Giro Flexal Brings Together Community-Driven Initiatives to Support the Region's Development

The program is one of 23 measures under the Flexais Project and includes initiatives to strengthen local culture and entrepreneurship

Maceió, August 21, 2026 - Flexais residents are at the heart of Giro Flexal. The initiative aims to strengthen the region's culture and economy by promoting development rooted in local knowledge and identity. Giro Flexal is organized into two areas: the Economic Circuit and the Cultural Circuit. The Economic Circuit brings together initiatives focused on creating jobs and income-generating opportunities, while the Cultural Circuit encompasses actions designed to preserve and promote the identity and collective memory of the community and surrounding areas. Giro Flexal was developed based on an economic feasibility study included in the Flexal Project and conducted by the Municipality of Maceió.

Developed through a participatory process as part of the Flexais Urban Integration and Development Project, the program will be overseen by the Integrated Committee for Monitoring Actions under the Flexal Economic Development Program, comprising seven municipal departments, while Braskem will be responsible for its implementation. Giro Flexal is one of 23 measures established under the Agreement signed by the Municipality of Maceió, the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office, the Public Prosecutor's Office of the State of Alagoas, the Federal Public Defender's Office, and Braskem to address the socioeconomic isolation affecting the region.

While the Flexais Urban Integration and Development Project provides the conditions needed to support this transformation through infrastructure projects, services, socioeconomic initiatives, financial compensation, and the transfer of BRL 64 million to the Municipality, Giro Flexal focuses on investments that create income-generating opportunities, strengthen local culture, develop community-based tourism, promote the region's identity, and foster residents' sense of belonging.

Mônica de Fátima Oliveira, a Flexais resident and local entrepreneur, is optimistic about Giro Flexal. "With the new facilities that will be opening, such as the Fishing Center and Commercial Center, our neighborhood will gain greater visibility, attract more visitors, and create better conditions for local businesses to thrive. When people come here, they'll see how much progress we're making. That's why I tell anyone thinking about starting a business here to believe in what's coming, because change is going to happen. This project can only make life better for a lot of people," she says.

According to Raineldes Melo, Braskem's Social Initiatives Manager, Giro Flexal helps connect the community with surrounding areas and the broader city of Maceió. "On the cultural side, the program promotes local identity, memory, and knowledge while showcasing who the people of Flexais are and what they create. On the economic side, it opens up real opportunities to generate income and helps connect small businesses with the formal economy and community-based tourism. In this context, our role is to provide support so that this collective effort translates into development, a stronger sense of belonging, and opportunities that integrate Flexais into Maceió's cultural and economic life," she says.

"My expectations for Giro Flexal are very high. Based on the meeting and everything that was presented, I can see that it will benefit every area - including mine, such as arts and crafts, which is something I truly love. The project is a great opportunity to develop our culture, cuisine, and fishing activities, and I believe it will be a turning point for our community. I'm excited to see it all happen, and I want to be part of making it happen," says artisan and entrepreneur Edileuza Lira.

Jaeliton Alves, a community leader and member of the Flexais Communications Group, emphasized residents' involvement in developing Giro Flexal and called on both the public and government authorities to help raise the profile of the program and the neighborhood. "We're asking for support to spread the word even further, especially when it comes to tourism, because our region is beautiful and has an incredible sunset. We hope more and more people will discover it, especially after the Fishing Center and Commercial Center open, not to mention the events that will be held in the public square," he says.

Renato Inocêncio, also a member of the Communications Group, is eager to share the news about the opening of new community facilities that are nearing completion, including the Fishing Center, Commercial Center, and public square. "Building all of this together with the community was very important to everyone, and knowing that these projects are getting closer and closer to becoming a reality is extremely rewarding, especially considering everything we've been through here. Today, we can see that it all worked out and that we were on the right path all along," he says.

Learn About the Initiatives Planned for Each Circuit

Economic Circuit

• Promoting digital inclusion to expand local businesses' access to e-commerce;
• Establishing a space for social enterprises and open-air markets;
• Training environmental agents to promote awareness and the sustainable management of natural resources;
• Establishing the Flexal Entrepreneurs Network to connect businesses in related sectors and encourage collaboration;
• Creating a certification and quality program to add value to products and services and expand access to formal markets.

Cultural Circuit

• Training local tour guides to help develop community-based tourism;
• Supporting local artists and cultural practitioners in turning their activities into sustainable business models;
• Creating a cultural calendar for events and festivals;
• Promoting the local fishing tradition through the Fishing Heritage Project;
• Establishing a Flexal community tourism route connecting local attractions and experiences with surrounding areas and the broader city.

These initiatives will be supported by the public facilities and spaces included in the Flexais Urban Integration and Development Project, such as the Commercial Center, Fishing Center, public square, and deck. "Giro Flexal is not a stand-alone initiative, but rather a network that connects the socioeconomic measures established under the agreement approved in 2022. It brings together facilities, services, and training opportunities through a broader effort centered on community engagement and governance, cooperation, and regional integration. This combination of infrastructure, culture, and community participation makes the program a living expression of the community's ability to shape its own future," says Raineldes Melo.

 

 

PHOTO CREDITS - Philipe Medeiros/Divulgação/Braskem