Between land and sea: habitability challenges amidst the climate crisis in the Gunayala territory

Abstract

This article moves away from quantitative projections regarding “how many migrants” there will be in “how many years” and instead focuses on the processes of migration and resistance, and the pursuit of dignified habitation amidst mobilities and immobilities (Boas et al., 2022). Adopting this perspective and a decolonial approach—drawing on Quijano (2000) to understand the persistence of epistemic and power hierarchies embedded in coloniality, and following Escobar (2018) regarding the need to recognize relational ontologies and territorial pluriverses—we center Gunadule epistemology and ontology (the ways of knowing and being of this people) as legitimate analytical frameworks. These frameworks allow us to explore the relationality between human beings, territory, and socio-environmental transformations in times of climate crisis. Through this lens, we recount the ongoing resettlement process of the Ukupa community in Gunayala, on Panama’s northern coast, which was triggered by severe flooding in December 2024. We ask: What role do Gunadule knowledges and ontologies play in decision-making regarding migration, remaining, or relocation? What does this process entail in terms of cultural and territorial continuity? We combine a literature review with interviews and the documentation of voices from the Gunadule community. This approach seeks to respect Guna ontology and epistemology by placing their knowledges and practices at the center of the analysis and ensuring that interpretations reflect the community’s experiences and priorities regarding resettlement and climate challenges.