In this Technical-Scientific Report, we present a synthesis of data and information on water quality, biodiversity of benthic bioindicators, ecosystem goods and services collected during the RAP-GANDARELA graduate course, in the Serra do Gandarela National Park, MG. This course aimed to: (a) train professionals in the use of current methodologies of Rapid Assessment Protocols (RAP) for assessment and monitoring of ecological integrity of the headwaters of Ipanema-Doce and das Velhas-São Francisco river basins in the metropolitan region of the state’s capital; (b) contribute with baseline knowledge of aquatic biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems in the Gandarela National Park; (c) foster exchange and collaboration between masters and doctoral students, park rangers, visitors, members of basin committees, ICMBio managers, stakeholders and those interested in biodiversity conservation in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero; (d) generate basic information on water quality, biodiversity of benthic macroinvertebrates that are bioindicators of water quality, ecosystem goods and services in the Gandarela National Park; (e) provide technical-scientific information to decision makers about licensing that could potentially cause disturbances to freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity in the Gandarela National Park. The main results evidenced that PARNA Gandarela conserves headwater streams in reference conditions, with high diversity of physical habitats, excellent water quality, where benthic macroinvertebrates sensitive, tolerant and resistant to pollution live. These streams in reference conditions must be conserved and might be used in future studies of Environmental Impact Assessment and long-term Monitoring Programs of Ecological Conditions. Such high-grade conditions should serve as a gold standard reference for decision makers in environmental licensing processes and for projects potentially causing environmental impacts and risks to biodiversity.