Background of WWF: the host organization for this research

WWF is an international organization for the protection of nature with the mission to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. The organization has independent offices in around 100 countries in the world forming a global network. There is a common worldwide strategy that focusses on the conservation of the biodiversity on the planet and the reduction of the global footprint to a level that is within the limits of the earth.  WWF looks for solutions in cooperation with governments, companies, and civil society to realize protection of species and their habitats and a sustainable use of environmental resources.

The internship: background and activities

Since the ‘60s WWF-NL aims to conserve the coral reefs and marine flagship species surrounding the Dutch Caribbean. This has resulted in the set up of several Marine Protected Areas, successful sea turtle protection, and much more. Because of this increased protection of nature on the Dutch Caribbean islands, some of the coral reefs there are in much better shape than elsewhere in the region. However, we want to monitor and better understand the impact of our work.

This is a scientific work experience internship in which the student will assist the Landscape Coordinator Caribbean with identifying all available relevant scientific or other monitoring data that he/she will use to measure progress of WWF’s work in the Dutch Caribbean. He/she will also perform a scientific analysis of the relevance of the data for long-term monitoring of our projects in the Caribbean, with a view on expanding our work in the region. This will involve reaching out to partner organizations to obtain monitoring reports, scientific literature review, data analysis and documenting results into the Dutch Caribbean monitoring plan. The analysis identifying preferred data types, availability and continuity both on a program scale (Dutch Caribbean) and a regional scale will provide WWF with recommendations on improving structurally monitoring our progress and impact.

The internship will be fully located in The Netherlands, but if the student is interested in visiting the islands to better understand the local situation and have interviews with relevant stakeholders face to face, he/she can do so at own cost and work with our team on Bonaire in our local office. If this is preferred by the student, WWF will try to accommodate.

Methodology: literature research/document review/interviews/aggregating data.

Student Profile

• Bachelor level minimum, MSc preferred
• Knowledge of the Dutch language essential (many reports are in Dutch)
• Excellent data analysis skills are essential
• Must be able to work independently and proactively find solutions. Supervision will be limited during travel of supervisor
• Able to translate between indicators in the field and how these get influenced by the work we do

Period: In the period between Januari – June 2023

Allowance: Students in NL achieve an allowance of €270,- per month on a full-time basis

Information and Questions: contact your supervisor or Natascha Zwaal (nzwaal@wwf.nl).

Please send your CV and motivation letter before 19 December 2022 to Natascha Zwaal and Arjan de Groene (agroene@wwf.nl).