Conservation, protection and restoration of Atlantic rainforest in Brazil

Our mission

1. Protecting the forest and its biodiversity by establishing a nature reserve through land acquisition and partnership agreements, and preventing illegal activities such as hunting or the removal of forest products

2. Integrating the protection of the forest and its biodiversity with the needs and wishes of the local communities by providing employment, a broad environmental education and a local outreach programme

3. Restoring forest and wetland habitats on land that has been cleared or degraded using locally sourced native seeds and materials, and supporting the planned reintroduction of lost species as appropriate

4.Creating a detailed inventory of the fauna and flora present, encouraging and supporting research which increases our understanding of species distribution, behaviour and habitat requirements , and assists REGUA monitor and evaluate the success of its conservation activities. All research results should be made widely available.

5. Encouraging people to visit, learn about and support the project to ensure its long-term financial viability and to become a demonstration site to encourage further conservation efforts in the Atlantic Rainforest

Our vision

Be a solid institution with local, national and global recognition for its socio-environmental actions in the Guapiaçu River basin

REGUA

Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu

REGUA's 25th Anniversary Institutional Film. Produced in 2026, ten years after the previous institutional film by Verity White/Five Films.

Concept: Nicholas John Locke / Production: Victor Pablus, John Nogueira and Jefferson Alves / Cinematography & Editing: Victor Pablus / Director & Screenwriter: John Nogueira.

What do we do?

Forest Protection

Protect forests through land acquisition and local partnerships

ACCESS

Environmental education

We implement robust environmental education programs

habitat restoration

We promote the restoration of degraded habitats

ecotourism

Promote ecotourism, with an emphasis on bird watching and nature.

Scientific research

We carry out and support several surveys of great local impact

Donate

Help us continue protecting and restoring the Atlantic Forest.

Our Achievements

10.637,61

Protected hectares

1.002.000

Planted saplings

710

Restored hectares

High Biodiversity

Many inventories of fauna and flora have already been carried out at REGUA. We have more than 600 species of native flora, 487 species of birds, 73 species of amphibians, 37 species of reptiles, more than 500 species of spiders, 208 species of dragonflies, 444 species of butterflies, 80 species of sphingids (family of moths), 32 species of leafcutter ants, 59 species of mosquitoes, and 15 genera of praying mantis. Since 2014 we are an Advanced Post of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve!

Environment Education

Reintroduction of extinct fauna

The reintroduction of tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) at REGUA, a specie locally extinct in the state of Rio de Janeiro for many years, began in 2017 with the arrival of three animals. The reintroduction program is coordinated by REFAUNA together with the Laboratory of Ecology and Management of Wild Animals of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio de Janeiro (LEMAS-IFRJ). Currently, there are 11 tapirs loose in nature and 3 babies born in freedom in the areas of REGUA! In the past we also had reintroduction programs for the Mutum-do-sudeste and the jacutinga that did not continue.

We are very proud that in the last 20 years our environmental education program has grown and today it has activities for different audiences. We have guided school visits, where students have the chance to the iconic points of REGUA such as the “Alagados” and the Nursery. The Young Ranger, which involves children and adolescents who live around REGUA. Recently, we created the Baby Nature program, focused on the family and their children, stimulating their bond with nature. We also created the Sou(L) program, which we seek to approach neighboring communities.

News

Folha de São Paulo

Birtânico transforma fazenda do bisavô no RJ em reserva de Mata Atlântica.

Potal G1 -

REGUA: inspiração e preservação no coração da Mata Atlântica

Veja Rio -

Animal foi visto caminhando ao lado de sua mãe na região do Parque Estadual dos Três Picos e da Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu, na última quinta (4)

Folha de São Paulo

Birtânico transforma fazenda do bisavô no RJ em reserva de Mata Atlântica.

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Red-headed Manakin recorded for the first time at REGUA

At the end of March 2026, a new bird species was recorded in the areas of the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA). The sighting was made by bird guide and author of the book Birds of Southeast Brazil, available for purchase at the Reserve, Daniel Mello, who was walking along one of the trails when he was surprised by an unfamiliar call coming from the forest. The sound came from a bird that had never previously been recorded in the area: the Red-headed Manakin (Ceratopipra

REGUA’s 4th Scientific Meeting strengthens connections between research and Atlantic Forest conservation

On 17 September 2026, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) held the fourth edition of its Scientific Meeting, bringing together researchers, university students and representatives of public institutions to share knowledge and research findings from studies carried out at the Reserve and in its surrounding areas. REGUA Archive © More than simply a space for presenting academic work, the Scientific Meeting has become an important opportunity to connect different fields of k

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