WOW!
Dutch Caribbean Islands
as you have never
seen them before
A film about the nature of the Caribbean Islands of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands from the makers of The New Wilderness
Official partners
Our Ambassadors
Please meet our WOW! ambassadors! Thank you all so much for supporting us and sharing your knowledge and network.
Eric Mijts
Researcher, Educator and Manager at the University of Aruba
Eric Mijts
Researcher, Educator and Manager at the University of Aruba
He is co-founder and coordinator of the Academic Foundation Year and facilitates and initiates international students research exchange programs. As a researcher Eric is also affiliated to the University of Antwerp and Ghent University and is an active partner in the Global Resilience Research Network, in the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and in the Metabolism of Islands think tank. His research and publications focus on multilingualism, language policy and planning, education for sustainable development and inclusion/exclusion processes.
One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because
Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern
Manager Nature Foundation St. Maarten
Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern
Manager Nature Foundation St. Maarten
Her interests in nature and biology started when she was young. During her studies she became fascinated with the underwater world. During her Masters in Ecology, conducted at the VU University of Amsterdam, her final thesis focused on the ecology of the marine species Queen Conch, which led her to the Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius. Upon graduation, Melanie worked as the science officer at the Saba Bank Management Unit with the Saba Conservation Foundation. Here she conducted fisheries research, continued conch research and participated in different research projects such as shark tagging. After exploring the waters of St Maarten, she began working with the Nature Foundation at the beginning of 2016. Here she worked on several research projects, mainly the Save our Sharks project and coral restoration, in order to protect St Maarten’s marine life and natural habitats.
Melanie has developed a real passion for sharks and stony corals, due to their nature beauty and their complicated and dependent relationship to each other. She often uses the Foundation’s slogan ‘Nature is our Future’, as she believes without protecting our nature there is no future for humans.
- Phone: (721) 544-4267
Natasha Silva
Chief Conservation Officer at Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba
Natasha Silva
Chief Conservation Officer at Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba
Coming from a multi-cultural background, and having traveled to and lived in numerous countries, Natasha became increasingly aware of the interrelationship between humans and nature, and the effects that we as humans are having on our environment. These experiences melded and formed the basis for her academic development and ensuing career. In her current work, Natasha has seen island biodiversity, ecosystems and carrying capacities increasingly impacted by unsustainable behaviors resulting from both ignorance and opportunism. According to Natasha, the key lies in education and creating awareness. Conservation is as much ‘people work’ as it is ‘nature work’.
According to Natasha, the Wow! nature film could become key in the re-valuing of our islands’ incredible nature. “We have lost our deep connection to nature and the environment and underestimate our dependency on it. Wow! comes at just the right time to make our natural wonders visible to a larger public in a way never seen before. Ideally, Wow! will ignite public debate on how we as small island developing states urgently need to tackle current threats and opt for sustainable and nature-based solutions to ensure the wellbeing of our children and grandchildren.” Her motto: “Believe. Then Make It Happen”
- Phone:(+297) 585 1234
Bryan Horne
Founder and managing director of Dive Curaçao
Bryan Horne
Founder and managing director of Dive Curaçao
At an early age, TV shows like Sea Hunt captured my imagination. Because of shows like this, and many more, I was inspired and realized that there was this amazing new world waiting to be discovered below the waves. Since then, my passion for scuba diving has only expanded which led me to become a certified PADI Master Instructor and a Commercial Boat Captain.
I have been incredibly fortunate to have logged thousands of dives around the world that have included Submarine expeditions with the Smithsonian. But these same experiences also led me to realize that our blue planet is suffering because of our own apathy. Therefore, I consider it to be an ethical and moral obligation to be a passionate advocate for marine and terrestrial conservation, and to be actively involved in local efforts to protect coral reefs.
In 2015, I founded Dive Curaçao, with the mission of providing high-quality dive vacation experiences while promoting environmental conservation and sustainability. Under my leadership, the company has grown to become one of the most reputable and trusted dive destination platforms in the Caribbean. Dive Curaçao offers a range of vacations packages, trips and activities for divers and snorkelers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals.
Some people say that I am known for my friendly and approachable nature. But I don’t see that of course. However, I do see that my passionate approach to sharing a love for diving with others and my commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences, in an eco-friendly way, is why clients keep coming back. At the very least, I hope this is true.
Aside from running Dive Curaçao and of course diving when I can, I enjoy spending time with my very precious daughter that continually reminds me to be optimistic. Afterall it is her future, and many other children like her, that we are fighting for. Right?
