Exploring Climate Change and Local Cultures: Lorena Cardenas in Peru

Lorena Cardenas, a Ph.D. student at OSU, is researching the effects of climate change on rural communities in Peru, focusing on Tanta and Yauyos. Her work explores gender differences in experiences of climate impact, seeks to build trust with local populations, and highlights the cultural richness of the Andes. Cardenas faces challenges related to past research practices and the aging local demographic.

Lorena Cardenas is a second-year doctoral student in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU), specializing in human-environmental geography. Her research examines the impact of climate change on small communities in Peru and how diverse social backgrounds influence individual experiences of climate shift. Cardenas has focused on rural communities in the Peruvian Andes, specifically Tanta and Yauyos, located near Lima.

In her research, Cardenas is investigating local climate change effects and their implications for the residents’ livelihoods, emphasizing gender and other social variations. During preliminary fieldwork last summer, she established connections with local authorities and discovered that Tanta’s small population of 479 faces detrimental impacts due to melting glaciers. Conversely, Yauyos, with 1,481 residents, is reportedly benefiting from warmer temperatures, promoting new crop cultivation for sale in nearby cities.

Acknowledging that climate change affects populations differently, Cardenas aims to enhance awareness of the gendered aspects of climate impacts. Her objective is to provide evidence to advocate for improved decision-making involving various stakeholders. Cardenas shared her experience of navigating the challenging landscapes of rural Peru alongside her colleague while following a flexible schedule, underscoring the unpredictability characteristic of the region.

During her most recent trip in August 2024, Cardenas spent approximately six weeks in Peru, including a week in Yauyos. She plans to return during the upcoming academic year, working from July to August to gather data using participatory methods. Collaborating closely with local agricultural authorities and traditional leadership, Cardenas received essential support from community member Romel Segura, who helped her build trust within the community.

One significant challenge she faces is rectifying the historical mistrust resulting from past research practices perceived as exploitative. Many locals recall previous researchers who extracted information without sharing outcomes, leading to reluctance toward new external collaborations. Cardenas emphasizes the necessity of cultivating trust and employing participatory approaches to genuinely integrate local knowledge into her research.

Visitors to Yauyos can find the striking andenes, agricultural terraces carved into mountainsides, emblematic of the region’s farming practices. Nevertheless, Cardenas noted communities struggle to retain laborers who can manage the strenuous work required to cultivate these steep terrains. She also expressed her affection for the local cuisine, praising the abundance of delicious offerings including avocado, handmade cheese, and unique dishes like fried trout served with native potatoes.

Cultural experiences enriched her time in Peru, such as witnessing the Tunantada dance, which symbolizes social class integration among various ethnic groups. The kindness and hospitality consistently displayed by the local people profoundly impacted her add to her admiration for rural communities. Cardenas observed a troubling trend of aging populations in these areas, with youth migrating to cities for better opportunities, posing threats to cultural preservation.

Candidly, Cardenas expressed her satisfaction in being back in Peru, working on her research with her family present, albeit in Lima. The joy in her work and the connections forged with the local populace left lasting impressions. As a piece of advice for future travelers to the region, she recommends embracing the fluidity of plans, taking the time to relish the environment, company, stories, landscapes, and local cuisine that define rural Peru.

In summary, Lorena Cardenas is conducting significant research on climate change’s impact on rural communities in Peru, focusing on gender and social differences. Her work emphasizes the need for trust and collaboration with local populations, particularly in the context of addressing historical grievances regarding past research practices. The rich cultural experiences and community connections made during her research highlight both the challenges and the beauty of rural life in the Andes.

Original Source: today.oregonstate.edu