Guardians Worldwide

Guardians Worldwide

Guardians of Pacatuba

In 2019, with support from Guardians Worldwide, the Kariri-Xoco people won a legal case in the Brazilian High Court that has allowed them relocate from Aldeia Kariri-Xoco to Cadoz Estate, a five hundred and fifty hectare stretch of forested land in the State of Alagoas, Northeastern Brazil.

The land is now called Reserva Indigena Fulkaxo (Fulkaxo Ecological Reserve) and it is unique in its kind in Brazil for being the first Indigenous nature reserve in the state of Alagoas.

Less than 10% of the Atlantic Forest's original cover survives in Brazil. Our goals for Fulkaxo Ecological Reserve are to:

1) achieve biodiversity gain by ensuring the number of key tree, plant and animal species increases in the next 5-10 years

2) to regenerate water springs: the land has 7 water springs four of which have dried up.

3) to plant native trees and achieve 90 per cent + survival rate.

Reserva Ecologica Fulkaxo is located in the State of Sergipe. The reserve contains many examples of trees native to this highly endangered South American rainforest .

Reserva Ecologica Fulkaxo
Annual Report

EAF Reforestation Programme
Final report

The report, in Portuguese, contains a detailed survey of native trees and plants as well as a hydrological survey of the reserve

Why the Restinga Rainforest Is So Unique

The Restinga rainforest is one of the most exceptional ecosystems on Earth—a rare coastal biome that exists only where Atlantic Ocean winds, salty soils, and tropical humidity converge. Unlike other rainforests, the Restinga grows atop ancient sand dunes, where nutrient-poor soils and extreme conditions have shaped plant communities found nowhere else.

The Restinga rainforest contains some of the highest plant endemism rates in the Atlantic Forest, with surveys recording 50–70 endemic plant species per hectare in certain zones. Its vegetation is uniquely adapted to nutrient-poor sand, high salinity, and strong coastal winds, conditions under which most tropical species cannot survive.

The biome supports dozens of regionally threatened birds and amphibians, many restricted to Restinga habitats. Because many species occupy extremely narrow niches, even minor disturbances can cause rapid biodiversity collapse, making Restinga one of Brazil’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

Why Reserva Ecológica Fulkaxo Is One of a Kind

Reserva Ecológica Fulkaxo is the only Indigenous reserve devoted to protection of Restinga Atlantic rainforest in the world.

The reserve safeguardes ancient dune forests, freshwater springs, and coastal wetlands within a single protected landscape. Its mosaic of habitats—restinga forest, sandy plains, and sacred water springs—creates extraordinary biodiversity.

Many species recorded in the reserve exist only along Brazil’s Atlantic coast, and some survive today only because they persist within Fulkaxo’s protected boundaries. The reserve also holds cultural significance, preserving traditional ecological knowledge from local communities who have lived alongside this biome for generations.

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As part of our work at Guardians Worldwide, we are supporting the recovery of the aricuri palm (Syagrus coronata) — a species deeply sacred to the Fulkaxô people of Northeastern Brazil.

This palm lies at the heart of the Fulkaxô “Ouricuri ritual”, a seclusion ceremony that spans several weeks and plays a central role in their cultural identity, language, and spiritual life. the ritual, the village is named Ouricuri, the very name of the palm, symbolising the link between the people and the plant.

Beyond its ceremonial importance, the aricuri palm has served for generations as material culture for the Fulni-ô: its leaves are used for crafts, its seeds for food and oil, and its trunks for construction.

Built a greenhouse for the housing and protection of native saplings (see pic)

Created a community seed bank, to grow 5 species of native tree

Coppiced and pruned large areas of Reserva Indigena Fulkaxo to get rid of dry branches and stimulate regrowth

Potted around 170 native trees from seed (see pic)

Planted 500 established trees in a reforestation area of the Reserve

Engaged and given financial remuneration to around 60 members of the community who have been working hard, including youth and elderly members.

Supported indigenous governance by leveraging support from private donors and government.

Given technical support for a water plan to diversify water conservancy in the reserve.

Delivered an online course to 105 registered participants led by Indigenous members of the reserve.

Established a secure bank transfer system (WISE) for direct transfer of funds to the Fulkaxo Council for accountable and transparent use of funds.