Apocalyptic Waters: The Betrayal of Panama’s Rising Sea Levels

Rising Seas, Broken Promises in Panama: Plans to Relocate Indigenous Community from Flood-Prone Island Delayed

The Situation

Today, on September 25, 2023, the people of Gardi Sugdub, an island off the coast of Panama, were supposed to begin their long-awaited relocation to a safer mainland site. For over a decade, the Guna Indigenous community living on Gardi Sugdub has been facing the existential threat of floods and rising seas. They have dreamt of moving to higher ground, away from the constant danger, and the Panamanian authorities have repeatedly promised support in this regard. However, as of today, not a single person has been relocated, and the Ministry of Housing has once again pushed back the move date to February 29, 2024.

This delay is just the latest in a series of broken promises to the Gardi Sugdub community. Human Rights Watch reported in July that the community has been experiencing a string of unfulfilled pledges from the government. The community cannot survive on promises alone — they need tangible action and follow-through from the authorities to facilitate a dignified relocation and rebuild their lives on safer ground. The new relocation site must ensure their rights to adequate housing, water, health, education, and cultural preservation.

The Complexities of Planned Relocation

Gardi Sugdub is not an isolated case. Many other coastal communities in Panama, as well as hundreds of communities around the globe, face the need for planned relocation due to sea level rise. The experience of Gardi Sugdub underscores the complexity, time-consuming nature, and inherent risks associated with planned relocation.

However, while planned relocation is challenging, it is not an insurmountable task. Forward-looking planning that respects human rights at a national level is crucial. Governments, including Panama, must develop policies that are guided by principles of non-discrimination and informed consent, allocate adequate funding, and provide long-term support. Every country with a coastline needs to take the issue of planned relocation seriously to prevent foreseeable rights violations in the future.

Editorial: A Call for Action

The situation facing the Gardi Sugdub community is a stark illustration of the urgent need for action against climate change-induced sea level rise. The Panamanian government’s failure to follow through on its promises to the community is indicative of a broader global issue — the lack of comprehensive planning and support for communities facing relocation.

The government should recognize that the Gardi Sugdub community’s struggle is not just their individual burden but a shared responsibility. It is crucial that the government listens to their concerns, includes them in the planning process, and ensures that their cultural identity is preserved throughout the relocation. Additionally, a national strategy for climate change and planned relocation should be developed to guide future endeavors of this nature.

Other countries facing similar challenges must take note and learn from these experiences. They should prioritize the protection of human rights and invest in comprehensive planning to support communities facing relocation. The Gardi Sugdub community’s initiative can serve as a model for others, but it requires the government’s commitment and synchronization of aspirations between the authorities and the community.

Advice: The Need for International Cooperation

The international community cannot afford to remain passive in the face of climate change-induced crises like the one unfolding in Panama. It is essential for countries, organizations, and individuals to come together and collaborate on finding sustainable solutions that respect human rights.

International organizations should provide technical assistance and financial support to countries like Panama, which are grappling with the challenges of planned relocation. Additionally, countries with advanced expertise in this matter should share their experiences and best practices with others, creating a knowledge-sharing network that can strengthen global efforts.

Lastly, individuals and civil society organizations should raise awareness about the plight of communities like Gardi Sugdub and advocate for stronger action on climate change. Governments need to feel the pressure from their citizens to prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities and work towards a more sustainable future.

Ultimately, the case of Gardi Sugdub should serve as a wake-up call for governments and individuals alike. The time for empty promises is over — meaningful action is needed to protect the rights and lives of those at risk from rising seas.

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