Entrepreneurship in Surucuá: The Legacy of the ACL
HOW THE AMAZON CREATIVE LAB TRANSFORMED LOCAL EMPLOYABILITY
The recent implementation of the Amazon Creative Lab (ACL) in Surucuá is not only a story of technological advancement and educational innovation, but also an account of significant socio-economic transformation, especially in terms of local employability. This project has emerged as a catalyst for professional development and entrepreneurship within the community, demonstrating the power of sustainable innovation to generate direct economic impact.
With the completion of the initial assembly by the contracted professionals, a new phase began, marked by the transfer of responsibilities to local workforce. Led by Robson Chaves de Sousa, a team of Surucuá residents took on the task of dismantling the Geodesic Domes from the soccer field and reinstalling them in the Pirangão field. This transition was not only a physical relocation, but also an opportunity to formalize and professionalize local services. Robson, by registering himself as an Individual Microentrepreneur (MEI), gave an example of how the ACL project can be a springboard for self-development and professional formalization.
This empowerment movement has had a cascading effect on the local economy. The team, under the management of Robson Chaves, who is responsible for field operations, began to offer a variety of services, from technical implementation to support for the ACL’s daily operations. Hiring extended beyond the direct team, including those responsible for river transportation, food services, cleaning and construction. The boat owners of the Princesa Aveiro and Surucuá II played a crucial role, facilitating the transportation of equipment and providing employment for loading and unloading workers.
The prospect of professional growth for these workers goes beyond the current project. With plans to expand ACL’s activities to other communities, the Surucuá team is not only securing continued employment, but also opening doors to further training opportunities. The Amazonia 4.0 Institute supports this trajectory by offering training in specialized skills, such as solar panel installation, and exchange programs, enriching the local workforce’s capabilities.
The implementation of the ACL in Surucuá proves to be more than an environmental and technological initiative; it is an engine for employability and professional development. Through this project, the community of Surucuá is rediscovering itself as a hub of sustainable innovation, where technological progress and the appreciation of local labor go hand in hand, outlining a promising future of growth and self-sufficiency.
