Figures suggest that between August 2005 and July 2006, deforestation in the Amazon fell by 25%, to the lowest rate since at least 2000. Brazil releases about 1 billion tonnes of CO2 gases into the atmosphere every year, more than 75% of which are caused by deforestation. President Lula said the drop in deforestation had prevented the release of 410m tonnes of greenhouse gases and the destruction of 600,000 trees.

In his weekly radio address, Brazil's President Lula said the challenge that we have to overcome is knowing how to use the jungle and how to preserve the environment while allowing people's lives to be improved: "I'm convinced that it's possible to have growth while preserving the environment," he said.

QUEST's new project in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon does just that. The project helps local communities find ways in which they can benefit economically from the jungle, in sustainable ways rather than large-scale agriculture - helping to preserve and protect the Amazon.

Volunteers get the chance to work alongside local communities developing and constructing an eco-lodge in the heart of the Amazon Jungle, which will provide vital income to the local population, as well as protecting the area from loggers. It is extremely rewarding to work in beautiful surroundings that you are helping to preserve. But it's not all work - as well as construction and community work, volunteers will also get to try out a speciality of the area - tree climbing without the work! You will be lifted gently through the canopies of the tropical hardwoods which can grow up to 70 metres in height for a whole new perspective on the Amazon. Read more about our project.