- Phone:+5999 699 5297
- Email:[email protected]
Nicola Jaeger
Director, editor, photographer, translator and writer at Devocean Pictures
Nicola Jaeger
Director, editor, photographer, translator and writer at Devocean Pictures
- Phone:+599 319 4896
- Email:[email protected]
Tineke van Bussel
Research Communication Liaison for the DCNA
Tineke van Bussel
Research Communication Liaison for the DCNA
Tineke completed a BSc in biology and MSc in Biology (specializing in ecology) at the Vrije University of Amsterdam. As part of her MSc in Biology, Tineke had the opportunity to write her own research projects. Her first research project allowed her to explore Sint Maarten’s nature. She loved being back in the Caribbean and doing research. So once she finished on Sint Maarten she moved to Bonaire and completed a divemaster internship. Having finished her studies in the Netherlands, Tineke packed her bags and moved back to the Caribbean. She completed a marine biology course in Curacao and finished her Master’s studies on Bonaire with an ecological research project.
Tineke now works as the Research Communication Liaison for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA). She is responsible for optimizing communication and outreach about nature and conservation management in the Dutch Caribbean, focusing primarily on research and monitoring efforts and on the interpretation of study results for a broad range of audiences.
Erik Houtepen
Head Consultancy Department at Carmabi
Erik Houtepen
Head Consultancy Department at Carmabi
Melanie has developed a real passion for sharks and stony corals, due to their nature beauty and their complicated and dependent relationship to each other. She often uses the Foundation’s slogan ‘Nature is our Future’, as she believes without protecting our nature there is no future for humans.
- Phone:+5999 525 4379
- Email:[email protected]
Aissah van Eer
M.Sc. Animal Science, Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture
Aissah van Eer
M.Sc. Animal Science, Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture
Tadzio Bervoets
Caribbean Conservation Professional
Tadzio Bervoets
Caribbean Conservation Professional
Marc van der Seijs
Sustainable Mobility and Behavior Advisor
Marc van der Seijs
Sustainable Mobility and Behavior Advisor
In addition, Marc is also developing a curriculum to teach local school children, but also to involve them in the development of sustainable mobility through themes such as safety and accessibility, sustainability, inclusivity, innovation and affordability. The focus on sustainability for the time being is on encouraging mobility that is already sustainable: on foot, by bicycle and by public transport.
In his private time, Marc is a nature photographer, training actor and voluntarily gives acting and theater lessons to school children and local elderly people on Bonaire. 'It's wonderful to be able to step into a completely different role sometimes!' After all, he regularly dives and snorkels and every Sunday morning he goes on a hike through the beautiful nature of Bonaire.
Arno Verhoeven
Executive Director DCNA
Arno Verhoeven
Executive Director DCNA
Ruby Pouchet
Community & Content Coordinator at Stinapa Bonaire
Ruby Pouchet
Community & Content Coordinator at Stinapa Bonaire
- Phone:+599 785 3086
- Email:[email protected]
Hendrik Wuyts
Director & DoP at Bonaire Vision Films & Photo International
Hendrik Wuyts
Director & DoP at Bonaire Vision Films & Photo International
To present myself as an Ambassador of Bonaire for WOW the Nature Film, it will be my tool to inspire individuals to make small but meaningful changes in their own lives, understanding that collective action is key to creating a more sustainable future for all.
Being part of the team of creators who has contributed putting Bonaire on the map by creating numerous destination films and exchanging stock footage for groups like BBC and WWF and numerous infomercial including ‘Bonaire Blue Destination’ and ‘Island A Drift’ our Captain Don story, I’m honored to contribute ones again in this new endeavor.
Some of my most exiting projects has been the creation of award winning documentaries: ‘The survival of ethnic minority people of Vietnam and Laos’ produced in 2015. This story parallels with the island of Bonaire, where once a secluded villages benefit from development but at same time become a victim of this unchecked exploitation. ‘Shark on the Ledge’ produced in 2012 in Palau for the Micronesian Shark Foundation tells a story about 4 Scientist, they went out on a 2 week voyage, trying to deployment satellite tags and acoustic tags on sharks on the far (most) Southern corner of Palawan waters at Helens reef, but it did not take long for the team to realize the devastating destruction of illegal fishing and long lining. 'Eye on.....' a series of documentaries which celebrates the huge natural diversity of this planet by looking through the lens of renowned wildlife photographer Dos Winkel, produced by EMS Films in 2002 .
Today, I continue to push the boundaries of cinematography, capturing the beauty and majesty of the ocean that surrounds Bonaire. As the founder of Bonaire Vision Films, I remain dedicated to sharing my passion of the underwater world, reminding us of the profound importance and breathtaking beauty that lie just beneath the surface of the sea.
