[4] Before the APA was created the area was used for hunting, capture of wild animals for sale and extraction of hearts of palm.

The area was also under pressure from real estate speculators due to the expansion of the metropolitan arc of Rio de Janeiro.

[2] The Rio São Pedro de Jaceruba Environmental Protection Area was created by municipal decree 6.492 of 6 June 2002.

[1] Law 3.592 of 7 July 2004 confirmed creation of the APA with an area of about 2,353 hectares (5,810 acres) with the purpose of protecting natural resources considered essential to the local residents, encouraging environmental education and preserving the natural landscape with emphasis on protection and preservation of the forests, springs and headwaters of the São Pedro River basin.

[5] On 20 January 2010 Maria Emilia Nascimento wrote to Carlos Minc, federal Minister of the Environment, asking for help in ensuring the safety of representatives of the APA on the council of the mosaic.