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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.

No dia 26 de outubro, o programa Jovem Guarda 2024 encerrou suas atividades com uma manhã especial de celebração, recebendo os jovens participantes e suas famílias. O evento marcou o fim de mais um ciclo de aprendizado e práticas em educação ambiental, permitindo que os alunos compartilhassem o conhecimento e as experiências acumuladas ao longo do ano. A ocasião foi repleta de trocas valiosas e reforçou o compromisso com a formação de uma geração consciente e engajada na preservação ambiental. O programa Jovem Guarda é patrocinado pela Mitsubishi Corporation e conta com o apoio da Prefeitura Municipal de Cachoeiras de Macacu. A equipe já está animada e em preparação para a próxima edição em 2025!

On October 23, the 4th course of the Replântica Project was successfully completed, with the theme “Forest Restoration and Other Services”. Aimed at young people aged 15 and over from communities neighboring the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA), the course had a workload of 80 hours, divided between practical and theoretical classes, offering complete training in environmental preservation practices. The initiative was carried out in partnership with the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) and is part of the REPLÂNTICA project, funded by the German Ministry of the Environment through the International Climate Protection Initiative (IKI). REGUA thanks all participants for joining this journey in favor of environmental preservation and restoration.

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.