GET TO KNOW US!
Co-FOunders
Melchior Bos
A project that goes further than just a standard solution intrigues Melchior. Attention to details and combining multiple aspects are what keep Melchior busy. During his many dives all across the globe, including the Maldives, he experienced first-hand the problematic and dire conditions. Working on this integral solution project is, therefore, in line with what he stands for.
Sebastiaan Brouwer
During his life, Sebastiaan has travelled in more than fifty countries, visited hundreds of foreign cities and did more than 30 long-distance hikes through nature. He felt the urge and saw the need for a change in the world. During his study of Architectural Engineering he aimed to make a theoretical change and now his drive is to implement this in a practical way as a project leader.
Stan van Stralen
Stan always had the desire to add something positive to this world. After being confronted to the dire situation of the Maldives during the field trip in 2017, it kept him motivated to continue where the study project ended. The situation on the Maldives shows the devious way materials are handled, but also gives an opportunity to rethink this.
Thomas Edes
Thomas is eager to have a positive impact on the world. It’s not always that such a beautiful and clear opportunity arises. Here, Thomas can put to work what he has learned in his education and learn much more in the process. Hence, working on the Maldives Matter Project is a no-brainer for him.
Trang Phan
Trang felt immediately engaged with this project because of her interest in circularity and the environmentally conscious lifestyle. After visiting the Maldives and meeting the locals, it became clear that tackling a real problem like climate change and at the same time changing the social awareness is the challenge that has given great opportunities that without doubt need to be seized.
executive board (2019-2020)
Carlijn Geerse
Hi, I’m Carlijn. Over the years, travelling has made me more aware of the importance of the environment, its biodiversity and the threat of climate change. Therefore, I have become greatly interested in Circular design as a tool to solve climate change issues. I believe this positive approach is a great opportunity to tackle environmental issues like the ones on the Maldives. With a background in Strategic Design, I try to look at issues from different stakeholder-perspectives and I look forward to applying this to the complex problems that the Maldives are facing.
Carmen Jansen op de Haar
In today’s world the biggest challenge of all is to preserve the planet for next generations. There are no simple and convenient answers to creating a sustainable future. It is a very complex problem to be solved. It is all the more important to contribute to solving this puzzle, I realized when taking classes on sustainable development as a minor to my bachelor Architecture. One way of coping with the challenge is by implementing a more circular economic model. Hence the reason for me to join the Maldives project, it will give me the opportunity to work closely together with multiple academic disciplines in addressing the catastrophe that is threatening everyday life on the Maldives.
Esther van der Ent
I found out about RIF via an email from Erasmus University and was immediately intrigued by the project. So I knew that I wanted to get involved. I’ve always been interested in trying to be a positive impact in the world and I try to be as sustainable as possible. Besides that I like to help people. I think this project is the perfect way to have a positive and sustainable impact on the world. And it helps the local people. Together we can turn around climate change. And a project like this is already a huge step in the right direction.
Kelly Wong
During her Bachelor of Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences, Kelly learned how to combine creative thinking with problem solving. Here, she also became aware of the fact that future designers could help other people and the environment simultaneously. When she came in touch with the Resilient Island Foundation she was immediately enthusiastic about the goal they wanted to achieve. She believes that each individual on this earth should, one way or another, contribute to a more sustainable world and hopes that working with the foundation will be one of her ways, and by doing so also to inspire others.
Vera Baerveldt
Vera was immediately triggered by this project because of her preference for traveling to islands and being close to water. She did this a lot, both close to home and far away. That’s how she experienced the issues of islands herself and caused the desire to contribute to solving them. She wants to take up the challenge to solve problems like climate change from out its source without causing discomfort for the people involved. For her, this means focusing on the possibilities on the Maldives both technical and social and putting the right knowledge together to find an innovative solution during this project.
team members
Wessel de Graaf
Wessel de Graaf has an interest not only in sustainability projects, but also their social implications and impact. Hitchhiking from the Netherlands to China within 6 months broadened his enthusiasm and interest in other cultures even more. After being introduced to RIF through his studies, he decided to continue his involvement with the Maldives.
Quinten Pijpers
Quinten coincidentally came into contact with the Resilient Island Foundation. By giving a brief pitch how he could contribute to the project, it showed his assertive attitude and he became part of the team. His expertise lies in IT and website building.
Wietse de Haan
While traveling, Wietse was often surprised at how badly the environment is sometimes treated. When he heard about the Baa Atoll Transfer Station (BATS), it felt like this was his chance to contribute to improving the world a little. This is also a great opportunity to put his acquired knowledge of the past years into practice.