At the end of March 2026, a new bird species was recorded in the areas of the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA). The sighting was made by bird guide and author of the book Birds of Southeast Brazil, available for purchase at the Reserve, Daniel Mello, who was walking along one of the trails when he was surprised by an unfamiliar call coming from the forest. The sound came from a bird that had never previously been recorded in the area: the Red-headed Manakin (Ceratopipra rubrocapilla). Photo: Daniel Brites Belonging to the Pipridae family, the species is also known by several common names in Brazil, including uirapuru, maria-lenço, irapuru, atangará, tangará-de-cabeça-vermelha, tangará-de-cabeça-encarnada, patuqueira and dançador-de-cabeça-encarnada. Its scientific name, Ceratopipra rubrocapilla, refers to the bird's characteristics and can be interpreted as “small horned bird with a red head”. Measuring around 10 centimetres in length, the Red-headed Manakin displays marked differences between the sexes. The male, weighing between 10.9 and 13.8 grams, has glossy black plumage contrasting with a red head. The female, weighing between 12.7 and 16.6 grams, has olive-green upperparts and greyer underparts, becoming yellowish on the belly. The species feeds mainly on small fruits, including those produced by native Atlantic Forest trees such as grumixama and cabeludinha. By consuming these fruits and carrying their seeds, it contributes to the regeneration and dispersal of several plant species throughout the forest. The Red-headed Manakin mainly inhabits the middle and lower layers of forests. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the species is classified as Least Concern. Although it has been recorded in the Atlantic Forest and parts of the Amazon, its occurrence in the state of Rio de Janeiro remains relatively restricted. Photo: Daniel Brites Until 2025, the species had been recorded in only seven municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The new record at REGUA expands this picture and reinforces the importance of restoring and conserving lowland forests in the Guapiaçu River basin, in Cachoeiras de Macacu. For the REGUA team, the sighting represents much more than the addition of a new species to the Reserve's bird list. It is also a sign of the results achieved through 25 years of continuous conservation, restoration and Atlantic Forest protection. During this period, more than one million native seedlings have been planted, helping to restore degraded areas and provide suitable habitat for wildlife. The Red-headed Manakin was subsequently observed on two other occasions by visitors and birdwatchers Duarte Nunes and Daniel Brites, who also had the opportunity to record the species at REGUA. According to Daniel Mello, the bird's presence may be an important indicator of the recovery of the region's forests: “The arrival of the Red-headed Manakin is a very positive sign that the lowland forests are recovering well and creating connections (corridors) with the forests of Silva Jardim and Casimiro de Abreu, which hold the largest populations of this species in the region. It is quite possible that sightings of this species will become increasingly common at REGUA and in its immediate surroundings as these lowland forests continue to be restored.” Photos: Duarte Nunes Click here to watch the Instagram video featuring Daniel Mello’s sighting of the bird.

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. REGUA Archive © 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. REGUA Archive © 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. REGUA Archive © 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. Photos here.

In July 2026, the Replântica Project held its first non-timber forest products workshop of the year for women from the Guapiaçu River Basin. On 24 and 25 July, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) welcomed a group of 20 women who had participated in the women's restoration courses organised by Replântica over the past three years. The group was invited to play an active role in creating the decorations for the project's closing event, which will take place on 26 October at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro. Photo: Ana Beatriz Bernabé Farias The art exhibition is part of a curatorial project led by artisan and visual artist Monica Carvalho, who designed the entire event décor using non-timber forest products. In addition to curating the exhibition, Monica leads a group of women that has become one of the most engaged in advancing the mission and objectives of the Replântica Project. In July 2026, the Replântica Project held its first non-timber forest products workshop of the year for women from the Guapiaçu River Basin. On 24 and 25 July, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) welcomed 20 participants who had previously taken part in the women's restoration courses organised by the project over the past three years. The group was invited to play an active role in creating the decorations for the project's closing event, which will take place on 26 October at the Museum of Tomorrow, in Rio de Janeiro. The initiative began in 2024, when Replântica brought together, for the first time, an all-female group for its Atlantic Forest Restoration course. Around 20 women from communities near REGUA took part in the training. In 2025, the course was expanded to include participants from across the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu, welcoming a further 22 women. Then, in March 2026, another 24 participants attended the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve to deepen their knowledge of ecological restoration, Atlantic Forest conservation and community engagement. Photos: REGUA Archive © In addition to the women's course, the Replântica Project broadened its activities in 2026 by delivering three further forest restoration training courses aimed at key audiences. These brought together rural landowners, representatives from the public sector and organisations from the third sector (civil society organisations), strengthening knowledge exchange and building a collaborative network around Atlantic Forest restoration. Altogether, the project's training courses reached approximately 100 participants throughout the year. Over the past three years, this group of women has become one of the most engaged communities within the Replântica Project. Their enthusiasm has gone far beyond forest restoration, extending to activities related to handicrafts, entrepreneurship and the strengthening of support networks among women. "This is a network, a family. We're all women, which makes us feel completely comfortable being ourselves and taking part in all the wonderful activities that Replântica provides," says Amanda Cupti, who participated in the 2025 women's course. This women's network has given rise to a unique collective across the Guapiaçu River Basin, distinguished by its collaborative spirit and commitment to transforming the region. The workshop held in July marked the first of three meetings planned before October, when the project's closing event will take place. Under the leadership of artisan Monica Carvalho, the group has grown into a truly powerful collective. The initiative has strengthened relationships, uncovered talents and inspired a name that reflects its essence. Created during the 2025 women's course, the collective became known as Roots That Lead, symbolising the leading role of women in Atlantic Forest restoration and in building a more sustainable future. Photo: Ana Beatriz Bernabé Farias In addition to the training programme for women, the Replântica Project expanded its activities in 2026 by delivering three further Atlantic Forest restoration courses for different strategic audiences. These training sessions brought together rural landowners, representatives from the public sector and organisations from the third sector (civil society organisations), fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening a collaborative network dedicated to Atlantic Forest restoration. Altogether, the project's training courses reached approximately 100 participants throughout the year. Photos: Acervo REGUA ©

