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
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
Eric Mijts is a researcher, educator and manager at the University of Aruba with a keen interest in program design for sustainable development in small island states. He is co-founder and coordinator of the Sustainable Island Solutions through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (SISSTEM) project cluster. Driven by his passion for the balance between humanity and the environment, Eric supports several international research and education projects on marine and terrestrial ecosystems health, governance and restoration.
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
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
Melanie, born in 1988, born and raised in the Netherlands, has been living on St. Maarten since 2015. First working as the projects and research officer at the Nature Foundation St. Maarten, since 2019, is now serving as the manager of the foundation.
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.
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
Native Aruban Natasha Silva is an in-situ and ex-situ conservationist, anthropologist and museologist, currently fulfilling the role of Chief Conservation Officer at Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba. Born into a house of plant and animal lovers, her passion for nature was sparked at a young age. Her first memories of conducting nature observations was lying on the ground in the drive way, at the age of approximately six years, observing a colony of ants going about their business, where they had created their nest. Consequently, the drive way became a traffic-free zone.
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”
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
I am a passionate diver and entrepreneur, dedicated to sharing the beauty of the underwater world with others. I am also the founder and managing director of Dive Curaçao, a premier scuba diving platform located in Curaçao. With over 20 years of experience, I have built Dive Curaçao to not only promote the excellence of our Dive Tourism Industry but also to actively encourage sustainable tourism and eco-friendly practices. It is my hope that we can preserve these delicate eco-systems for future generations to enjoy.
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?
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
Even though Nicola Jaeger was strongly interested in photography and writing already early in life, she decided to learn more about the world and how to protect it. Therefore she studied Geography, Management of the Environment and Politics at Ruhr University Bochum and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin (both Germany). Afterwards, she worked for several years for non-governmental organisations on various projects and campaigns from energy and climate justice via trade and investment policy to raw materials and worker‘s rights.
Just when she had decided to become a freelancer in order to focus on researching and writing, she fell head over heels in love with diving - and Yoeri Bulk, a Dutch underwater videographer. She became a PADI instructor in 2012 and integrated translating, writing, editing and photography into her new aquatic life. Hopping from island to island, from country to country, Yoeri and Nicki landed on Statia in 2014. The combination of nature and history—on land and underwater—was so much more than they had expected. Let‘s face it: Who knows Statia?
After leaving the Dutch Caribbean island in 2015, they set up Devocean Pictures to share their love for the ocean and the whole wide, weird and wonderful world. Devocean Pictures is all about (visual) storytelling to open hearts, touch minds and inspire transformation. After years exploring various Indonesian islands, the call of the Statian Blue Beads got stronger and stronger. In the end, they followed their hearts and happily promote and present Statia once more since 2021. With their own company they are involved in conservation projects on land as well as underwater, so WOW! fits right into their lives.
Her motto: Dive into life with love and devotion.
- 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’s source of affection for nature and other cultures lies in her childhood, which was spent, in part, on Bonaire. She loves island life; the mix of people, the outdoor life, beautiful nature, and trips to the other nearby destinations. When she turned 12 her parents gave her dive lessons as her birthday present. A great present for a future biologist!
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.
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
Erik Houtepen, born in the Netherlands, studied marine biology at Wageningen University. His Caribbean experience started during an internship on St. Eustatius and was continued by a thesis on Bonaire. He continued working at the St. Eustatius National Parks foundation (STENAPA) as a Marine Park Ranger after finishing his master’s degree.
After some years gaining extensive practical nature conservation experience on St. Eustatius, he continued his career as a researcher and consultant at the Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity foundation (CARMABI) on Curaçao. Shifting focus from the marine sciences, he now works on the terrestrial sciences, including landscape ecology and historical vegetation change both in the Carmabi managed parks, the island of Curaçao and the Dutch Caribbean. He currently leads the Advice & Consultancy department at CARMABI.
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.
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
My name is Aissah van Eer, M.Sc. Animal Science, Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture. As our harmful impact on the natural world has become impossible to ignore, I enjoy using science (biology, chemistry, physics and math) to enhance awareness of sustainable development, and encourage students with out-of-the-box activities to connect and protect nature. Furthermore, I love to combine my knowledge of Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly effective People), Design Thinking, Triz, and the 7 C’s of executive skills, in order to come up with new ideas. After all, we cannot solve environmental problems with the same mindset that has created the problem in the first place.
I have a FB Stichting Edu-Art that aims to inspire and share SDG ideas in the Caribbean. Besides teaching, I am currently doing research: From ecological intelligence to ecological wisdom. Is it possible to trigger students to make this shift, and recognize their own superpower with regards to sustainability?
