MANGROVES: "Characteristic of tropical zones, mangroves are one of the most biodiverse environments on the planet. They are considered transition areas between land and sea. Mangrove plants have long roots that ensure their fixation in the muddy terrain. The soils of the mangroves are rich in nutrients and serve as a habitat for various species such as crabs, herons, and alligators. The mangroves of Guanabara Bay filter impurities from the environment and have great environmental, social, and economic importance."

RESTINGA: "The Restinga is composed of dunes and sandy and saline strips. Located along the coast, it is influenced by variations in sea level. Low-lying vegetation protects the dunes from sunlight, winds, tides, and rain. These are resistant species of grasses, bromeliads, and various cacti. A transition zone between the coast and the Atlantic Forest, the Restinga has diverse fauna and flora. Away from the shore, tank bromeliads act as water reservoirs and shelter for numerous organisms. The region's fauna is abundant in species of birds and reptiles, such as hummingbirds, burrowing owls, and sand lizards. This rich and fragile environment is one of the most threatened by human exploitation."

GUANABARA BAY: "Guanabara Bay is located between the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range and the coastal massifs. The movement of the currents provides the Bay with oxygen to dilute pollutants and purify itself. The base of the food chain in the Bay's waters is phytoplankton, a microorganism that needs nutrients to live and reproduce. In areas with low oxygen levels, the abundance of underwater fauna and flora decreases considerably."

HIGH-ALTITUDE FIELDS: "The high-altitude fields occupy rugged rocks above 2000m in altitude in the Serra do Mar mountain range. The flora and fauna, though not very diverse, are compensated for by a dramatic and fascinating landscape. Dense clouds and thick fog dominate the mountainous scenery. It is the cradle of numerous springs for the region's rivers and streams. In the shallow soils, shrubs and grasses face strong winds and low temperatures."

HIGH-MOUNTAIN FOREST: "A thousand meters above sea level, the High-Mountain Forest condenses much of the moisture coming from the Atlantic Ocean. The vegetation of this stratum of the Atlantic Forest is intensely covered by plants that grow over others without taking nutrients. Rivers originate here that flow into Guanabara Bay, with turbulent, clear waters rich in oxygen. Hundreds of insect larvae depend on this pure water to develop. Primates and other mammals also inhabit the High-Mountain Forest. For most of the year, the High-Mountain Forest is covered by fog or light rain."

LOWLANDS: "The Lowland Forest is found on the slopes of the Serra do Mar mountain range and in the Guanabara Bay basin. Warmer than the higher forests of the Serra do Mar, it is an environment with a great diversity of landscapes, plants, and animals. The rivers of the Lowland Forest are quite rocky. In these regions, there is a great variety of flowering plants, and lianas are easily found species. Deforestation and river pollution threaten the rich local biodiversity."