In 2018, REGUA began replanting a barren hillside, establishing a forest corridor between two areas of Atlantic Forest in the reserve.
As the photographs show, in just two years, the hillside has transformed. Nicholas Locke, President of REGUA, says, “We are on the right path, however challenging it may appear. Results may appear slow, but if we are true to our ambitions, nature is aligned with every step we take.”
The highland property was purchased in December 2010 with funds from World Land Trust and our corporate supporter, Puro Coffee, with whom we are celebrating a 15-year partnership. The hillside was bare grass, degraded by cattle grazing and suffering from erosion. In March 2018, although the team at REGUA knew it would be a particularly tricky task, reforestation began, starting on the upper slopes. The work in the lower area was completed a year ago, funded by donations to the Plant a Tree programme.
To further demonstrate how committed conservation programmes really do make a difference, this week REGUA ranger, Rildo de Rosa Oliveira, saw a band of eight Brown Howler Monkey in the forest. It has been a while since Rildo, who is supported by the Keepers of the Wild programme has seen Howler Monkey in the reserve and REGUA welcome the return of their memorable howling-growl in the forests.