Indigenous Youth's Climate Displacement in Central America's Dry Corridor

“Despite their minimal ecological footprint, Indigenous peoples and communities

are disproportionally vulnerable to climate change impacts.” 

IOM – UN Migration

Indigenous peoples are unique groups that possess deep ancestral connections to their lands and natural resources. Their traditions comprise a rich variety of languages and knowledge that shape their identities, cultures, and livelihoods worldwide. Despite their minimal ecological footprint, Indigenous peoples are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Indigenous youth, in particular, confront a future in which the intersection of environmental challenges and historical inequalities could intensify their struggle for survival and cultural continuity. In general, Indigenous communities number approximately 476 million globally, representing a small fraction of the world’s population and yet account for a significant portion of those living in extreme poverty.  Despite this, the lands they inhabit are rich in wildlife, safeguarding about 80 percent of the world’s remaining biodiversity.  These lands often lack formal recognition, leaving Indigenous communities vulnerable to exploitation, environmental degradation, and displacement.  Climate change exacerbates existing inequalities for these communities, with extreme weather events and shifting ecosystems threatening their homes, food security, and traditional ways of life. In Central America’s Dry Corridor, Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable to experiencing droughts, floods, and hurricanes that disrupt agricultural practices, threatening crops and livestock that communities rely on for sustenance and income. As a result, Indigenous youth have increasingly turned to migration as an adaptive strategy to cope with these challenges and seek better livelihoods elsewhere.

Central America’s Dry Corridor: A Brief Case Study

The Dry Corridor of Central America, spanning across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, is a region characterized by its arid climate and pronounced seasonal droughts. This region has become a focal point for discussions on climate change due to the severe impacts experienced by its inhabitants. The Dry Corridor experiences a distinct climate marked by a prolonged dry season and erratic rainfall patterns. This variability in precipitation is compounded by climate change, leading to more frequent and severe droughts. These climatic conditions are detrimental to agriculture, the primary source of income and sustenance for many Indigenous communities in the region. As temperatures rise and rainfall become more unpredictable, crop yields diminish, and water scarcity becomes more acute. This has a cascading effect on food security, nutrition, and economic stability for the local population, thus exacerbating existing socioeconomic vulnerabilities. The region is home to some of the poorest communities in Central America, with limited access to resources and infrastructure. Smallholder farmers, who rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture, are particularly at risk. Crop failures due to droughts lead to loss of income, food shortages, and increased poverty. 

For instance, coffee cultivation is a major economic driver in the Dry Corridor, providing revenue streams for millions of people, including Indigenous communities. The region’s high-altitude areas, with their unique microclimates, have traditionally been ideal for growing high-quality Arabica coffee. Furthermore, coffee cultivation is deeply interwoven with the cultural identity of the region, influencing local traditions. Coffee plant blight, particularly coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix), has become a significant concern for coffee farmers in the Dry Corridor. This fungal disease attacks the leaves of coffee plants, causing defoliation, reduced photosynthesis, and ultimately, decreased yields and plant death. The spread of coffee leaf rust is closely linked to climatic conditions, particularly temperature and humidity levels. Climate change has exacerbated the prevalence and severity of coffee plant blight due to erratic rainfall patterns which weakens coffee plants and promotes disease proliferation through extended dry periods followed by heavy rains. Additionally, extended growing seasons due to warmer temperatures increase the vulnerability of coffee plants to pests and diseases. The economic impacts of coffee plant blight are severe, leading to significant income losses for Indigenous farmers and broader economic repercussions for local economies reliant on coffee production. The decline in coffee production also disrupts community cohesion and leads to increased migration as Indigenous youth leave rural areas for better opportunities, further weakening the social fabric of these communities. The impact on Indigenous women and children is especially pronounced. Women, who often manage household food production and water collection, face increased burdens as resources become scarcer. Children, on the other hand, suffer from malnutrition and are more likely to drop out of school to support their families, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Migration Routes of Indigenous Youth in the Dry Corridor

One of the most visible consequences of climate change in the Dry Corridor is the rise in migration and displacement. As agricultural production becomes untenable, many Indigenous youth are forced to migrate in search of better opportunities. Their internal displacement and international migration have significant social and economic implications. The loss of working-age individuals from rural communities weakens the social fabric, reducing agricultural productivity further, creating a vicious cycle of poverty and migration.
Since Indigenous youth in the Dry Corridor have faced severe social and economic instability in the recent decades, they have devised routes to leave Central America. High levels of violence, driven by organized crime and gang activities, have also contributed to unsafe living conditions for many, exacerbating migration.  Additionally, disasters such as hurricanes Julia, Eta, and Iota stand out as some of the most destructive storms to hit the Northern Triangle (Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador) in recent memory. These hurricanes brought torrential rains, strong winds, and widespread flooding, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and agricultural lands.  The consequences were far-reaching, affecting millions of people and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in the region. For these and many other reasons, poverty remains widespread, with limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. 

