Wildscreen is dedicated to spreading the stories of passionate conservation & wildlife organizations around the world. One such wonderful organization is REGUA (Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu).

This film, narrated by Michael Palin, was produced for REGUA by Verity White of Five Films with a soundtrack written by Matthew Sheeran.
Only 7% of the Atlantic Rainforests original cover remains …
Founded in 2001, REGUA is committed to conserving the Atlantic forest of Rio de Janeiro state’s upper Guapiaçu river basin through land acquisition and management agreements. While the Atlantic forest is one of the most biologically rich places on earth, it is also one of the most threatened with only about seven percent of its original cover remaining.
All it takes are a couple of heroes …

Nicholas Locke, President of REGUA (© Alan Martin)

Raquel Locke, Vice President of REGUA (© Alan Martin)
The dynamic husband/wife duo of Nicholas and Raquel Locke spearhead the organization with Nicholas expanding the reserve to protect more forest and Raquel managing the outreach to nurture and develop REGUA’s reputation. Their love and passion for the nature that surrounds them has helped make REGUA one of the most prominent conservation organizations protecting the Atlantic forest. Their wish list for a brighter future for REGUA is long but there are plenty of ways for all of us to take action right now to help them.
From hunter to hero …

Adilei Carvalho da Cunha, bird guide
One of the most fascinating members of the REGUA team is Adilei Carvalho da Cunha. Before joining the staff, Adilei was a well known hunter in the area, but today he is one of the best rangers on the staff. He is internationally renowned as one of the best bird guides in South America and has been an invaluable asset to the organization by instilling his love of nature in others.
REGUA takes every chance today to inspire the conservationists of tomorrow …

Raquel Locke teaching children about nature
One of the most important aspects of REGUA is education, particularly focusing on teaching the local children in the area and helping to create the future generation of conservationists and guardians. Seeing wildlife up close like capybaras, frogs, and caimans helps children to discover happiness and develop a sense of wonder. Most importantly, they become better acquainted with species that need their protection.

Capybara eating and wading in water
REGUA by the numbers
9,400 hectares (23,000 acres) in total land acquired and/or managed by REGUA
40 hectares (98 acres) converted from farmed land back to vital wetlands
280,000 trees planted in the Atlantic forest
90,000 additional trees to be planted in 2015. It is this type of dedication that sets REGUA apart from other organizations in the area
98% reduction in hunting in REGUA since 2001
No person (or nonprofit) is an island … REGUA can not do it alone

Lodging at the REGUA reserve
REGUA is unique in that those who wish to support Nicholas, Raquel, and the team can do so while experiencing the wonders of the Atlantic rainforest of Brazil for themselves. REGUA operates a state-of-the-art lodge welcoming visitors from all over the world to marvel at the astounding species biodiversity in the area. Feel like rolling up your sleeves and jumping in to help? No problem as there is always plenty of work that needs done at REGUA from helping to host guests at the lodge to jumping in as a nature guide.

Hummingbird, one of many bird species at REGUA
However, if visiting isn’t an option, REGUA gratefully welcomes support through online donations or by simply telling others about the invaluable work being done by REGUA. Doing so will ensure REGUA can continue their reforestation efforts in the Atlantic forest, and ensure that generations to come can enjoy the diverse wildlife that reside in one of the world’s greatest biological hotspots.
Become a hero for REGUA
Click on the REGUA’s Wish List button below to discover several actions you can take right now, this very minute, to support REGUA. Each pledge of support, no matter the size or type, will be enormously appreciated.
William Lazaro, Arkive Social Media Intern, Wildscreen USA