On Saturday, 25 April 2026, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve held a large gathering bringing together all groups from its environmental education programme, Young Guards, to energise the morning with workshops in art, first aid and birdwatching. REGUA Archive © The day began with a first aid workshop led by civil firefighter Renan Moraes, who highlighted the importance of knowing how to provide first aid to children and babies. The knowledge shared is based on the Lucas Law, which was created after Lucas Begalli tragically died from choking on a hot dog during a school trip, due to the school staff’s lack of knowledge in performing the choking rescue manoeuvre. The firefighter guided the Young Guards through practical activities using appropriate equipment to simulate a choking incident. More than 50 students took part, performed the manoeuvre, and learned how to apply the technique. REGUA Archive © Students from the Green and Orange groups took part in a botanical monotype workshop led by artist Carla Costa. Using natural elements such as leaves, branches and flowers, the Young Guards created unique eco-friendly tote bags. Creativity flowed through an immersive experience in nature, also involving seeds, leaves, branches and other forest floor elements to produce original clay-based artworks in an activity led by environmental educator Soraya Carvalho. It was also a full day for the Monitors group — a class of young people aged 15 and over — who hiked part of the Brown and Purple trails of the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve, reaching the São José Tower, an impressive viewpoint at the top of the Purple Trail. From there, they were rewarded with views over the wetlands and the vast mountain range surrounding the Guapiaçu River basin. The walk aimed to observe and identify bird species of the Atlantic Forest. REGUA Archive ©

On 19, 20, 26, 27 and 28 March, the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu held the first Replântica Project course of 2026, exclusively for women from Cachoeiras de Macacu and surrounding communities near REGUA. The course was grounded in learning about Atlantic Forest restoration, supported by agroforestry techniques, watershed and water resource management, and ecosystem services. It also included practical activities such as the production of bio-jewellery and the creation of a women’s network for restoration. REGUA Archive © The course featured partner speakers from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, along with partial support from the Replântica team on the German side. In the first days, participants immersed themselves in the fundamentals of forest restoration and watersheds, as well as landscape limits and composition. The opening class was led by Professor Claudia Moster from UFRRJ. The course then moved into practical activities aimed at strengthening a network of empowered women working in forest restoration and exploring possible career pathways in the field. This session was conducted by Professor Fátima Pinña-Rodrigues from the Federal University of São Carlos, bringing both emotional moments and valuable learning throughout. REGUA Archive © In the following days, participants learned about medicinal plants with Professor Mariana Azeredo, explored essential oils during a visit to Sítio da Lua in the Boca do Mato neighbourhood (Cachoeiras de Macacu), and took part in a culinary workshop focused on jackfruit at the Sinal do Vale Institute, located in Santo António da Serra, Duque de Caxias. There, the institute’s founder, Thaís Corral, and head chef Lívia Aparecida welcomed the group for a hands-on session, encouraging them to “get hands-on with jackfruit” and prepare a variety of dishes using this emblematic fruit. REGUA Archive © The course concluded with an inspiring talk on the women’s network and the importance of continuing its actions, strengthening the participants to carry forward their knowledge through practical initiatives in their social, economic and personal spheres—thus bringing the first Replântica Project course of 2026 for women to a close.

