one of the most effective strategies implemented across brazil for the protection of biodiversity is the creation of  various conservation units - called unidades de conservação. subject to different rules, regulations, and restrictions these units are classified in a number of ways - as forests, biological reserves, or even as natural monuments.

depending on the classification, some of these units offer unrestricted access to the general public, while others only allow scientists and researchers to enter. these classifications can be confusing to visitors, due to the literal translations of technical definitions, and the way these areas are commonly referred to by locals and guides.