Adanin studies Bolivian Indigenous women, impact of global warming

A Northwest Missouri State University faculty member this spring will present her latest research related to the effects of climate change on Indigenous communities.

Dr. Nina Adanin, an assistant professor of recreation, will present the results of her study at the American Association of Geographers’ annual meeting in April in Hawaii. Last summer, she embarked on a three-week research expedition to Bolivia and plans to travel to Peru this summer to continue her study.

Dr. Nina Adanin, an assistant professor of recreation at Northwest, studies effects of climate change on Indigenous communities. She is pictured here with an Indigenous mountain guide, known as Cholitas. (Submitted photos)

“While collaborating with Indigenous female mountain guides in Bolivia’s high mountain region, we witnessed the profound impact of global warming on local communities and nature, realizing its implications for our future,” Adanin said. “As a faculty member, this experience has equipped me to better prepare students for future issues like global warming and challenges in sports and recreation.”

Adanin’s travel to Bolivia last summer, with her colleague Ilina Arsova from the University of Tennessee, was sponsored by the World Explorers Collective, an organization that funds research expeditions. While there, she spent time with six Indigenous women mountain guides known as Cholitas.

Dr. Nina Adanin is pictured hiking in Bolivia last summer.

“Seeing females as mountain guides – that was, for me, fascinating,” Adanin said. “Observing them ascend the high mountain peaks in their traditional attire, and witnessing their deep reverence for mother nature left an indelible impression.”

Adanin and her colleague were inspired to go to Bolivia after watching “Cholitas,” a documentary that follows five Bolivian Indigenous women on their journey to climb the highest mountain in America. Arsova wanted to study women empowerment, while Adanin wanted to study the effects of climate change and global warming, so they combined the two topics.

“Global warming has a significant impact on mountain climbers worldwide and especially on female Indigenous mountain guides in Bolivia,” Adanin said. “The changing climate conditions, including the accelerated melting of glaciers and unpredictable weather patterns, presented heightened challenges for their guiding activities.”

During her stay, Adanin experienced firsthand the challenges Cholitas face by carrying their equipment, visiting the women’s homes and witnessing their mountain climbing techniques. The researchers immersed themselves in the culture.

“Through engaging in interactions and conducting insightful interviews with Cholitas, we not only expanded our understanding of mountaineering but also gained profound insights into the significance that indigenous women in Bolivia attribute to this activity and their connection to the natural heritage of the region,” Adanin said.

Adanin joined the Northwest faculty in 2021. She has a Ph.D. in innovative learning design and technology with master’s degrees in educational research and evaluation and outdoor recreation and education, all from Ohio University. She also has bachelor’s degrees in sports management and sports coaching. Her academic interest includes sports recreation management and technology.