A house RESOLUTION

 

TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE GLOBAL ECO ADVENTURES (GEA), A SOUTH CAROLINA-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, FOR ITS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, CONSERVATION, AND RESILIENCY EFFORTS ACROSS SOUTH CAROLINA AND BEYOND AND TO CELEBRATE THE OCCASION OF ITS 10TH ANNUAL ECOBALL EVENT, TO BE HELD ON EARTH DAY.

 

Whereas, Global Eco Adventures (GEA) is a South Carolina nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing environmental education, conservation, and sustainable practices across the Palmetto State and around the world through impactful programs such as litter sweeps and community cleanups, environmental expeditions, kayaking initiatives, and SCUBA diving training. Through its work, GEA promotes environmental stewardship while advancing resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges, including coastal erosion, sea-level rise, flooding, and severe weather events that increasingly impact South Carolina's communities, natural resources, and economic stability; and

 

Whereas, GEA's efforts support the protection and restoration of critical ecosystems, including marshes, waterways, and coastal habitats, which serve as natural defenses against storms, enhance water quality, and contribute to the long-term resilience and sustainability of the State; and

 

Whereas, GEA is a founding partner of the South Carolina 7 (SC7) Expedition, developed in collaboration with the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor, which promotes conservation, education, and economic awareness across South Carolina's diverse geographic regions while reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship and disaster preparedness; and

 

Whereas, through education, outreach, and experiential learning, GEA helps equip citizens, students, and community leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to respond to environmental challenges, strengthen community resilience, and support informed decision making regarding natural resource management and hazard mitigation; and

 

Whereas, the work of GEA reflects a broader commitment to global conservation and environmental responsibility, connecting South Carolina's natural heritage to worldwide efforts to protect biodiversity, promote sustainability, and build resilient communities in the face of shared environmental challenges; and

 

Whereas, the EcoBall has become one of South Carolina's premier gatherings of business, conservation, government, and community leaders, highlighting the essential and enduring connection between environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and resilience planning in South Carolina. The 10th annual EcoBall, to be held on Earth Day, April 22, 2026, marks a significant milestone, serving as both a celebration of progress and a continued call to action to protect the state's natural resources, enhance disaster preparedness, and promote sustainable growth for future generations; and

 

Whereas, net proceeds from the event will benefit GEA programs and the Mary Elizabeth Mullikin Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 in honor of a cherished member of the GEA family to support students pursuing studies in healthcare policy, law, and environmental sciences, fields essential to advancing conservation, public policy, and resilience planning in South Carolina and beyond; and

 

Whereas, the members of the House commend the sponsors, partners, volunteers, and supporters of Global Eco Adventures and the EcoBall for their steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, education, and the continued prosperity and resilience of this great State and its people. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, honor and recognize Global Eco Adventures (GEA), a South Carolina-based environmental education nonprofit organization, for its outstanding contributions to environmental stewardship, conservation, and resiliency efforts across South Carolina and beyond and celebrate the occasion of its 10th annual EcoBall event, to be held on Earth Day.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Tom Mullikin, chairman emeritus and founder of Global Eco Adventures; Virginia Ann Mullikin, board chair; the Mullikin family; and the leadership of Global Eco Adventures.

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