Nature, care and family are the words that best describe the first Bebê Natureza gathering of 2026, held at the headquarters of Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu. The event brought together pregnant women and new mothers for a pleasant Saturday morning, light in spirit and deeply connected to nature. © REGUA Collection The environmental education programme returned even stronger in 2026, featuring new health and education professionals who led the first gathering of the year in a harmonious and unique way. © REGUA Collection It was a truly special morning that will remain in the memories of both participants and volunteers. Highlights included activities led by doula Soraya Carvalho and nurse Larissa Heringer, who introduced techniques such as infant massage and pregnancy belly painting, connecting the women with nature. The programme is sponsored by Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas, with support from the Prefeitura Municipal de Cachoeiras de Macacu and a team of volunteers from various fields.

On 19 March, Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA), within the scope of the Replântica Project, in partnership with the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro and the University of Cologne, and with sponsorship from International Climate Initiative (IKI), launched its first forest restoration course of 2026. This edition is aimed at women from local communities, as well as those living in the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu. © REGUA Collection On the first day, Professor Claudia Moster (UFRRJ) and forest engineer Aline Damasceno (REGUA) guided participants through the fundamentals of forest restoration, agroforestry, watersheds and nurseries. The group explored different areas within REGUA, including sites with over 15 years of restoration, addressing the topics in a dynamic and practical way. To conclude the day, participants planted native Atlantic Forest tree seedlings in one of REGUA’s restoration areas, as part of their agroforestry learning. © REGUA Collection On the second day, 20 March, participants experienced an immersive programme focused on the restoration value chain and women’s empowerment. The sessions were led by Professor Fátima Pinña-Rodrigues (UFSCar) and Master’s student Thaiane Alencar (University of Cologne), who shared their professional experiences in restoration through activities designed to bring the women together as a unified group, aiming to transform their lives and foster a network of support and connection. The day also included learning about medicinal plants, led by phytotherapy practitioner Mariana Azeredo. © REGUA Collection “ These have been incredible days, full of connection, new learning, laughter and unique moments throughout the course, ” shared one participant during the activities. The course is only just beginning, and REGUA is enthusiastic about continuing to successfully deliver this programme for women.

The Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA), located in Cachoeiras de Macacu (RJ), has just achieved a historic milestone: the planting of 1 million native Atlantic Forest seedlings. This achievement, recorded in November 2025, symbolises two decades of continuous efforts to restore the Guapiaçu River Basin, one of the most important sources of water and biodiversity in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro. REGUA Archive © Since 2005, REGUA has led one of the most significant forest restoration programmes in the state of Rio de Janeiro, focusing on the recovery of degraded ecosystems, the protection of springs, and the creation of ecological corridors that support the return of native wildlife. The project, founded with the mission of fully reforesting the basin, has become a national reference in participatory conservation and the regeneration of natural landscapes. “Reforestation is more than planting trees. It is about restoring balance to a territory—bringing life back to rivers, wildlife and communities that depend on the forest,” explains Aline Damasceno, REGUA’s Forest Engineer, who has been working on the region’s restoration for 20 years. From deforestation to regeneration: a new landscape for Guapiaçu In former areas of pasture and erosion, new fragments of native forest are now taking shape. REGUA’s work has already resulted in the restoration of more than 580 hectares and the protection of 10,000 hectares of Atlantic Forest, strengthening the connectivity between forest remnants and ensuring habitat for countless species of birds, mammals and amphibians. The results are visible: increased biodiversity, the return of threatened species, improved water and soil quality, and greater resilience to climate change, with reduced impacts from droughts and floods. REGUA Archive © Partnerships that make a difference Over the past 20 years, REGUA has received support from major sponsors and partner institutions, including Petrobras, SOS Mata Atlântica, INEA, World Land Trust, WWF-Brasil, SavingNature, Mitsubishi, Caminhos para a Mata Atlântica and IIS, as well as universities and research centres. These collaborations have been essential in enabling the establishment of in-house nurserie, wildlife and flora monitoring, environmental education programmes, and community sustainability initiatives. “This milestone is the result of a collaborative network built over two decades. Every partner, researcher, volunteer and local resident has been essential in bringing life back to the Guapiaçu Basin,” emphasises Nicholas Locke, President of the Reserve. REGUA Archive © To celebrate the achievement of 1 million seedlings planted, REGUA held a special event in one of its planting areas, inviting all members of staff—52 individuals directly involved with the Reserve in 2025—to take part in a symbolic planting of one native Atlantic Forest seedling each, marking the institution’s unity and the collective effort of its various sectors in fulfilling its mission. REGUA Archive © The event also marks the beginning of a new cycle of initiatives focused on environmental education, scientific research, and the establishment of new partnerships for the ecological restoration of the Atlantic Forest.