Having witnessed the transformations over my three decades of scuba diving, I am aware of the alarming reality that 75 percent of the Earth's terrestrial surface has been profoundly modified as a result of human activities. Factors such as over-exploitation, climate change, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species have rapidly eroded the natural world, offering us insufficient time to preserve the critical biodiversity necessary for ensuring global food security and maintaining peace worldwide.
It is our duty to act and be part of helping this marine ecosystems and the interconnections between human actions and the health of our planet. As an Ambassador for WOW the Nature Film, I make my contribution towards this important cause.
Beyond my film making, I actively fights against global warming and pollution by adopting sustainable practices in my daily life by living of grid and embracing simplicity and a vegetarian lifestyle.
My message is clear: the protection of our planet requires a unified effort, and together, we can safeguard the beauty of both the natural world above and below the ocean's surface.
- Email:[email protected]
Yoeri Bulk
Director, editor, filmmaker & videographer at Devocean Pictures
Yoeri Bulk
Director, editor, filmmaker & videographer at Devocean Pictures
- Phone:+599 319 4866
- Email:[email protected]
Kai Wulf
Parks Manager at Saba Conservation Foundation The Bottom, Saba
Kai Wulf
Parks Manager at Saba Conservation Foundation The Bottom, Saba
- Phone:+599 416 3295
- Email:[email protected]
Erik Boman
Director of STENAPA
Erik Boman
Director of STENAPA
Shortly after, he was hired as the Data Monitoring Officer and began working towards his Ph.D. from Wageningen University, the Netherlands, with a focus on the biology and ecology of queen conch. After finishing his Ph.D., Erik took over as director of STENAPA in 2019, the organization that brought him to St. Eustatius and the Caribbean in the first place.
Elsbeth Rispens
It all started on an ordinary day, while I was scrolling through my Instagram feed. There it was, a post that caught my attention and made my heart jump: WOWthenaturefilm. It was like a visual invitation to discover the wonders of our nature, and I was immediately enchanted.
But it got even better. On a sunny day in Aruba, I had the chance to meet Bianca, the driving force behind this extraordinary film and all its associated projects. Her enthusiasm for nature and her vision for this ambitious project were infectious. It was at that moment that I realized that WOW! is much more than just a movie; it is a movement.
The essence of WOW goes beyond capturing breathtaking images. It's about engaging local communities, from talented musicians to passionate artists. Together we can tackle complex issues on the islands because the challenges of nature conservation cannot be overcome by one person alone.
I have been able to call this beautiful island, Bonaire, my home for three years now. Here I witnessed the magic that happens both under and above the water. Every day I am amazed by the beauty and diversity of nature. It is a privilege to live here and to realize that I can now contribute to WOW the Nature Film as an ambassador.
My mission begins now. I am going to work to raise financing because I believe in this project. I believe in WOW, not just as a film, but as a powerful message for all of us: that nature deserves our care and love, and that together, as a community, we can really make a difference.
Join us on this journey, where natural beauty merges with enthusiasm. Together let's bring WOW the Nature film to life and cherish our planet, because we can't do that alone.
Chris Johnson
Head of the Dutch Representation Office (VNP)
Chris Johnson
Head of the Dutch Representation Office (VNP)
Darelyn Koolman
Former Freeway Employee, current Marriott Marketing Executive & Nature Lover
Darelyn Koolman
Former Freeway Employee, current Marriott Marketing Executive & Nature Lover
Virgginia Paragona
Former Freeway Employee
Virgginia Paragona
Former Freeway Employee
Anne E. Witsenburg
director of Stichting Monumentenfonds
Anne E. Witsenburg
director of Stichting Monumentenfonds
Dr. Manfred van Veghel
Director CARMABI
Dr. Manfred van Veghel
Director CARMABI
Leslie Hickerson
Manager Nature Foundation St Maarten
Leslie Hickerson
Manager Nature Foundation St Maarten
Roy Smits
Dive Friends Bonaire Managing Director
Roy Smits
Dive Friends Bonaire Managing Director
Amber Saïda van Veghel
PhD candidate at the University of Aruba, singer-songwriter & nature lover
Amber Saïda van Veghel
PhD candidate at the University of Aruba, singer-songwriter & nature lover
Arnell Menelik
Director Axum Café Sint Maarten & rapper & musician
Arnell Menelik
Director Axum Café Sint Maarten & rapper & musician
Karel Boon
Diving instructor & walking guide
Karel Boon
Diving instructor & walking guide
About partnership opportunities
This film cannot be made without the cooperation of partners. Are you interested in entering into a partnership with us in the field of knowledge, logistics or financially? Send an email to [email protected]. We would like to thank the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, the Ministry of the Interior in the Netherlands, the Governor of Aruba and the Lieutenant Governors of Bonaire and Saba for their support in making this film a reality.