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Leonardo DiCaprio's gala has this year raised more than $40 million to save the planet Image Credit: AP

Leonardo DiCaprio raised over $40 million (Dh147 million) to help save the planet at an auction in Saint-Tropez, France, on Wednesday night.

The second annual Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation fundraising gala included a live auction with donated jewellery and artwork from the actor’s personal collection, his publicist, Shawn Sachs, said Thursday.

Naomi Campbell, Orlando Bloom and Kate Hudson attended the event, which included performances by Elton John and John Legend.

Other items in the auction included an estate on DiCaprio’s private Belize island, Blackadore Caye, and a special travel package donated by Prince Albert II of Monaco.

DiCaprio started the environmental foundation in 1998 to help preserve the environment and habitats of wild animals.

The money funds grants, public campaigns and media initiatives supported by the foundation.

DiCaprio, 40, serves on the board of several environmental organisations. He said he hopes to work with governments to protect critically endangered species and “conserve the jungles, coral reefs, and forest they call home”.