The screening of the documentary Turning the Tide opens doors for collaboration, connection and conservation—beyond Aruba’s borders.
The Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) recently completed a fruitful working visit to the Netherlands. Although the visit coincided with the premiere of the documentary Turning the Tide, its broader purpose was to strengthen partnerships, build meaningful connections and expand ACF’s international network for nature conservation.
The delegation was led by Chief Conservation Officer Natasha Silva and Business Development, Marketing & Communications Manager Edeline Berg.
Purpose and Objectives of the Visit
While the documentary served as the vehicle for bringing ACF to the Netherlands, the visit provided far more opportunities. It opened doors for dialogue, fundraising, and collaboration with Dutch organizations that share ACF’s mission.
ACF aimed to:
* Highlight Aruba’s leadership in climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration
* Explore funding mechanisms and European partnerships for new programs and overall growth
* Strengthen ties with conservation organizations, research institutions and networks in the Netherlands
* Increase public and media awareness of Aruba’s natural heritage through new communication opportunities
Strategic Meetings and Collaborative Exchanges
Beyond the premiere events, ACF met with new and existing partners to exchange knowledge, share best practices and explore opportunities for collaboration.
At Naturalis Biodiversity Center, ACF met with Dr. Ing. Vincent J. Kalkman, Project Leader Biodiversity Hotspots, who previously worked in Aruba on invertebrate biodiversity and recently conducted a full bioblitz across the island.
At Waardenburg Ecology, discussions focused on potential collaboration in marine conservation, tern management and environmental education and awareness.
ACF also reconnected with Vogelbescherming Nederland through Janske van de Crommenacker, Program Manager for the Dutch Caribbean, to align ongoing bird conservation efforts.
The team also met with Director John de Hoon, nature team leader Johan van der Haven and biologist Marisa Mangal from Stichting Vogelpark Avifauna, to discuss the long-term reintroduction of the Yellow-shouldered Amazon (Lora) to Aruba and potential future breeding programs.
ACF additionally visited Artis Zoo Amsterdam and Diergaarde Blijdorp / Rotterdam Zoo, gaining insights into coral restoration, coral rescue techniques and coral breeding programs—essential components of ACF’s marine conservation work in the Dutch Caribbean.
“Every meeting reminded us that conservation succeeds through connection,” said Chief Conservation Officer Natasha Silva.
“These collaborations help us share knowledge, build capacity and ultimately strengthen cooperation between science, community and conservation across the Kingdom.”
Documentary Premiere: Turning the Tide
The visit included two premiere screenings of Turning the Tide, a unique nature documentary highlighting Aruba’s coral and mangrove restoration efforts.
The film was funded by the EU-RESEMBID Programme and produced in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research, ScubbleBubbles Foundation and the University of Aruba.
The first screening took place at Filmhuis The Hague (made possible by Aruba Tourism Authority, ATA).
The second screening was hosted by Visum Mundi in Wageningen, supported by Wageningen University & Research.
ACF’s visit to the Netherlands marks an important step in expanding its international collaboration and positions Aruba as a proactive voice in nature conservation.
Together with its partners, ACF will continue strengthening conservation efforts on land and under water—protecting, preserving and restoring the island we call home.
Press release: Aruba Conservation Foundation
