REGUA has just received a grant from the Brazilian charity Aliança para a Conservação da Mata Atlântica (Alliance for the Conservation of the Atlantic Forest), to create the first RPPN (Private Natural Heritage Reserve) in the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu. The alliance is a fusion between Conservation International-Brazil, SOS Mata Atlântica and The Nature Conservancy and aims to stimulate landowners into setting aside their forested land throughout Brazil. The RPPN status is a recognized conservation unit and this act is written into their legal titles in a permanent manner. Many environmentally responsible landowners with a deep rooted passion for conservation find this mechanism a way to protect their land and ensure its safety for the future. The 350 hectares at REGUA will act as a buffer to the Três Picos State Park and show local landowners REGUA’s commitment to the environment. In a day and age where REGUA is setting standards in conservation practices, this has been particularly important.