On the last Saturday of October, the 25th, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve hosted the Roots that Lead  event, aimed at women participating in the Replântica Project training courses in 2024 and 2025. The gathering sought to strengthen the women’s network established in 2024 and to empower women within the field of forest restoration. Photo: Márcio Mendes. The event brought together more than 80 participants and was a source of great joy for the entire organising team. Several activities took place throughout the day, including a bio-jewellery workshop with Professor Fátima Piña-Rodrigues from the Federal University of São Carlos, and artisan and designer Monica Carvalho. There was also a discussion circle, affectionately named Among Them , which welcomed leading figures from the forest restoration sector, such as the Partnership and Project Coordinator at Sinal do Vale Institute, Katie Weintraub; fisherwoman and Mangrove Planting Coordinator at the Mangezal Fluminense Cooperative, Eugênia Maria dos Santos; Professor Claudia Moster from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro; and forest engineer Aline Damasceno. These women formed a panel, sharing their experiences and insights in forest restoration, inspiring and encouraging other women to follow this path and demonstrating that there is room for everyone. Photo: Márcio Mendes The event concluded with the planting of a seedling of Eugenia guapiassuana , a species named by researchers in honour of the Guapiaçu region, in the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu, where it was first identified by Messias Gomes da Silva, a staff member at the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA).

Over the course of one month, every Wednesday and Friday from 20 August to 8 October, young people from communities surrounding the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve, located in Cachoeiras de Macacu, Rio de Janeiro State, as well as from urban areas of the municipality, took part at REGUA in the sixth and final course of the Replântica Project in 2025. Photo: REGUA collection © The course aimed to promote both theoretical and practical knowledge in forest restoration and entrepreneurship, as the age group included young participants between 17 and 26 years old — the so-called “Generation Z”. The programme featured several guest speakers from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), who addressed topics such as Financial Education, Planting, Seedling Production, Ecopsychology, among many other subjects that guided the students on a meaningful learning journey. Photos: REGUA collection © The programme also included the participation of SEBRAE  from Cachoeiras de Macacu, represented by Maria José , who spoke to the young participants about entrepreneurship today. Professionals such as Vitor Marigo  (Nature Photography), João Nogueira  and Jefferson Alves  (Marketing in Nature), Tarcísio Cunha  (Ecotourism and Trail Demarcation), and the team from REGUA’s Environmental Education Department — represented by Leandro França , Sara Gomes , and Yasmim Xavier  — also contributed to enriching the learning experience across diverse areas. Photos: REGUA collection © With the aim of providing a broader view of the world, the young participants also took part in field trips. At the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) , Seropédica campus, they were able to experience first-hand the daily life of a public university, visiting its facilities, accommodation, and even having lunch alongside university students. At Recanto Nosso Cantinho , in Serra Queimada, Cachoeiras de Macacu, the owners José Ricardo do Couto  and Simone Coelho  complemented the Ecotourism lesson by demonstrating how an ordinary place can be transformed into a source of income. At the REGUA Lodge , a class led by university professor Paulo Leles  enhanced the learning on ecological restoration , with a practical observation of a plantation established three years ago and its progress, followed by seedling planting activities using specimens selected by the students during their Seedling Production lesson. The participants also engaged in hands-on learning during a class with professor Cláudia Moster  on Watershed and Water Source Management  at the Guapiaçu River. To consolidate the experience, a visit to the REGUA Waterfall  inspired a profound reflection on the importance of conserving our forests. The initiative is part of the Replântica Project , promoted by the Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (ITT)  of the Cologne University of Applied Sciences (Germany) , in partnership with REGUA  and the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) .

On 27 and 28 September 2025, the second edition of the Nativas Brasil National Meeting  took place in Joanópolis and Bragança Paulista, in the countryside of São Paulo State. The event brought together nursery professionals and producers of native seeds and seedlings from across Brazil, with the aim of exchanging experiences and knowledge to strengthen the network of members and promote ecological restoration and sustainable development throughout the country. Photo: atlasflorestal The Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) was represented by Forest Engineer Aline Damasceno , Environmental Engineer Carlos Henrique Botelho , and Forestry Engineering Assistant Jessé Bragança . The meeting featured live lectures by leading figures in forest restoration, including the renowned Brazilian agronomist and botanist Harri Lorenzi , author of numerous scientific articles and books on plants, and founder of the Plantarum Institute. The programme also included group activities and technical visits to nurseries. Photos: REGUA Collection ©

On 4 October, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) hosted the final Bebê Natureza  gathering of 2025, dedicated especially to six-year-old children. The last Saturday morning of the year with the little ones was filled with special activities and direct contact with nature. REGUA collection © Several speakers from the fields of health and education took part in the event, highlighting the essential role that nature plays in promoting healthy growth during early childhood. REGUA collection © The Bebê Natureza  programme began in August 2022 with the aim of strengthening the bond between children and the natural world. Six gatherings are held throughout the year: the first for expectant mothers, the second for children aged one and two, the third for three-year-olds, the fourth for four-year-olds, the fifth for five-year-olds, and the sixth for six-year-olds.