rio de janeiro, city and state, is so rich of green areas, forests, beaches, lakes, and lagoons that protecting these blessings becomes a priority for authorities, communities and visitors alike. as such, the government created various types of 'unidades de conservação da natureza' (environmental conservation units), and designed specific rules for each type of these protected areas.

one of the main objectives of all conservation units is the preservation of the natural habitat, protected from development and from human interference. ecological reserves or biological reserves, are often parts of larger protected areas, with different restrictions in terms of use and access.