Comarca
History
Evidence examined by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights places Guna presence in the Bayano region at least as far back as the sixteenth century. For generations, communities built their lives around the rivers, forests and farming areas of the Upper Bayano. The decisive change came with the Bayano hydroelectric project: construction began in 1972 and, between 1973 and 1975, Guna and Emberá communities were relocated from the affected areas. The project was completed in 1976 and the reservoir flooded Indigenous villages and lands, forcing communities to reorganize settlements and production systems. Later agreements on land and compensation did not end the conflict, which was aggravated by expanding settlement in the region. After years of advocacy, Law 24 of January 12, 1996 created the comarca, recognized collective ownership of its lands, established Akua Yala as its administrative seat and the General Congress as its highest traditional authority. Even so, disputes over boundaries and third-party incursions reached the Inter-American system: in its 2014 judgment, the Inter-American Court found the State responsible for delays in effectively demarcating the collective property. Today, memory of the flooded territory remains essential, while lake fishing, agroforestry systems and cultural initiatives reveal a contemporary comarca that weaves together self-government, production, conservation and memory.