By Bianca Peters, co-producer of the WOW! nature film
Almost every morning, I take an early walk along Eagle Beach in Aruba, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s a moment of silence, just before the sun rises and the world comes to life. As the waves roll onto the shore, the trees whisper in the wind, and the birds awaken from their sleep, I feel a profound connection with nature. These pure, intimate moments remind me of the value of what surrounds us – incredible beauty, but also its fragility.
This connection to nature touches me every day. But it goes beyond just the beauty of the environment. It also brings a realization: How important it is to strengthen and share that bond, especially in a time when we face so many challenges on the islands, in the Netherlands, and far beyond.
As a resident of Aruba, who frequently travels between the islands and the Netherlands, I often feel the stark distance within our Kingdom. We are one; however, understanding and appreciation for each other often seem far away. In the Netherlands, I often hear hurtful comments. People hardly know that six Caribbean islands are part of the Kingdom, let alone what they have to offer. The same lack of knowledge often exists between the islands themselves and toward the Netherlands. That ignorance often leads to indifference. And as is often the case; what is unknown, remains unloved.
Yet, I believe this can change. I was approached by both the Netherlands and two islands with the same question: How can we better collaborate for a sustainable future? For me, the answer was immediately clear. If we really want to make an impact, we need to harness the power of connection – and that connection starts with nature.
This is why, through our foundation 360º of Innovation in Aruba and MN Media in the Netherlands (known for films like The New Wilderness and The Wild North Sea), we are collaborating on a film that showcases the breath-taking nature of the six Caribbean islands, called WOW!. The name WOW! was chosen very deliberately. When we are truly amazed, feel hope again, take pride in the things around us, or feel inspired, we instinctively use the word WOW!. That energy is the driving force of this film.
But this project is much more than a film, it’s a movement, ensuring that as many people as possible are awed and inspired by the beauty and fragility of the islands’ nature.
We will produce six documentaries. Each episode focuses on one island and explores the relationship between people and nature. These will be broadcasted on TV, among other platforms.
Together with partners, we are developing local education and awareness programs on nature conservation and related topics, such as sustainable economic development, climate change, and sustainable tourism. These programs will target all ages and sectors of society, both on the islands and in the Netherlands – and even beyond.
We are stimulating talent from the islands to contribute to WOW!. For example, we are involving talented videographers and photographers in the film, asking local musicians to create the film’s soundtrack, and encouraging artists to find inspiration in WOW!. Additionally, we’ve launched a program to support small sustainable businesses on the islands by promoting their products in collaboration with WOW!.
During the initial research phase of the film, we quickly realized how deeply nature is intertwined with the history and culture of its inhabitants and how many unique stories are waiting to be told – stories that deserve attention. We’ll share these through the WOW! podcast, which will be available on all major platforms.
Our first visits to the islands revealed the remarkable and unique flora and fauna they host. However, we also discovered that much has yet to be documented. In fact, we’ve already identified two previously unrecorded animal species on the islands! Together with knowledge partners such as the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), the islands’ nature parks, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in the Netherlands, WWF, universities, and research centres, we are creating a database to preserve all the data we collect during filming for future generations.
WOW! is a story meant to inspire and touch people on both sides of the ocean. By showcasing the unique ecosystems and stunning landscapes, we aim to encourage viewers to look at our islands – and our shared future – with pride, understanding, and determination.
For the island residents, I hope this film becomes a source of pride. Many people, burdened by the past or disconnected from their surroundings, have lost sight of the value around them. Every day, I experience how special the islands are. I hope this film will show all the residents of the islands how extraordinary their home is, bring a smile to their faces, and make them say: “WOW!”
For the Netherlands, the film is an opportunity to see the Caribbean islands in a new light – not as a distant, unknown territory, but as an essential and valuable part of the Kingdom. The islands’ nature offers important lessons about sustainability, climate change, and the deep connection between humans and their environment. I hope this film will show everyone in the Netherlands how extraordinary the islands are, leave them in awe, and make them say: “WOW!”
In the coming months, I’ll take you along on all the adventures we experience with WOW! through this column. Are you curious already? Read more at www.wowthenaturefilm.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook via @WOWthenaturefilm, or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
