1.1862064-1710019967
FILE - In this March 23, 2016 file photo, actor Leonardo DiCaprio poses during a photo session of the movie “The Revenant” in Tokyo. DiCaprio's foundation has announced $15.6 million in grants for conservation efforts. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File) Image Credit: AP

Leonardo DiCaprio is upping the ante in his environmental philanthropy: His foundation has announced $15.6 million (Dh57 million) in grants for conservation efforts.

It’s the largest series of donations by the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. It boasts donations of more than $59 million since it was founded in 1998.

DiCaprio has lobbied world leaders about climate change, protecting wildlife and more. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Oscar-winning actor said he was increasing the level of grants “to help solve some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.”

He also appointed Terry Tamminen the foundation’s CEO. He was once secretary of California’s Environmental Protection Agency.

Beneficiaries of the grants include the Elephant Crisis Fund, the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Fund, organisations devoted to fighting climate change and groups dedicated to protecting the rights and cultures of indigenous people.