Tadzio Bervoets
Caribbean Conservation Professional
Tadzio Bervoets
Caribbean Conservation Professional
adzio Bervoets was born on St. Martin to a local St. Maarten mother and a Belgian father. He attended first the Sister Borgia School and then graduated from the St. Dominic High School. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and NGO Management from the University of South Florida and a Master’s degree from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam University in environmental resource management with a specialty in coral reef ecosystems.
Tadzio began his professional career in Bermuda advising the Government on Coral Reef Conservation as a project lead on the Coral Reef Ecosystem Valuation Project of the British Government for Bermuda. He then moved to Tanzania where he developed incentives for local fishermen to become marine park rangers as well as conducted socio-ecological research on the management of the Chumbe Island Coral Reef Reserve. He returned to the Caribbean to serve as the marine park manager in St. Eustatius. Soon after, he began his position as the Director for the St Maarten Nature Foundation where he was instrumental in establishing the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area, St. Maarten’s first National Park. Tadzio is now the Director of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, a Network Organization that supports nature conservation on all six islands of the Dutch Caribbean.
Tadzio was also on the Executive Committee of the National Development Plan responsible for Environment, on the St. Maarten Millennium Development Goal Action Group and former Acting Chair of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance. He was previously focal point for Sint Maarten for the CITES treaty, SPAW protocols of the Cartagena Convention and the Inter-American Sea Turtle Convention, and co-founder of the Caribbean Shark Coalition. Tadzio is the first Dutch Caribbean Member of the Explorers Club.
Marc van der Seijs
Sustainable Mobility and Behavior Advisor
Marc van der Seijs
Sustainable Mobility and Behavior Advisor
Marc van der Seijs is a Sustainable Mobility and Behavior Advisor, working and living in both the Netherlands and Bonaire. Author of the recent sustainable Mobility and Accessibility Vision of Bonaire, which was developed in close collaboration with the Public Entity of Bonaire, the Island Council and the most important local stakeholders. A vision and area approach that does justice to the special culture, the breathtaking nature of the island and therefore to the future of Bonaire. In this way, Marc is passionately committed to increasing the well-being and safety of all residents and at the same time respecting the beautiful nature and valuable culture of the island. He works together with STINAPA, which is committed to the management, protection, restoration and promotion of, and information about, the resources, biodiversity and values of Bonaire's nature. Marc is a real networker and, with his sales background, is very much committed to WOW. The film really should happen if you ask him.
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.
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
Mr. Verhoeven, the new Executive Director of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, is a seasoned entrepreneur and conservationist who has made Bonaire his home. His love for the island started when his parents moved there almost 30 years ago, and since then, the island's nature, culture, and people have become an integral part of his life. Over the years, he has witnessed the rapid changes taking place on Bonaire.
Mr. Verhoeven hails from the Netherlands, where he obtained a BA in marketing. After working in Turkey, he joined his parents' advertising agency as an account manager. At the age of 26, he took over the family business and expanded it over the next two decades into one of the leading business-to-business agencies in the Netherlands. In 1995, he founded one of the first Dutch internet service providers, which eventually became a large multimedia agency. In 2014, he joined an international big data company specializing in social media monitoring tools. While working for the governments of Bonaire and Curaçao, he helped develop the first algorithm capable of recognizing Papiamentu and Papiamento languages.
In 2018, Mr. Verhoeven, along with his wife and two daughters, moved to Bonaire, where his mother still resided. His passion for nature led him to join the mangrove restoration work in Lac, where he became one of its core conservationists. Since 2021, he has served as a founding board member of the Mangrove Maniacs Foundation, a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving and restoring the mangroves on Bonaire and sharing knowledge and skills with other NGOs in the region.
Ruby Pouchet
Community & Content Coordinator at Stinapa Bonaire
Ruby Pouchet
Community & Content Coordinator at Stinapa Bonaire
Hi, I’m Ruby Pouchet! I was born in the beautiful island of Bonaire. I received my bachelor's degree in communication with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in psychology at the University of Houston. After finishing my studies, I decided to move back to paradise (Bonaire). In my opinion, nothing compares to being surrounded by nature and crystal clear waters.
My passion for nature led me to apply at STINAPA, and I’ve been working as the Community & Content Coordinator ever since. I’m responsible for internal and external communications, education via our social media channels and website, strategic campaigns, and content creation. Working at this organization has taught me so much about conservation and the importance of our flora and fauna. As the content creator, I engage with Bonairians and visitors and have come to appreciate how important communication is to nature conservation. We can't do this alone; each of us plays an important role in our ecosystem and it's up to us to educate and raise awareness of these issues.
