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Photo: Acervo REGUA In June 2025, a group of seven Britons visited the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA)  and participated in a range of activities aimed at fostering a connection with nature and promoting local biodiversity. The visit was organised by Sue Healey  and brought together participants from a highly urbanised area of the United Kingdom. "I live in London, a very urban area. Coming to REGUA, with so many bird species, is simply incredible – a true dream come true,"  said Sue in a statement shared on REGUA’s social media. Over the course of two weeks, the visitors experienced full immersion in the Reserve’s natural surroundings. They explored REGUA’s main attractions, including the Waterfall , the trails around the Wetlands , and other areas in the vicinity. The activities were guided by Adilei Cunha , a renowned local birdwatcher, and Jorge Bizarro , REGUA’s research coordinator, along with the reserve’s technical team. Photos: Sue Healey e Acervo REGUA. The visit concluded with a moving and symbolic gesture: the planting of native saplings in the Solar da REGUA  area, in memory of the visitors’ loved ones. In a farewell message, Sue Healey encouraged others to visit the reserve: "It’s an amazing place to visit – so close to Rio de Janeiro. So why not come and see it for yourself?" REGUA extends its heartfelt thanks to the group for their visit and looks forward to welcoming them back for another memorable and inspiring experience.

On 6th June, the fourth edition of the "500 Seedlings" planting event was held in the Boa Sorte area, as part of the annual Environment Week celebrations. This inspiring event was supported by the local government of Cachoeiras de Macacu and aimed to raise awareness and educate young people about the importance of environmental conservation. The students were encouraged to become agents of change within their communities, reinforcing the message that caring for our planet is a collective effort.

On 28th, 29th and 30th May, the second course of 2025 for the Replântica Project took place, focusing on forest restoration. The event was held at the headquarters of the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) in the state of Rio de Janeiro, bringing together professionals from NGOs, rural unions and associations linked to the agricultural and environmental sectors. Photo: REGUA The initiative is promoted by the Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (ITT) at the University of Applied Sciences of Cologne, Germany, in partnership with REGUA and the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). The course aimed to train and strengthen the work of those directly involved in environmental protection and ecosystem restoration, contributing to more sustainable practices in the field.

Dia Nacional do Observador de Aves - © REGUA Today we celebrate the national Birdwatcher’s Day! 🔭 At REGUA, we welcome visitors from all over the world 🌎✨ Many of them are passionate about birdwatching. REGUA’s headquarters and lodge provide easy access to a network of trails and shelters which facilitate birdwatching activities at the reserve. 🦜

Mês do Autismo - © REGUA Blue April at REGUA – Awareness, Inclusion, and Nature April is internationally recognised as Autism Awareness Month – a time dedicated to promoting inclusion, respect, and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As part of this initiative, REGUA had the honour of welcoming a visit from Casa do Autismo in Cachoeiras de Macacu, in an activity that combined nature, inclusion, and learning. Autistic children, accompanied by their families, took part in a special experience within our conservation areas, fostering a moment of connection with the natural environment and strengthening bonds in a safe and accessible setting. This visit formed part of the Meu Lugar  (“My Place”) project, an initiative of the Municipal Department of Tourism of Cachoeiras de Macacu, which seeks to provide inclusive and transformative experiences at key tourist sites across the region. For REGUA, it is a privilege to support initiatives that reinforce the role of nature as a space for well-being, education, and inclusion for all. We remain committed to promoting a more humane, conscious, and accessible approach to tourism.

The Institute of Technology and Resource Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (ITT), of the Cologne University of Applied Sciences (TH Köln), in partnership with the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) and with the participation of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), held, between April 9th and 11th, the first course of the Replântica in 2025 Project. Photo: Regua collection Aimed at professionals from the public sector, the training brought together 35 participants, including technicians from EMATER Riomater, city halls, and representatives of government agencies working in the environmental area. The objective was to promote the exchange of knowledge on forest restoration, biodiversity conservation and expansion of ecosystem services, reinforcing the importance of public authorities' actions in the recovery of degraded areas and the preservation of natural resources. The activities were led by professors from UFRRJ, invited experts, technicians and members of the REGUA team. Over the three days of the course, participants had access to theoretical and practical content on: Institutional presentation of REGUA and the Replântica Project Case study on water security in the Guapi-Macacu Basin Ecosystem services generated by forest restoration Techniques and methods for restoring and monitoring areas Agroforestry systems Biodiversity conservation under climate change scenarios Quality of tree seedlings used in restoration Forest restoration incentive programs in the State of Rio de Janeiro Vanessa de Oliveira Photo: Regua collection Vanessa de Oliveira, a forestry engineer and civil servant from Minas Gerais, was one of the participants in the training. “I was looking to learn more about forest restoration. It was an immersive experience where I was able to share several experiences and I leave here with great ideas to implement in my city,” she said. The course marked the beginning of the Replântica Project's training activities calendar this year, with the aim of strengthening the technical performance of public servants involved with environmental policies, territorial management and sustainable practices at municipal and state levels.

