New figures showing a 25% drop in the destruction of the Amazon rainforest have been welcomed by Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Brazilian government claims this as a triumph for its environmental policies, which include measures against illegal logging.

Environmentalists also welcomed the figures, but point out that falling commodity prices and changing economic conditions also factor into the picture.

In welcoming the figures the president said they showed that protecting the environment doesn’t have to stand in the way of economic growth. He went on to describe combining economic growth with preserving the environment as an important challenge for Brazil.

According to the president the trees saved this year, compared to last year, mean a drop in greenhouse gas emissions by several hundred million tonnes. There are however worries that rising commodity prices could once again lead to increased deforestation.

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