- 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
A Belgian native, embarked on a life-transforming journey in 1994, leaving my hometown behind to explore the fascinating underwater world of our planet. Driven by a passion for marine life and a desire to capture its beauty, I set out on the adventures that has shown me the fragility of our planet and how the ecosystem is interconnect.
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.
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
Yoeri has felt connected to the ocean for as long as he can remember and has been working in the diving industry for over 25 years. As an Master Scuba Diver Trainer he guided, taught, and managed dive centres and liveaboard operations all around the world, often in remote locations. For the last 20 years, he has been mainly working as an (underwater) videographer.
His work includes numerous promotional films, documentation for conservation programs, productions for NGOs, and educational as well as travel programs for Dutch, German, Swiss, Egyptian and Philippine broadcast companies. In 2014, he and his partner, Nicola Jaeger, came to Statia. They fell in love with the combination of nature and history, on land and underwater.
After leaving the Dutch Caribbean island in 2015, they set up Devocean Pictures to share their love for the ocean and all its weird and wonderful life, from around the world. Devocean Pictures offers creative content development: (Visual) storytelling to open hearts and minds.
After years exploring various Indonesian islands, the call of their Statian Blue Beads got stronger and stronger. Eventually they came back to promote and present Statia’s natural, cultural, and historical treasures. They are currently creating content for the St Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation, where they combine film, photography, and written content to promote Statia’s beauty, as well as link the work of other organisations and initiatives such as WOW! At the same time, Yoeri is providing footage to EMS Films in support of their initiative to film the natural wonders of the Caribbean Netherlands.
His motto: Follow your heart.
- 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
Kai Wulf studied managerial economics at the University of Applied Science in Munich, Germany. He is a PADI Master Instructor with over 6000 dives and much experience in the installation of boat mooring systems, utilizing hydraulic underwater tools. Kai was involved in the establishment of the Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA) in St. Lucia in 1994, which he managed from 1995 to 2009. In 1997 the SMMA received the British Airway, IUCN Special Award for National Parks and Protected Areas. Since August 2009, Kai directs the Saba Conservation Foundation on Saba in the Dutch Caribbean, with responsibilities for the Saba Bank National Park, the Saba National Marine Park, Saba’s Terrestrial Park and historic trail network.
His mission is to contribute towards the establishment, active management and advancement of nature protected areas, through effective communication with stakeholders and policy makers, improving local capacity in adaptive natural resource management, ensuring institutional strength and consistency, and increasing organizational vigilance to face future challenges, for the preservation and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Key Areas of Responsibility and Expertise:
▪ Community participatory planning in natural resource management, including stakeholder mobilization, visioning exercises, institutional development, user conflict resolution et cetera.
▪ Design and implementation of financing mechanisms for active management of protected areas, such as user fee systems, grant acquisition, provision of professional services (EIAs, mooring installation/zoning projects), development of donor and fundraising programs among others.
▪ Planning and acquisition of specific protected area infrastructure, including: planning and installation of yacht and dive mooring systems, demarcation signs and buoys, acquisition of adequate surveillance equipment, development and implementation of maintenance plans et cetera.
▪ All aspects of protected area administration, including IT, PR, accounting, human resources management and training.
▪ Design and implementation of research and monitoring programs, including GIS resource mapping and species management plans.
▪ Evaluation, support and supervision of foreign research projects.
▪ Public education and sensitization, including event planning, production and distribution of promotional materials, website development, social media publishing, public service announcements, press releases, radio and TV interviews, as well as the production of documentaries.
▪ Representation / advocacy at the local, national and international levels.
▪ Surveillance and enforcement of relevant rules and legislation.
- Phone:+599 416 3295
- Email:[email protected]
Erik Boman
Director of STENAPA
Erik Boman
Director of STENAPA
Erik Boman was born in Sweden and came to the Caribbean after finishing his Master’s Degree in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology at Linköping’s University in 2010.
Erik started working as a volunteer and then later became an intern at the local nature conservation foundation, St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (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.
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
Natural Beauty Meets Inspiration: My Journey with WOW! the nature movie
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.
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)
Education: Environmental Science University of Florida
Helped establish the Saba Bank National Park; the Yarari Sanctuary for sharks, rays and marine mammals; initiated the Mount Scenery national park (which protects 26% of Saba).
