On May 27, the SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation held "Viva a Mata", a closed event that brought together partners, volunteers, donors, environmentalists, environmental authorities and friends to celebrate the Atlantic Forest Day. The ceremony, intended for special guests of the foundation, was an opportunity to reinforce the importance of the conservation of this vital biome. During the event, participants reviewed the advances and challenges faced in the last year. One of the highlights was the presentation of data from the Atlas of Deforestation of the Atlantic Forest, which provides a detailed view of the loss of native vegetation and efforts to combat this degradation. In addition, good practices were shared and ongoing projects aimed at the preservation and recovery of the Atlantic Forest were discussed. The occasion was also marked by tributes to individuals who have made significant contributions to the environmental cause. Among the honorees, Nicolas and Raquel (president and vice-president of the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve) stood out, recognized for years of resilient work and dedication to the protection of the Atlantic Forest. Viva a Mata was not only a moment of celebration, but also of reflection and renewal of the commitment to sustainability and protection of the Atlantic Forest. The SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to continue mobilizing efforts to ensure a greener and more sustainable future for the next generations.

On thursday May 23rd, the International Institute for Sustainability (IIS) and Caminho da Mata Atlântica (CMA) launched "The Atlantic Forest Path: restoring productive landscapes in Guanabara Bay" which was held at the Guapimirim City Hall. This initiative seeks to promote the recovery of the native vegetation of the Atlantic Forest through integrated landscape management in the municipalities of Cachoeiras de Macacu, Guapimirim and Magé. The project is a collaboration between the International Institute for Sustainability (IIS) and the Atlantic Forest Path (CMA), with important partners such as the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA), Embrapa Agrobiology, Agroicone, the Socio-Environmental Institute (ISA) and the Association of Biological Farmers of the State of Rio de Janeiro (ABIO). Funding is provided by the Forests of Tomorrow Program, via the Atlantic Forest Fund (FMA-RJ), with Funbio acting as operational manager. The purpose of the project is to recover the native vegetation of the Atlantic Forest, contributing to the environmental and economic sustainability of the region. The approach adopted includes integrated management practices that aim to benefit both the environment and local communities by promoting the restoration of productive landscapes and encouraging sustainability. Core activities consist of the restoration of 135 hectares, implementation of 15 hectares of agroforestry/organic systems and a nursery training course. The launch event brought together a number of local authorities, environmentalists and members of the communities involved, highlighting the importance of collaboration.

The Global Big Day is an annual event that gathers birdwatching enthusiasts worldwide, challenging them to record as many species as possible in a single day. Organised by the renowned Cornell Lab of Ornithology in New York, the event uses the citizen science platform eBird, which accumulates an impressive 100 million records annually. This year, 1,067 Brazilian observers joined the movement, making history with their contributions. Among them bird guides Adilei Cunha, Daniel and Gabriel Mello and Leonardo Pimentel followed a route that covered the Macacu River Basin which included Three Peaks Park, Teodoro de Oliveira (Nova Friburgo), Sumidouro and Guapimirim municipalities. Together, they spotted 224 different species, achieving 4th place in the national eBird ranking. The success of the Global Big Day 2024 in Brazil highlights the growing passion for birdwatching and commitment to biodiversity conservation. Here's to the next challenges! Fotografias - Irmão Melo

On the 18th May, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) staged the "Sport is Nature" event, which brought together more than 100 people in a celebration of outdoor activities. Participants, coming from different locations around the reserve, arrived at the site by bicycle, running or walking, enjoying direct contact with nature. Organized by the Cachoeiras de Macacu Sports Secretariat in collaboration with REGUA, the event was considered an absolute success. "Sport is Nature" provided a unique integration between sporting activities and the natural environment, also offering integrative practices that promoted well-being and health. The event is part of the Sou(L) program, sponsored by Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) and supported by the Municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu. The Sou(L) program aims to improve the quality of life and foster a harmonious relationship between people and nature, encouraging a deeper and more conscious connection between the local community and the reserve. The community's enthusiastic participation in the event demonstrated their keen interest in environmental preservation and the practice of outdoor sports, reinforcing the importance of initiatives that promote health and sustainability.

Today, May 8, 2024, marked the stage for the third Scientific Meeting of the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA). Under the welcoming roof of REGUA headquarters, more than 70 individuals gathered to celebrate and share the fruits of scientific research in the region. The event, open to the academic community involved or interested in research carried out at REGUA and its surroundings, was highlighted by Raquel Locke, vice-president of the institution, as a moment of fraternization and mutual learning, where admiration for the various works carried out flourished. The Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve has established itself as a vital bastion for scientific research in the areas of biodiversity, conservation and ecosystem restoration in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Since 2001, REGUA has been home to the development of 90 theses and dissertations, in addition to 26 scientific initiation works and 13 post-doctorates, among other research projects. These efforts culminated in the publication of approximately 160 scientific articles, portraying studies carried out directly or indirectly in their area.

