Facing the Rising Tide: The Fight for Survival of the Guna People

Americas Now

In the azure waters of the Caribbean coast of Panama lies the Guna Yala archipelago, a haven of beauty and culture. Yet, beneath the surface of this paradise, a poignant tale unfolds—one of struggle, resilience, and the relentless march of climate change.

Armando Guerra brings us this report from the heart of Guna Yala, where the indigenous Guna people confront an existential crisis. Rising ocean waters, fueled by the unforgiving forces of climate change, threaten to erode not just the sandy shores but the very fabric of the Guna’s society.

For generations, the Gunas have called these islands home, their lives intricately woven with the rhythms of the sea and the land. But as the waters encroach further inland, their way of life hangs precariously in the balance.

Families are being displaced, communities uprooted, and traditions endangered. They seek a chance to provide their children with better lives while holding on to their cultural heritage.