of the move-in process for the families from Gardi Sugdub Island to Nuevo Cartí marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to address the impacts of climate change in Panama. The successful relocation of the families demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and ensuring their safety in the face of environmental challenges. The housing project not only provides the families with a new home but also creates spaces for their cultural traditions, highlighting the importance of preserving Indigenous cultures in the face of climate change.
Overall, the relocation of the families from Gardi Sugdub Island to Nuevo Cartí underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. The government’s commitment to supporting the Indigenous Guna people in the face of rising sea levels and environmental challenges highlights the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of communities at risk. The successful completion of the housing project represents a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to protect vulnerable populations and demonstrates the positive impact of collaborative efforts to address the impacts of climate change.
