Ecoloog op Maat: Partnership for Nature
At Adopteer Regenwoud, we welcome a new partner: Ecoloog op Maat B.V., an ecological consultancy firm that focuses not on enforcing legislation but on strengthening nature. In this article, we take you into the world of owner Kjetil van den Berg and his motivation for proudly calling himself a partner of the rainforest.
When you talk to Kjetil van den Berg, owner of ‘Ecoloog op Maat‘, one thing immediately stands out: his passion for nature runs deep. “It started in the womb,” he says with a smile. From an early age, he was outside: catching woodlice, chasing birds, exploring nature with his parents. It was always in him. That dedication grew with him and eventually took him on long journeys, including to Costa Rica at the age of thirteen. Today, Kjetil has translated his life’s mission into a successful ecological consultancy firm, which recently became a proud partner of Adopteer Regenwoud.
Searching for impact
Kjetil began his studies with the ambition of becoming a veterinarian, but gradually shifted his focus to applied biology at Aeres University of Applied Sciences in Almere. “I wanted to do something in ecology; that felt most logical,” he explains. However, while graduating, the big question arose: how can I make a real impact?
The answer turned out to be starting his own business, with an intrinsic motivation to help nature. “It just happened naturally,” he says. His practical attitude, customized approach, and clear vision quickly made Ecoloog op Maat a household name. The common thread: always going the extra mile for nature, beyond what is required by law. “If we always do the minimum, we’ll stay in the same situation. Going the extra mile can yield so much more.”
This is also evident in his projects. For example, he works with clients to strengthen the habitats of house sparrows, bats, and other species groups. According to him, many companies are open to going the extra mile, especially when they see how committed the team is.
Kjetil van den Berg in 2018 tijdens zijn stage bij Adopteer Regenwoud
A bond that dates back to 2018
It had been clear for years that Ecoloog op Maat would become a partner of Adopteer Regenwoud. The bond began in 2018, when Kjetil had to arrange an internship abroad for his third year. Costa Rica had always been his first choice, which is how he ended up at Work With Nature, the initiative that later became Stichting Adopteer Regenwoud.
He spent four months in the reserve, where he conducted research on land crabs. At the time, the area was only thirty hectares in size. However, he saw the foundation grow rapidly in the years that followed. “Even then, you could see the ambition to expand towards Barbilla National Park, so that a corridor could be created for animals. When you follow that year after year—the research, the collaborations, and the impact—it gives you so much energy.” That involvement remained. Two years ago, he attended a meeting for all those directly involved in the foundation and said: if the opportunity arises, I want to contribute again. Now he does so as a partner, with pride.
Preserving core values
What started as a one-man business has now grown into an organization with two permanent employees and an extensive team of field specialists every year. Yet quality always remains central. “If growth comes at the expense of nature, you should slap me,” jokes Kjetil. This approach ensures that he can still look at himself in the mirror. “95% of my work is just fun. Being able to do so much for nature… there’s no better feeling.”
Why a partnership?
For Kjetil, the partnership is more than just a business decision. He knows the organization from the inside and understands how sincere and purposeful its work is. “The story behind it is genuine. It’s a vision that started small, with big dreams, which are being realized step by step. And all the money is being put to good use.”He sees how the passion that Adopteer Regenwoud started with is still palpable. “It’s literally a boyhood dream that has grown into a mature organization. But the core values and mindset have remained the same.” According to Kjetil, ultimately it’s all about the impact you can have as an entrepreneur. At Adopteer Regenwoud, you can also see immediately what impact you are making.
Shared mission for nature
The shared passion between Ecoloog op Maat and Adopt a Rainforest is clearly palpable. Both organizations are driven by a love of nature and the conviction that ecology should be given more space. Kjetil hopes to return to the reserve soon, together with his parents, who ultimately raised him with a love of nature. “It would be great to see Maarten (my internship supervisor and the founder of Adopteer Regenwoud) again.” Through his company, he also sends students on internships, so that new generations can also become involved in rainforest conservation.
With Ecoloog op Maat as our partner, we are not only strengthening the rainforest, but also a network of passionate professionals who believe in real, sustainable impact.
on with Utrecht University. The foundation was ready for a new step to professionalize the research project and Utrecht University was looking for a stable and reliable partner in Central America to conduct solid research in the rainforest. So for both parties this is a wonderful collaboration! Because of this we will make a big step in professionalizing our current research on biodiversity in our reserve. Together with the visiting students we will focus on scientific research in which the diversity and development of nature in our reserve, with an emphasis on flora, is central.