In my career I have been able to advocate what I like to call, practical conservation. This means that I believe in protecting natural areas through conservation efforts, while enabling development in areas that are suitable for development. I strongly believe that awareness of natural beauty helps conservation efforts, and for this reason I'm glad to be a Wow ambassador! Showcasing the stunning nature of our islands will only help to create a deeper appreciation for what we have and can help immensely when it comes to protecting our unique little corner of the world.
Darelyn Koolman
Former Freeway Employee, current Marriott Marketing Executive & Nature Lover
Darelyn Koolman
Former Freeway Employee, current Marriott Marketing Executive & Nature Lover
Being a nature lover at heart, I find deep fulfillment in projects that make a positive impact on the environment. My passion for contributing to meaningful endeavors led me to actively support and promote the WOW! The Nature Film project. Eagerly anticipating the final project, I am excited to see it reach and resonate with a broader audience.
As an Aruban native, I've always been drawn to the digital world, leading me to graduate from Digital Business Concepts at Fontys Hogeschool in Tilburg. My diverse skill set enables me to handle various tasks as a Digital Specialist at Freeway Creative Agency. Known for my proactive and positive approach, I'm often described as a true ray of Caribbean sunshine.
Embracing my role as a nature enthusiast, I aspire to contribute even more by serving as an ambassador to the project. This allows me to combine my love for the environment with my digital expertise, aiming to make a lasting impact. After my time at Freeway Creative Agency, I've taken my nature-centric approach to new heights as a Marketing Executive at Marriott. I look forward to continuing my journey and contributing to the WOW project in the future.
Virgginia Paragona
Former Freeway Employee
Virgginia Paragona
Former Freeway Employee
Although Virgginia graduated from the University of Aruba with a Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management, her background in Film Production and creative drive drove her to her work as an Account Manager at Freeway Creative Agency. She exploits her strengths in project management and communication as a copywriter and community manager for the WOW! The Nature Film social media channels.
Anne E. Witsenburg
director of Stichting Monumentenfonds
Anne E. Witsenburg
director of Stichting Monumentenfonds
Anne Elisabeth Witsenburg (Baarn, Netherlands, 1972) is the director of Stichting Monumentenfonds (Monumentsfund) Aruba since 2012. Goal of the foundation is to preserve monuments by acquiring, restoring, renting and maintaining monuments in a sustainable way. In addition, the foundation aims to raise public awareness about cultural heritage. Currently the foundation is preparing a revolving fund to provide low interest loans for private owners of monuments.
Anne is also one of the founders and president of the Dutch Caribbean Heritage Platform since 2014. The Platform promotes cooperation and provides support for those involved in cultural heritage on the six islands. The platform also aims to strengthen contacts within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Sustainability is an ever present theme in Anne’s professional and private life. Fascinated by nature she keeps on trying to lower the harmful impact of humans on the environment.
She finished her studies of Architecture at the Delft Technical University (Master of Science) in 1997, attended summer schools in Moscow (urban development, 1995) and New York (high rise buildings,1996) and started a study of Public Administration (Master in Change Management) in 2000.
Anne works at the interface of the 'hard' and 'soft' sector, particularly in real estate and organizational change, focusing on people. She started her career at an engineering consultancy for three years (1997-2000). After that she worked for over ten years for two municipalities heading the department of education & cultural affairs and later the department of real estate. In 2011 she founded Witsenburg & de Jong BV: a real estate consultancy for nonprofit institutions in culture, education, health care etc. She held the position of director until 2015.
Anne is mother of two teenagers, loves to travel, cook and eat and has been working as a volunteer for more than 25 years in the fields of refugee care, neighborhood development and addiction care.
Dr. Manfred van Veghel
Director CARMABI
Dr. Manfred van Veghel
Director CARMABI
Dr. Manfred van Veghel is a distinguished expert who has seamlessly bridged the worlds of marine biology and organizational complexity.
With a PhD in marine biology, specializing in tropical coral reefs, he possesses a deep understanding of one of the world's most intricate and species-rich ecosystems.
His academic journey has equipped him with invaluable insights into the complexities of nature, and he has masterfully translated this experience into the realm of organizations. Dr. van Veghel's unique perspective enables him to navigate and enhance the intricacies of various organizational structures.
Dr. Manfred van Veghel's ability to draw parallels between the natural world and the intricate fabric of organizations positions him as a visionary capable of transforming complexity into success.
Leslie Hickerson
Manager Nature Foundation St Maarten
Leslie Hickerson
Manager Nature Foundation St Maarten
Leslie Hickerson was born in the United States where she studied Sustainable Tourism Development at the University of Missouri. Her internship which focused on the sustainability of dive travel led her to work as a Divemaster on St. Maarten for the first time in 2010. After completing her degree Hickerson returned to the island and began working as a Dive Instructor for several years.
