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

Narrated by Michael Palin, produced by Verity White/Five Films, soundtrack by Matthew Sheeran.

The video was recorded in 2015, and since then we have continued to plant more trees and expand our areas. For latest information, check our website!

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

10.279

Protected hectares

1.002.000

Planted saplings

582

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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A fun Saturday with the Young Guards

On Saturday, 25 April 2026, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve held a large gathering bringing together all groups from its environmental education programme, Young Guards, to energise the morning with workshops in art, first aid and birdwatching. REGUA Archive © The day began with a first aid workshop led by civil firefighter Renan Moraes, who highlighted the importance of knowing how to provide first aid to children and babies. The knowledge shared is based on the Lucas Law, w

Completion of the 1st Replântica Project Course in 2026, aimed at women from Cachoeiras de Macacu.

On 19, 20, 26, 27 and 28 March, the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu held the first Replântica Project course of 2026, exclusively for women from Cachoeiras de Macacu and surrounding communities near REGUA. The course was grounded in learning about Atlantic Forest restoration, supported by agroforestry techniques, watershed and water resource management, and ecosystem services. It also included practical activities such as the production of bio-jewellery and the creation of a wo

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