Panamanian officials have described the planned relocation of Indigenous families from Caribbean islands threatened by sea level rise as a difficult process. Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro made the statement to Agence France-Presse, acknowledging the profound cultural challenges involved. The government is prioritizing this issue under direct instructions from President Jose Raul Mulino.
The situation affects several populated islands within the Guna Yala archipelago. Scientific studies indicate these islands will be submerged before the end of this century due to global warming. This region, also known as San Blas, consists of numerous small islands sitting just half a meter to one meter above current ocean levels.
An Ongoing Climate Crisis
This is not the first relocation effort for the Guna people. In 2024, approximately 1,200 Indigenous residents were moved from Gardi Sugdub island. That event marked one of Latin America’s first planned climate change migrations. Despite the clear danger, some community members refused to leave their island homes and continue living there at risk.
Minister Navarro expressed deep concern about the situation during his recent comments. He confirmed the administration’s commitment to addressing the threat facing Guna Yala communities. The government recognizes the immense difficulty of asking people to sever their historical and cultural connection to the sea.
The rise in sea level in Guna Yala worries us a great deal, and President Jose Raul Mulino’s instructions are to prioritize this topic. [Translated from Spanish]
Scientific projections show waters around the archipelago could rise by approximately 80 centimeters in the coming years. This level of sea level rise would completely overwhelm the low-lying islands. Researchers have been monitoring this slow-moving disaster for years.
Cultural and Logistical Challenges
Relocating entire communities involves more than just physical movement. Most Guna Yala residents depend on the ocean and nearby mainland for their livelihoods. Fishing, tourism, and harvesting cassava and plantains from the continental part of their territory sustain the local economy. Moving to tierra firme, or the mainland, means completely reshaping their way of life.
The Guna Yala comarca operates under its own traditional laws and governance structures. This autonomy means the Government of Panama cannot unilaterally decide on relocations. Any government action requires consent from Indigenous authorities, making the process a delicate negotiation between sovereign entities.
It is a process underway, culturally it is very difficult for them, but we will continue working with the Indigenous authorities to take the necessary measures to guarantee their well-being. [Translated from Spanish]
Navarro emphasized that collaboration with Indigenous leaders remains essential. His ministry will keep working alongside local authorities to find solutions that protect community welfare. This partnership approach acknowledges both the urgency of the climate threat and the rights of the Guna people.
The ongoing situation in guna yala serves as a stark example of climate change’s human cost. Panama now faces the complex task of balancing immediate physical safety with preserving ancient cultural traditions. Government officials continue their dialogue with Indigenous leaders, seeking viable paths forward for communities whose homelands are disappearing beneath the waves.