On the 8th May 2024, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) Research Network will hold its long-awaited III Scientific Meeting. This event, which stands out as an essential platform for exchanging knowledge and strengthening ties between researchers in the region, promises to bring together a diverse and engaged academic community. Open to all members of the academic community who carry out or have carried out research at REGUA and its surroundings, the meeting represents a unique opportunity to share discoveries, experiences and perspectives in a collaborative and stimulating environment. Undergraduate and postgraduate students with other researchers are warmly invited to participate, with free registration, although subject to availability of places according to the Reserve's capacity. The event will be held at REGUA headquarters, offering a suitable space for academic exchange and deepening discussions on conservation and scientific research in the region. Accepted works may be presented both in the form of panels and in oral presentations, with the choice of the type of presentation being the responsibility of the scientific committee. Furthermore, summaries of the work presented will be compiled into a book, providing a valuable source of reference and record of the scientific contributions presented during the event. The III REGUA Scientific Meeting promises to be an enriching and inspiring moment for everyone involved, reaffirming the scientific community's commitment to research and environmental conservation in the region. I Workshop for REGUA’s Research Plan The Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve is developing, with support from FAPERJ, a Strategic Plan or Guidelines focused on Scientific Research. The development of this plan is inspired by the guidelines of the Roadmap for Elaboration and Review of Research and Information Management Plans for UCs at ICMBio. For the colaborative elboration of these research guidelines for the future, we intend to bring together doctoral researchers working in REGUA and/or its surroundings. This event will take place at the NGO headquarters, from the 09th to the 10th May 2024 .

By Lee Dingain Environmentalist and nature photographer Juran Santos has long been capturing images of animals in the Atlantic Forest and began visiting REGUA regularly six years ago to record and monitor wildlife at the reserve, setting up camera traps along various trails assisted by Keepers of the Wild Ranger Rildo da Rosa Oliveira. Camera traps are ideal for observing wildlife with minimal disturbance and provide rare insights into the behaviour of species that are only very rarely seen. Puma, Margay, Ocelot, Southern Tamandua, Tayra, Crab-eating Fox, and Northern Three-striped Opossum are among the highly elusive mammals recorded by Juran’s camera traps at REGUA to date, with secretive forest-floor birds like Solitary Tinamou, including family parties and mating pairs; foraging flocks of Spot-winged Wood-Quail, and the Rufous-breasted Leaftosser also captured on video. Nothing, however, had prepared Juran and Rildo for what the camera trap video files downloaded last week revealed—REGUA’s first-ever Maned Wolf. The largest canid found in South America, this ‘fox on stilts’ is easily recognized by its incredibly long black legs—an adaptation to its grassland habitat—long reddish-brown fur, large ears, white-tipped tail, and black mane on its neck and back from which it gets its name. The Maned Wolf is associated with hot and dry open habitats such as grasslands with shrub and open canopy woodland in Brazil’s interior (Cerrado) and Paraguay (Chaco) and strongly avoids forested habitats with a closed canopy. They are rarely found in the humid forested slope of the Serra dos Órgãos mountains where REGUA is located, so the appearance of this individual in the dense rainforest at REGUA is a great surprise. So what brought it here? Loss of their habitat to agriculture, retaliatory killing for depredation on livestock, poaching for zoos and collections, trophy hunting, and infectious diseases spread by domestic dogs are all threats to this species. Maned Wolves are forced to travel farther afield for food and water, and habitat fragmentation by roads and increased road traffic has led to many being killed by vehicles throughout their range. The individual recorded at REGUA may have been passing through in search of its preferred grassland habitat, or perhaps it has expanded its foraging area. Either way, the protected forest of the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve provides a refuge for this magnificent animal as well as all other species captured by Juran on camera trap.

On Monday January 22nd, REGUA in partnership with SOS Mata Atlântica, promoted a tree planting event at Solar da REGUA with Globo staff members. In 2021, Solar da Regua, a 119 hectare property was acquired by REGUA as part of its land purchase strategy for conserving and restoring the Guapiacu watershed. This was made possible with the support of Saving Nature and friends of REGUA. In this area, there is a diversity of more than 115 different Atlantic Forest tree saplings. All saplings are produced at REGUA’s nursery. Rede Globo’s communication and sustainability teams felt inspired by Renascer Brazilian soap opera which addresses the symbiosis between man and nature. The team had the chance to appreciate the majestic Jequitibá tree at Parque Estadual dos Três Picos and to plant a native Atlantic Forest sapling at REGUA. In spite of the rain, it was a very successful and rewarding experience!