Indigenous youth migration in the Dry Corridor is characterized by both internal and international movements. Internally, many move from rural areas to urban centers within their own countries.  This urban migration is often driven by the need for safety, employment, and better access to services. However, urban areas frequently lack the infrastructure to support this influx, leading to overcrowded and impoverished conditions. International migration, particularly to the United States, is another significant trend. Migratory routes from the Northern Triangle to the U.S. are risky, involving dangerous journeys through Mexico and encounters with human traffickers, border patrols, and harsh environmental conditions. Despite these risks, many Indigenous youth undertake these journeys out of desperation to escape violence and poverty and to seek better opportunities for their families. Below are two examples of such routes:

The Petén Lowland Route

The Petén Lowland Route is characterized by its passage through the tropical rainforests of northern Guatemala and southern Mexico. Indigenous communities, such as the Q'eqchi', Mopan, and Itza' Maya, have historically traversed this route for seasonal agricultural activities, trade, and cultural exchanges.  However, today some Indigenous groups migrate within the Petén Lowlands as part of their adaptive response to environmental changes, seeking areas with more favorable conditions for agriculture and water availability. Others use this route to reach the United States. The route is intertwined with the region's rich biodiversity and archaeological heritage, including ancient Mayan ruins and sacred sites. 

The El Altiplano Highland Route

The El Altiplano Highland Route traverses the rugged mountainous terrain of Guatemala and parts of Honduras and El Salvador. Indigenous communities, such as the Mam, Quiché, and Lenca, use this route. Migration along the El Altiplano Highland Route is usually influenced by factors such as economic opportunities, often with the ultimate goal of reaching the United States through Mexico. The desire for economic advancement, coupled with limited local employment options, pushes these communities to consider migration as a means to support themselves and their communities.

The Impact of Climate-Induced Migration on Indigenous Youth

According to the World Bank, 140 million people in three regions (sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America) could be forced to migrate within their own countries by 2050, unless there is urgent action on climate change at the global and national levels. Indigenous peoples make up for 42 million of the population only in Latin America and the Caribbean, and they are likely to be among the most affected by this situation. Climate-related disruptions such as crop failures and loss of traditional food sources will lead to food insecurity, economic instability, and poverty among Indigenous youth and their families. Consequently, the departure of working-age individuals to the United States and other territories can lead to a loss of cultural knowledge and traditions, as elders will find it challenging to pass on their heritage without the younger generation present. Additionally, the social fabric of communities will become strained by the absence of family members, leading to increased burdens on those who remain, particularly women and the elderly. Indigenous youth themselves may face legal uncertainties, discrimination, and the psychological effects of leaving their homeland and loved ones behind. However, it is important to consider Indigenous knowledge as an essential aspect to promote change during these difficult times.

Collaborative Efforts for Climate Resilience

In the face of escalating climate change impacts, Indigenous youth are emerging as key actors in promoting climate resilience within their communities. Indigenous youth are leveraging their cultural knowledge and traditions as valuable resources for change. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) passed down through generations equips Indigenous youth with insights into local ecosystems, weather patterns, natural resource management, and adaptation strategies. By integrating TEK as a scientific approach, Indigenous youth can develop climate resilience solutions for the Dry Corridor that are grounded in Indigenous wisdom and values. Since Indigenous cultural practices contribute to climate resilience by promoting sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and community cohesion, collaborative efforts that honor and amplify Indigenous knowledge are necessary to take proactive measures in mitigating climate risks.

Furthermore, investing in education and capacity building is essential for empowering Indigenous youth as climate resilience leaders. Educational initiatives that integrate climate science, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous perspectives promote a deeper understanding of climate change impacts and adaptation strategies among Indigenous youth. Capacity building efforts should also focus on enhancing technical skills, such as climate monitoring, disaster preparedness, sustainable land management, and renewable energy technologies. 

Collaborative efforts for climate resilience must prioritize community engagement and meaningful participation, with Indigenous youth playing active roles in decision-making processes and project implementation. Advocating for policy reforms and building collaborative partnerships are critical strategies for changing the situation and deterring climate-induced challenges faced by Indigenous youth. Indigenous youth-led advocacy campaigns, grassroots movements, and policy dialogues amplify their voices, raise awareness about climate justice issues, and demand action from governments, institutions, and stakeholders. Coordinated efforts that promote inclusive decision-making and that respect Indigenous rights and sovereignty are key to achieving sustainable solutions for climate-related challenges.

Conclusion

Indigenous youth are emerging as key actors in promoting climate resilience within their communities in the Dry Corridor. The challenges of climate change in the Dry Corridor require collaborative actions for climate resilience by Indigenous youth. Empowering them as leaders is central to building climate resilience that is grounded in local wisdom and sustainable practices. Indigenous youth are vital to the fight against climate change despite their disproportionate vulnerability. They have valuable assets and potential to cope with and adapt to climate change impacts, such as their cultural knowledge and traditions, their creativity and innovation. As we confront these challenges, their voices and experience must be at the forefront, guiding us towards a more just and resilient future. Indigenous youth stand at a critical juncture, but they are not merely passive victims. Rather, they are active participants in the struggle for environmental justice. Their voices are crucial in advocating for the protection of their lands, the recognition of their rights, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge into broader climate change solution strategies. By doing so, Indigenous youth can contribute to the well-being of their communities and the sustainability of their environment.

About the Author:

Marielys Padua Soto is  a student of Migration and Refugee Studies at The American University in Cairo, Egypt. She is a multilingual lawyer and humanitarian professional with a strong passion for addressing the challenges encountered by refugees, migrants, and Indigenous peoples worldwide. 

This article is part of the IOM Blog Series: Youth Voices on Migration, Environment and Climate Change