3A Composites AIREXBALTEKBANOVA' research activities on applied genetics technology to improve balsa quality in commercial plantations have been awarded with the prestigious SACHA AWARD in the category of Forestry Research.
The Improved Balsa Genetics Programme analyses the genetic traits of interest and its propagation to obtain identical specimens, which after validation processes will be used to establish improved balsa plantations. 3A Composites AIREXBALTEKBANOVA long-term commitment to best environmental practices in the use of legal timber and forest care has been also honored with a SACHA AWARD in the category of Forestry Management.
The awards ceremony was held in the Botanical Gardens of Quito, Ecuador, on 29 October and organized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment (MAE) and Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries (Magap); Ecuador Forestal; the United Nations Food and Agriculture (FAO); the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF); and International Forest Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR).
From the 80 projects presented in this edition, 22 were honored in one or more of the seven award categories.
"3A Composites AIREXBALTEKBANOVA has always been a driver in making forestry management sustainable and we heavily invest in R&D to improve the quality of our balsa's sourcing business. All our balsa production centers in the world are 100% FSC® certified and our balsa products come from sustainable resources," said Roman Thomassin, CEO of 3A Composites Core Materials division, producer and manufacturer of the AIREXBALTEKBANOVA products.
"Applied genetics to balsa cells are one of the most promising technologies to make our balsa sourcing business even more efficient and sustainable. The recognition of our Improved Balsa Genetics Program and Responsible Forestry Management projects at the SACHA AWARDS underlines the relevance of our activities. I congratulate the whole team on this great achievement."
"These awards show the commitment our team has to the environment and corporate social responsibility aspects involved in their day-to-day activities. This recognition is for to everyone and motivates us to continue with this important work", said Mabel Moran, chief technical officer of 3A Composites AIREXBALTEKBANOVA Ecuador operation.
The SACHA AWARDS are awarded every two years for projects on best forestry management and processing of legal timber practices in Ecuador. The jury is composed of renowned Ecuadorian and international forestry experts, and is supported by the FAO, INBAR, WWF, Ecuador Forestal and other public and private organizations.
For more information on the SACHA AWARDS 2015 please visit: http://www.premiosacha.org.
