HCV assessments for forestry companies

In 2010, Proforest conducted HCV assessments for three large-scale forest products companies in Ghana (Samartex Timber & Plywood Limited, John Bitar Company Limited and Logs & Lumber Limited), as an important component of the companies’ commitment to implementing responsible forest management practices after signing on to the Global Forest and Trade Network (GFTN) programme.

The conduct of these HCV assessments and further support to the companies in detailing recommendations and a plan of action to manage and monitor the identified HCVs and their corresponding management areas were crucial to the eventual certification of all three companies under the FSC Forest Management Controlled Wood system.

To date, all three companies remain certified and among others are implementing requirements that have maintained and enhanced the integrity of identified HCV values.