Earlier this month, the S.C. Department of Commerce’s Recycling Market Development team joined the University of South Carolina Beaufort and the Lowcountry and Resort Islands Tourism Institute to host the 2nd Charles E. Fraser Sustainable Resort Development Conference at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Named for successful real estate developer Charles E. Fraser, the event focused on the coastal sustainability challenges directly related to resort development, attracting more than 75 representatives from South Carolina’s coastal resorts and related businesses, local and state governments, universities, colleges and non-profits.
Throughout the three-day event, attendees gathered to discuss current challenges and share concrete, replicable solutions with an emphasis on financial benefits. Among the issues addressed were clean energy technology and coastal resilience planning. Aditionally, keynote speaker Lauren Montano, of the Galapagos Alternative, shared a unique perspective on ecotourism practices and spoke to the importance of education to engage visitors in experiences designed with sustainability in mind.
S.C. Commerce’s Anna DeLage, pictured to the right, presented to the group on day two of the event, highlighting the economic impact of the state’s recycling industry. She also encouraged continued participation in the all-important Don’t Waste Food S.C. and Your Bottle Means Jobs campaigns.
Looking ahead, as South Carolina’s coastal communities seek to preserve and protect their natural resources, while also remaining business friendly, events like this conference will be essential. Through continued discussion and collaboration, Team South Carolina can ensure both environmental stewardship and economic prosperity for years to come.