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Foto: David Geale © In April, REGUA had the pleasure of welcoming, for the third time, a small group of three butterfly enthusiasts led by David Geale. The visitors explored the Reserve’s trails and the Cunha Forest fragment, located 1.5 km from REGUA, with the purpose of observing, identifying, and photographing the wide variety of butterfly species inhabiting the Atlantic Forest ecosystem. Over the course of just three days, while surveying the wetlands and other forest fragments, the group recorded approximately 100 species, including a new record for the Reserve, originally described in Guyana: Lirra limaea  (Hewitson, 1868). This brings the list of species in easily accessible areas of the Reserve to an impressive 466 — or 516, when including the local grass skippers. Photo: David Geale © The visit underscores REGUA’s potential as a destination for scientific ecotourism and biodiversity observation, particularly in the field of entomology. By combining conservation, research, and nature tourism, the Reserve continues to strengthen its role in safeguarding the Atlantic Forest within the Guapiaçu River Basin.

Foto: Acervo REGUA © On 17 July 2025, forest rangers Maurício and Messias, representatives of the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA), took part in the 5th Symposium on Ecological Restoration of the State of Rio de Janeiro.  The event, aimed at the academic and technical community, annually brings together researchers, nursery managers, students, technicians, and other professionals involved in ecological restoration throughout the state. As part of the programme, the REGUA representatives participated in a roundtable discussion entitled “Café + Prosa” , which sought to highlight the experiences of individuals directly engaged in restoration work. In an environment of dialogue and exchange, Maurício and Messias shared their personal and professional journeys, revealing the deep connection they have cultivated with the forest through years of dedicated fieldwork. Photo: REGUA Archives © The session was marked by moments of profound learning and emotion. By recounting the challenges faced and milestones achieved in the process of restoring the Atlantic Forest, the rangers emphasised the vital importance of empirical knowledge and practical experience in shaping effective environmental recovery strategies. Their participation in the symposium underscored the need to integrate both technical and traditional knowledge, and to recognise the value of those who contribute daily to the protection and regeneration of ecosystems. In addition to enriching the discussion with their accounts, Maurício and Messias were acknowledged by the audience as key figures in the foundational work that sustains ecological restoration efforts in the Guapiaçu River Basin.

Between 2 and 11 July 2025, the fourth course of the year under the Replântica Project  was held at the headquarters of the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) , located in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The training brought together women from across the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu , with a focus on forest restoration. Photos: REGUA Archives © Designed to promote both technical and practical knowledge in ecological restoration, the course offered a series of workshops and hands-on activities aimed at strengthening the skills of the participants. Among the highlights was the biojewellery workshop , led by Professors Fátima Pinha  and Mônica Carvalho . This activity, unprecedented in the Replântica curriculum, taught participants how to reuse ungerminated forest seeds by transforming them into handcrafted jewellery — a sustainable practice with potential for income generation. Photos: REGUA Archives © The programme also included classes on agroforestry systems . Participants visited the Maloca Florestal  property, where they had the opportunity to observe, in practice, both a well-established agroforestry system and another in its early development, enabling a deeper understanding of the topic. Following the field visit, the participants engaged in the implementation of an agroforestry system (SAF)  within REGUA itself, in an area designated for practical activities. This site will serve as a training ground for future courses offered through the project. Another significant component of the course was the taboa fibre handicraft workshop , led by local artisan Marta Silva , a resident of Cachoeiras de Macacu. The activity fostered the appreciation of traditional knowledge and highlighted the value of locally sourced, sustainable materials. Additionally, participants were introduced to planting techniques, seed identification and collection , and practical strategies for the restoration of degraded areas . Over the course of five days, the training programme not only facilitated the exchange of technical knowledge but also reinforced the important role of women in environmental conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources . Photos: REGUA Archives © The initiative is part of the Replântica Project , promoted by the Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (ITT)  at the TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences  in Germany, in partnership with REGUA  and the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) .

Between 25 and 28 June and on 4 July 2025, the third course of the Replântica Project  was conducted, with a focus on forest restoration . The training took place at the headquarters of the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) , located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and brought together rural landowners from the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu . Photo: REGUA Archives © The course featured a number of guest speakers who enriched the sessions by sharing their technical expertise and practical experience related to the topics addressed. The initiative is promoted by the Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (ITT)  of the TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences , Germany, in partnership with the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA)  and the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) . The course aimed to build capacity and strengthen the efforts of individuals directly engaged in environmental protection and ecosystem restoration , contributing to the promotion of more sustainable practices in rural landscapes .

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.