Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve Reaches 1 Million Native Atlantic Forest Seedlings Planted in the Guapiaçu River Basin

The Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA), located in Cachoeiras de Macacu (RJ), has just achieved a historic milestone: the planting of 1 million native Atlantic Forest seedlings. This achievement, recorded in November 2025, symbolises two decades of continuous efforts to restore the Guapiaçu River Basin, one of the most important sources of water and biodiversity in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro.

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Since 2005, REGUA has led one of the most significant forest restoration programmes in the state of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on the recovery of degraded ecosystems, the protection of springs, and the creation of ecological corridors that support the return of native wildlife.

The project, founded with the mission of fully reforesting the basin, has become a national reference in participatory conservation and the regeneration of natural landscapes. “Reforestation is more than planting trees. It is about restoring balance to a territory—bringing life back to rivers, wildlife and communities that depend on the forest,” explains Aline Damasceno, REGUA’s Forest Engineer, who has been working on the region’s restoration for 20 years.

From deforestation to regeneration: a new landscape for Guapiaçu

In former areas of pasture and erosion, new fragments of native forest are now taking shape. REGUA’s work has already resulted in the restoration of more than 580 hectares and the protection of 10,000 hectares of Atlantic Forest, strengthening the connectivity between forest remnants and ensuring habitat for countless species of birds, mammals and amphibians.

The results are visible: increased biodiversity, the return of threatened species, improved water and soil quality, and greater resilience to climate change, with reduced impacts from droughts and floods.

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Partnerships that make a difference

Over the past 20 years, REGUA has received support from major sponsors and partner institutions, including Petrobras, SOS Mata Atlântica, INEA, World Land Trust, WWF-Brasil, SavingNature, Mitsubishi, Caminhos para a Mata Atlântica and IIS, as well as universities and research centres.

These collaborations have been essential in enabling the establishment of in-house nurserie, wildlife and flora monitoring, environmental education programmes, and community sustainability initiatives.

“This milestone is the result of a collaborative network built over two decades. Every partner, researcher, volunteer and local resident has been essential in bringing life back to the Guapiaçu Basin,” emphasises Nicholas Locke, President of the Reserve.

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To celebrate the achievement of 1 million seedlings planted, REGUA held a special event in one of its planting areas, inviting all members of staff—52 individuals directly involved with the Reserve in 2025—to take part in a symbolic planting of one native Atlantic Forest seedling each, marking the institution’s unity and the collective effort of its various sectors in fulfilling its mission.

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The event also marks the beginning of a new cycle of initiatives focused on environmental education, scientific research, and the establishment of new partnerships for the ecological restoration of the Atlantic Forest.