WILLEMSTAD – Carmabi has appointed Dr. Rhyenne Zimmerman and Jonathan Jukema as new members of its Supervisory Board, bringing additional expertise in strategy, healthcare, environmental policy, spatial development and corporate governance.
The appointments are intended to strengthen the organization's leadership and oversight as Curaçao faces growing challenges in nature conservation and sustainable development.
Rhyenne Zimmerman: Connecting Human Health and Nature
Rhyenne Zimmerman is a biotechnology engineer and medical doctor specializing in Global Public Health. She has extensive international experience in healthcare and the public sector.
Until recently, Zimmerman served as CEO of Aventa Dutch Caribbean, where she led organizational development and strategic transformation in pharmaceutical healthcare.
Before joining Aventa, she spent nearly eight years at the international consulting firm McKinsey & Company, advising organizations across Europe, North and Latin America, the Middle East and the Caribbean.
Zimmerman says the connection between human health and the natural environment is one of her main motivations for joining Carmabi.
"Human health is inseparably connected to the health of our natural environment," she stated.
Born and raised in Boka Samí, Zimmerman has a strong personal connection to the sea and Curaçao's natural resources. She believes preserving knowledge about the island's environment and passing it on to future generations is essential.
Jonathan Jukema: Expertise in Spatial Development and Environmental Policy
Jonathan Jukema studied at Wageningen University and brings more than 35 years of experience in policy advice, spatial planning, area development and heritage management.
Throughout his career, he has worked with several institutions, including the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam, Wageningen University, the former Executive Council of the Island Territory of Curaçao and the Public Entity of Bonaire.
He currently serves as Director of Stichting Monumentenfonds Curaçao.
In addition to his experience in spatial development and built heritage conservation, Jukema has expertise in adaptive reuse, sustainability and corporate governance.
His decision to join Carmabi reflects his longstanding interest in nature and environmental protection, his involvement in climate-related issues and his previous positive experiences working with Carmabi through the Awa pa Kòrsou project.
Jukema hopes to use his administrative experience and understanding of the challenges facing small island communities to contribute to Carmabi's continued development and the sustainable management of Curaçao's natural environment.
Strengthening Carmabi for the Future
Carmabi Director Manfred van Veghel welcomed the appointments, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and oversight as environmental challenges become increasingly complex.
"With Rhyenne Zimmerman and Jonathan Jukema, we welcome two experienced professionals who can each make a valuable contribution to Carmabi through their respective areas of expertise," Van Veghel said.
"Their knowledge of strategy, governance, environmental policy and social development will help our organization continue to grow. Especially now, as the challenges facing Curaçao's natural environment continue to increase, a strong and committed Supervisory Board is of great importance."
The Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing Carmabi's policies and general operations while serving as an advisory body to the organization's management.
With the addition of Zimmerman and Jukema, Carmabi aims to strengthen its institutional capacity and support its long-term objectives.
For more than 70 years, Carmabi has been involved in scientific research, nature conservation, environmental education and sustainable nature management.
The organization operates on the principle that a healthy natural environment is essential to the well-being and future of Curaçao.