Over 480 students from across the six Dutch Caribbean islands took part in the 2024 Big Live Nature Quiz – Kids Edition, which took place online on November 1. The quiz organiser, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), dubbed it a successful event! The DCNA extended heartfelt congratulations to all participating teams for their “enthusiasm, spirit, and impressive nature knowledge”. With that said, there can only be one winner, and the winning team this year is “Dutch Learners” from the Sacred Heart School in Saba!
The DCNA said this about the team: “With impressive knowledge of native, non-native, and invasive species, they outshone their competitors to claim first place in the 2024 Big Live Nature Quiz. As a reward for their exceptional performance, the team will enjoy an exciting sailing and snorkelling trip with their teacher, giving them the chance to explore the marine life around their island and deepen their connection to nature.”
There were also winning teams picked for each island. They are as follows:
* St. Maarten: Adventure Kids from St. Dominic Primary School.
* St. Eustatius: Flamboyant Sint Eustatius from Governor de Graaff Foundation.
* Curaçao: De Spiekende Spinnen from Albert Schweitzerschool.
* Aruba: Anne Droid from Colegio San Hose.
* Bonaire: Yfke Kiara Ezrah Keke from Basisschool Aquamarin.
“These teams, who showcased outstanding knowledge and teamwork, will each be awarded snorkel sets to further inspire their love for the ocean and its ecosystems,” the DCNA said in their announcement.
The quiz saw primary schools and young nature enthusiasts from all Dutch Caribbean islands come together to expand their knowledge of nature through learning and competition. It was designed to inspire and educate. It focused on the theme “Nature’s Locals, Newcomers, and Intruders,” teaching kids about the unique ecosystems of the Dutch Caribbean and the importance of protecting their environments from invasive species. The DNCA looks forward to seeing these young environmental champions continue to grow and protect the rich biodiversity of the Dutch Caribbean.
“The quiz provided a fantastic opportunity for children to engage with nature in a fun and interactive way. With questions based on DCNA’s BioNews Kids magazine, participants learned about the diverse wildlife of their islands and the challenges posed by invasive species. The magazine, available in multiple languages including English, Dutch, Papiamentu, and Papiamento, helped children prepare for the event, and will continue to serve as a valuable educational resource.
“The Big Live Nature Quiz is a true team effort, brought to life through the collaboration of all six Dutch Caribbean islands and DCNA’s conservation partners: Aruba Conservation Foundation, CARMABI, STINAPA, Saba Conservation Foundation, St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA), and the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten. With support from local schools, Dutch Caribbean TV, and financial contributions from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, and the Dutch National Postcode Lottery, the event reached young minds across the region.”
Pictured above: The winning team, from Saba’s Sacred Heart. Photo credit: DCNA.
