Lagoa de Jacarepaguá is a significant coastal lagoon system located in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, part of the larger Jacarepaguá Lagoon Complex that also includes Tijuca, Marapendi, and Camorim lagoons. This urban wetland, historically known as the "Pantanal Carioca," covers a drainage basin of approximately 280 square kilometers. The system is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the Joatinga Channel, which facilitates an exchange of fresh and saltwater, creating a brackish environment. The lagoon is situated between the Tijuca and Pedra Branca massifs, and the region is densely populated, with over a million inhabitants in its planning area. The name Jacarepaguá derives from the indigenous Tupi-Guarani term meaning "alligator valley" or "shallow alligator lagoon," hinting at its rich historical biodiversity.