generally, all conservation units in brazil allow for public access, exception made for biological reserves and ecological stations that require a special authorization, or reserves located inside military areas such as the ilha da marambaia.

established by law, biological reserves (reservas biológicas) are a type of conservation unit, home to rich and complex ecosystems, and protected against any kind of development or artificial change. while no  modifications are permitted in these areas, exception is made for ecosystem restoration, such as reforestation.

due to their ecological importance, biological reserves were created both, to protect endangered species, and to encourage and facilitate scientific research related to the local flora and fauna.