Policy advisor awarded friendship medal for natural resources and environment efforts

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy PM Ha, who is also Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, spoke highly of Parsons’ great contribution to the natural resources and environment sector and Vietnam in general, expressing his hope that Parsons will continue to contribute his knowledge and expertise to the sector, particularly in Vietnam's priority areas such as combating plastic waste pollution, and developing green economy and circular economy.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (right) presents the Friendship Medal to Dr. Michael Parsons, a policy advisor to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

From 2007 to 2009, Parsons served as a senior technical advisor to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in implementing a project on mainstreaming poverty reduction goals, environmental policy, and plans for sustainable development.

From May 2011 - April 2016, he served as a volunteer for the Australian Government at the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment (ISPNRE) under the MoNRE. He provided theoretical foundations and international experience to support the development and completion of important documents, including the National Strategy on Environment Protection in 2011-2015, with a vision to 2020; and Resolution 24-NQ/TW dated June 3, 2013 of the Party Central Committee on responding to climate change, strengthening natural resources management and environmental protection.

He has supported ISPNRE in scientific research activities and in implementing international projects in the fields of environment protection and climate change adaptation.

The advisor, who was awarded an insignia “For the Natural Resources and Environment cause” in 2013, supported units of the MoNRE through consulting and providing feedback on related policies.

Parsons, for his part, expressed his honor and sincere thanks for the recognition. He stated that he will continue to contribute his knowledge as a policy advisor to the ministry, and provide theoretical foundations and international experience to support the building of environmental policies in Vietnam.

Source: VNA