Last Wednesday (20/03), the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve held an internal workshop called Flavors of the Land, in celebration of World Meatless Day. The initiative raised awareness among the team regarding the topic and also showed in practice that it is possible to eat well in a healthier way. The workshop was taught by chef Lisangela Otilia, who has been dedicated to producing vegan and inclusive food for 10 years.. The term “inclusive diet” refers to the suitability of food for people with dietary restrictions, various allergies or who do not consume some ingredients by choice. Her passion for developing healthy foods came arose after her father's illness, who suffered from diabetes. Since then, she has increasingly specialized in how to develop a quality inclusive diet, using local ingredients accessible to all audiences. "Living in the countryside and having to adapt to regional products, that is the ideal food style," she said. World Meat Free Day is an initiative that seeks to raise awareness of the environmental, ethical and health impacts associated with the consumption of products of animal origin. Celebrated annually in several countries around the world, this day encourages people to try meat-free meals and consider vegetarian and vegan alternatives in their diet. Environmental impact: Meat production has a significant environmental impact, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, excessive water use and pollution. Reporting: Jefferson Alves

On the 2nd March, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve held the first Baby Nature meeting dedicated to pregnant women of this year. The event, with future moms, took place on a Saturday morning full of special activities that develop the connection and bonds with nature. Several health speakers attended the event highlighting the importance of establishing direct bonds with the environment for a healthy pregnancy. "Recognizing how important nature is and not dissociating it from humans. I find it very important to talk about techniques of what to do or not during pregnancy in a space like REGUA, in the midst of nature," said the gynecologist and voluntary obstetrician, Sidnei Lagôas. The Baby Nature program began in August 2022 and aims to strengthen the child's bond with nature. Six meetings are held during the year, the first for pregnant women, the second for children 1 and 2 years old, the third for 3 -year -olds, the fourth for 4 -year -olds, the fifth for 5 -year -olds and the sixth for 6 year old children. Photos: Márcio Mendes

In this carnival, we were present in some popular leisure locations around REGUA, with the purpose of sensitizing both tourists, the people that frequent our rivers and waterfalls about the importance of collecting their own garbage after enjoying our crystal clear waters. This inniciative aimed at the conservation of natural resources, allowing their rational and sustainable use, thus ensuring its availability for future generations. In total approximately 500 garbage bags of 50 liters each were distributed to the visitors of the resorts. We are much gratful for the warm reception and affection demonstrated by all.

Starting in 2021, the partnership between WWF Brazil and REGUA continues to be very successful. In this new phase, 25 hectares of forest were planted at REGUA's property "Solar da REGUA", an area acquired with the support of Saving Nature and friends. Around 40 thousand seedlings of native Atlantic Forest species were planted in this area. “It hasn’t been a year since we started planting and we already have specimens of this size,” said Aline Damasceno de Azevedo, REGUA’s forestry engineer, showing a Guapuruvu tree measuring more than two meters in height. These first species have their seeds propagated by the wind, as the animals have not yet arrived. “We expect the forest to be colonized first by birds, and then small mammals, such as rodents. As the forest area develops, it is expected that larger animals will also appear, such as the tapirs themselves, which were reintroduced by REFAUNA project under the auspices of REGUA and Project Guapiaçu. Different forest restoration techniques were used in this area, including native Atlantic Forest sapling planting, supplementary planting, and seeding dispersal (the latter was done in partnership with the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ). ESSENTIAL. Considering the partnership between WWF Brazil and REGUA, key to the fullfilement of REGUA's mission which is to recover and protect the biodiversity of the Guapiaçu River Basin, Alexander Copello, consultant who manages the project, spoke about how the forest restoration work enables the creation of forest corridors, known as ecological corridors, a strategy to rescue the biodiversity of a given degraded region. - These partnerships are essential, from acquiring the area to connecting forest fragments, and creating biodiversity corridors, to then carrying out restoration activities. This demands financial and human resources, which is why partnerships are so important. Specifically here at Solar da REGUA, we have this technical-financial partnership with WWF Brazil, which is essential. Without these partnerships, resources cannot be allocated to carry out the restoration project – declared Alexsander. LEGACY. Highlighting that the great legacy after the reforestation of the area will be enjoyed by the entire society (with the recharge of the region's water bodies and the guarantee of water supply for human consumption), the manager believes that, given the excellent results achieved, the partnership between WWF Brasil and REGUA has the potential to establish itself for a long time (the current contract ends in March 2025). - REGUA has 23 years of technical reputation and we have verified, during technical visits from partners, the success of our projects and initiatives. REGUA has achieved this result, and the institution hopes that this partnership will continue to perpetuate its activities - concluded Alexsander. ECONOMIC IMPACT. The REGUA Solar Farm reforestation project directly employs 10 people, eight of these workers living in the Guapiaçu region, which generates income in the region and the distribution of this income in the local economy. In addition to the other projects carried out by REGUA, the total number of workers in the Reserve reaches 50 people, with the majority being residents of the entity's surroundings. Article published by Jornal Estado em Notícias