Throughout this time, she saw firsthand as coral disease and other pressures caused the health of the coral reef to decline. Soon she began to collaborate with the Nature Foundation on educational dives and shark week activities. Through this work Leslie started as the Education and Outreach Officer for the foundation in 2019 and became the Foundation Manager in 2022.
Roy Smits
Dive Friends Bonaire Managing Director
Roy Smits
Dive Friends Bonaire Managing Director
Roy’s affection for nature and especially diving, started during his teenage years. He went on a Discover Scuba Dive (DSD) with his father, and he fell in love immediately. He loved and still loves to be around and under water and be in nature. Roy completed a BSc Logistics Engineering at the Hogeschool Rotterdam. After a few years of working in a Production and Logistics environment, Roy knew he wanted to do more with his passion and love for nature.
Currently Roy resides on the beautiful island and shore capital of the world, Bonaire. He followed his dreams and became a Dive Instructor. He still works in the Dive Industry but now in the position of Managing Director of Dive Friends Bonaire. In this position and with the company he is working for, Dive Friends Bonaire, Roy also gives back to nature by participating in several Conservation and Eco projects such as Quarterly Clean-Up dives and Roffa Reefs. During his time with Dive Friends, Roy has become more and more aware of the beauty of the island of Bonaire, and he wants to participate to conserve and keep Bonaire as beautiful as it is. Bonaire has a variety of nature and animals to offer, and he would like to keep it this way. He invites you to come to Bonaire to see yourself what this beautiful island has to offer.
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
Amber Saïda van Veghel was born in Curaçao and moved to the Netherlands at the age of 5. In 2017 she completed her master’s degree in food technology at Wageningen University. She then worked for several years on the topic of food and sustainability, in various roles.
In 2020 she moved back to Curaçao and in the same year she moved to Aruba for a PhD at the SISSTEM program of the University of Aruba & KU Leuven. Amber's PhD is about making the environmental impact of food on Aruba measurable through Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). For example, she maps the CO2 emissions of products, recipes, and Aruba's food consumption, with an eye to the island reality. She translates the results in a practical way into guidelines for islands. Amber also teaches various subjects and regularly gives interactive and informative lectures on food, sustainability, and LCA.
In 2023 she released her debut single “Adventure Time” under the name Amber Saïda. As a singer-songwriter, she is inspired by everyday life and nature. The place where Amber feels at home.
“I can't wait to see WOW! to see the Nature Film, to admire it, to see it again, and to tell everyone about it!” 😊
Arnell Menelik
Director Axum Café Sint Maarten & rapper & musician
Arnell Menelik
Director Axum Café Sint Maarten & rapper & musician
Arnell Menelik, also known as MNKIZZLE, is a rapper and musician from St. Martin. He has been creating music since the age of 13, blending afrobeats, hip-hop, and electro into a unique style. MNKIZZLE has worked with artists like AP from the group 113. Additionally, he serves as the Managing Director of Axum Art Cafe, a non-commercial space in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, dedicated to promoting artistic and cultural activities.
Karel Boon
Diving instructor & walking guide
Karel Boon
Diving instructor & walking guide
After my arrival/return to Curaçao in 2003, I discovered that I still knew my way around underwater. I had dived here a lot from 1993 -1996 and then decided to become a diving instructor and then an instructor trainer. In the period 2003-2017 I also did a lot of diving in the region such as Saba, St Eustatius, St Maarten, Martinique, America, Bonaire and Aruba. I was then part of the archaeological diving team of Uniek Curaçao and we dived, sometimes several times a week, in the Anna Bay at the SS Mediator and the Alphen. It was only in 2007 that I started a diving school called Trunkdivers, at the time at Landhuis Daniel. During that period we also started writing our first diving guide to Curaçao. In 2011 we moved to Kokomo beach on Vaersenbaai. In 2017, after my retirement after 35 years in the Marine Corps, I started diving more or less full time. I still enjoy every dive, it is still one of my hobbies, and special whether it is a diving lesson, introductory dive, guide dive or a pleasure dive. I continue to enjoy sharing experience and knowledge, I don't know exactly how many dives I have done so far, but I did keep track of my 1250th night dive in March 2024. I hope that I can share and transfer my knowledge, experience and above all fun for a long time to come with everyone who comes to dive with us.
One of my other hobbies is walking. There are many walking routes on Curaçao and I organize walks almost every week. I do this under the banner of Uniek Curaçao, participation is for everyone who wants to participate and the walks are always free.
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.
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