Photo courtesy of Parry Sanixay
Parry Sanixay, a strategic partnerships lead at WWF-Laos, is currently working to set up the team for Plastic Reboot-Laos, one of 15 national projects under the GEF’s integrated program focused on plastic pollution. In a GEF Voices interview, he reflected on his career path from project management in the construction industry to leading environmental projects, and offered advice to young job seekers with an interest in environmental issues: “Get out there and try different things.”
How did you get into this line of work?
My path into conservation wasn’t exactly planned. In my previous life, I worked in project management in the construction industry and studied business administration. It all started pretty casually - meeting some friends of friends over a few beers who were working for a wildlife non-governmental organization. I began joining them on research missions, and before long, an opportunity came up with WWF-Laos. Then over time, my skills from those earlier roles turned out to be really useful at WWF and I was able to support the office across different areas.
Is there a GEF-funded project or program that is close to your heart?
I’d say Plastic Reboot - Laos. It’s close to my heart because it’s the first GEF-funded project I’ve been part of right from the very start, from developing the idea through to actually putting it into action. Working with different partners and stakeholders, and building strong, trusting relationships with the Lao government, has made it a really rewarding experience. Through the Lao GEF plastics project, we aim to encourage alternatives to single-use plastics in the tourism and hospitality industry while reducing plastic pollution. We hope to demonstrate practical solutions that inspire behaviour change beyond the sector, influencing households, communities, and policy. Ultimately, we want people to pause and reflect on how everyday waste decisions affect the environment and take action to protect Laos’ natural landscapes.
What life lessons has your job taught you?
The life lesson my job has taught me is that even if we can’t accomplish everything we had hoped, we can still plant seeds and ideas and create a positive environment that empowers others to continue the work.
The state of the global environment is concerning. What gives you hope?
What gives me hope is seeing more people, especially in places like Laos, gaining access to environmental education and really understanding what’s happening around them. When people can see the impacts firsthand, they’re able to make better decisions — not just at a government level, but in their own homes and communities too. Social media helps a lot as well. It gives people a voice to call out harmful environmental activities, share what’s going on, and hold others accountable. That growing awareness and willingness to speak up makes real change feel possible.
What advice would you give a young person interested in a career like yours?
There’s no single ‘right’ pathway, so my advice is to get out there and try different things. Get involved where you can, meet lots of different people, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. All of this helps build confidence, awareness and develop a strong, common-sense approach. Your career will naturally evolve as you learn more about yourself and the world around you. Most importantly, be kind, respectful, and grateful for every opportunity — if you do that, new opportunities tend to open.
