Ouricuri is the most sacred ritual of the Kariri-Xoco, celebrated every month and also during most of the month of January. The ritual is named after the aricurizeira, the sacred palm of the KX people, and it has been celebrated since the 18th century on this very site, even though it was banned by Jesuit missionaries. In the past, KX people had to practice their forest ritual in the middle of the night to avoid being caught and punished by the Portuguese.

Ouricuri Forest is Caatinga, the dry, semi-arid biome of northeastern Brazil and home to a wide array of endemic plants and animals. 

Why Caatinga Matters

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The Caatinga is Brazil’s only exclusively semi-arid biome, adapted to intense heat, seasonal drought and highly variable rainfall. Its native vegetation supports unique biodiversity, protects soils, regulates water and stores carbon. Restoring the Caatinga strengthens ecological resilience while protecting the natural resources on which local communities depend.

• 700 native caatinga trees planted

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• 50 volunteers engaged in tree planting​

• 2 degraded areas undergoing reforestation

• 5 km of reserve fenced to protect against cattle

• 7 community members engaged and financially supported

• Almost 50 participants in Indigenous-led online training

• 5 community seed bank established​

• 1 secure funding transfer system established