the project also includes a reforestation project, a number of educational and recreational spaces and 620 new housing units - mangueira is home to a number of non-governmental social initiatives, such as the instituto sociocultural batuque favela mangueira which works to combat idleness through the provision of cultural education and facilities to promote artistic creation. 

the community, with perhaps the richest and most established musical history, continues to thrive as a vibrant hub for samba and funk, as well as projects for artistic development. 

the region does have some excellent places where to find a good meal - on the street visconde de niterói one can find the restaurant h, right beside the railroad and it is quite easy to find.

the most well-known of the local establishments is certainly the quinta da boa-vista restaurant, situated in park of the same name and very close to the city zoo - the service is of excellent quality and the well-built menu changes from time to time, although the popular 'feijoada', 'caldeirada' and 'rabanada' dishes are always featured in one way or the other.