My name is Sanne Grommers, an MSc Strategic Product Design student at TU Delft. Currently, I am working on my graduation project for Diergaarde Blijdorp (Rotterdam Zoo). In their Masterplan 2050, the zoo has committed to an increased focus on nature conservation and research. As part of this vision, they have founded a nature conservation program called RoffaReefs. RoffaReefs has developed a floating fish breeding system to strengthen the natural fish populations and support coral reef restoration on Bonaire.
For my graduation project, I am designing a strategic framework for nature conservation programs that fosters sustainable partnerships between local communities and international organisations. My research aims to help Diergaarde Blijdorp clarify its role and responsibilities in conservation efforts, facilitating stronger alignment with local conservation organisations on the island. To do this, I am conducting interviews both at the zoo in the Netherlands and with key stakeholders on Bonaire, including Piskabon (the fishing cooperative), STINAPA (Stichting Nationale Parken), WWF Dutch Caribbean, DCNA (Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance), and many others. The ultimate goal of my graduation project is to develop a framework that enables Diergaarde Blijdorp to establish nature conservation programs both in the Netherlands and abroad, contributing to effective, community-centered approaches to global conservation.
