Micah R. Fisher

Micah R. Fisher is an Assistant Professor at the Matsunaga Institute for Peace, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. His work focuses on political economic dynamics of land use change, environmental governance, and Indonesia's socioenvironmental landscapes. With expertise in disaster recovery, climate adaptation, and participatory methodologies, he explores how governments and communities reshape natural resource management.

Education:

• PhD, Geography and Environment, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (2019)
• MURP, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (2019)
• Grad Cert., Conflict Resolution, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (2016)
• Grad Cert., Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (2013)
• BA, Urban Policy and Practice, University of Richmond (2006)

His research emphasizes Indonesia’s agrarian transitions, forest governance, and climate policy implementation. He investigates how marginalized communities navigate bureaucratic systems while advocating for equitable environmental justice. Fisher co-edits the journal Forest and Society, promoting interdisciplinary dialogue on Southeast Asian environmental challenges.

Recent work highlights resilience in vulnerable deltas, youth livelihood struggles, and the political ecology of deforestation policies. His methodologies integrate participatory action research and geospatial analysis to address issues like crop suitability under climate change and urban flood governance.

He actively collaborates with NGOs and local stakeholders, emphasizing practical outcomes in policy and community empowerment. Current projects include analyzing Indonesia’s social forestry policies and assessing climate adaptation strategies in coastal cities.