ABOUT US

 

The Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA) was established as a Brazilian Association (NGO) in June 2001 with a mission to conserve the Atlantic Forest and its biodiversity in the upper Guapiaçu watershed in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Twenty-five years later, REGUA is now recognised as one of the most important conservation organisations in south-east Brazil, protecting over 37,000 acres of forest and restoring cleared pastures by planting a million trees. REGUA also provides local environmental education and training programmes, supports a wide range of graduate and post-graduate research studies, and encourages and collaborates with other regional conservation initiatives. In addition, the organisation actively supports scientific research and contributes to fauna reintroduction programmes, such as the remarkable return of the Lowland Tapir — a species that had been extinct in the state of Rio de Janeiro for more than 100 years.

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With more than 490 bird species recorded, it has become a highlight for international birding tourism. To ensure financial sustainability, REGUA opened a welcoming lodge that attracts birdwatchers and nature lovers from around the world. All profits from the lodge support REGUA’s conservation work.

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CONSERVATION

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Through land acquisition, forest restoration, scientific research, environmental education and wildlife protection, REGUA works to expand and safeguard its protected areas, ensuring the long-term resilience of the Guapiaçu watershed.

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Among the greatest threats to this region are deforestation, illegal hunting and property speculation, challenges that REGUA confronts through reforestation efforts and the tireless patrols of its rangers, who also maintain the Reserve’s extensive trail network. REGUA also supports research and fauna reintroduction programmes, such as the successful return of lowland tapirs, locally extinct in the state of Rio de Janeiro for over 100 years.

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Recognised as a Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN), REGUA continues to grow as a model for conservation in the Atlantic Forest.

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The Atlantic Forest is one of the world’s most extraordinary biodiversity hotspots. Once connected to the Amazon, this forest became isolated thousands of years ago, allowing it to evolve in its own unique way. The result is an astonishing variety of life, with many species found nowhere else on Earth.

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At the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA), biodiversity surveys highlight the ecological significance of this landscape. With continuous forest cover stretching from lowland rainforest to misty mountain peaks reaching 2,000 metres above sea level — alongside wetlands, rivers, pastures and agricultural areas — REGUA represents a vital stronghold for Atlantic Forest biodiversity and a priority area for conservation. 

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If you wish, you can explore the different species lists that make up REGUA’s rich biodiversity by visiting this page:

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https://www.regua.org.br/en/biodiversidade 

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TESTIMONIALS

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Saibal Sen

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''This nature reserve is run as a non-profit organization with the goal of reforesting the area that was taken over for agriculture. This organization has been doing this work for many decades! Visit this place knowing that everything we spend here goes towards supporting their conservation efforts. The two-day, two-night trip to this incredible wildlife reserve was organized by our UK-based travel agents, with logistics handled by a local operator, and it was amazing. It's the perfect place for those who love birdwatching and/or want to relax immersed in nature without sacrificing modern conveniences – excellent room with all amenities, air conditioning, Wi-Fi in the dining and living room, etc. We were so busy birdwatching that we never had time to enjoy the pool! Very welcoming people and we enjoyed our chat during lunch. The package included all meals and there were many varieties of tea and coffee all the time. Not to mention the generous pitcher of caipirinha every night. Beer is available in the refrigerator for a nominal additional cost. Wine too. The guide, Adilei, would pick us up at 6 am (or whatever time was convenient) and we would hike through the reserve or he would take us to nearby places and do birdwatching in open areas or other forests. We would return after a five-hour birdwatching walk in the morning, in time for lunch, an afternoon nap, and then another birdwatching session in the late afternoon or evening if you want to do night watching, when we spotted the giant snipe, common nightjar, common potoo, and tawny-browed owl. We saw almost 100 species of birds during our stay, of which 50 were life-changing! We could have considered a few more, but I only record/report if I get a good identifiable photograph of the bird.''

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​Marcelo Villa Forte Oliveira

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''I visited the Reserve and had the pleasure of meeting with Nicholas, Raquel, and their team. What they do there is fantastic. I recommend it to everyone. In addition to their environmental and social initiatives, they have an incredible lodge.''

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​Luciene Viana de Moura

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''A welcoming environment, facilities prepared to receive us, several trails to appreciate nature, and the opportunity to encounter species of fauna and flora of the Atlantic Forest, in a beautiful and preserved area.''