THE Jamaica Public Service (JPS) was recently presented with the Corporate Forest Heroes Award by the Forestry Department for its outstanding contribution in support of the country's forests.

The award and citation were presented to JPS Manager for Environment, Health and Safety Azalee Lawson and Senior Vice-President for Generation Joseph Williams, recently.

The light and power company was recognised for supporting initiatives to promote reforestation; encouraging national participation in tree-planting; introducing operational initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of the organisation and broader community; and promoting awareness about trees and forests, their benefits and their importance.

Jamaica's Forestry Department is now celebrating its 85th anniversary.

JPS has been involved in forestry protection programmes for over 25 years and has, among other things, planted more than 7,000 trees since 2010, supported tree-planting islandwide, and promoted tree-planting in schools.

In addition, the company has participated in the corporate Adopt-a-Hillside initiative, which led to the reforestation of six hectares of hillside, while the JPS, through its foundation, is a major sponsor of the National School Tree Planting Competition which closes on February 28.

The company said the tree planting initiatives are part of its commitment to good environmental stewardship and sustainability of the ecosystems that support life and well-being for present and future generations.