A story about mobilising to help the ocean by Diwigdi Valiente, 34 yr, Guna Yala, Panama.
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Diwigdi is a manager of coral conservation projects and co-founder of Bodhi Hostels. Throughout their career, Diwigdi has been dedicated to researching and addressing critical issues such as climate change, conservation, and tourism. He has played a pivotal role in shaping national policies and laws for environmental protection in Panama.
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My earliest memories of the ocean date back to my childhood in the indigenous region, Guna Yala. The sea was an essential part of daily life. I remember the feel of sand under my feet and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. I explored coral reefs and marvelled at the diversity of marine life, many colourful fish. One day, I saw a seven-foot hammerhead arrive in the small fishing canoe, a moment that left an impression on me, strengthening my connection to the ocean and its beauty.
The ocean taught me the importance of patience and respect for nature. I saw how, if we give it time and do not intervene in harmful ways, the ocean has an amazing ability to regenerate itself. But the ocean needs support to be able to do so.
When the president announced that he vetoed the law banning plastic bans in Panama, I created a campaign and designed a communication strategy around it. I was in charge of virilizing what the president proposed on WhatsApp. Then signatures began to arrive in hundreds, becoming thousands. Various non-governmental organisations joined together, and we presented the signatures to the president and the National Assembly. In this way, it was possible to pass after almost 4 months.
My indigenous heritage reveres and respects nature as an extension of ourselves. In the Guna worldview, the ocean is our grandmother, our source of life and ancestral wisdom.
My non-binary identity is also rooted in the indigenous worldview, where gender diversity is recognized and valued as an intrinsic part of our existence. In our worldview, gender is understood fluidly and holistically, and non-binary identities are seen as a natural manifestation of human diversity. This perspective is based on respect for the connection between all living things and recognizes that each person has their own unique path in life, beyond the binary restrictions imposed by Western society. For me, being non-binary is an authentic expression of my being and my Indigenous heritage, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual and encouraging inclusion and mutual respect within our community and beyond.