The Environmental Studies Institute is proud to welcome our newly-appointed Executive Director, Dr. Theresa Mundita Sison-Lim. Dr. Sison-Lim brings to ESI extensive expertise in leadership, sustainability, biodiversity governance, and strategic partnership-building. ESI looks forward to the institute’s future with her direction.

Dr. Lim is an internationally recognized leader in biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and sustainable development, with over three decades of experience in public service, policy development, and international environmental cooperation. She previously served as Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (2018–2024), where she led regional initiatives on biodiversity conservation, sustainable financing, climate resilience, and ASEAN-wide environmental partnerships. Prior to this, she served for 15 years in leadership roles at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), including as Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau.

Dr. Lim has represented the Philippines and ASEAN in major global environmental negotiations and multilateral platforms, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, UN climate conferences, and biodiversity mainstreaming initiatives.

ESI thanks Sr. Marvelous L. Misolas, MM, outgoing Executive Director, for her guidance and service.