On October 19, 4th year students of the Replântica Project – made up of young people from communities surrounding the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve – took part in a visit to the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). The initiative provided a day of learning, cultural exchanges and enriching experiences for the young people. The program included visits to the university's museums and a guided tour of the main spaces on campus, offering students a comprehensive view of academic life and the opportunities offered by UFRRJ. This special moment strengthened the bond between young people and the university environment, encouraging the personal and professional development of these future talents.

On 15th October, students from the 4th cohort of the Replântica Project – aimed at students and young people from communities near the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve – took part in a practical lesson that introduced them to key historical sites in Cachoeiras de Macacu. During the activity, the students visited the ruins of the São José da Boa Morte Church and the Church of the Holy Trinity, locations rich in historical significance for the region. The experience offered a unique opportunity to learn about local history and ecotourism, strengthening the students’ connection to the cultural heritage of the municipality. It was an enriching experience that connected past and future, underscoring the importance of historical and environmental preservation in students' education.

Last Saturday, July 27, the Florescência course concluded, successfully a journey that highlighted the essential role of women in the restoration of forest ecosystems. Over the course of five meetings, participants delved into the functioning of ecosystems, learned about seedling production techniques and explored practical and theoretical methods of forest restoration. Activities included workshops on medicinal plants, essential oils, inclusive food and agroforestry. The course was held at the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) in partnership with the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), as part of the REPLÂNTICA project. This project is funded by the German Ministry of the Environment through the International Climate Protection Initiative (IKI). In the final meeting of the Florescência course, participants had the opportunity to undertake a technical visit to Sítio Sol Nascente Orgânicos, located in the municipality of Teresópolis, in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. The visit provided practical learning about agroforestry, allowing the women to see first-hand how a family farm operates focused on the production of agroforestry products featuring an agroecological production system and organic certification.

July 15 marked the start of the Florescence course, a life changing journey that highlights the essential role of women in restoring forest ecosystems. Over the course of five meetings, participants will explore how ecosystems function, learn about seedling production and discover practical and theoretical methods of forest restoration. In this edition, during a practical class, participants were able to learn how to make soap using medicinal plants found in the region. This initiative is promoted by the Institute of Technology and Resource Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (ITT) of the University of Cologne, Germany, in partnership with the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) and the Forestry Institute of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). Based on local knowledge and REGUA's vast experience in ecological restoration, the training aims to empower local women in rural areas, providing them a glimpse of the importance of preserving nature and how it is possible to produce healthy food and crafts in a sustainable way using local forest and natural products. "We are having a wonderful exchange of experiences. I am learning and loving it," said Maria da Penha, a course participant.

The 1st Workshop on Childhood and Nature in the State of Rio de Janeiro took place on October 27th at REGUA headquarters. The event promoted awareness and the importance of connecting with nature, seeking to strengthen the bond between individuals and the natural environment and its importance in human development. It was a collaborative initiative between REGUA and the Municipal Government of Cachoeiras de Macacu to inspire municipal public servants, such as educators, social workers, doctors, nurses and the community in general to value and protect natural spaces, in addition to encouraging outdoor learning and direct contact with Nature. The Workshop was attended by the Alliance for Childhood, Nature Conection Colective and the Integral Pediatrician Dr. Daniel Becker. Talk: Coletivo Conexão Natureza (ACERVO) TRANSTORNO DO DÉFICIT DE NATUREZA NA INFÂNCIA https://criancaenatureza.org.br/pt/acervo/transtorno-do-deficit-de-natureza-na-infancia/ A NATUREZA DA CRIANÇA – DIÁLOGOS COM VIGOTSKI E BRONFENBRENNER https://criancaenatureza.org.br/pt/acervo/a-natureza-da-crianca/ RELAÇÃO SOCIEDADE-NATUREZA, SAÚDE E EDUCAÇÃO: REFLEXÕES MULTIDISCIPLINARES https://criancaenatureza.org.br/pt/acervo/relacao-sociedade-natureza-saude-e-educacao-reflexoes-multidisciplinares/ NEURODESENVOLVIMENTO INFANTIL EM CONTATO COM A NATUREZA https://criancaenatureza.org.br/pt/acervo/neurodesenvolvimento-infantil-em-contato-com-natureza/ (CAPITÚLO 4) RELAÇÃO SOCIEDADE-NATUREZA, SAÚDE E EDUCAÇÃO: REFLEXÕES MULTIDISCIPLINARES https://www.regua.org.br/file-share/072665d2-3d3b-4b0b-87f7-5b89868e367f MANUAL DE ORIENTAÇÃO SBP - SAÚDE E NATUREZA https://www.regua.org.br/file-share/ff8c6aeb-3550-4168-8e4d-e8c362338cc7

The screaming cowbird ( Molothrus rufoaxillaris ) of the Icteridae family is the most specialized species among brood parasites. Daniel Mello, a birdwatching guide and partner of our institution, made the first record of this species at REGUA, in an open area near the headquarters. A young individual (featuring a reddish-brown plumage) was observed accompanying a flock of blackbirds ( Gnorimopsar chopi ). The screaming cowbird parasitizes the nests of several species of birds, including chopi blackbirds, so that they can breed them. Insects, seeds and occasionally fruits are part of its diet. It occurs in much of eastern Brazil, from Rio Grande do Sul to Piauí. Data: 07/02/22

