Sambreboi (WR), Jan, 10, GNA - Management of Samartex Timber and Plywood Company has been awarded for Chain-of-Custody and Controlled Wood Forest Management for good forest management practice. Samartex is the first company to receive the award from Rain Forest Alliance (RFA) an NGO after satisfying Smartwood's Controlled Wood and Verification Standards.

Smartwood an environmental auditing company acknowledges companies which forest products are from genuine and sustainable sources and has the ability to provide already Controlled Wood products to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified companies. Madam Tensie Whelam, President of RFA presenting the award, commended management of Samartex for leadership qualities shown in forest management, good working relationship with communities and protection of watersheds.

Mr Gilmour Dickson, General Manager of Samartex, receiving the award said management had instituted measures to confirm legality and traceability of products, monitor and support progression to achieve an internationally accepted forest certification.

He said independent verification was undertaken on its operations to ensure an intact chain of custody from forest origin to export. Mr Dickson pointed out that sustainable forest management was an integral element of effective forest conservation and management intended to help conserve healthy forests while providing benefits to local communities and valuable products to its customers. Mr Justice Eshun, Forest Certificate Manager of Samartex, said the achievement was based on management's consciousness of the environment.