the state of rio de janeiro is rich in diverse vegetation, including large areas of age-old mata atlântica  (atlantic forest), ever important in the preservation of the planet's biosphere, and currently becoming the focus of increasing amounts of research and conservation campaigns in light of this important function.

an ecological reserve is a biophysical structure that through monitoring, limiting, and regulating the use of areas with specific ecological characteristics, ensures the protection of the local ecosystems. this control protects the balance between nature and sustainable human activities.