Ecoloog op Maat: Partnership for nature
At Adopteer Regenwoud, we’re welcoming a new partner: Ecoloog op Maat B.V., an ecological consulting firm whose focus isn’t on enforcing the law but on strengthening nature. In this article, we’ll take you into the world of owner Kjetil van den Berg and explore his reasons for proudly calling himself a partner of the rainforest.
When you speak with Kjetil van den Berg, owner of “Ecoloog op Maat,” it’s immediately apparent: his passion for nature runs deep. “It started in the womb,” he says with a smile. From a very young age, he was always outside: catching woodlice, chasing birds, exploring nature with his parents—it was always in him. That dedication grew with him and eventually led him on distant journeys, including a trip to Costa Rica when he was just thirteen. Today, Kjetil has turned his life’s mission into a successful ecological consulting firm, which recently became a proud partner of Adopteer Regenwoud.
Searching for impact
Kjetil began his academic career with the ambition of becoming a veterinarian, but over time his focus shifted to applied biology at Aeres University of Applied Sciences in Almere. “I wanted to do something in ecology; that felt like the most logical choice,” he explains. But as he neared graduation, the big question arose: how can I truly make an impact?
The answer turned out to be starting his own business, driven by an intrinsic motivation to help nature. “It just naturally took off,” he says. His practical mindset, tailored approach, and clear vision quickly made Ecoloog op Maat a household name. The common thread: always going the extra mile for nature, beyond what’s legally required. “If we always just do the bare 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 enhance the habitats of species such as the house sparrow, bats, and other groups. According to him, many companies are open to taking that extra step, especially when they see how committed the team is to their work.
A connection lasting back to 2018
It had actually been clear for years that Ecoloog op Maat would become a partner of Adopteer Regenwoud. It all began in 2018, when Kjetil needed to arrange an internship abroad for his third year. Costa Rica had always been his top choice, and that’s how he ended up at Work With Nature, the initiative that later became the Adopteer Regenwoud Foundation.
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. “You could already see the ambition back then to expand toward Barbilla National Park, creating a corridor for animals. When you follow that year after year—the research, the collaborations, and the impact—it gives you so much energy.” That commitment remained. Two years ago, he attended a meeting for everyone directly involved with the foundation and said: if the opportunity arises, I want to contribute again. Now he does so as a partner, with pride.
Keeping core values
What started as a one–man operation has since grown into an organization with two full–time employees and an expanded team of field specialists each year. Yet quality always remains the top priority. “If growth comes at the expense of nature, you can give me a slap,” jokes Kjetil. This approach ensures that he can still look at himself in the mirror. “95% of my work is just fun. That I can make such a difference 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 inside out and understands how sincerely and purposefully they work. “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 put to good use.”
He sees how the passion that Adopteer Regenwoud started with is still palpable. “It’s literally a boy’s dream that has grown into a mature organization. But the core values and mindset have remained the same.” According to Kjetil, it ultimately comes down to the impact you can have as an entrepreneur. At Adopteer Regenwoud, you can also see right away what impact you’re making.
Shared mission for nature
The shared passion between Ecoloog op Maat and Adopteer Regenwoud is clearly palpable. Both organizations are driven by a love of nature and the belief that ecology deserves more attention. Kjetil hopes to return to the reserve soon, along with his parents, who ultimately raised him with a love of nature. “It would be wonderful to see Maarten (my internship supervisor and the founder of Adopteer Regenwoud) again.” Through his company, he also sends students there for internships, so that new generations can become involved in rainforest conservation as well.
With Ecoloog op Maat as our partner, we are not only strengthening the rainforest but also building a network of passionate professionals who believe in making a 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.