SEED Madagascar

James graduated from the University of Reading with a BA (Hons) degree in European Literature and Philosophy and has spent most of his career in commercial and operational roles in the IT sector. James first went to Madagascar as a SEED volunteer in 2011 and has been a keen supporter since then. His role as Ambassador sees him working with SEED on strategic direction and corporate donor development.

Kim has worked in the zoological industry for over 15 years and has been based at Hertfordshire zoo since 2017. Kim has had a lifelong love of Madagascar and has visited multiple times, most recently with SEED on the SCRP volunteer programme in 2023. As a SEED ambassador at Hertfordshire Zoo, Kim is always looking for opportunities to raise awareness about Madagascar, promote the charitable work of SEED, and further the zoo's conservation aims. She regularly meets with the SEED team to identify and develop new initiatives.

Dave is a London-based software sales professional with a passion for nature, particularly birdlife. His long-standing fascination with Madagascar's unique wildlife has grown into a deeper understanding of the interconnected humanitarian and conservation challenges facing the region.

Inspired by SEED Madagascar's holistic approach to addressing these issues, Dave recently visited southeast Madagascar and was profoundly moved by the organization's impactful work. Now serving as an ambassador, he is committed to supporting SEED’s mission to empower communities and protect the island's remarkable biodiversity.

Matthew Lawrence is a conservation advocate, herpetologist, and storyteller dedicated to protecting biodiversity through locally led, sustainable action. It has been a lifelong goal to connect global audiences with the people, ecosystems, and conservation efforts that make Madagascar one of the most biologically unique places on Earth.

A lifelong wildlife enthusiast, Matthew has cared for endangered reptiles and amphibians for most of his life, developing a deep respect for fragile ecosystems and the species that depend on them. His hands-on experience in herpetology has shaped his belief that effective conservation must be grounded in science, community empowerment, and long-term sustainability. Alongside his conservation work, Matthew has built a career in film, television, and digital media spanning 4 decades, using storytelling as a tool to inspire awareness and action. In his ambassadorial role, he brings this experience to SEED Madagascar—amplifying locally driven conservation, reforestation, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods while building meaningful partnerships in the United States. Matthew believes lasting conservation happens when people feel connected to the land, the wildlife, and the communities protecting them—and he is honoured to share SEED Madagascar’s vital work with the world.

Tommaso is an Australian classical guitarist who has a passion for nature and the outdoors. After completing a Master of Music he wanted to explore the field of conservation - leading him to learn about SEED. He spent a month with the SCRP team in Saint Luce and after getting a glimpse into the depth of SEED's projects Tommaso felt inspired to continue to support them from abroad. Through the ambassadorial role he hopes to draw more attention to SEED's important work in Madagascar and share their successes.

Gillian is an Australian lawyer and public affairs professional with a strong interest in conservation and humanitarian work. Gillian first became involved with SEED Madagascar in 2025 as a volunteer and continues to work with SEED as an Ambassador. In her role, Gillian aims to provide strategic, advocacy and logistical support to SEED's work in the sustainable development of the communities and environments of south-eastern Madagascar.

I began my journey studying Animal Conservation and spent some time in South Africa in 2018, which further strengthened my passion for wildlife. I started volunteering at Ponderosa Zoo in 2019, became a full-time zookeeper a year later, and then progressed to Deputy Zoo Manager before stepping into the role of Zoo Manager.

Over the years, I’ve developed a strong interest in lemurs, and one of my dreams is to visit Madagascar to see them in the wild and contribute to conservation work there. I’ve been working with SEED since 2021, and I’m keen to become more involved - so becoming an ambassador felt like the perfect opportunity.