In early July 2024, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve, located in Cachoeiras de Macacu, Rio de Janeiro, celebrated the birth of a new tapir calf. Refauna, the project responsible for reintroducing the species to the region, released a short video recording the seventh calf born in the reserve, a significant milestone for the preservation of local fauna. The record was made by biologist Manoel Muanis during a mammal monitoring activity. It is estimated that the calf, whose mother is tapir Jasmine, has just over a month of life. Jasmine, from the Guarulhos Zoo, has adapted exceptionally well to the new environment, having given birth to three calves since its reintroduction in 2020. "We are extremely happy with the birth of the seventh tapir calf. Jasmine is showing an excellent reproductive success, which is crucial to the success of the project," said Joana Macedo, coordinator of the Guapiaçu project biodiversity monitoring. Since the beginning of the reintroduction program in 2017, 22 tapirs have been released in the reserve, of which 14 still survive, although eight have died due to running overs and conflicts between individuals. The return of tapirs, a species considered vulnerable by the Red List of IUCN, is vital for the ecological recovery of the area, as these animals play a crucial role in dispersing seeds and maintaining forest health. The Refauna Project, in partnership with the Guapiaçu Project and with the support of Petrobras, continues to work towards the conservation of this species, contributing to the restoration of the forests of Rio de Janeiro and reinforcing the importance of preserving biodiversity. The Guapiaçu Project is an initiative of the Socio-Environmental Action Institute - ASA, in partnership with Refauna, Caminho da Mata Atlântica, Petrobras, and support from the City Hall of Cachoeiras de Macacu and the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve - REGUA, where the images were recorded.

On August 23, the Replântica Project successfully concluded its third course, held at the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA). The initiative was attended by students of Agricultural Sciences and Biological Sciences from public universities in Rio de Janeiro, reinforcing the connection between academic education and environmental conservation. The course, taught in partnership with the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), is part of the activities of the Replântica Project, funded by the German Ministry of the Environment through the International Climate Protection Initiative (IKI). This initiative aims to train future professionals to face environmental challenges, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity and the sustainable management of natural resources. With the completion of this stage, the Replântica Project maintains its commitment to training students and promoting ecological practices essential for mitigating climate change and restoring ecosystems in the region.

Today we celebrate World Ranger Day, an opportunity to express our deep admiration and gratitude to a group of men who dedicate their lives to the protection of nature in the Guapiaçu river basin. The care and commitment demonstrated in their daily patrols against illegal hunting and forest fire prevention, their assistance to visitors and researchers, and their ongoing maintenance of the trails and REGUA headquarters are a genuine source of inspiration for us all. Matheus Cardoso, the youngest ranger at the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA), has distinguished himself through his exemplary work in environmental conservation. He is responsible for monitoring the trails and accompanying researchers from around the world who visit the reserve. According to him, being on the trail alongside the researchers, witnessing their discoveries and studies, is a source of great satisfaction. His commitment and dedication have been fundamental to the success of research and conservation activities at REGUA..

The Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (ITT) at TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences, Germany, in partnership with REGUA, the Institute of Forests at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) and the Cachoeiras de Macacu’s Municipal Government successfully conducted the first training workshop in forest restoration named “Capacity building in forest restoration: Integrated biodiversity and climate protection in the Mata Atlântica”. This was based on local knowledge and REGUA’s extensive experience in ecological restoration. Topics such as biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, ecological restoration, climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as a brief introduction to environmental legislation, were covered in this first course. This course is part oh the REPLÂNTICA project, funded by the German Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservancy, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) framework. This first 20 hours course was held in June targeting the professional staff of the local Cachoeiras de Macacu Municipality Government. Participants did not need prior knowledge, which broadened the scope of the training. The activities included practical classes at REGUA, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the restoration actions underway in the municipality. Key benefits of this training include: Qualified faculty staff:  Highly trained teachers and technicians provided a robust training.. Strategic recognition: Strengthening the recognition of the municipality as a crucial region for the water supply and provision of ecosystem services. Certification: Participation Certificates issued by UFRRJ and the ITT of the University of Cologne, in partnership with REGUA. Networking:  Formation of a contact network and potential partnerships for future ecological restoration actions in the municipality.

Last Friday, January 20th, three new tapir individuals arrived at REGUA coming from two different zoos in São Paulo State! We couldn’t be happier with their arrival! The tapir programme began in 2017, led by Refauna group, and there are already 6 baby tapirs born in the wild, here in the Reserve! This programme has been very successful thanks to the support of several partner organisations such as Asa Socioambiental, Projeto Guapiaçu, Bio Parque Rio, Zoo Rio Preto and Parque Ecologico São Carlos. Long live the tapirs!

REGUA was honored to be invited to attend the official launching of Instituto Espinhaco's "Pro-Aguas Rio" regenerative programme, which took place on June 28th at Casa G20, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro city. Instituto Espinhaco is a Brazilian non-profit organization founded by Luis Claudio Oliveira in 2009 with the objective of supporting ecosystem restoration, water security and climate mitigation public policies, integrating all sectors of society as an innovative governance arrangement. The Institute is an inspirational case study working today in 11 Brazilian states and 12 countries around the world. The Institute works within UN-Water framework focusing on water security programmes with restoration essential for its success. At  the well attended presentation, Luis expressed the importance of society as a whole being at the center of the regenerative axis. Its Pro-Aguas programme in Rio state aims at restoring 7500 hectares focusing on the deficit of mandatory “Forest Reserve”, the 20% that every farming property has to have protected within the Atlantic Forest biome. Luis is looking to use carbon money from the planted trees and support from the industry to help finance the model. This is another welcome stab at meeting Brazil’s objective of adding a 10% to the biome’s current forest cover. We are proud to be part of this transformative initiative that promotes a more sustainable future for us all!