Environmental award which aims at recognising and promoting major
contributions in the field of environmental and sustainable development.

Faustine Carrera at FAI writes:

The FAI Environmental Commission (EnvC) has established the Angelo
d’Arrigo Diploma, a new FAI environmental award which aims at recognising and
promoting major contributions in the field of environmental and sustainable
development, in accordance with the development of a philosophy and a vision of
sport aviation that increasingly wants to be respectful of the environment that
surrounds it. The diploma is to be presented for the first time in 2014 and may
be awarded to individuals or organisations that have contributed significantly
to the defence of and respect for the environment affected by air sports. The
activities may include: scientific research, private, public or commercial
events or activities, developed or promoted directly by pilots, sport flying
clubs, FAI Members or public or private bodies as small and medium enterprises.
Only one Diploma shall be awarded each year.

The award was named after Angelo d’Arrigo, an Italian Microlight and Hang Glider
pilot (1961-2006). D’Arrigo flew with eagles and all kinds of birds of prey
which earned him the nickname of “Birdman”: by following desert hawks he became
the first man to cross the Sahara and the Mediterranean in free flight without
using an engine; he crossed Siberia with Siberian cranes and flew over Everest
with Himalayan eagles.

EnvC President Pierre Duval said, "The Angelo d'Arrigo Diploma is a unique
opportunity to put under the spotlight persons or organisations which prepare
the future of our sports. Through this distinction, we would like to single out
those who dedicate their action to a better integration of our sports into a
human and natural environment, making our sportsmen, sportswomen and competitors
part of a cleaner and environmentally friendly world. We need these silent
heroes of greener skies who simply are the pioneers of this century’s aviation
development."

The Angelo d’Arrigo Diploma, like all FAI medals and diplomas, will be awarded
each year at the Opening Ceremony of the annual FAI General Conference.
Nominations may be made by any of the following nominating authorities: FAI
Members, FAI Executive Board, FAI Commissions, FAI President, and FAI Secretary
General.

A video of Angelo d'Arrigo's achievements can be seen here:
http://youtu.be/EE6Z1C2lXks