Western Cariri is located in the state of Paraíba, in the Northeast region of Brazil, and is inserted in the Caatinga biome — the only exclusively Brazilian biome. Composed of 17 municipalities, the territory stands out for the strength of family farming, the richness of the historical-cultural heritage and the innovations in the field of coexistence with the semi-arid region.

This scenario has been strengthened through several sustainable territorial development initiatives, with emphasis on actions aimed at structuring local production chains and valuing traditional knowledge and practices. One of the greatest symbols of this cultural identity is the Renaissance lace, an intangible heritage of Paraíba. Western Cariri is home to the largest concentration of renaissance lacemakers in the world, whose production, in addition to carrying historical and aesthetic value, moves the local economy and strengthens female protagonism in the territory.

Cariri has a solid governance, composed of civil society organizations, educational institutions, public managers and cooperatives, which have collectively built an agenda guided by the pillars Produce, Protect and Include, aligned with the approach of the Roots of the Caatinga Program.

The strategy for the territory aims, by 2027, to articulate efforts around sustainable production, the conservation of the Caatinga and socio-productive inclusion, with special attention to valuing the work of women, young people and rural peoples. The productive dynamics of Cariri Paraíba has been driven by the strengthening of agro-industries, the use of social technologies adapted to the semi-arid region and the articulation of integrated actions based on sustainability.

Main production chains worked in the territory:
• Goat farming (meat and milk)
• Beekeeping (honey and derivatives)
• Cattle farming (meat and milk)
• Poultry farming (eggs)
• Cotton Agroecological

These production chains have been the focus of integrated actions aimed at technical qualification, access to markets, value addition, inclusion of women and young people and encouragement of sustainable practices, with the objective of strengthening the local economy and promoting territorial development in a fair way, resilient and long-lasting.