Great social adversity, high crime rates and inadequate living conditions have led to the creation of a wealth of inspirational social initiatives in the area, including a Dance Corps, local museum, Ecological Park and Olympic Village. Maré is also home to an organization called Observatório de Favelas which generates concepts, projects and practices that contribute to the formation of public policies for social justice.

In terms of education, there is an organization called Centro de Estudos e Ações Solidárias da Maré, which offers social and educational activities for residents, as well as a Photography school and a school for children and adolescents with learning difficulties caused by trauma in their daily lives and development.

Maré is an enormous, sprawling set of heterogeneous communities, each with its unique characteristics and culture related to the time and nature of its formation and struggles. Through great social and cultural adversity, many impressive and successful social organizations have blossomed, reflecting the courage and ingenuity of a marginalized population.