Since I was very young, I heard of the Darien Gap as one of the most impenetrable and complex places to traverse. This majestic forest is essential not only because it contains primary forest and is home to many indigenous communities in Panama but also because it serves as a green bridge for animals migrating from south to north and vice versa. Today, this prestigious and once impenetrable forest has become a corridor of hope and desperation for thousands seeking a better future.
The sheer magnitude of human movement and its profound changes to the environment and local cultures drew me to this project. The Darien Gap, once a symbol of impenetrable wilderness, now stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the fragile balance between progress and preservation. I was captivated by the transformative impact on local communities, where traditions and customs have been altered, placing their cultural heritage at a crossroads. Villages that were once quiet and secluded are now filled with the sounds of foreign languages and hurried footsteps.
This series captures the evolving way of life in these communities, from traditional practices to adapting to the constant flow of migrants. Despite the challenges, the locals have shown a palpable sense of resilience. I aim to highlight the intersection of human movement and cultural transformation through my lens, urging viewers to see beyond the headlines and into the heart of the human experience.
This project is a call to acknowledge and address the impacts of migration on the natural world and the lives intertwined with it. By focusing on the Darien Gap, I hope to shed light on the delicate balance between progress and preservation and the profound changes that come with such a massive movement of people.
First Glimpse of Hope
A migrant family, weary from trekking through the dense Darien jungle, finally crosses the Tuquesa River to reach the Embera Wounaan community of Bajo Chiquito, their first glimpse of hope and safety. August of 2021.
A Mother’s Comfort
A migrant mother cradles her sleepy baby during the registration process at San Vicente Camp in Meteti, Darien Province, Panama. August of 2021.
A Moment of Sorrow
A father and child stand in line at San Vicente Camp in Meteti, Darien Province, awaiting their turn for registration. The child gazes sadly into the distance while the father looks down in sorrow, unsure if they will stay or be transported to another camp. This facility accommodates 400 people and provides essential amenities such as drinking water, food, bathrooms, and medical attention. August of 2021.
At the Refuge Frontline
Nelson Ají, 37, stands as the community leader of Bajo Chiquito, an Embera community of 400 people and the first refuge for migrants emerging from the Darien Gap. Behind him, a massive crowd of weary migrants awaits assistance and direction. August of 2021.
Waiting for Transfer
Migrants sit in a piragua along the Tuquesa River bank in Bajo Chiquito, awaiting transfer to a second camp in Lajas Blancas. Bajo Chiquito, an Embera Wounaan community, is the first refuge where migrants arrive after emerging from the arduous Darien Gap. April of 2023.
Message of Hope
A child’s letter, written as a message of encouragement to another child emerging from the Darien Gap, is displayed at Lajas Blancas Immigration Reception Station. This station features a friendly space where migrant children can relax and be entertained in a comforting environment. April of 2023.
Elizabeth's Request
Elizabeth, a young adolescent, sits at a table writing a letter to her father in Ecuador, asking for his written authorization to travel alone. In Panama, unaccompanied minors without such approval are detained and placed in temporary homes where their basic needs are met until a family member is contacted. April of 2023.
Protecting Heritage
Leonides Cunampia, general chief and president of the congress of the Embera Wounaan Comarca, sits in a piragua on the Chucunaque River. He is visiting riverbank communities and is concerned about the impact of migrants on his people and the environment. June of 2023.
Environmental Toll of Passage
A pile of tree sticks on the riverbank is littered with discarded sleeping mats and plastic bottles left behind by migrants passing through the Darien Gap, highlighting the environmental impact of the journey. June of 2023.
Life by the Chucunaque
A woman washes laundry at the banks of the Chucunaque River, the longest river in Panama, with her child by her side. The Embera Wounaan people rely on the river as a vital water source for their daily lives, including cooking, cleaning, and bathing. June of 2023.
