Arjan de Groene, Coordinator Caribbean
A marine biologist by training, Arjan has spent much of his time around coral reefs and the people depending on them. From researching connectivity between mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs in Zanzibar and Curaçao to coral reef mapping in Seychelles, he has a keen interest in how marine ecosystems work and more importantly, how we can make sure these magnificent underwater rainforests remain intact and continue to support the people depending on them.
Since 2016 supports our local teams on Bonaire and elsewhere to bridge the gap between organizations in the Dutch Caribbean, other Caribbean islands and the Netherlands.
One of his goals is to make nature conservation in the Dutch Caribbean a priority within the Dutch government, ensuring that local communities, both now and in the future, can enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature.
Roxanne-Liana (Rox) Francisca, Dutch Caribbean Program Lead
Rox was born and raised on Curaçao, where her fascination for the underwater world began early. Seeing her first rainbow parrotfish on Bonaire at the age of seven sparked a curiosity about how marine life moves, interacts, and fits together like a living city beneath the surface. This early interest led her to pursue studies in the natural sciences, with a strong focus on tropical marine biology.
Since 2018 she has been active in conservation and marine research throughout the Caribbean. As an ecology advisor and later a protected area manager, she contributed to research and monitoring, policy support, public outreach, and community engagement. Working closely with local stakeholders has shown her how nature, culture, and economic development are deeply interconnected, and how essential it is to safeguard this balance as climate pressures increase.
In her role at WWF-NL, her goal is to contribute to finding and implementing practical solutions for shared challenges in nature conservation that help strengthen communities. And in between, you can find her either out for a hike or a dive.
Evita Sanches, Communications Advisor
Evita is a communication expert that loves to K.I.S.S. She translates (sometimes complex) information on nature conservation in the Dutch Caribbean, into concise stories and messages to Keep It Short and Simple for all publics. At WWF she is responsible for all communication tasks.
She applies the knowledge obtained from her Master’s Degree in Communication Science and experience as a Marketing & Communication consultant, to create communication strategies for the region, with the purpose to inform, educate, and engage others.
Evita has lived and worked in the Netherlands, Spain, and Morocco but she remains a child of the tropics. She was born and raised in Suriname and currently resides in Curaçao. When she’s not at work you can find her spending time outdoors, enjoying nature.
