By Arjan de Groene, Caribbean coordinator, WWF
I have been working in the Dutch Caribbean for more than 20 years, and during that time, I have witnessed extraordinary moments that I will carry with me forever.
Watching groupers and moray eels cooperate during a hunt, revealing the remarkable complexity of coral reef ecosystems; Coming face to face with a five-metre tiger shark while an ultrasound image on a laptop showed 14 pups developing inside her – a powerful reminder of the vital nursery grounds surrounding Saba and Sint Maarten; Feeling immense pride when the Piskabon fishing cooperative was established on Bonaire for the very first time – these are just a few of the dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of experiences that have reinforced for me the importance of these islands. Both their nature and their people are not only unique – they are irreplaceable.
At the same time, unchecked development continues, untreated wastewater is still discharged into the sea, and the impacts of climate change become more visible with every passing year. Time and again, I see the challenges these islands are facing – and no one can solve them alone. Without collaboration between the islands, between conservation organisations and the tourism sector, and between policymakers in the Caribbean and in the European Netherlands, we will not overcome these challenges.
Yet, for many people, this extraordinary natural wealth remains abstract and largely invisible. Particularly in the European Netherlands – but also on the islands themselves – relatively few people truly know the beauty of the landscapes above and below the water surrounding the six Dutch Caribbean islands. That is precisely where the strength of the WOW! documentary series and feature film lies. They bring nature closer, making it tangible, relatable and deeply engaging. And that is essential to what WWF-NL [World Wildlife Fund – Netherlands – ed.] aims to achieve.
WWF-NL is committed worldwide to protecting and restoring natural ecosystems. In the Dutch Caribbean, this includes strengthening coral reefs, protecting mangrove forests and seagrass meadows, and safeguarding migratory species such as sea turtles, sharks and whales. But successful conservation does not begin with science and policy alone. It begins with connection. People are far more likely to protect what they know, value and understand.
The WOW! series and film reveal what so often remains hidden beneath the surface of the sea. Colourful fish, fragile corals and dynamic marine ecosystems come to life on screen. In doing so, they inspire not only wonder, but also a deeper understanding of why conservation measures matter. Whether it is sustainable fisheries management, the protection of vulnerable marine areas or investments in ecosystem restoration, people first need to understand what is at stake.
For many years, WWF-NL has worked closely with local partners, including conservation organisations, governments and fishing communities. One principle has always guided this work: conservation succeeds only when people are actively involved and recognise the value of nature. WOW! strengthens that process by telling the islands' own stories and making visible what is at stake.
What makes the partnership between WWF-NL and initiatives such as WOW! so powerful is the combination of knowledge and experience. While WWF-NL works alongside partners on practical conservation solutions, WOW! ensures that these stories reach and inspire people. Together, they build a bridge between nature and society, and between the Dutch Caribbean and the European Netherlands.
At a time when nature is under increasing pressure around the world, this has never been more important. The natural environment of the Dutch Caribbean faces significant challenges, yet it remains resilient and full of promise. By making it visible, we increase the chances that it will be protected for generations to come. After all, conservation begins with wonder.
I hope that everyone who watches the series and the film will be moved by both the beauty and the vulnerability of the islands' natural world. And I hope that, years from now, I will be able to close this chapter knowing that together we have secured a future not only for nature itself, but also for generations of island children yet to come.
Photo credit: Caribbean Cetacean Society
