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Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental activism to be honored by Bill and Hillary Clinton

DiCaprio recently donated $7 million to the protection of the world's oceans and is involved with projects looking to protect elephants in the wild and Nepal's tigers through The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation.

By Veronica Linares
Leonardo DiCaprio. UPI/Kevin Dietsch
1 of 4 | Leonardo DiCaprio. UPI/Kevin Dietsch | License Photo

NEW YORK, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Leonard DiCaprio will be among the honorees of this year's Clinton Global Initiative gala and internationalized awards ceremony on September 21.

The Blood Diamond actor will be honored because of his achievements in environmental activism. DiCaprio recently donated $7 million to the protection of the world's oceans and is involved with projects looking to protect elephants in the wild and Nepal's tigers.

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The 39-year-old actor is also the founder of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation which is "dedicated to protecting Earth's last wild places and implementing solutions that create a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world."

The Clinton Initiative founders, former President Bill Clinton, his wife Hillary Clinton and their daughter Chelsea Clinton, launched the award ceremony to honor "outstanding individuals in civil society." Chelsea told the Hollywood Reporter "collaboration and turning ideas into action are core to the ethos of the Clinton Global Initiative."

"Hollywood likewise relies on collaboration to bring creative visions to life and has been an excellent partner to the Foundation across a number of our efforts," she added. "My family is grateful that some of the most talented, caring and engaged artists in entertainment will help us shine a light on this year's Clinton Global Citizen Award honorees and their extraordinary commitments and work to strengthen communities around the world."

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The former president of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, will also be one of the main honorees of the night for his efforts in promoting reconciliation with Serbia and gaining EU membership for his nation. Greg Asbed and Lucas Benitez will also be honored for their efforts on behalf of farm workers in the United States and Hayat Sindi for her attempts to encourage leadership and entrepreneurship among young people in the Middle East.

Seth Meyers will host the star-studded event, which marks the organization's 10th anniversary. The 8th annual Clinton Global Citizen Awards will feature performances by Aloe Blacc, Natalie Merchant, Jason Mraz, Raining Jane and The Roots. Madeline Albright, Eva Longoria and Randy Jackson have been selected to present the awards.

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