The Friends of the Curraghs Wildlife Park invite the public to a talk on improving human well being and wildlife conservation in Madagascar to be given by Richard Young, Head of Conservation Science at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. The illustrated talk will take place in the Colonnade Suite, Villa Marina at 7 pm on Thursday 8th December and is free of charge. The Friends of the Curraghs Wildlife Park has supported Durrell WCT for the last two years with small grants generously provided by the Isle of Man Overseas Aid Committee. Richard Young will be providing an account of the projects specifically supported by these grants in Manombo, Menabe and Baly Bay in addition to describing the work of Durrell WCT across the whole island and region. Durrell WCT are active in conserving endangered species of wildlife in many parts of the world but Madagascar has now grown into its largest programme area. Here Durrell has developed a specific approach to conservation which combines a species-led response to protect and restore key endemic species such as the ploughshare tortoise, giant jumping rat and Alaotran gentle lemur, coupled with a community led conservation approach that aims to build capacity within rural villages to monitor and manage their natural resources by identifying areas for community-led protection. The Curraghs Wildlife Park in common with most other wildlife collections in Europe recognises its obligation to support wildlife conservation in situ, a legal obligation under the European zoos directive. The Friends of the Curraghs Wildlife Park is pleased to be able to assist the Park to meet this obligation by collaborating with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust to help conserve endangered species in Madagascar, several of which are on exhibit at the Wildlife Park. ENDS