American actor Edward Norton, who has starred in films including The Incredible Hulk, Fight Club, and Kingdom of Heaven, has a new role - United Nations goodwill ambassador for biodiversity.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon made the announcement on Thursday, noting that Mr Norton and his family had long been involved in issues related to sustainable development and conservation.

Mr Norton said he hoped he can use his celebrity to boost awareness of the UN's ideals and activities in environmental conservation.

"I think that (goodwill) ambassadors in many ways can play a role in highlighting the models of success that the UN is promoting around the world," he said in accepting the appointment.

Mr Norton has been active in environmental causes, including running the New York marathon to raise funds for the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, and has been part of the Crowdrise social network for charitable causes.

The United Nations has designated 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity, with heads of State set to discuss the issue at the General Assembly in September.

Mr Norton said a key challenge of his new role will be making people more aware that human well-being is fundamentally intertwined with biological diversity.

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