Facing Climate Catastrophe: The Struggle of the Wayuu in La Guajira

The Wayuu people in La Guajira, spanning Colombia and Venezuela, face severe climate change impacts. Prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall lead to water scarcity and food insecurity. Their traditional culture and livelihood are at risk, compounded by external interests in exploiting the region's wind resources.

The Wayuu people, an Indigenous group residing in the arid La Guajira region of Colombia and Venezuela, are grappling with the dire consequences of climate change. Prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall have intensified water scarcity, severely affecting their ability to access drinking water and sustain agriculture and livestock.

As the climate crisis unfolds, the Wayuu community is experiencing heightened food insecurity, health risks from dehydration, and increased vulnerability to flooding and waterborne diseases. Their traditional lifestyle is under threat from external pressures, including government plans to develop wind farms in the region.

Despite their deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land, many Wayuu people are compelled to migrate to urban centers or across borders due to worsening conditions. These challenges are not only disrupting their economic activities of farming, fishing, and herding but are also jeopardizing their cultural identity, deeply rooted in their ancestral ties to the land.

(With inputs from agencies.)