This Vision Document details why and how WWF-NL developed and implemented an online Grassroots Workshop on Bonaire. WWF-NL collaborated closely with Sea Going Green in developing this tailormade workshop. The document explains how a group of carefully selected local partners worked together to realize: 1. A Feasible Strategy, 2. Concrete Activities and 3. An Online Platform for an overarching organization. The result was an emerging organization called Trasame’. The objective for Trasame’ is to advance civic engagement on Bonaire through youth Education & Awareness Campaigns and Advocating & Supporting cross sector collaboration.
Boneiru Duradero (BD) has developed a FREE E-learning program about single use plastics. The goal of this online program is to offer everyone on Bonaire basic knowledge about the importance of single use plastics (SUP) reduction. Because many of these plastic products inadvertently end up in our nature or surrounding sea. The E-learning program features the work of photographer Casper Douma who lives on Bonaire. He knows how to capture the beauty of our nature’s riches in a magnificent way, to show us how special our island really is. Here is his take on Bonaire and Nature Photography.
Why Bonaire is a great place to live
Casper loves the friendliness of people on Bonaire and enjoys the outdoor lifestyle that is facilitated by everyday warm weather. He feels that life in general is just more spontaneous in the Caribbean. Casper says: “I still work hard, but I also get to enjoy impromptu BBQ’s on the beach. Besides, getting things accomplished is a lot easier when you (almost) know everyone that lives on the island.
Favorite subject to photograph
Casper: “Nature in general is my favorite. But, if I have to choose one photogenic animal that you can get really close to on Bonaire, it would be the flamingo. The surroundings of this bird are also important for the composition of a photo, the blue green of the water, the sparkly white of the saltpans, the bright blue sky. Just beautiful to see all of those colors contrast with the vibrant pink of the flamingo.”
Can photography help to raise awareness?
Ever since Casper started working for with WWF-NL, he realized that his photographs could play an important part in telling the story about the challenges we face on Bonaire with regard to nature. He feels a responsibility to contribute to the island in his own way. That is why he works with MBO students (Media & Video) and teaches them to observe nature through the lens of the camera.
Photographic eye
Casper seeks opportunities to take the perfect picture every day. For example, when seeing an osprey while driving around the island, he immediately thinks about the best angle for the photograph. But taking beautiful pictures not just a matter of having a photographic eye, it is also a waiting game. You have to have a lot of patience, especially while photographing wildlife. BD also worked closely with photographer Emieck de Goede to develop specific images for the E-learning program. The program also features photographs from Marcel van der Kamp (Skyview). Interviews with them will follow soon.
Plastic pollution is a worldwide issue and there is a global effort to reduce single use plastics by banning products like plastic bags, straws and Styrofoam take-out boxes. The local Government on Bonaire is in favor of plastic reduction and is actively working on the implementation of a ban. This ban will not only impact local businesses, like hotels and restaurants, but all of us who live on Bonaire. That is why Boneiru Duradero (BD) is launching a FREE Online Learning Program called Beyond Plastics. The online program was developed in cooperation with Environmental Consultant Travel Without Plastic. And it creates the opportunity for everyone on Bonaire to learn WHY we need to reduce single use plastics and HOW we can achieve a significant plastic reduction.
A number of modules in the Beyond Plastics Online Learning Program are specifically designed for hotels, accommodations and excursions. These modules offer two practical (downloadable) tools that businesses can apply:
The self-assessment tool makes it easy for hotels to catalog the type of single use plastics they use. Taking inventory also helps to become more aware of the volume of “throw away plastics” used on a yearly basis.
The recommendation table provides practical tips to start plastic reduction right away and maybe even save money by making smarter choices.
In addition, there is communication module available that helps entrepreneurs to develop their own communication strategy for single use plastics. Beyond Plastics also includes modules to educate the general public, explaining the impact of single use plastic on our nature and health. The Online Learning Program is user-friendly and the modules require very little reading. With a simple click you can listen to the storyteller in Papiamentu or English. The easy to follow, 10-minute modules can help everyone from school kids to grandma’s understand why it is especially important for a small island like Bonaire to reduce single use plastics. Last, but not least, the site is visually appealing, featuring the professional photography of Casper Douma, Marcel van der Kamp and Emieck de Goede, that showcase how beautiful Bonaire truly is.
In November of 2020 Boneiru Duradero launched the “Sushi òf Dushi” campaign, to create more awareness for a cleaner Bonaire. Single use plastic products are a major cause of pollution on Bonaire. In theory, everyone is in favor of a Clean Bonaire, but in practice people often find it difficult to stop using throw-away-products, like take out boxes. BD hopes that the Online Learning Program contributes to a better understanding of the single use plastics problem and to a broad acceptance of future bans on plastic products that endanger our island’s health and wealth.
The Beyond Plastics Online Learning Program was developed by Boneiru Duradero in collaboration with Travel Without Plastic and made possible with funding from the World Wide Fund for Nature in the Netherlands. The program is supported by the following key local organizations: Public Entity Bonaire, Selibon, Chamber of Commerce, BONHATA and Tourism Corporation Bonaire. These local partners will play an important role by helping to spread the message about the Online Learning Program to different target audiences on Bonaire. Click on this link https://onlinelearning.boneiruduradero.nl to visit Beyond Plastics Online Learning Program.
