Congratulations to Dr. Michael Esbach – his dissertation “Hunting for Justice: Cofán subsistence, sustainability, and self-determination in the Ecuadorian Amazon” was just accepted by University of Florida Graduate School. Great work! Michael will graduate (virtually) in May 2020 with a PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology from the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) from the University of Florida.   Working closely with the Cofán, Michael examined how their system of adaptive management, se’pi’cho, was effective in sustaining wildlife populations.  He attributes this success to the Cofán’s governance practices, traditional knowledge of the forest and resources in which they live, and their ability to adapt to changing environment.  Michael plans to continue his work with the Cofán in the future. His committee members included Bette Loiselle (Chair), Stephen Perz (Sociology), Robert Walker (Geography, Latin American Studies), Susan Paulson (Latin American Studies, Anthropology) and Flora Lu (Environmental Studies, UC-Santa Cruz). His field research was funded by National Geographic Society, Ron Magill Scholarship from UF’s Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Dept., Firebird Fellowship, World Wildlife Fund-Ecuador,  Research Fellowship from UF’s International Center, and UF Biodiversity Institute.  He received Graduate Assistantships/Fellowships from SNRE and TCD at UF. #GoGators #UFalumni #GatorNation