Actor and philanthropist Leonardo DiCaprio donated a total of $15 million to 30 environmental organizations under his charity, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation.
People reports the 40-year-old actor announced that grants were given to different groups that work towards "implementing innovative and impactful conservation projects around the globe" on Tuesday.
Among the environmental organizations enlisted are Amazon Watch, International Fund for Animal Welfare, National Geographic: Pristine Seas, Natural Resources Defense Council, Oceans 5, Save The Elephants, SavingSpecies, WaterKeeper, Wildlife Conservation Network, and the World Wildlife Fund.
"The destruction of our planet continues at a pace we can no longer afford to ignore," DiCaprio stated. "We have a responsibility to innovate a future where the habitability of our planet does not come at the expense of those who inhabit it. I am proud to support these organizations who are working to solve humankind's greatest challenge."
The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation has funded over 70 high-impact environmental projects in over 40 countries around the world since 2010.
DiCaprio was the executive producer of an Oscar-nominated documentary, "Virunga", which spoke about the probable extinction of mountain gorillas in Africa's oldest national park. Park rangers continue to battle and protect these endangered species against illegal poachers.
"The endangered gorillas of Virunga National Park remain at threat of extinction in the coming years and The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation is focusing its efforts on helping us to restore a critically important population in a way that will also enhance local development and stability amongst the communities living around the park," said Virunga National Park director, Emmanuel de Merode. "We are delighted to be working together on this important and exciting project."
The "Wolf of Wall Street" actor also included his A-list friends in his auction that raised $25 million last year. Bidding valuable prizes such as Bono's personal guitar, a Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro-autographed Harley Davidson motorcycle and two "extra" roles in one of his feature films, proceeds of the gala went to different organizations focused on saving the Earth's wild animals and habitats.
