S.C. Aquarium Achievement Awards Gala

The South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston held its third annual Achievement Awards Gala to honor one individual, a brother-sister team and one organization. The black tie event took place at the Aquarium which allowed viewing of its Penguin Planet exhibit during the social hour, before attendees enjoyed a seated dinner. The Legacy Award went to the children of Phillippe Cousteau Sr. (and grandchildren of the explorer Jacques) since Alexandra and Phillippe Cousteau Jr. are following a path of conservation in their careers. Besides co-founding EarthEcho International with his sister to restore and protect our oceans, Phillipe Jr. is also the Chief Ocean Correspondent for Animal Planet television channel. The Achievement Award went to Charles Lane for being one of the founders of the ACE Basin Conservation movement. The Leadership Award went to the MeadWestvaco Corporation for their long history of commitment to the environment in South Carolina and other Southeastern states. As a leading global packaging manufacturer MeadWestvaco is know as a champion of environmental accountability, integrity and stewardship. Much has been made of MeadWestvaco's intentions to develop the East Edisto tract but until the property is actually developed, there can be no doubt that wildlife has benefitted from their timbering practices over time. Almost ALL of MeadWestvaco's timber tracts are presently for sale (just go over to ESPNoutdoors.com to see  their flashing ads) and while the lands have benefited in the past from MeadWestvaco's stewardship, today it is basically a crap-shoot what the highest bidders will choose to do with the properties. Lowcountryoutdoors.com salutes these award winners for their contributions towards the enjoyment of the great outdoors for the average citizen.