Cooperativism and Social Impact: The Experience of the Anjos do Rio Project at Sicredi Grandes Rios

Objective: Investigate the experience of the “Anjos do Rio” (Angels of the River) project, supported by the Sicredi Grandes Rios Social Fund, with a view to understanding its social impacts on riverside and indigenous communities from the perspective of cooperativism and local development. Theoretical Framework: The study is based on authors such as Singer (2002), França (2008), Rocha and Bursztyn (2005), Goulart et al. (2022), and Bassinello (2023), who address cooperativism, solidarity economy, local development, and social project management. Method: Investigación cualitativa, con análisis documental, observaciones de campo y entrevistas con líderes locales y representantes de Sicredi y ATUFA. El análisis de los datos siguió los principios del análisis de contenido (Bardin, 2010). Results and Discussion: The project strengthens solidarity practices and community ties, filling gaps left by public authorities. The combination of local knowledge and institutional support has a significant social impact and is aligned with cooperative principles. Research Implications: It contributes to the field of social management, indicating how cooperative funds can promote innovation, inclusion, and leadership in traditional territories. Originality/Value: It presents a concrete and inspiring experience of community development in the Amazon, combining cooperativism, solidarity, and sustainability.