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 women’s network for restoration.

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The course featured partner speakers from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, along with partial support from the Replântica team on the German side.

In the first days, participants immersed themselves in the fundamentals of forest restoration and watersheds, as well as landscape limits and composition. The opening class was led by Professor Claudia Moster from UFRRJ. The course then moved into practical activities aimed at strengthening a network of empowered women working in forest restoration and exploring possible career pathways in the field. This session was conducted by Professor Fátima Pinña-Rodrigues from the Federal University of São Carlos, bringing both emotional moments and valuable learning throughout.

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In the following days, participants learned about medicinal plants with Professor Mariana Azeredo, explored essential oils during a visit to Sítio da Lua in the Boca do Mato neighbourhood (Cachoeiras de Macacu), and took part in a culinary workshop focused on jackfruit at the Sinal do Vale Institute, located in Santo António da Serra, Duque de Caxias. There, the institute’s founder, Thaís Corral, and head chef Lívia Aparecida welcomed the group for a hands-on session, encouraging them to “get hands-on with jackfruit” and prepare a variety of dishes using this emblematic fruit.

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The course concluded with an inspiring talk on the women’s network and the importance of continuing its actions, strengthening the participants to carry forward their knowledge through practical initiatives in their social, economic and personal spheres—thus bringing the first Replântica Project course of 2026 for women to a close.