SEED Madagascar

Mark, a qualified research ecologist, first went to Madagascar in 1998, leading a team of biologists to study the flora and fauna of the southeast.

On return to the UK, Mark started to work with SEED developing Project Lokaro. He then became Managing Director and has worked since with the board of trustees to ensure the smooth running of all aspects of the organisation. Overseeing the fundraising and marketing efforts, volunteer programmes and ongoing development of the organisation, Mark ensures effective communication and between trustees and SEED.

Betty holds a Master of Environmental Studies (Climate Change and Sustainability) and a Bachelor of Science Degree (Water Engineering), both from Kenyatta University in Kenya. Her background includes research on greenhouse gas emissions, implementing cash transfer and WASH projects for vulnerable urban communities.

SEED’s unique approach in addressing people’s immediate needs attracted her to the organization. She hopes to learn, grow and contribute during her time at the institution.

Rebecca graduated in 2013 from the University of Nottingham with a BSc in Environmental Science and MSc in Environmental Management before working for a sustainability consultancy. In 2017 Rebecca moved away from corporate sustainability and now works part-time with an online ethical fashion marketplace where she partners with global independent fair-trade brands.

Rebecca discovered SEED Madagascar after looking for an organisation where tangible impacts are made on communities and the environment and now hopes to build out the Stitch Sainte Luce project reach within the UK and abroad.

Zac has over three years' experience coordinating and managing projects in Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania. He holds First Class Honours in Business Management and Level 5 Diplomas in Management & Leadership and Professional Consulting. His main interest is how this field can be applied to projects and organisations in the third sector.

SEED Madagascar's approach to community-led development inspired Zac to join the team in 2018, along with the opportunity to learn how a combination of multidisciplinary projects can come together to develop a single geographical location.

Sally holds an MSc in International Development Management from the University of East Anglia and a BA in Global Development and Global Health from Mercer University. She has a diverse skill set from previous experiences in community and social development and is excited to learn more about sustainable development.

She has lived and worked in Thailand as a teacher and assistant for a medical NGO on the Thai- Burma border. In both positions, she worked on educational development projects and was thus particularly drawn to SEED’s Sekoly Maintso project. She also appreciates SEED’s multidisciplinary nature and emphasis on local capacity building.

Jelena is an experienced Web Content Editor with over five years of expertise in managing and optimising digital content for non-profits and international organisations. With a strong background in WordPress and web design, she ensures impactful and accessible online experiences that align with organisational goals.

As a Volunteer Website Editor at SEED Madagascar, Jelena contributes her skills to enhance the organisation’s digital presence, supporting its mission of sustainable development, community growth, and education. She is passionate about combining creativity and technology to drive social impact and facilitate important causes.

Rob has a background in financial services and technology, having moved into IT after developing a strong interest in coding, infrastructure, and digital systems. He currently works in platform engineering, with experience across WordPress, Linux, web development, and technical support.

As a Volunteer Website Editor at SEED Madagascar, Rob supports the organisation’s digital presence by helping maintain and improve website content. He was drawn to SEED’s community-led approach, conservation work, and commitment to creating lasting positive impact in Madagascar.

Cassie completed her MSc in Forest and Nature Conservation at Wageningen University and Research in 2024, following a BSc in Geography with study abroad from the University of Birmingham (2021). She has a well-established background in writing, research, and data analysis, with a focus on wildlife ecology and conservation. Her experience includes a research internship in Paraguay on primate behaviour and a desk-based master’s thesis on primate conservation and hunter behaviour and preferences in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

She has a strong interest in community-based conservation initiatives, which drew her to SEED’s work, notably The Ala Programme and rural livelihood projects. She is eager to gain hands-on experience in the charity sector, particularly in grant applications and donor research, while developing her skills and contributing to meaningful, community-driven projects that create lasting positive impacts.

Ellen recently completed a Master’s in International Security at the Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals, where her research examined decision-making processes within multilateral institutions. Ellen also holds a Bachelor’s in International Relations from The George Washington University. She has a background in international collaboration, programme management, and public diplomacy, having worked at an NGO to deliver government-funded professional exchange programmes. Ellen thrives in fast-paced, multicultural settings and has been recognised for her adaptability, attention to detail, and aptitude to manage complex projects with professionalism and diplomacy.

Ellen is looking forward to learning more about sustainable development strategies implemented at a community level. Her commitment to global engagement and meaningful impact is what led her to join SEED.

Max holds a BA in Business with Psychology and an MSc in Conservation and International Wildlife Trade from the University of Kent, and has since built a background spanning marine conservation field work in Mexico followed by sustainability in London. His connection to Madagascar began through a volunteer placement in 2019, which deepened his interest in the country's communities and ecosystems, ultimately leading him to SEED.

Alongside his role at SEED, Max works as an Independent Investor. He is drawn to SEED's community-led approach and the integration of conservation with sustainable social development and is excited to contribute to the communications team — particularly to grow the reach of Stitch Sainte Luce and support the storytelling of programmes that strengthen communities.