LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The FAI Environmental Commission (EnvC) has established the Angelo d’Arrigo Diploma, a new FAI environmental award to recognize major contributions in the field of environmental and sustainable development in sport aviation.

The diploma will be presented for the first time in 2014 and may be awarded to individuals or organizations that have “contributed significantly to the defense of and respect for the environment affected by air sports.”

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, according to officials.

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 organizations 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.