About 300 families from the Indigenous Guna tribe have successfully relocated from the island of Gardi Sugdub in Panama due to concerns over rising sea levels caused by climate change. The majority of the island’s population decided to evacuate after experiencing the impacts of climate change, leading them to move to a newly built housing development called Nuevo Cartí on the mainland in the Guna Yala region. The families completed their move-in processes this week, with the housing development accommodating a total of 1,350 individuals. Panamanian President Nito Cortizo expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and future of the residents by founding a new settlement for them.
The decision to relocate the families from Gardi Sugdub Island was driven by the increasing risk posed by rising sea levels, a direct result of climate change. The government of Panama recognized the urgent need to address this issue and took action by providing the families with a new and safe home in Nuevo Cartí. In addition to housing, the project also included the construction of essential infrastructure such as power lines, aqueducts, and roads. The Ministry of Housing further stated that cultural spaces and playgrounds were integrated into the development to preserve the traditions of the Indigenous Guna people.
President Nito Cortizo emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of Gardi Sugdub Island, stating that the rise in sea levels had caused great concern for the population in recent years. The founding of Nuevo Cartí as a new settlement was a proactive measure taken to address the risks faced by the residents and to secure their future. The successful relocation of 300 families to the mainland serves as a testament to the government’s dedication to protecting its citizens in the face of climate change.
Minister of Housing Rogelio Paredes Robles highlighted the significance of the residential project in Nuevo Cartí, emphasizing that it not only provided the families with their own safe homes but also incorporated spaces for their traditions. The integration of cultural spaces and playgrounds in the housing development demonstrates a commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Indigenous Guna people while ensuring their safety and well-being. The completion of the infrastructure and housing projects in Nuevo Cartí marks a milestone in the government’s efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change and protect vulnerable communities like Gardi Sugdub Island.
The successful relocation of 300 families from Gardi Sugdub Island to Nuevo Cartí represents a collaborative effort between the government of Panama and the Indigenous Guna community. The decision to found a new settlement on the mainland was made in response to the increasing risks posed by rising sea levels, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing the impacts of climate change. The integrated approach taken in the development of Nuevo Cartí, which includes essential infrastructure and spaces for cultural traditions, reflects a commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and cultural preservation of the relocated families.
The completion of the residential project in Nuevo Cartí signifies a new chapter in the lives of the 300 families who have successfully relocated from Gardi Sugdub Island. By providing the families with safe homes and essential infrastructure, the government of Panama has taken a significant step towards protecting vulnerable communities affected by climate change. The relocation of the Indigenous Guna people to Nuevo Cartí represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring the safety and well-being of at-risk populations.
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