Imagine waking up one morning to your house sinking into the sea. This is the harsh reality for Panama’s Guna people, who are being forced out of their beloved island, Gardi Sugdub, because of rising seas. And they’re not leaving alone.
The Home Island
The Guna people have lived on Gardi Sugdub for generations. An island only 400 meters long and 150 meters wide, it was the place for a full life. Laughing children, smiling families, and neighbors greeted each other. Now, homes are empty, padlocked, and sinking.
A Bigger Crisis Than Climate Change
Overcrowding was a problem years ago already, and climate change is only worsening the situation. With houses built at the water’s edge, the island had no room to expand with its population. Some left willingly; others, like Delfino Davies, will not abandon their heritage.
The Pets They Couldn’t Leave Behind
For others, leaving wasn’t so simple. They had to save their pets too. Dogs, cats, and even chickens took the boats out with their owners, making the 15-minute journey to mainland Isberyala. A new home lay in store, but so did the unknown.
What the Scientists Say
According to Steve Paton of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, it is very probable that Gardi Sugdub will be completely underwater by the end of the century. Rising sea levels from melting glaciers are devouring low-lying islands around the world.
The Great Relocation
In June 2024, around 1,000 people relocated to Isberyala, a settlement set up by the government to house the island people. However, about 100 were left behind: some because of their loyalty to their land, others because of insufficient space in the new homes. Leaving wasn’t an option for them.
Acclimating to Life in Isberyala
The new town has modern amenities: secure electricity, a school, and space to plant crops. But there is no hospital, and water is strictly rationed. Some of its residents express a feeling of loss and miss the island’s relaxed rhythm.
Culture and Identity at Risk
“Our identity is on the islands,” Delfino states. Even though the physical move is done, keeping Guna traditions intact is a challenge. The new school provides traditional dance and music classes to ensure the future generation does not lose its roots.
A Divided Community
Not everyone shares the same explanation for the exodus. Some are concerned about global warming; others believe the problem is overcrowding. Delfino, who decided to stay behind on the island, wants to stay close to the sea. But as levels rise, will he and the other remaining families be displaced?
The Challenges of Pets in Transition
While people adapt to the transition, so do their pets. Many animals, who used to roaming freely on the island, are now in cages. Finding food and adjusting to new surroundings has been challenging, but owners are determined to keep them safe.
The World’s Lessons
The relocation is being closely monitored. The Guna people’s experience is a case study for future resettlements in various communities needing to relocate. How do you move a culture, a history, and even pets, without losing what makes them special?
What’s Next?
The Panamanian government is gearing up hospitals and additional housing for those who will stay behind on the island. But they don’t know if it’ll be enough. For many, the dream is simple: staying together, maintaining their customs, and having their animals nearby.
An Unbreakable Connection
Gardi Sugdub is more than a sinking island. It’s a symbol of strength, culture, and the unbreakable connection between individuals and animals. Even though their home is moving, the Guna people still remind us that home isn’t just a place: it’s where the people, the animals and the moments are.
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