Cachoeiras de Macacu – At the end of October 2024, the REPLÂNTICA Project successfully completed Course 5, aimed at rural landowners in the Cachoeiras de Macacu region. The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), aimed to train participants on environmental preservation practices and sustainable management of rural areas. This course is part of a series of training courses promoted by the REPLÂNTICA Project, which is funded by the German Ministry of the Environment through the International Climate Protection Initiative (IKI). The action seeks to strengthen local communities and collaborate for environmental conservation, contributing to the fight against climate change. We thank all participants who joined us on this essential journey towards environmental protection and sustainable development in the region.

In a strategic week at the beginning of December 2024, the Replântica Project concluded its activities for the year with a series of visits and a major event. The project team visited key locations such as the CEDAE nursery, the @associacaomicolecaodourado and the @parqueestadualdostrespicos, strengthening partnerships and expanding actions in favor of environmental restoration. On December 4th, the highlight was the official launch of the Participatory Network for Ecological Restoration, known as Matchmaking. This innovative initiative aims to connect individuals, NGOs, companies, researchers and professionals, promoting collaboration between different sectors to strengthen forest restoration. The network facilitates the creation of strategic partnerships for planting, seedling donations, technical support, events and research. The creation of the Matchmaking Network represents an important milestone in the process of restoring degraded ecosystems, bringing together all those involved in a joint effort for environmental conservation. The Replântica Project ends 2024 with the certainty that, in 2025, new advances will be achieved to transform the future of our forests.

On November 22, 2024, the Replântica Project successfully concluded its 6th and final course of the year. During two days of immersion, NGO representatives participated in activities at the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA), acquiring crucial knowledge for strengthening environmental conservation. The course covered essential topics such as: ✅ Creation of RPPNs ✅ Silvicultural techniques for forest restoration ✅ Environmental compliance This initiative, carried out in partnership with the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), is part of the Replântica Project, which is financed by the German Ministry of the Environment, through the International Climate Protection Initiative (IKI). The journey was an important milestone for the advancement of environmental conservation and restoration, and we are already looking forward to the new opportunities that will come in 2025! We thank all the participants who dedicated themselves and were part of this cycle of learning and transformation.

On Thursday, December 12, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) was present at the 3rd Municipal Climate Emergency Conference, held in Cachoeiras de Macacu, Rio de Janeiro. The event, entitled "The Challenge of Ecological Transformation", brought together several representatives to discuss the challenges and solutions related to climate change and the need for an ecological transition. Photo: Regua Collection The program included an inspiring talk on the central themes, followed by working groups and constructive debates that encouraged the exchange of ideas and the search for strategies to face the climate crisis. REGUA's participation reinforces its commitment to promoting environmental conservation and collaborating with initiatives that aim at sustainability and ecological balance in our region.

Stars of Earth II moves audience at REGUA with inspiring stories about connecting with the environment Last Saturday, November 23, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) hosted the premiere of the second edition of the documentary Estrelas da Terra . The event brought together more than 180 people to celebrate this exciting production, which rescues stories from local communities and highlights their deep relationship with the environment, especially with the Guapiaçu River. With the participation of residents from various locations, such as Guapiaçu, Estreito, Matumbo and Bonanza, the documentary brought to light remarkable experiences, narrated by the residents themselves. Marta da Silva, one of the characters in the film, described the experience as "a unique opportunity". José da Silva, also a character, declared emotionally: "A day like this will never happen again. For me, it was one of the greatest days of my life." Produced by REGUA, Estrelas da Terra II is part of the Sou(L) environmental education program and was sponsored by Mitsubishi Corporation, in addition to the support of the City Hall of Cachoeiras de Macacu and a dedicated group of volunteers. The work is an invitation to reflect on the importance of belonging and environmental preservation, reinforcing the vital role of the Guapiaçu River for these communities.

The Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) was present at the 1st State Forestry Congress of Rio de Janeiro (CEFLOR-RJ), held in Cachoeiras de Macacu between November 16th and 19th, 2024. The event, which was technical, scientific and educational in nature, brought together experts, researchers, managers and students to discuss issues related to the sustainable management of the state's native and planted forests. In addition, it addressed issues such as public policies, monitoring methodologies, conservation and environmental preservation. REGUA’s participation reinforces its commitment to environmental conservation and the promotion of practices that integrate sustainability and local development. The congress was an opportunity to exchange knowledge, present initiatives and seek solutions to the challenges faced by the forestry sector in the state of Rio de Janeiro.