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You might think he was more used
to film sets than the secretariat,
but today two-time Academy Award nominated
actor and conservationist Edward Norton
was announced as the UN's new Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity.
"I am very much grateful for your personal contribution
and commitment to save this earth"
He met Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon this morning,
and also spoke about what he would be striving for in his new role.
"Increasing peoples focus on the fact that
human well being is intertwined fundamentally with
biodiversity is gotta be one of the top priorities"
Biodiversity is essential in sustaining the living networks and systems
that provide the world population with health, wealth, food and fuel.
By the end of 2010, the UN hopes to see
a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss-
practices like deforestation, excess cultivation and over fishing,
that damage the environment and contribute to overall global poverty.
The International year of Biodiversity will be marked by an event
on the 22nd September, the evening before the UN's 65th general debate.