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.
More than simply a space for presenting academic work, the Scientific Meeting has become an important opportunity to connect different fields of knowledge and bring together people working in research, conservation and Atlantic Forest restoration. The initiative helps bridge scientific knowledge and practices developed on the ground, expanding the exchange of knowledge and strengthening collaboration between researchers and institutions.
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The programme was led by researcher and REGUA Research Management collaborator Luciana Ardenghi Fusinatto and was also livestreamed on the Reserve’s YouTube channel. Around 60 participants took part in the meeting, which featured research carried out at REGUA over recent years and provided an opportunity for dialogue and the exchange of experiences across different scientific fields.
The event also reinforces REGUA’s role as a site for scientific research in the Atlantic Forest. Throughout its history, the Reserve has welcomed researchers and students from different institutions, contributing to the generation of knowledge about biodiversity, conservation and ecological restoration. The previous edition of the meeting, held in 2024, brought together more than 70 participants and highlighted REGUA’s importance as a site for research in the region.
In addition to the presentations, the meeting featured a poster exhibition showcasing scientific studies as well as initiatives developed by REGUA and its partner organisations. The exhibition expanded the opportunity for dialogue beyond academic findings, highlighting experiences that connect research, environmental education, biodiversity and conservation.
Among the projects presented was the Jovem Guarda programme, developed by REGUA in partnership with PhD candidate in Environmental Education Rafaela Bisacchi. The initiative offers interactive activities for students to deepen their knowledge of local birdlife, using birdwatching and direct contact with biodiversity as learning tools.
The work of Refauna, an NGO that supports the reintroduction of wildlife species into areas of Atlantic Forest, including REGUA and other protected areas in the state of Rio de Janeiro, was also presented.
The meeting also included a photography competition, celebrating different ways of documenting and communicating the biodiversity and landscapes of the Atlantic Forest.
By bringing together research, education, conservation and different experiences developed in the landscape, the 4th Scientific Meeting reinforces the importance of creating lasting spaces for dialogue and collaboration. These connections help ensure that knowledge generated through scientific research is shared more widely and can contribute to the practical challenges of conserving and restoring the Atlantic Forest.
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