Leonardo DiCaprio Donates $2 Million To 'Oceans 5:' Supports Ocean Conservation Efforts And The Creation Of Marine Reserves; Contribution Is Third Donation To Ocean Related Groups This Year [PHOTO]

This past Thursday, Leonardo DiCaprio made a $2 million grant to ocean conservation group "Oceans 5." The grant was made through DiCaprio's "Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation," (LDF) which is dedicated to protecting Earth's last wild places and implementing solutions that create a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.

In a statement, DiCaprio said, "Oceans 5 is an exciting new platform for marine conservation. Working together with other philanthropists, we are making smarter, more impactful investments for the future of our planet...

The sad truth is that less than two percent of our oceans are fully protected... We need to change that now. My foundation supports Oceans 5 projects that are directly improving ocean health by stopping overfishing and creating marine reserves," further explaining his reason for donating.

According to Mashable, Oceans 5 is an international funding collaborative that supports initiatives working to protect marine reserves and reduce overfishing. Some of their projects include reducing unsustainable shark trade, strengthening high seas governance, constraining illegal fishing in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, and protecting Antarctica.

Kristian Parker, Chairman of the Geneva-based Oak Foundation, stated, "The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation is a valued partner of Oceans 5... Leo's personal commitment is phenomenal. He brings enormous energy and enthusiasm to our work for the oceans," conveying DiCaprio's positive impact on the effort.

Ted Waitt, Founder and Chairman of the California-based Waitt Foundation, added, "Oceans 5 is about making a difference for future generations. Leo and his Foundation bring a strategic focus to helping coastal communities protect biodiversity. It is a strong addition to our group."

Think Progress reports that DiCaprio's contribution marks the third time this year he has pledged donations to ocean-related groups. In June, he announced that his foundation would be contributing $7 million to marine life and environment conservation efforts over the next two years, and in February, his foundation donate $3 million to Oceana for initiatives aimed at protecting sharks and other keystone ocean species.

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Leonardo Dicaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation
Oceans 5
Ocean Conservation
Marine reserves
illegal fishing
donation
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