Non-Timber Forest Products Workshop Led by Artisan Monica Carvalho at REGUA

In July 2026, the Replântica Project held its first non-timber forest products workshop of the year for women from the Guapiaçu River Basin. On 24 and 25 July, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) welcomed a group of 20 women who had participated in the women's restoration courses organised by Replântica over the past three years. The group was invited to play an active role in creating the decorations for the project's closing event, which will take place on 26 October at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro.

Photo: Ana Beatriz Bernabé Farias

The art exhibition is part of a curatorial project led by artisan and visual artist Monica Carvalho, who designed the entire event décor using non-timber forest products. In addition to curating the exhibition, Monica leads a group of women that has become one of the most engaged in advancing the mission and objectives of the Replântica Project.

In July 2026, the Replântica Project held its first non-timber forest products workshop of the year for women from the Guapiaçu River Basin. On 24 and 25 July, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) welcomed 20 participants who had previously taken part in the women's restoration courses organised by the project over the past three years. The group was invited to play an active role in creating the decorations for the project's closing event, which will take place on 26 October at the Museum of Tomorrow, in Rio de Janeiro.

The initiative began in 2024, when Replântica brought together, for the first time, an all-female group for its Atlantic Forest Restoration course. Around 20 women from communities near REGUA took part in the training. In 2025, the course was expanded to include participants from across the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu, welcoming a further 22 women. Then, in March 2026, another 24 participants attended the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve to deepen their knowledge of ecological restoration, Atlantic Forest conservation and community engagement.

Photos: REGUA Archive ©

In addition to the women's course, the Replântica Project broadened its activities in 2026 by delivering three further forest restoration training courses aimed at key audiences. These brought together rural landowners, representatives from the public sector and organisations from the third sector (civil society organisations), strengthening knowledge exchange and building a collaborative network around Atlantic Forest restoration. Altogether, the project's training courses reached approximately 100 participants throughout the year.

Over the past three years, this group of women has become one of the most engaged communities within the Replântica Project. Their enthusiasm has gone far beyond forest restoration, extending to activities related to handicrafts, entrepreneurship and the strengthening of support networks among women.

"This is a network, a family. We're all women, which makes us feel completely comfortable being ourselves and taking part in all the wonderful activities that Replântica provides," says Amanda Cupti, who participated in the 2025 women's course.

This women's network has given rise to a unique collective across the Guapiaçu River Basin, distinguished by its collaborative spirit and commitment to transforming the region. The workshop held in July marked the first of three meetings planned before October, when the project's closing event will take place.

Under the leadership of artisan Monica Carvalho, the group has grown into a truly powerful collective. The initiative has strengthened relationships, uncovered talents and inspired a name that reflects its essence. Created during the 2025 women's course, the collective became known as Roots That Lead, symbolising the leading role of women in Atlantic Forest restoration and in building a more sustainable future.

Photo: Ana Beatriz Bernabé Farias

In addition to the training programme for women, the Replântica Project expanded its activities in 2026 by delivering three further Atlantic Forest restoration courses for different strategic audiences. These training sessions brought together rural landowners, representatives from the public sector and organisations from the third sector (civil society organisations), fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening a collaborative network dedicated to Atlantic Forest restoration. Altogether, the project's training courses reached approximately 100 participants throughout the year.

Photos: Acervo REGUA ©